In this confusing time of pop bands pretending to be rock‘n’roll (Dirty Pretty Things, Kaiser Chiefs), indie bands pretending to make dance music (Klaxons, Bloc Party) and just a scarily large amount of mainstream shit (The Kooks), the question of what is ‘indie’ has become a little blurred. I blame Jo Whiley, but then, I always do.
Thank god then, for Good Shoes. The archetypal indie band. And what makes them so very perfectly alternative? Spiky angular riffs with melodic pop sensibilities? Check. Lyrics about paranoia, guilt, insecurity and pretty much everything that makes you feel like rolling the sleves of your hoodie to the tips of your fingers and being emo for the day? Check. Look like a bunch of underpaid geography teachers? Check. Oh, and they’re signed to independent label, which I guess is important depending on how you feel about the music industry Murdochs.
But Good Shoes aren’t just indie by numbers; they’re not just churning out troughs of mediocre shite in the hope that some of it might stick (The Fratellis). They’re a genuinely brilliant band that write songs that are danceable yet incisive, accessible yet complex. Charming artrockers are a rare breed in a scene dominated by bolshy carling drinkers and too much hair. In fact, I can’t understand why I haven’t seen Good Shoes live since February last year. That’s gonna change though because the band are doing an instore at Covent Garden Rough Trade on the 11th of March. You’d do well to come along.
Link to free Mp3. Right Click and the Save Target As to Download. Then Buy the record, don't steal.
Photos on my Wall - Good Shoes
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