Is Tropical
Earlier this year I came across a music video on Tumblr for the song The Greeks by Is Tropical. The video is a beautiful violent rendition of little kids playing cops and robbers. The video now has over 2.5 million views on YouTube. Most probably from repeat watchers. If you see the video you can see yourself why someone may want to watch it again or pass it along to others (Watch it here). Ever since watching the video I’ve been following the British band who titles their genre of music as tidal wave. Being signed to the French fashion & electronic music label Kitsuné also played a major factor in why they’ve been on my radar. The label with Midas like powers has had artists such as Yelle, Boys Noize, Cut Copy, Delphic, Two Door Cinema Club, Digitalism, Phoenix, Crystal Castles, and Hot Chip release work under the french label. Is Tropical is a youngling compared to the rest of these artists but they belong in the same.
Is Tropical
The band who has a Crystal Castles type face covering mentality takes it even further and is always covering their mouths with bandanas while performing. They have greasy long hair and have a punk look but they have their own voice. Tidal wave actually sounds like an appropriate genre. They have an electronic rock element which has its international edge and influence. Their vocals have a deep ambient echo. Certain songs are very catchy and might sound poppy just because they are danceable but they are far from pop.
Is Tropical is one of my strongest current obsessions and I had the privilege to see them twice this past week. Once at Santos Party House and once on the final CMJ night at Cameo Gallery. They played some of my favorites like Lies, What, South Pacific, and Seasick Mutiny to mention a few. I’m glad I got to see them twice. Not because I like them so much but the had major technical difficulties at Cameo yet they played through best they could. I would have been furious if I hadn’t already seen them at that point. Their mic kept going out at Cameo. Their music is worth a listen and a download and an iPod update and mention to your friends. And more importantly their music videos are worth every second. In their music video South Pacific they build a raft to sail away to wherever the wind will take them. Their mindset of creation and building to take you on life adventures is symbolic for many sea voyagers and inspired sailing enthusiasts.
In addition to all the good I have said about them they are lyrically very gifted also. Some of their songs have the ambitious words and voice I scour the internet hours for. Below you will find a few verses from the song Lies as well as the respective music video which is NSFW. Check out all that Is Tropical has to offer and if they are in town make your plans appropriately.
Lyrics for Lies:
Too old to sell, too young to tell, too much of everything
Mirrors deflect light from their eyes
Fact turns to fiction when we blink
Things best forgotten don’t you think
Sit comfortably whilst telling liesThose brittle trees, those skeleton leaves were meant for dying
Swallow the lies more than the truth
They’re always ready on the tongue
For all the falsehoods to be sung
Sit comfortably whilst telling liesThey don’t love you, the just need a little sex sometimes
True colours shine through
Don’t beat yourself up for being too blindThey don’t love you
‘LIES’ by IS TROPICAL from Jacques Magazine on Vimeo.
1 comment
Cade says:
Dec 2, 2011
This informtaoin is off the hizool!