Now that LCD Soundsystem’s hung it up for good (aka for now), the world of electronic music “made by hipsters for hipsters” is lacking its brightest star. Who is left standing in this field is capable of picking up this pretentious burden and bearing it upon their postmodern shoulders ironically? (Sub-question: was that previous sentence a little too heavy on the buzzwords? Maybe I’m laying it on a bit thick.)
Group 1: Crystal Castles.
The frontrunners in this just-made-up, non-existent competition, CC nevertheless have more than enough fuck-you attitude and enough catchy synth programming to win any contest. Sure, they might headline festivals that will cost you a few hundred dollars to attend, but they still also hit the smaller venues that will let you in for less than the cost of a PBR 30 rack. Only problem is they’re right on the verge of becoming very well known, which might attract “Lamestreamers.” Attend shows at your own risk.
Group 2: Neon Indian.
His 80′s throwback beats are warped and damaged, making you feel like you found a super-rare vinyl that’s hand-numbered and been played too many times. Aka, indie as fuck. Has done lots of remixes for other hipster-approved bands, like Grizzly Bear, Au Revoir Simone and Flaming Lips. Also, he’s been remixed by other indie darlings like Bibio, the Antlers and Toro y Moi. But beware: if you’ve noticed that lately 80′s throwbacks are being replaced by 90′s ones, you’ll surely be careful to note that Neon Indian might not be safely hip for too much longer.
Group 3: Justice.
What’s not to love? A French House group younger (aka hipper) than Daft Punk and Mr. Oizo, a sophomore album slated to drop later this year and the fact that all their shows turn into gigantic rave orgies with plenty of drugs for everyone. Hipsters fucking love drugs! And if you don’t then you’re simply not hip enough for hipsters, or this blog. If Justice gets bigger, then they’ll be sampled by the world’s biggest hipster, Kanye, for his latest single. Just like he sampled “Harder Better Faster Stronger.” And if that happens, it’ll be like discovering hip-nirvana. The only real downside here is if they drop a mediocre third album that has a lead single with a robotic talking baby in the music video. God that thing from “Technologic” still freaks me out.
Group 4: LCD Soundsystem/James Murphy.
Finding out that only he can be sufficiently hipster as fuck in the electronic scene/realizing he’s addicted to touring and dissecting his own psyche on record for money, Murphy announces that his retirement was “ironic” and tours the US once again in support of his new album.
Oh god I miss LCD already. Come back Murph. Don’t leave us!
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The Duckman
04/04/2011
I’m riding the chillwave these days