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| panda transport - monorail | < back |
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cat-no: accd011 artist: panda transport title: monorail format: cd & digital download release date digital: 11/12/2009  buy digital @ itunes |
| 01 | monorail | ||
| 02 | saint's revel | ||
| 03 | up the disco |
 download free mp3 |
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| 04 | freakshow | ||
| 05 | cicadas in stereo | ||
| 06 | dark horse |
reviews09/01/2010
We Heart Music
According to Panda Transport’s biography, they are a Frenchman (Ti) and an American woman (Kat). They play a sort of low-fi indiepop music. Their EP, Monorail was released last month.
What I immediately like about the duo is that Kat’s sweltering vocals sometime makes their music sound like a lazy evening at a jazz club. However, the upbeat music can be as fun as on “Monorail” to somewhat silly “Freakshow” (complete with doo-doo-scat).
The one non-Kat song, “Cicadas in Stereo” definitely stands out. I’m also not certain what is being sung on this line: “I want to ____ every single butterfly“? Did I just hear that right?
You can hear their entire EP streaming at their official website.
I will say this, they’re cute, and their songs reminds me of one of my favorite band the Would-Be-Goodsif they were to go jazz lounge.
http://weheartmusic.vox.com
02/01/2010
Smother Magazine
Sultry off-jazz vocals with the constructs of electro-pop and indie pop building a foundation, Panda Transport, a duo consisting of Kathy Compton and Thierry Holweck have been around since ’06. The duo found fame with their single “Transmission” off of their critically acclaimed debut “Plush Mechanique”, which was featured on Greys Anatomy. Having written their debut essentially through Internet-based collaborations, Panda Transport set out to do something more organic and intimate. Intelligently blending ‘found sounds’ (they sampled cicadas outside of Kathy’s yurt and car-door-slams became a new found kick drum) with personal and emotional vocals, light melodies, sweet harmonies, and future pop rhythms, “Monorail” builds upon the success of their debut and proves that they’re far removed from the dreaded sophomore jinx. Pop fanatics will covet the truly catchy nature of many of the tracks, while the more indie and experimental music junkies will drool over decomposing and digesting the varied musical tapestries that make up each track.
http://www.smother.net
29/12/2009
UBLF's Chilldown Period
Panda Transport's Monorail is described on their website as "[t]he songs are immediate, personal & poppy while retaining the curious experimentation & playfulness so often edited out in today's music." For some reason in my mind the group Flunk comes up... with some Kate Havnevik and maybe some Imogen Heap mixed in to describe their music. It ranges from sweet and tender to pop and floaty to kinda dark... no joke - it has a dark edge to it as well.
Here's how I came in contact: I was searching through my messages on IODAPromonet and there was a direct message from their label. I immediately searched through the rest of the new messages and found them all to be the basic promo stuff I receive most of the time (that does not mean I don't check out that selection of music...). This message from Panda Transport was personal and thoughtful and created a fan out of me before I heard their music. I became excited and checked out their tunes. This also prompted me to email someone, anyone from the group. The person I contacted was the lead vocalist from Charlottesville, VA named Kathy. I would have to place her in the kind and gracious group as well! She's a great conversationalist and has been a dream to work with (don't worry, I feel the same way about Autorotation).
And guess what... you'll get to hear some of their stuff over the next couple of months.
What's the moral of this story? A kind note can go a LOOOOOONG way! Even from this below the radar podcaster/blogger.
http://ublf-coast-to-coast.blogspot.com
16/12/2009
Skope Magazine
Kathy Compton and Thierry Holweck are bringing a diverse array of audio to the forefront. As the sole songwriters on Monorail, Compton and Holweck aka Panda Transport have created Electro-Pop grooves. The record offers acoustic & pop elements mixed with a unique display of sounds.
Monorail comes after Panda Transport’s debut release, Plush Mechanique. Their former recording was literally all done via the Internet where Kathy & Thierry initially met. As pen pals, these two artists turned E-music into an actual record with Plush Mechanique. The single off their first album titled “Transmission” was even featured on Grey’s Anatomy.
Now it’s time for something new as Compton & Holweck decide to meet in person to make a more personable/organic record. Just as on a monorail system, the train moves steadily along on a single track; here reality is put into motion on a single disc. This is the music of one’s own place, space and thoughts. Monorail is focusing on today more so rather than on the past, but ironically with a futuristic approach. The recording is experimental, but fun & poppy at the same time. An abundance of natural elements were included on this album due to the windows being open during the recording sessions. This tactic would appear to be a very OPEN and CAREFREE performance, which is exactly what Panda Transport were after.
The CD starts up with the title track as we are introduced to the lovely singing of Kathy Compton. Her vocals are pleasant to say the least with a nice ‘n’ tender melody to go along with an easy-going, light poppy feel. The next track, “Saint’s Revel”, has a Cross Continental vibe about it with American & international influences. On “Up the Disco”, an interference of sorts is detected in the background. You’ve probably heard of the famous “Wall of Sound”; well this song would signify the Back Row of Everything Else in Between! Scattered & sporadic audio snippets are heavily absorbed upon while listening to this record. Going off of audible sensations, “Freakshow” supplies an extremely different & unorthodox sound. On track five, “Cicadas in Stereo”, I simply loved the element of percussion here with a very primitive-sounding beat.
Panda Transport have come up with six songs for you to enjoy NOW and hope that you will get wrapped up in the moment. This duo’s creativity shines through bright as this Monorail pushes forward. Although on one hand, I wasn’t completely blown away by this album; on the other hand I was taken back by the sheer uniqueness of two individuals bringing their music to life. For more on Panda Transport and their new release, Monorail, SKOPE out www.pandatransport.com.
By Jimmy Rae (jrae@skopemag.com)
http://skopemag.com
01/12/2009
Babysue
We don't cover many EPs...and we only do so when something really impresses us. As such, you can draw your own conclusions about Monorail. Panda Transport is the duo consisting of Kathy Compton and Thierry Holweck who created the band in 2006 after hooking up with one another on the internet. This is the follow-up to the duo's well-received debut album (Plush Mechanique). The Monorail EP features six cool, dreamy, free-flowing modern pop tracks. Panda Transport songs are direct and to-the-point...and feature some wonderfully groovy, warm keyboard sounds...as well as some rather fantastic subdued vocals. The more we spin this one...the better it sounds. Cool cuts include "Monorail," "Saint's Revel," and "Dark Horse."
http://www.babysue.com