Underground Sound: March 2013

Icona Pop

I don’t know that I have ever heard another song that makes me want to jump, dance, and forget the realities of the world more than this song. I first heard “I Love It (I Don’t Care)” on an episode of the HBO series Girls, and I fell in love at first listen. This Swedish duo represents the new age of pop music and what will soon be the influence on American pop. Their lyrics are fun and girly, but their beats mean business. This song made Rolling Stone’s “50 Best Songs of 2012,” and with it being featured on Girls, there is no doubt their big moment will happen this year. Apparently, I’m about six months late to the love fest for these two because they got a little exposure with their hit last summer. But I predict they will be blasting on every radio by summer. Some artists get lucky with one smash hit track, but these two ladies have a bag full of goodies—their entire Iconic EP is amazing. There’s a mix of dance, electronica, synthpop and even some punk influences … music to your ears? Yeah, mine, too. “I Love It” has stayed on repeat for the last month. The song basically consists of Icona Pop ranting about the freedom that comes with a breakup. The two girls sing about throwing out ex-boyfriends’ clothes and the difficulty to please them—a formula that provides the perfect post-relationship anthem. Another standout track is one of the six songs on Icona Pop’s Manners EP, which coordinates with the breakup theme from “I Love It.” You owe it to yourself to give a serious listen to this rising duo. Iconic is available now on iTunes. Keep an eye out for Icona Pop’s first full-length album later this year.

Listen: I Love It (I Don’t Care)

The Neighbourhood

If you’ve never heard of this band, you’re missing out. The Neighbourhood are sure to be the next big indie band to slide into the mainstream market. These guys ooze many different sounds into their music—hints of hip-hop, alternative rock, soul and a catchy chorus to catch the attention of pop lovers. Their single “Sweater Weather” is strangely addictive and will be stuck in your head for weeks. I first heard it over and over on the radio and eventually had to find out who the artist was because I found myself humming the chorus all day. It’s the perfect song for a chilly day.

Listen: Sweater Weather

Bad Books 

This is a band name that has been around for a while now. Alternative music lovers are probably familiar with the band Manchester Orchestra, who happens to be one of my favorites—and happens to make up part of Bad Books. Manchester’s Andy Hull and singer-songwriter Kevin Devine formed Bad Books when Devine joined Manchester on tour in 2008. Manchester drummer Benjamin Homola completed the band’s lineup. These guys have been all over satellite radio stations the last few months and deserve to be recognized. Their latest single, “Forest Whitaker,” is certainly catchy and in line with all the underground songs that have become big hits.

Listen:  Forest Whitaker

Brittany Hebert holds an honorary doctorate in music listening. She is a reporter for HTV-10 in Houma.