I’ve recently discovered a wonderful band thanks to Last.fm called Warpaint. Warpaint is an all girl quartet based out of the Los Angeles area. Currently their line up includes Emily Kokal (vocals/guitar), Theresa Wayman (vocals/guitar), Jenny Lee Lindberg (bassist/vocals), and Stella Mozgawa (drums/keyboards). Since their inception in 2004, the band has gone through a few personnel lineups which have included actress Shannyn Sossamon and current Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer.
The original lineup, which included childhood friends Theresa Wayman, Emily Kokal, and sisters Shannyn Sossamon and Jenny Lee Lindberg formed in 2004 on Valentine’s Day. They wrote some of the bands substantial songs that helped produce their ethereal, psychedelic shoegazey sound. The songs, “"Stars," "Beetles," and "Elephants" would then go on their debut EP, Exquisite Corpse. It was during this time that Warpaint also played many shows around the Los Angeles area and created a fanbase that has grown larger over time.
Last week, Warpaint released their first full length album called The Fool. The girls are currently on tour in support of their new album and previously released EP making stops in North America as well as abroad in countries like Denmark, Germany France and the United Kingdom.
The Fool was well received among critics. Featuring tracks produced by post-punk indie queen, Siouxsie Sioux and New Order DJ-collaborator Andrew Weatherall, the album had caused quite a stir while the ladies played many festivals, including the ever-famous Lollapalooza festival, over the last few months in anticipation of its release. Stereoboard.com says Warpaint “have made an album that successfully takes experimental art-rock to the extreme.” At one point, the site even compares Kokal’s haunting lead vocals to that of Bjork and Beth Gibbons of Portishead, but essentially that is where the comparisons end. Warpaint has managed to combine many elements and sounds to create their own unique vibe.
This album is definitely going on my “Must have” list after only hearing a few tracks. It is refreshing to hear their sound. It brings back memories of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s when shoegaze was coming into its own along with a few hints of Pink Floyd-like psychedelic guitars and trippy beats of Massive Attack all rolled into one giant present wrapped with a shiny red bow. In other words, they rock and I love them and can’t wait to hear more!
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