Noisette Nirvana

You probably haven’t heard of the Noisettes, but no worries, you will. The Noisettes newest album Wild Young Hearts will make sure of it.  Wild with its funked up rhythms, young with its ode to the nightlife in tracks like Saturday Night and Don’t Upset the Rhythm, and heartfelt with lyrics drawn from a well of emotions this album will draw you in for the experience. On Sometimes, the albums leading track, the band whimpers “taking lovers just might keep my tears at bay but the dam will break at any hour.” Yeah, been there, done that, got the t-shirt.

Fronted by the fantastically named Shingai Shoniwa, the three piece London-based band has presented an instantly loveable take on 60s pop, fit for modern day.  It’s not the cheesy soul remakes that jammed the airwaves shortly after Amy Winehouse’s meteoric rise and subsequent fall.  The album is a veritable buffet of funky indie soul-pop with a retro feel. The album’s pure awesomeness covers love, heartbreak and the dizzying cycle of relationships.  Favorite tracks include Atticus, the beautiful, gentle centerpiece of album, and Cheap Kicks, the albums’ final track.  Who doesn’t love a song that embodies the ugly truths about one night stands. Cheap kicks are alright/if you don’t know what’s good for you. Honestly, you can listen to this album from start to finish and never think of hitting the fast forward or rewind.  And as if things couldn’t get any better, you get all this without copious amounts of auto-tune.  What a novel idea.

It’s as if the Noisettes heard the call of music lovers and decided to bring back poignant lyrics punctuated with the art of the live show.  Rumored as one of the most natural and charismatic frontwoman in music today, Shoniwa, is known for her onstage antics and acrobatic showgirl-performance style. Her stunning beauty and fresh style don’t necessarily hurt either.  The half-British, half-Zimbabwean front woman bounces frenetically off speakers drawing the audience in with raw energy and charisma.  Although an authentic African native fronting an indie rock band may invoke a side-eye from some, this band is unphased.  Shoniwa embraces her culture with open arms and her cultural influences are ever present in the bands thumping tracks.  Oh and she plays bass guitar.  Name one bass guitarist who isn’t the definition of cool.

Listen if your iPod playlist includes: Santigold, Adele, Lyyke Li, M.I.A., TVOR, Erykah Badu, Estelle, MGMT, or if you just like good music, then you’ll be sure to appreciate this album. This album comprises wicked, edgy, innovative sounds that you will dance around too, hairbrush in hand, pants optional.  Oh and after the first listen—where you fall in love—put out the bat call to your homegirls and homeboys alike, they may not admit it—but this gem of advice will cement you as the far cooler friend.

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