Zwan/Sigor Ros
Banshee:
Zwan are a recently formed group (somewhere in mid 2001). They consist of indie rockers David Pajo (Slint, Papa M), Matthew Sweeny (Chavez), Ex-Smashing Pumpkins Frontman Billy Corgan and Drummer Jimmy Chamberlin. The Influences of the group include the Doors, The Rolling Stones, U2, Pink Floyd, New Order, R.E.M, Blues Music alltogether, Bob Dylan, and the members former groups (similarities are unavoidable)... The music is very multi-dimensional, spanning from 9 minute Doors like rock epics (like Jesus I) to uplifting dream rock (Glorious). Because the band is still a work in progress, there is plenty of room for experimentation. As far as I know they have four seperate incarnations (Zwan, The True Poets of Zwan, Djali Zwan, Zwan?). Each with distinctively different sounds, different melodies, lyrical styles. I think its safe to say at this point though that a great deal of the music is either very relaxed with a timeless feel to it, or cosnsists of upbeat love anthems with depth. They are a very intimate band.
Because frontman Billy is a workaholic 80+ songs have already been cemented but only 40 have been performed live at the six small club shows they have played so far. Despite the unfinished lyrics, minimal rehearsal time and vocal limitations (that haven't seemed to be a problem thus far) I can really see this band being a positive and refreshing addition to anyones musical collection. First album details haven't been released. Though I do believe recording begins early Febuary.
Websites:
www.zwanmusic.net (most of The emerson lake show is available to listen too under the 'songs' section though there have been problems.
www.zwanmusic.com (official one, though not very useful at this point)
Congragulations:
There does seem to be a little bit of a buzz around Sigor Ros around here even though they are about as far away from mainstream as is possible. 'Agaetis Byrjun' is very refreshing and enjoyable to listen to, especially late at night because it just has those kind of ambient/chamber dynamics that make it so. Its' great not understanding anything about them, or the words that are sung on the album. It keeps them mysterious and interesting, open for interpretation.
Another album I would reccomend to everyone is New Order's 'Get Ready'. It's excellent.
It sounds great, like you describe it. My kind of Music.