Los Angeles golden-tongued indie-gospel quartet Bodies Of Water make us want to see Hair while alternating between ABBA and the Sufjan team on an iPod. Or something. “It Is Familiar” possesses a dramatic, made-for-the-stage, windswept lilt as well as some lovingly opaque lyricism: “It was meant to be, / There was something inside you / And the thing had to come out / When it left you, / You rediscovered life / So what else could it have been for?” Don’t know, you tell us!
Bodies Of Water – “It Is Familiar” (MP3)
As you’ve by now noticed, the next lines turn things on their head, making the prior abstract musing about as up-close domestic as you can get: “When you bend over into the fridge /And try to grab some Tupperware, / I?ll surprise you and pour the half and half, / Onto your newly sunburnt neck.” And, well, subsequent bits delve into lotioned arms … Husband/wife singers David and Meredith Metcalf must be fun caroling partners around the holidays! (Jessica Conklin and Kyle Gadden add voices ‘n’ hands to the Bodies’ core-choir, but live the band can swell to eight or 10, depending on glory of that particular night.)
So yeah, anyway, we’re not entirely sure what this thing’s about, but we definitely dig.
If you want to hear more, one of the better tracks floating around the internet this very moment is the Polyphonic/Arcade Fire joyous “These Are The Eyes.” (Hold onto that second movement …. yow!)
Bodies Of Water – “These Are The Eyes” (MP3)
Ears Will Pop & Eyes Will Blink is out now on the band’s own Thousand Tongues label.
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Holy cow I love this! Thank you, thank you thank you!
The red leotard is amazing. The music is genius. I usually think L.A. music is complete shit but this is brilliantly singular. I’m buying.
Yay. I likey. More please. OK, ok, I’ll just buy it. geeeeze.
Yay, Pitchfork gave them an excellent review yet this band is still relatively unknown in L.A.
The most contrived and predictable music draws huge crowds in this city but an original and genuine band like Bodies of Water can go unnoticed. I’m glad they’re getting some attention.
nice camel toe.
Very good. I just wish their image wasn’t so self-consciously indie-oriented. Shave, guys… unless you plan on doing it up right like Sam Beam, Devandra or Will Oldham.
Leotards are meant only for American Apparel ads, and even those are unflattering…
DwD
…and again the comments sink into high-school superficiality.
Amazing music guys. I don’t care what you wear while making it or how lazy you are about shaving.
…and please don’t tell me you think Devendra isn’t “conscious” about his image. Ugh.
i’ve had the pleasure of playing w/ these guys a few times. they’re great live (on record, too) and our great people to boot. buy their music!
Heard them on The Bloggeratti on Breakthru Radio a few weeks back – good stuff.
with all due respect…I don’t think BOW has captured the live essence on track. The person a couple comments above me is right on.
Best to all.
KLOCradio.com
I don’t know. I’ve seen BoW play many times; they’re one of my favorite live acts in L.A. and I think this record does a wonderful job at capturing that energy. I do admit that it took a few spins before it did so and the record most definitely sounds better played LOUD.
Anyhow, they’re great and they should be seen live if you have the chance.
Agreed. I was lucky enough to see them in Austin at SxSw. They’re absolutely brilliant.
This is the best new music you’ve posted about in….forever? Love it.
Yes, read their review on Pitchfork and checked them out. Lovin’ it. Strange how Pitchfork gave it a good review but didn’t christen it with “Best New Music” or even a “Recommended” plug. How do they determine what records get that treatment?
Good heavens this is great. Weird photo though. Do they all play guitar?
looooooooooooooove it. Don’t really get the arcade fire comparison but fantastic none the less.
Gosh, camel toe? I think someone needs a lesson on lady anatomy. That’s no camel toe my dear boy…unless her vagina is way off center.
Blahhhh….
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cameltoe
Just saw on their MySpace that they are playing a handful of west coast dates with the Go Team. Maybe she’ll wear the leotard. Mmmmmmmm…
Portland…yay!
Santa Cruz…yay!
Davis…gay!
Really amazing people. Look out for their Take Away Show clip. Coming soon.
I actually like it! And I’m sorry but that Barcelona shirt is great. I’m quite jealous.
If I’m not mistaken, the dude on the left is wearing a Bikini Inspector t-shirt. As much as I am annoyed by irony that is pretty damn funny.
I least they don’t dress like the Arcade Fire or the Polyphonic Spree. They seem way less self-conscious than either of those bands.
I want that shirt. And that guitar.
Beautiful. I really don’t get the comparisons though.
Meredith’s voice is crazy. I wasn’t so sure about the high pitched yelps she lets loose but I’ve been listening to the record repeatedly and it’s a grower. The vocal dynamics that play between all four members sets this record apart.
Check out their other side project on MySpace, Music Go Music. Now THAT sounds like ABBA.
http://www.myspace.com/musicgomusic
That Music Go Music stuff is blowing my mind! Thanks.
Uh…Xanadu?!?!? Do they have a record out too? I’d love to hear more. Is it all the same members?
Xanadu? More like Xanapoo…
Actually I like it. I just wanted to say that.
this is great. really great. thanks for the tip.
it’s ok. I like that second track more than the first.
This record is sooooo much better than that Beruit crap everyone is flipping out over. A great record with a splendid arch. I adore “We Are Co-existors”
Better than Beruit? Apples & Oranges. I do like what I hear though. It would be interesting to see if their live show lives up to Arcade Fire or the Polyphonic Spree comparisons.
Ecellent stuff. Look forward to hearing more of both of their bands.
Fantastic. I’m going to be sure to get to that Vanderslice show a little earlier to catch them. Can’t believe this band has been sitting right under my nose for so long. Also glad to read that they’re live show is where it’s at.