NYC Scene Report – The Shacks, Sunflower Bean, & more

In this week's NYC Scene Report, vintage indie pop act The Shacks introduce us to a "Strange Boy," we rock out with the well-traveled Sunflower Bean, Fences pens something fantastic on his "Pale Paper," and retro punk rockers Cheena return to remind us of what the scene once sounded like.

* Sometimes an artist, or band, can sound like they're from another era, and this is definitely case with The Shacks. As soon as you click play on "Strange Boy," which is their collaborative effort with El Michels Affair, you're transported back to the '60s, as the music sounds like it would be completely appropriate in rotation on your favorite oldies station. It's kind of crazy to think about the fact that the band's main twosome of Shannon Wise and Max Shrager are only 18, and 20, years old, respectively.

The Shacks’ upcoming debut EP is a self-titled effort due out October 7th, and with “Strange Boy” as the opening salvo, I can't wait to hear more.


* Keeping with the retro theme, up next we have NY psych-rock trio Sunflower Bean, whose music sounds like it could fit into just about any of the past four decades. The band released their debut album, Human Ceremony, earlier this year, and have pretty much spent every waking moment on the road ever since.

The trio hit the stage at Lollapalooza, and Bonnaroo, and are currently on a tour that will take them around the world, Those tour dates began on August 13th, and run through the day after Thanksgiving, and include the entire US, as well as Europe, and Asia.

Although, with the exception of their show dates, it may be impossible to catch up with the band in real life, you can catch their latest video here. It's for the single "Come On," and judging by the sound, and overall vibe, I can understand why Sunflower Bean are so big on the live experience. After hearing the song, I want to see ‘em in concert!


* Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Fences (aka Chris Mansfield) has a new six-song EP titled To The Tall Trembling Trees dropping on September 9th, and he’s written at least one of the songs for it on some "Pale Paper."

The first single off of the EP, Mansfield describes "Pale Paper" as, “a torn-up love letter to New York City." It's a letter many will be glad he taped back together to create the song. Mansfield's voice, and style, fit perfectly together, and the result is a great tune, with an upbeat feel. Check it out.


* I don't know about you, but I've enjoyed rocking out to the music of NYC retro punk act Cheena over the past few months as they've geared up for the release of their debut LP, Spend The Night With.... Well guess what, that album is finally out (via Sacred Bones Records), so now you can spend as many nights as you want with Cheena!

That came out sounding a little more provocative than intended, but if you're looking to get a little closer to Cheena, check out their latest single, "Lost My Way." It will definitely help you find yor way if you're looking for some retro punk rock goodness.


For more of the best of NYC’s indie music scene, come back next Wednesday, and check out the archives for previous columns.