"We grew up on Skrillex and 100 Gecs. It’s hard for me to think that something like Skrillex could be less valuable or less intellectual than something like Talking Heads." That's a quote from Jojo Lavina-Maldonado, one-half of the Philly-based sibling duo Cold Court, who are announcing their debut EP \ (^_^) / today. It's a sentiment that might sound ridiculous, until you remember musicians like Jane Remover, Ninajirachi, and 2hollis, who likely feel the same way without directly saying it.
\ (^_^) /, in non-digital terms, is HANDS UP. The lead single "Burn" is a blast of electronic chaos, but there's a lot of genres mashed into it. Here's what Mini Serrano said about it:
"Burn" is our Frankenstein's Monster. When Jojo moved out to go to college, we had been listening to and bonding over a lot of french house/sample-based stuff. Over winter break Jojo made a beat and we freestyled over it, since then we sent remixes of the idea back and forth over email. The song became an outlet for us to be in touch with each other, and an opportunity to try and impress one another by learning Ableton and "producing." We were always super excited by the idea of it being dubstep or electro because it really reminded us of our childhood and it didn't sound like any of the songs we've worked on before. Bringing it to life — adding guitars and live drums and turning it into something unrecognizable — the song kind of took us in its own direction. When we listen back and perform it now, we're reminded of the naivety that led to its creation from elements that maybe shouldn't work, but also represents both of us in a song.
Watch the accompanying self-directed music video for "Burn" below.
TRACKLIST:
01 "Nina"
02 "Backslang"
03 "Burn"
04 "Cola"
05 "Glass"
06 "Eighty1"
07 "Light"
TOUR DATES:
04/30 – Philadelphia @ Philly Style Pizza
06/16 – New York @ Night Club 101 (Early Show)
06/17 – Washington @ Songbyrd
06/23 – Boston @ Middle East Upstairs
\ (^_^) / is self-released 6/19.
