Skipping Stones Records

The Year Zero has been taking their ambient dreampop onto the streets for quite a while, but have now reached a plateau with some talented back-up players:

Read it here:
The Year Zero / LA Record Review

Or right here:
THURSDAY, AUGUST 2:

The Year Zero have been a band for a few years now, but with their newest line-up, I think they have hit their stride. I first came upon them when they had just added a bass player to a strictly drum-machine-and-guitar live act built around songs by vocalist Lili De La Mora and guitar player Rodney Sellars. At the time they seemed shy and timid—very dreamy, but a little dark. Their recordings didn’t quite translate live. Maybe the setting had a bit to do with it, but this show brought it all together. Lili first got up and sang two songs with only an acoustic guitar. She used to seem so shy, but now her beautiful voice commands your attention. After the rest of the band joined her, everyone just slipped into place like they’ve been doing this forever. And most of them have—all members are Long Beach music veterans who will probably be recognized from other bands, but they add a perfect element to the Year Zero that was missing before. The bass player smacks her gum to the beat, the drummer gives just enough effort to show that he cares (but not too much), and the keys are the perfect complement to the vocals. Think if My Bloody Valentine went pop and added the singer from Deerhoof. (KO)