so many dynamos = the loud wars [2009]

i like the name so many dynamos. it's fun, which is fitting for the band. formed in 2002 in illinois [hurrah for midwest bands!], they use poppy dance rock combined with elements of math rock to create a slightly off-kilter yet catchy sound. i dig the interaction between the two guitars, which should appeal to fans of bands like franz ferdinand and arctic monkeys. their third album, the loud wars, is due out june 9th on vagrant records.




the first single is new bones, an eerie indie dance anthem which is less guitar-based and more electronic-sounding than the rest of the album. it's certainly an intriguing track.

new bones


here are my two favourite songs from the album:

artifacts of sound


oh, the devastation!


so many dynamos are currently touring with maps & atlases. their tour dates are on their [myspace]. they're coming to bloomington on the 17th. i'll probably check 'em out.

this town needs guns

this town needs guns = wonderful, wonderful uk math rock. think minus the bear/maps & atlases/american football style elaborate guitar with the wistfulness of death cab for cutie. beautifully complex arrangements which come across as effortless. their full length lp animals is their finest work, but their earlier stuff offers something a little different with some distorted guitar and piano which isn't present on that album. and nothing on animals is quite as upbeat as "26 is dancier than 4." plus you don't get the quirky song titles (which must be some math rock thing... again, see minus the bear. hey! is that a ninja up there?)


26 is dancier than 4


it's not true rufus, don't listen to the hat


hippy jam fest (the likes of which has never been seen)


wanna come back to my room and listen to some belle and sebastian?


try using that last one as a pick-up line on that cute indie kid.