Hello, everyone! Please forgive us for not covering Follow An Indie Band Wednesday (FAIBW…fyi) last week!! We are eternally apologetic. Tonight will not disappoint because tonight I noticed that many of the best from FAIBW are from the United Kingdom and I am thereby declaring today UK Day at FAIBW. Do I have the authority for that? Well…yes.
We Were Promised Jetpacks hails from Glasgow, Scotland. I had never heard them before tonight and I’m ready to purchase everything they’ve got out. Too bad I am poor. Anyway, We Were Promised Jetpacks can be described as tight alternative indie, with driving guitar and cathartic build. I’m in love with the listening experience here…the intense amalgamation of talent and passion. Between the four songs on their myspace page, I can’t pick one favorite–everything they’ve got is so completely together, and their hearts are completely in it. They strike the glorious balance between power and fragility, something that doesn’t always fall into place with other bands. Also, Eric and I decidedly love Scottish accents, although he will be less than thrilled that these are boy accents and not girl ones.
My next UK favorite of the day is Dinosaur Pile-Up. These alternative indie Brits have not let me down except in 
picking a weird band name (boys are weird). They have especially not let me down in their attractive myspace profile picture–it is QUITE sexy. But seriously…I was going to say that Dinosaur Pile-Up is pretty similar to We Were Promised Jetpacks in its drive, but their heavier guitars and darker vocals really make that a stretch, so I won’t say it. They’re more grunge than melodramatic, but they’re absolutely adorable nonetheless. And very rock’n’roll. Also, I really want one of those cool tshirts. White, size small, please. Who is going to make that happen? They’re so rock’n’roll!! And maybe some Clash-inspired lyrics? Did I make that up?
Finally, in keeping with tonight’s trend of inexplicable band names, United Kingdom origins, and a more alternative vibe than you usually 
get from Miss Indie Folk (that’s my new nickname, btw), here is Scientist The Orange Pip! Actually, Scientist The Orange Pip is, while still alternative indie, not too far from crossing border into emo, but their innovative sound and rhythmic play prevents them from getting there and emotionally convinces me, which is something most emo (read: Dashboard Confessional) fails to do. However, if you have emo leanings, this may be your thing. The changes in “Lupitas Observation” rival The Format’s ability to brilliantly cater to ADHD listeners, so obviously I recommend it, and “Proof of Propensity” has a great sound as well, a bit different from their other songs. I think my favorite thing about these guys, though, is their background vox. Is that weird? They’re fun, biotches. So, button up those skinny jeans, smudge that eyeliner, and freaking check it out.
Thanks The_Recommender, Miss_Cain, and NatGuy for winning suggestions this week. Thanks to the UK for producing such fabulous music. See ya next week for Follow An Indie Band Wednesday! (Unless of course something cooler comes up, in which case you should be here anyway, shouldn’t you?)
The Indie Handbook 