Seismic-Sounds: 2010’s Top 10 Seattle Bands to Watch.

Campfire OK–  I can honestly say that front man Mychal Benjamin Goodweather of Campfire Ok is a musical force to be reckoned with. He writes amazing songs, has a voice that carries a wonderful vibrato and has grown into this incredible front man to boot. The most important thing I have found with this band in particular is the growth. Sure they were good when I had first seen them, but since that time Mychal and company have become confident musicians while on stage and I think the best is yet to come, and that’s spooky. They have a CD release show coming up at Columbia City Theater on February 5th, and there is a good possibility it will sell out, so if you have don’t have tickets….make sure to get them, it’s a show you will not want to miss. Check them out:  http://vimeo.com/16567311

The Head and The Heart– I mean what can I say about this band that so many of you don’t already know. They took folk/americana-pop and turned it into a huge party, and apparently the people love a party cause they’re blowing up and not only locally, but nationally and from the looks of it even internationally when they tour with Dr.Dog. It would be very hard to find a kink in their musical armor, it just seems that perfect. Writing, singing, playing and the look…they got it.  And luckily for Seattle they just signed to indie major label Sub Pop records, which will keep them close to home. Buy the self titled LP and you’ll get what all the hype is about: Live in studio at KEXP http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fcPfaMpSeE

Smooth Sailing– If you are a lover of metal, then you HAVE to check out this heady fucking prog metal band (I always like to curse when talking about metal). The level of talent is astounding, from the lighting speed chord changes and the blast beat tempos, its such a cohesive art form to watch live.  Its chaos and optimism all at the same time. It’s melodic to a complete onslaught of the senses … simply its an eruption of beauty. Watch live: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hO6DzbCYkP4

Viper Creek Club– Mat Wisner and Brendan Jenson may only be two men on stage, but nonetheless they are captivating. They’re minimal light show is entrancing and their music is electronic brilliance. They released a brand new Album titled “Letters” and its an album you can let play from beginning to end with zero remorse. Not only are they amazing artists, but behind the mixing board they are just as powerful; expect to hear many great things from these guys. Here is their kick ass video for “Eliza” . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88Xyc9j1gUM

The Young Evils– Troy Nelson and Mackenzie Mercer as well as Cody Hurd have not only made one of the loveliest pop albums of the year, they have some how become the band that everyone knows about. Guess its true what they say about word of mouth, cause this band is on the tip of everyone’s tongue, and it seems like they did it in no time flat. Grab their flawless self titled album, and check out a show  … you’ll be glad you did. Check out the latest video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbr4IQQ1bNE

Brent Amaker & The Rodeo– I have never thought “country” was cool till I bumped into these fellas, and it’s still hard to classify them as straight-up country. They take the sound of an era gone by and have modernized it with guest rappers and fantastic covers of bands like Kraftwerk . But not only that, their songs are infectious and can almost drive ya to the edge of crazy (“Saddle up” almost got the best of me one day, I couldn’t shake it, it was stuck). Brent and The Rodeo have a punk rock attitude, with that country western swagger, and the live performances are a feast for the eyes….not only do woman swoon at the baritone of Brent’s voice and all black western wear the fellas wear (or is it just me?), but the men in the audience get semi-chub’s at the burlesque dancer who high steps it in heels and titty tassels and caters to the needs of Brent and the boys at any given notice while on stage.  Ya gett’in my drift? It’s fun for the whole family. Check out their brand new LP “Please Stand By”. But check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KjOaQ4Oc1I *WARNING MA ONLY*

Fences- Their current LP stopped me in my tracks upon listening. Raw and beautiful with an acoustic flair and poppiness to it. What more can I say… they seem to be on the radar of bigger things to come, and rightfully so. Take a listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LP_0KBJ2exs

Roman Holiday- I think there is something to be said about writing songs that are pop perfection.  A band that can deliver on every level gets my respect. Roman Holiday from Tacoma has some of the poppiest, catchiest, radio-ready songs I have heard this year. The kind of music that’s crafted with big hooks and catchy riffs. Yes I love the obscure and independent and typically lean towards the quirky, and envelope pushing types of music, but I have a thing for indie pop perfection. I have gone to see Roman Holiday live and I was impressed, could they improve onstage …. sure, but they sounded amazing and even still the crowd was smitten. Hard working, dedicated musicians who write some great stuff and are true professionals. I’m impressed. Take a look at their brand new video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGiYa9J6MtE

Shenandoah Davis- Ahhhh…..the voice of Shenandoah Davis. I remember walking into a bar and stopping dead in my tracks to try and figure out who was playing onstage. Her voice is one of the most unconventionally beautiful voices I have heard in the Seattle music scene to date. Her beautiful warble and incredible song writing is nothing short of magic. There hasn’t been one time that I haven’t listened to her that she hasn’t given me “the skin orgasms” ya know the kind that makes your hair stand on end. If you can ever catch her live please do, and buy up anything she puts out…..she’s an incredible talent, see for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukIW2xDV_4c

Perfume Genius- The biggest unknown star in Seattle is Mike Hadreas of Perfume Genius. Virtually unknown until recently, when he signed on to Matador records. His debut album “Learn” has garnered critical acclaim from some of the biggest musical publishings out there, and is a great piece of work from beginning to end no doubt. Here he performs live in Seattle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-Aup2-Zs74