July 2002 We're An American Band Photo by: Michael Edwards Stop: Interpol, NYC Look: Elegant yet super hip suits and skinny ties Listen: "Turn On the Bright Lights"- Interpol gives off a strong sense of class and refinement rarely seen in rock these days. NME hailed them as one of the "best New Wave bands from NYC" . With nods to 80's bands The Smiths and Joy Division, and having a lead singer with a nice set of pipes, they've gained a loyal following in NY and the UK. Look out for their full-length debut from Matador in August. Website: www.interpolny.com Stop: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, San Francisco Look: Moppy curly ‘do's, thrift shop t-shirts, and of course, black leather Listen: "BRMC"-Simultaneously alluring and aggressive, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club's sound has garnered comparisons to Jesus and Mary Chain, Ride, and Spiritualized. A sonic assault can turn hypnotic (with melody) luring you deeper into trance until it lashes out again in full electric force. Their sound is a blissful state of sleeping wakefulness. Website: www.blackrebelmotorcycleclub.com Photo by: Brian Tamborello Stop: Beachwood Sparks , Los Angeles Look: Cowpoke casual: vintage rodeo shirts, faded denim, Woodstock-ready hair Listen: "Make the Cowboy Robots Cry"-With sunny harmonies and jangly Byrds'-esque guitars, you know that Beachwood Sparks must have grown up listening to the music of fellow Californians and country-rock pioneers Buffalo Springfield and The Flying Burrito Brothers. Their brand of "canyon rock" is sure to make you want to mount the nearest horse and ride off into the sunset. Website: Beachwood Sparks Stop: The Von Bondies, Detroit Look: Two cute boys, two cute girls, each with a look distinctly their own Listen: "Lack of Communication"- Following in the footsteps of fellow Detroit rockers MC-5, The Stooges, and White Stripes, The Von Bondies take the blues, rock, and punk and turn it into something dangerously wild. Jason Stollsteimer's wailing vocals provide the electricity while Marcie Bolen kicks out the jams with ferocious licks. Just one listen to this tight foursome and beware: a spell might be cast on you too. Website: www.vonbondies.com <<< We're An American Band We're An American Band III>>> you've got the look | stop, look, & listen| rock your hobby | sharp-dressed men who are you? | contact | my back pages | privacy policy