The Phoenix-L.A.-New York quartet's debut, Tell It To The Volcano, consisted almost entirely of a timeless sort of indie pop. Taking their cues from early 2000 bands like the sunshiny Phantom Planet and the only good album Weezer ever produced, Miniature Tigers put out a record that was at once classic and completely modern, making an instantly endearing LP that didn't catch on nearly as much as it should have. If there's one band that every person who appreciates lovely music should adore, then it's probably Okkervil River. But if there's two bands that every person who appreciates lovely music should adore, then it's Okkervil River and Miniature Tigers.
Although I had heard a vast majority of the band's new material after seeing them play multiple times in multiple states over the past twelve months and I quite liked it all, the fact of the matter was that the prospect of a new Tigers album made me just as apprehensive as it did excited. After such a solid debut, where was there to go?
Up, apparently, if lead single "Gold Skull" is any indication.
This is the type of song that has the potential to invade Sirius Satellite Radio, blow up the blogosphere, be featured in Apple iPod commercials, and weave it's way into the world's collective summer consciousness, turning Miniature Tigers from under-appreciated indie darlings into crossover sensations, not unlike Phoenix, who's "1901" tried to make me by a Lexus and who's "Listomania" is still inescapable on Sirius 21 through 26.
I've always been of the opinion that organic music is better than synthetic production but that's a phrase I might soon find myself eating because the dancability of "Gold Skull" is undeniable wonderful. Since making it's debut on Stereogum, the track has become something of a summer anthem, worming it's way onto every mix I produce and easily quickly becoming the most played song of the season at Hot Half Life HQ.
For me, the mark of a truly wonderful song is if I can imagine it playing during a montage of movie-esque moments from my life and in my opinion, "Gold Skull" is some Focus Features shit. Let's, for a moment, explore the idea that my life is a painfully self-aware indie romantic comedy, about a young music journalist who's spent the majority of her twenty something years being so career driven that she's let her personal life go by the wayside. After her magazine goes under, she finds herself returning home to Detroit and realizes that there's only one thing she needs in her life and it isn't her job. It's love. Of course, learning to "let people in" is easier said than done so much hijinks ensue.
During the inevitable wacky road trip that she takes with two or three of her most darling friends, across the country to go see a wicked killer concert that cannot be missed, "Gold Skull" would undoubtably be playing as the girls drove in the sunshine, with their windows down, and sunglasses on. Think the driving scenes in Wristcutters: A Love Story. Only with less facial hair.
So what are you waiting for? Snag that track and score your own summer.
Like what you hear? Preoder the forthcoming FORTRESS and while you're at it, do what I did and spring for the sweet bundle to get yourself the album, a record, a tee shirt and the bag that I'm more excited than words can describe to use, meaning that after a good year run, I can finally retire my Bad Veins tote and upgrade to canvas that features not just incredible art by Tiger Rick Alvin Schaier but incredible art by Tiger Rick Alvin Schaier that features boobs.
