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August 17, 2007

New Forms - "Knowledge In Hand"

Somewhat silly that our first post on NYC's most under-appreciated band came via viral vid (four hands + one guitar = 90210 theme song), but the Forms last (and only) record -- the breathtaking post-hardcore gem Icarus -- came out in '03, and we were but a lowly LiveJournal account back then. (And in fairness, that 90210 clip was classic.) But we don't need to fish for excuses to mention the Forms anymore; their Albini-produced self-titled follow-up is just weeks away.

Throughout, the Forms morph post-rock piano into a sort of blustery, hyper-melodic distorto-rush of Diary-era Sunny Day reality, weaving heart-on-sleeve harmonies and tricky time signatures (see "Bones, "Redgun") into confident, ethereal indie rock. We've always heard traces of Pinback and Rob Crow in the mix -- maybe for the Forms deft blend of the brainy and the emotional ("Blue Whale"), maybe 'cause Alex Tween is a crush-worthy 'n' versatile vocalist going from wounded to wounding in 0.6 seconds -- though the name game doesn't do The Forms justice. In honesty, we've spun the record so much that we've listened ourselves into a bit of a corner, so you're best off just taking the 5/4 jam "Knowledge In Hand" (that post-punk break/sleight return slays) and digging in yourself -- with our highest endorsement.

The Forms - "Knowledge In Hand" (MP3)

NYCers, get down to the Seaport tonight for the band's free show with the National and Takka Takka. The Forms is out 10/23 on the band's Threespheres label. And if you're new to the game, one from Icarus...

The Forms - "Sunday" (MP3)

Head here for more from the first LP, and hit MySpace to stream another new one. Enjoy.

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8 Comments

they used to be called the desert hamsters. the guy smashed his guitar the first night of his tour

Posted by: jimmmy at 08/17/07 4:41 PM | Reply
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Grrr, beat me to the punch again! :)

But seriously... this song is great. This album is great. I can't get enough of these guys right now. They have a "secret" myspace account (how secret can it be if it was linked on the Threespheres website?) with some other songs too.... check it:

http://www.myspace.com/smrof

Posted by: Derek at 08/17/07 4:42 PM | Reply
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saw them at the seaport tonight. rain almost cancelled the set but they got a few songs off. so awesome. good call 'gum.

Posted by: jeffery at 08/18/07 1:09 AM | Reply
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Did pinback and band of horses have a baby? Like, one of those babies you aren't supposed to talk about, and you ship out to the country house to be raised by a homely house maid? It's good. I like this baby.

Posted by: Boozey Hooker at 08/18/07 2:15 AM | Reply
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amazing song. thanks 'gum.

Posted by: erik at 08/20/07 2:32 AM | Reply
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@jimmmmy

um don't you mean desert fathers? although desert hamsters is kind of funny...

Posted by: kevin at 08/20/07 3:58 AM | Reply
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