Cool Addict

I really don’t care about young people. Acne, high school, parents, sobriety… Been there done that, and I must say that I quite enjoy the distance I have earned away from that period of time. So when it comes to the music that young people make, as a general rule I follow my instincts of lassitude and politely ignore it. But there are exceptions to most rules in this world, and in the case of this year’s underage Soundoff battle of the bands concert series- there was a legion of exceptions. Kids fresh out of high school or barely old enough to drive a car presented a myriad of styles showcasing the future sounds of the Seattle music scene.

It didn’t take much to see that The Nextdoor Neighbors stood apart from the cull. Setting up on stage with children’s toys and keyboards that have been marked up like a Dr. Suess nightmare, the female duo from Olympia wowed a packed Skychurch audience with what they self describe as “electro-folk-hop.” Down-tempo electronic beats coupled with synth riffs and ambient organ pads made the perfect sound-scape for the stunning vocal performance of singer Jessie Hill. Her melodies seemed to have no discernable convention whatsoever, giving the songs a whimsical almost childlike innocence and charm. The end result is a Postal Service-esque feel that was fun, unique and curiously beautiful. And though they didn’t end up winning the Soundoff competition, there is little doubt that this will be the last you hear from The Nextdoor Neighbors or Jessie Hill. Rumor has it that they will be transplanting into Seattle shortly, a move that makes me feel very comfortable about the future state of our fair city’s music community.


Check it!

The Nextdoor Neighbors - Magic Vs. Machine
The Nextdoor Neighbors - Cultural Revolution

RIYL: Postal Service, Feist, Mates of State

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