Five Foot Nine

Chicago based Five Foot Nine, is a band that throws a wrench in the huge guy-girl indie pop machine. There has been a massive influx of that style over the last few years and I’m an avid sucker for it almost every time. There’s just something about the boy singing with girl aesthetic that puts me in my happy place (even when they’re being kind sad.) But FF9 really stands out from the rest, sounding more like Wild Strawberries or The Jayhawks than their modern day sugary-sweet contemporaries. Lead vocalist Michael Hushel sounds like Cat Stevens on an all-night caffeine fix, which makes for some very cool harmonies with female counterpart Laura Coleman’s slightly Natalie Merchant-ish vocals contributions. The opening track of their self-titled CD is entitled “Back To The Tunnels” and it’s an appealing little pop number who’s hooky refrain encourages us to “turn on the tunnel vision” in a way that would make Roger McGuinn proud. “O La Moana” has some beautiful harmonies that are set off nicely by some subtle horn playing towards the end of the song. “Where Am I?” delves into slightly funkier territory, even reminding me a bit of Jane’s Addiction at certain moments. Another twist comes in the form of “Lana Marie” where the band successfully dives head first into the alt-country end of the pool, complete with some steel guitar and cello. Add to that the psychedelic keyboard action of “European Tour” and the new wavy “Jardin du Luxembourg” and you have a band that really does have something to offer to fans of all types of music.

Download:
Back To The Tunnels mp3
O La Moena mp3

The Five Foot Nine myspace page.
Purchase their self titled debut over at CD Baby.