I haven't liked a band from Denton, Texas, since Midlake, who are enormously tough to top, but Sundress are paving their own way with their dreamy blend of psychedelic pop.
Coming through Soda Bar on Monday, Sundress offer that Radiohead-esque groove, with a more nostalgic, atmospheric quality of bands like Pink Floyd. Their self-released EP from last year is pulsing and brooding, and covers all the bases when it comes to hip genres -- shoe-gaze, chill-wave, spaced-out '90s indie rock -- assuring that there's a little something for everyone. The standout track, "Derelict," features ethereal vocals and thumping bass. It's a lo-fi shoe-gaze melody that draws you into a blissful daze. And that's just the beginning of their self-titled EP.
Sundress have also done something most indie artists consider unthinkable: They quit their day jobs to pursue music full-time. If their new management is any indication of their rising success, this might be a good move. They recently signed with Gold Mountain Entertainment, the former home of Beastie Boys, Beck, Foo Fighters and others.
The band formed in 2010 with members Ryan McAdams, bassist Drew McCary, guitarist Kennon Talley, keyboardist Jim Harrington and drummer Derek Kocich. After several name changes and member changes, they're a cohesive act that promises a more proper full length release this year that will appeal to a broader audience. This shouldn't be too much of a concern, considering the amount of hype they've already received from blogs like Consequence of Sound, I Guess I'm Floating, You Ain't No Picasso and others. They've also gotten nods from the Flaming Lips and shared stage space with Tame Impala, the Pains of Being Pure at Heart and Washed Out.
Joining Sundress at Soda Bar are Dancing Strangers, a Tijuana-based synth-and-bass duo who take from Joy Division and the Jesus and Mary Chain. They formed to experiment with a more obscure and minimal noise, influenced by post-punk, art-rock and kraut-rock.
Check Sundress out Monday for just $5 and find out if they're worth the hype!
Nada Alic runs the San Diego-based music blog Friends With Both Arms.Follow her updates on Twitter or contact her directly.
