SXSW Preview: Puro Instinct

From KCRW DJ Chuck P:

Puro Instinct is a band from Los Angeles featuring sisters, Piper and Skylar Kaplan (ages 23 & 16, respectively).

Formally called Pearl Harbor, they’ve just released a new album in time for SXSW called “Headbangers In Ecstasy” on Mexican Summer records, and it’s steeped in 80s shoegaze and Ariel Pink’s brand of damaged pop.

In fact, Pink is featured on the album as a contributor and producer.

A recent (and I guess, negative) review mentioned these words; fragile, treble, airbrushed, vacant, self aware, jolting, deadpan and wafer thin.

I suppose those words were meant to describe the attributes of the album the reviewer did not like, however, I find these descriptors curious and engaging.

Tracks like “Stilyagi” and “Silky Eyes” remind me of the dreamy and light sounds of early 4AD Records releases, but are also reflective of the current crop of garage-y pop from the likes of Best Coast, Vivian Girls and Brave Irene.

Last.fm says that this is “what it might sound like if Nico were to start a band with Felt on a beach in Malibu.”

Yeah, sounds good. I’ll bring the firewood and the beers… and fruit punch for Skylar.

– Chuck P