Although Skeleton firmly established Stereofave Figurines as a band well-versed in American indie rock, the first two tracks we've heard from the band's new LP see 'em taking their States-based influences to entirely different directions. First single "Hey Girl" had 'em go west (after taking a mild psychedelic), while "The Air We Breathe" rips a complete page from Brian Wilson's book -- heavenly, Beachy harmonies; serene pianos; and a pedal-pointed outro with "dum"s and "da-dooo"s. Perfect for '07, the year of Panda Bear and Miracle Fortress and everybody raiding the Beach Boys pantry ... but it's especially cool to hear these guys stretch in this direction. Dig the ambition, getting very psyched for the record. Have a listen at Soundvenue. (Thanks, Nico.)
And if you missed it awhile back, here's the mountain-prairie indie/psych-pop of single #1, "Hey Girl," which really is much more understated but just as excellent as that hyphen/slashed description would suggest...
Figurines - "Hey Girl" (MP3)
When The Deer Wore Blue is out In Denmark on 7/23 via Morningside, and on 9/11 in Canada (via Paper Bag) and the US (via Control Group).
