RCRD LBL

Neon Blonde

MusicBlog

Location: Kirkland

Bio: Neon Blonde is the alter ego of Blood Brothers Vocalist Johnny Whitney and drummer Mark Gajadhar. Unlike the often frantic and frenzied songs of the ... (more) duo's other band, Neon Blonde is a much more eclectic, dancy and melodius venture, which touches on the art-rock tunes of Brian Eno and early David Bowie. The Seattle band's debut Dim Mak album "Chandeliers in the Savanna" is a collision of elements -- rickety old drum machines, chiming guitars, pugilistic drum breaks, slinking pianos and Whitney's characteristic falsetto wail leading over the top

Those familiar with Whitney's former bands, The Vogue and Soiled Doves (the former having released its first album and garnered "bands to watch" praise from Alternative Press while the group was still in high school) will hear elements of the dark melodies of that group, which later splintered into the Blood Brothers and The Chromatics. But, Neon Blonde brings a refreshing experimental edge to its songs, which results in a charming pastiche of styles and sounds. (less)