When it comes to bands named for 18th century diplomatic debacles, Brooklyn’s the XYZ Affair easily make our top ten. JK they win. They’re best remembered for corralling our favorite Nickelodeon all-stars for their “All My Friends” clip, but have steadily and surgically released a stream of quality singles and EPs since. The two tracks that come today up the ante considerably, though, timed with a Mondays residency at Pianos through May. It’s a good live show. Dance moves are involved.
The first of the Summer Jams is the breezy throwback “No One That You Love Will Will Ever Die” (not true), Sting and MJ in the lyrics, soul in the falsetto, produced by Ben Allen aka the man who brought the underwater bunker vibe to Merriweather Post Pavilion. The Kelly Clarkson/New York Dolls/Pixies-referencing “Sock You In The Face With Love” is even better/sexier, recorded with an assist from Longwave’s Shannon Ferguson. This one’s locked into a more hormonal groove, shades of Pinkerton in the opening verse, warbly synths lifted from YYYs’ “Down Boy,” and a typically punchy hook with lyrics that are a little punchy in an unfortunately domestic violence-y way. Lead XYZer Alex Feder assured us preemptively: “That is most certainly not what it is about.” It’s more of a figurative socking in the face. Be Frank Black, he’ll be Black Francis:
Stepping up, romance and fucking, welcome to summer. Oh My Rockness! is sponsoring this run at Pianos, with a D.C. show thrown in for good measure. Last time I saw them, XYZ did a killer “Take Me Home.” Request it.
05/11 – New York, NY @ Pianos (w/ Action Painters)
05/18 – New York, NY @ Pianos (w/ Maricopa)
05/21 – Washington, D.C. @ The Black Cat Backstage (w/Deleted Scenes)
05/25 – New York, NY @ Pianos (w/ 350 Duo, Jones Street Station, Mieka Pauley)
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two new songs are indeed the fucking JAM! i wouldnt be surprised if sock you in the face gets used in the new sifl and olly remake
this band is truly terrible.
ghah: incorrect.
i just got socked in the face with awesome
So Good! Cant wait to see it live!
MONDAY NIIIIIIIIIGGHHHHTTTTTT!!!
Great stuff XYZ…now excuse me but I have to sock ghah in the face for hatin’
I assisted the lead singer with his 11th grade European History final. He’s down with Thomas Hobbes.
I like the sound of ?no one that you love will ever die.? It is neat to near musical styles from a few different eras successfully mixed together. ’50s backup vocals, some sort of ’80s pop ballad (the recording technique reminds me of.. Jenifer Warnes & Joe Cocker ?Lift us up??), but all making sense in 2009.
?Sock You? is also neat, especially the end part. Word.
Most relevant sound around right now. It’s like how voxtrot was for me when they were on the playlist, songs just undeniably kick ass.
good stuff
These guys are great and even better live. Looking forward to seeing them at Pianos.
no one that you love.. is very sweet.