Brooklyn based band The Depreciation Guild grabbed my attention on the Blip Fest 2007 DVD, which featured them rocking out their song "Butterfly Kisses" with an extra emphasis in the sound mix toward their song's 8-bit counterparts. An indie rock band that bases one-third of its sound around a hacked Nintendo Famicom? Sign me up...
The Depreciation Guild's sonic landscapes span vast virtual worlds with lush dreamy guitars and sweet melancholy vocals, all punctuated with the signature bleeping and blooping tones and crunchy drum effects unique to classic video game technology. The result is a transcendant shoegazing experience to get lost in for hours. The Famicom elements never distract or become a mere gimmick and the songwriting holds up in its own right.
Go check out their website where they have their album In Her Gentle Jaws available to download for donation or free. Gems like the epic searching of "Sky Ghosts", the frantic infatuation of "Butterfly Kisses" and the haunting nostalgia of "Nautilus" make this album and this band an unforgettable listening experience.
The Depreciation Guild
http://www.inhergentlejaws.com/
great review, joel
ReplyDeletethis album is growing on me quick. definitely does not drown in the 8bit effect. makes me smile, like playing ninja gaiden and duck tales on two different tvs simultaneously.
ReplyDeletei agree, its growing on me. not only am i a sucker for 8bit things, i'm a HUGE sucker for free things.
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