Thao With The Get Down Stay Down- Know Better Learn Faster (Mon, 5 Oct 2009 Posted at 11:00:00 AM)
Thao With The Get Down Stay Down- Know Better Stay Faster (Kill Rock Stars Rec)
San Franciso by way of by way of Falls Church, VA, indie-folk rockers Thao With The Get Down Stay Down return with their 4th album, coming off of 2008's critically acclaimed 'We Brave Bee Stings And All'.
After picking up a guitar at age 12, front woman Thao Nguyen began performing after being inspired by Lilith Fair and practicing in her mother's laundromat. In high school she would record in a folk duo, in college she would meet The Get Down Stay Down players and start touring, attracting attention just about everywhere they went.
Mostly a break up album, this is a bit on the darker side though the sweet rhythms and soaring guitars sometimes disguise the heartbreak subject matter. Thao's smokey voice carries the listener through the songs and handclaps and stomping add a nice upbeat touch, though ultimately this is self described as 'an undercurrent of frenzied helplessness' (the cover art confirms this).
Further proof that hearbreak breeds great art, 'Know Better Learn Faster' is a more mature, tightly played, and innovative effort that covers many genres in a clever and energetic manner. Well known for their high energy live show, this disc has a very live feel to it that finds the perfect balance between studio production and spontaneity. Starting off with a gospel like opening track, this quickly moves into jangly guitar oriented folk pop, has a couple ballad like sparse moments and plenty of bouncy rhythms that easily distract you from the devastating wordplay.
Their last record was the best selling disc of 2008 for the Kill Rock Stars label; I'd be very surprised if 'Know Better Learn Faster' doesn't make the same mark for 2009. As a reference point, if Modest Mouse, Rilo Kiley (early period) and Cat Power came together it might resemble this...
