Former lead singer, co-songwriter and guitarist for the Seattle indie rock band Sunny Day Real Estate Jeremy Enigk, has released a new solo album titled OK Bear. This is Enigk's third solo album since his 1996 Subpop release Return of the Frog Queen and 2006 self-solo release World Waits. Each of those were decent albums and perhaps most appealing to Sunny Day Real Estate fans. His most recent band project was with The Fire Theft.

Over the years Sunny Day Real Estate have been tagged as one of the leading progenitors of today's emo music. Well, that's up to you to decide, but Paramore's popular YouTube video cover of SDRE's song "Faces In Disguise" recently received a wink and nod from Enigk.

"I’ve actually seen one of those (Paramore) videos and I think it’s amazing," he said. " I was absolutely flattered! Because, the singer, Hayley Williams has an amazing voice! So, to see her sing it, that’s super flattering to me. From time to time, I will You Tube old Sunny Day videos, and I came across that."

"Mind Idea" - Jeremy Enigk from OK Bear
(track courtesy via Stereogum)

Enigk on MySpace

Labels: Indie Solo Artists, Jeremy Enigk

It's been some time since I've had a fix of new indie and alternative rock from the UK. Here is what I have been listening to lately, most of it sent directly to me, even though the official release was in 2008.

A London band, KAV, creates blistering indie rock but their EP last spring, Blaggers and Liars, slipped under the radar in the U.S, but the UK coverage has been a virtual love affair: The UK Guardian said of KAV: "This Blagger is A Latterday Jagger." That's a bit of an over-statement, but if you like rock with attitude, you'll probably like KAV.

KAV was a guitarist and songwriter for The Happy Mondays (2004 to 2007) and wrote the title track "Playground Superstar" for Hollywood film Goal. KAV is also the man credited with creating the UK rock fest Get Loaded in The Park. This is his first solo effort backed by his 'band of pirates' that includes Dan Gulino (bass), Bobby Angels (guitar) and Jim Portas (drums). What do you think?

"Get It Done" - KAV from Blaggers and Liars EP

KAV on MySpace

Labels: Indie Solo Artists