Harlem answers the unasked question of what Vampire Weekend would sound like if they’d been obsessed with ’60s Brit Garage Pop, Buddy Holly and The Modern Lovers instead of a preppy vision of Pavement, or maybe The Strokes if they’d come from urban roots in an environment with actual garages.
In fact, even though they’ve taken their name from one of New York City’s most celebrated creative neighborhoods, Harlem hails from the music Mecca of Austin, Tex., where their early singles and full-length debut Free Drugs (including the irresistibly titled and perfectly executed “Psychedelic Tits”) attracted the attention of Matador Records, which has just released the trio’s sophomore album, Hippies, to fairly consistent acclaim.
They play the Southgate House on Tuesday. Get show details and Sound Advice here.
This article appears in Apr 28 – May 4, 2010.