The Postmarks - "Go Jetsetter": Video

This latest vid from The Postmarks takes the band's unquestionably retro sound and does it one better with a solid dose of animation. Taking on a city, the concorde, and the underwater depths in turn, the clip is a 1960's fetishists dream. Check it out above.

mp3: The Postmarks - My Lucky Charm

The Postmarks Played The Canal Room - Pictures, Review, Setlist

Last Thursday we made our way to the Canal Room to check out The Postmarks' CMJ showcase, and we'll tell you this: if you weren't there, you missed out. Put simply, the band delivered a set that transcended their (already fabulous) records, and completely solidified them as a relevant and exciting live act.

If you're already a fan of the band (as we are here at HAD), then you may be sitting there telling yourself "well, yes, of course, they're a great band". But then, in a way, you'd be wrong. Because if you've only heard The Postmarks records, then there's simply a huge part of the band's talent and sound that you have yet to be exposed to.

Before checking out the show, we have to admit that we were flummoxed as to how they would take their carefully crafted 60's throwback sound and deliver it in a simple rock club. The fact of the matter is that the band's sound on record depends heavily on orchestration, intricate arrangements, and delicate sonics. Not exactly the ideal situation for trying to deliver night to night on the road.

So how does one solve such a conundrum? Apparently by taking the sound on the record and completley turning it on it's head. In short, the band took their trademark sound and completely overhauled it. Drenched in feedback-y goodness, the band employed the live rock setting assuredly to their advantage, as they took the bombast of wall of sound production and put it through an unrepentant shoegaze filter.

The result was exceptional: the character and identity of the songs was maintained, but infused with an unquestionable vitality unique to live environment. What's more, the band unquestionably demonstrated their aptitude, as they blasted through a set that was comprised of bulletproof instrumental technique. In short (if you haven't figured it already), we loved the set. It was emblazoned with energy, and left us not only loving the show, but with an even greater appreciation of the band's recorded output as well. Moreover, it brought us to the conclusion that we can say to you without reserve, this: go see The Postmarks live, as soon as you can.

Setlist
More photos at the HAD Archive

The Postmarks Plot North American Tour

We were already psyched to hear that The Postmarks had a new record on the way, so we were even more elated to hear that the band has set up a North American tour for the fall. With the new record's more aggressive stance and more upbeat sound, we think that it'll be ideal for a live setting. What's more, with a kickoff in San Francisco at Hotel Utah and a wrap up with two shows in New York, it's perfect for our bicoastal vibe. See you there!

mp3: The Postmarks - My Lucky Charm

The Postmarks Fall 2009 Dates
Sep 29 Hotel Utah w/ BROOKVILLE San Francisco, California
Oct 2 Spaceland w/ BROOKVILLE Los Angeles, California
Oct 3 Downtown Brew w/ BROOKVILLE San Luis Obispo, California
Oct 5 Hi-Dive w/ BROOKVILLE Denver, Colorado
Oct 6 The B Side Lounge w/ BROOKVILLE Boulder, Colorado
Oct 8 Emo’s Inside w/ BROOKVILLE Austin, Texas
Oct 9 Backroom @ The Mink w/ BROOKVILLE Houston, Texas
Oct 11 Czar Bar w/ BROOKVILLE Kansas City, Missouri
Oct 13 Double Door w/ BROOKVILLE Chicago, Illinois
Oct 14 Shank Hall w/ BROOKVILLE Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Oct 15 Radio Radio w/ BROOKVILLE Indianapolis, Indiana
Oct 16 Southgate House w/ BROOKVILLE Newport, Kentucky
Oct 17 Rex Theater w/ BROOKVILLE Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Oct 19 The Middle East Cambridge, Massachusetts
Oct 20 The North Star w/ BROOKVILLE Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Oct 22 Canal Room - ASCAP Showcase @ CMJ New York, New York
Oct 24 The Bell House w/ AU REVOIR SIMONE Brooklyn, New York

The Postmarks: New Album Drops Next Week

Here at HAD, we've been big fans of The Postmarks ever since their self-titled debut LP. Never mind the fact that subsequently the band released a great LP called By The Numbers on eMusic, and managed to get some pretty substantive remix mileage out of the first record's worth of material.

Given all that, we were psyched to hear that the band has a new record dropping next week. So far we've only managed to get our hands on one track ("My Lucky Charm", below), but judging by the sound of things, the band's 1960's pop sensibilities are firmly in tact. It may seem, even, that the band learned a bit from the remix treatment, and decided to give their tunes a bit more driving rhythm. We likey.

It appears that the Florida natives have thus far only planned for dates in their home state, but we'll keep an eye out. It seems like a given that the band will be touring in support of the record, and this is one we don't want to miss.

mp3: The Postmarks - My Lucky Charm

New Postmarks Track For Free @ eMusic

So, we here at H.A.D. were pretty big enthusiasts of last year's self titled debut by The Postmarks. The album managed to toe the line between pop and jazz without devolving into a world of smarmy M.O.R. pap. It's one of those albums that you really have to be in the right mood for, but when you are, it knocks your socks off.

Fast forward to today. We were browsing our handy dandy eMusic membership and noticed that there's a Postmarks track for free. Not only that, but apparently there are 12 more on the way over the coming weeks. Happy times! Now, normally we'd call foul, since you have to sign up for eMusic to get the tracks. But, all things being equal, we <3 emusic to the max: tons of good bands, DRM-free, and high on value.

Go. Now.