The Useless Critic 2.0

And before I call it a day, I'm happy to share the latest single from Phoenix-based new wave band Paper Foxes, "Heart-Strings." The band - named by AP as the best unsigned band in Arizona in 2020 - is capable of producing one hell of a catchy track. This atmospheric (but extremely danceable) track only further proves this point. I'm quite a fan of the band as I'm sure my previous posts have made evident. It's definitely one of the best songs I've heard this summer; every summer, no matter how generally bleh it is, deserves a good soundtrack. I'm bummed I missed their show at the Rebel Lounge but I look forward to seeing them soon. 

Phoenix-based Paper Foxes are back with a red-hot single that is reminiscent of the best of The Killers in moments, The Midnight in others. The new wave/synth sounds of their latest track "Crystal Ball" feel hopeful even if the lyrics seem to tell a different story.  The Bob Hoag-produced song is an extremely energetic and catchy return to form for the band, who released their fantastic debut album "Popular Confessions" in 2019. Hear the title track off the album below: The new single kicks off some exciting news for the band - they'll be playing a few live shows this summer, first in Tucson (Club Congress @ June 30th) and then in Phoenix (Rebel Lounge @ July 2nd). Hopefully that also means more new music is on the way from the group - who were named "The Best Unsigned Band in Arizona" by  the Alternative Press in 2020.

This duo is really a new thing!  Détective formed this year, put out 2 EPs and also released an album, However Strange , on cassette tape. The man and woman behind  Détective hail from two existent groups:  Guided  By Voices and Useless Keys. They are James Greer and Guylaine Vivarat. And their name comes from a Godard movie. Also:  they are on tour presently- they're based out of LA- and will be hitting Phoenix on September 14th at the Sail Inn .  I chatted with them rather briefly about...you know important things!  UC:  How did you two get together? D:   We met at a French film festival here in Los Angeles that Guylaine was at that time co-directing. Which in retrospect seems appropriate.   UC:  Are you both big fans of French new wave? D:   Yes! We like new waves of all kind. Mostly, we have a mild obsession with JL Godard. Guylaine can't help it since she's French, and James has spent a lot of time in ...