(Disclaimer: I know it's been a while, but let's get down to the brass tacks: I haven't posted in longer than I'd care to acknowledge. In a moment of inspired insomnia, I'm getting back on the horse. There, I'm on the horse.)
Dragonette. Holy Canada, Batman! Who knew Toronto could churn out such bangin' femme poprock? The four-piece group, fronted by lead lady Martina Sorbara, has just released their major label debut on Mercury Records called Fixin to Thrill and it's definitely solid. Their sound is reminiscent of Metric, circa Fantasies, and the poppier side of of Yeah Yeah Yeahs It's Blitz (think "Head's Will Roll" and "Hysteric"), which means their music, at its best, is quite simply my jiggity jam. Though not nearly as seasoned or prolific as Metric or the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and definitely not as vocally distinct as Emily Haines or Karen O, Dragonette's songs are, more than anything else, super catchy. "Pick Up The Phone" is my personal favorite, and was actually brought to my attention by my friend, and ridiculously talented DJ/Producer Dan Alcala, who just recently won Dragonette's remix contest for this very song. The original's got a sick, industrial kick drum beat that pulses steadily as Sorbara's airy vocal hits hard on the chorus. "Fixin To Thrill," the album's second single, boasts a more aggressive, synth-dominated sound reminiscent of The Noisettes, but can be most aptly described as a song that should have been playing over The Valley scene in Clueless. "Gone Too Far" has more of a radio-friendly sound and is unsurprisingly being pushed as their first single. I will admit, the rest of the album is definitely spotty, but overall a good listen. Currently on tour with Little Boots (whom I just saw play live last week and kicked ass/had a sweet laser show, which pretty much sealed the deal for me - if you have the opportunity to catch that show I'd highly recommend it), get the album, see 'em live. With hard hitter Mercury Records behind them, you should be hearing about these kids soon if you haven't already. Three thumbs up!
