(photo: Elizabeth Weinberg)

I couldn’t help but notice all of the love Brooklyn’s Harlem Shakes has been getting on the blog circuit, so I thought it was about time I got down to it and checked them out.  My initial reaction was that they sound a lot like Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, but that’s not really the case at all.  Harem Shakes have far better tunes and much more interesting sonic dynamics.  Their sound bounces back and forth from pop to dance, to pop again, sometimes all in one chorus.  I’m literally in shock and awe at just how much fun their debut album, Technicolor Health is, and how much I’m loving the track “Niagara Falls”.  Like most songs it’s built on a simple foundation and slowly builds by layering instruments, melodies and the fun quotient until it’s burrowed into your head and won’t let go of your cranium.  What I like best about Harlem Shakes is that they’re not trying to be something they’re not; they have a genuine sense about them that is free of affectation and attitude.  This is one quirky indie pop band that I could get behind and not feel like they’re smirking at me and silently judging me.  You couldn’t say that about Clap Your Hands Say Yeah now, could you?

The band is on the road with another blog-hyped outfit by the name of Passion Pit (perhaps you’ve heard of them? *note sarcasm*). Date are listed on the official Harlem Shakes site here.

MP3: Harlem Shakes “Niagara Falls”
Myspace: Harlem Shakes

Things are going to be quiet around here for a few days as I prep for a QBiM milestone–it’s our 800th post!  Don’t touch that dial!