Great Northern’s sophomore full-length, ‘Remind Me Where the Light Is’, is quite a fitting follow-up to the band’s debut LP, ‘Trading Twilight for Daylight’. The Los Angeles-based indie duo have always been alive with a pulse that beats with shoegaze spirit. Through its veins runs the lifeblood of an indie pop band not afraid to incorporate a synth wall of sound and a mod organ in consecutive songs. There’s a synthesis of keyboards and guitars, of vocals, of ethereal programming and huge drums; a solidification of lyrics centered on the ups and downs we all experience. Whether it’s through the upbeat My Bloody Valentine influenced ‘Snakes’ or the gorgeously haunting ‘Driveway,’ Great Northern soothes and shakes at the same time with grace. Well done.
Mr Solon Bixler (vocals/guitar) answers this week’s Kuestionnaire…with his caps lock on.
1. Of all the bands/artists in your CD/record collection, which one is your most cherished?
THERE’S A LOT THAT ARE CHERISHED BUT IF THERE WAS A CHOICE OF ONLY
ONE….AT THIS POINT….LED ZEPPELIN IV
2. What have you been listening to lately?
THE KILLS…LED ZEPPELIN….ANIMAL COLLECTIVE
3. What’s your favorite local band?
USELESS KEYS….SILVERSUN PICKUPS….THE MORLOCKS
4. What was the last show you attended?
PJ HARVEY
5. What was the greatest show you’ve ever been to?
RADIOHEAD at the HOLLYWOOD BOWL
6. What show are you looking forward to?
DEPECHE MODE
7. What musician would you like to hang out/work with for a day?
MARTIN GORE and or JOHNNY GREENWOOD
8. What four albums you would bring to a deserted island?
DEPECHE MODE(MUSIC FOR THE MASSES)….RADIOHEAD(OK COMPUTER)…HOWLIN
WOLF(ANYTHING)…..SMASHING PUMPKINS(SIAMESE DREAM)
9. Would you call yourself a music geek?
FUCK YESSSS
10. Any favorite music-related videos/DVDs you own?
I AM TRYING TO BREAK YOUR HEART-WILCO
MEETING PEOPLE IS EASY-RADIOHEAD
TOURING THE ANGEL-DEPECHE MODE
11. What’s the last book you read?
BLINK(MALCOLM GLADWELL)
12. Do you prefer live performances or recording in the studio?
BOTH….IN THE STUDIO, YOU’RE UNDER A MICROSCOPE WHICH IS LIKE
STUDYING FOR AN EXAM ALL NIGHT STRESSED OUT AND NEVER
SLEEPING…..LIVE IS LIKE…..SCHOOLS OUT AND YOU FREAK OUT AND PARTY
ALL NIGHT….AND NEVER SLEEP.
13. Any embarrassing moments on stage you’d like to share?
WARDROBE MALFUNCTION….IN THE TROUSER DEPARTMENT…..NOW WE ONLY
WEAR PANTS WITH ELASTIC WAIST BANDS
14. Any favorite tour locations?
NEW ORLEANS
AUSTIN
CHICAGO
NYC
SEATTLE
and uuuuhhh….SAN FRANCISCO!!!!
15. Lastly, what have you done today?
LEAPED OVER A SMALL BUILDING IN A SINGLE BOUND
Great Northern – Story
Silversun Pickups – Panic Switch (Chin and Troublemaker Remix)