I first took notice of Motopony when the lovely Betsy, of KCRW's Web Team, tweeted that they were her new favorite band a few months back. (Betsy's in a super sweet little band too that you should check out - Barbara.)
At the time the song being played on the airwaves of KCRW was “Wait For Me,” which sneaks into the heart of somebody new every time it gets played. Seemingly every time I’m answering the phones at the front desk and Jason plays it on Morning Becomes Eclectic the phone lines go off with people asking, “What is this song?”
Wait For Me - Motopony by tinyogre
What I’ve noticed as KCRW has been allowed to play more songs from the new album (due out this week), is that the call-in response is not unique to “Wait For Me.” It happens with “King of Diamonds” and “June” and “Seer” and “Euphoria” and...basically the entire album.
Why? Really there are just too many answers to this question, but there are a few first impressions for me that might explain some of it.
The lyrics are honest. I’m always heartened when reviews of a band are strewn with lyric mentions and Motopony is definitely that kind of band. From the vulnerable “Wait For Me” sentiment that “all my life I have been waiting for a wife,” to the “King of Diamonds” concession that while he’s been “looking for the King of Diamonds” that “the Queen will do,” to the spoken as to make you shudder, “do you remember kids?” at the end of “Wake Up,” the lyrics in every song resonate on the level of secrets we dare only speak in our minds.
Musically the songs have catchy threads couched in expansive melodies and playful/soulful percussion elements and the vocals of frontman Daniel Blue, at times delicate and others powerful, weave effortlessly into Motopony’s tapestry of sound.
I think for me, my love for Motopony is derived most directly from the way they appeal to my emotions. I admit I’m a sappy, mushy romantic and the thought of a boy saying to me, “you’ve got everything I want,” makes me giddy on the inside. But more than just a girlish crush on these guys (have you SEEN Daniel Blue?), I’m struck by the way Motopony gets right at the root of my longings. Longing for love. Longing for patience. Longing for joy.
It’s this sense of longing, seen on the languid faces of Vegas-goers in laundromats, at bars, in swimming pools, etc. that is accurately captured in the new video for King of Diamonds.
Motopony - King Of Diamonds from tinyOGRE on Vimeo.
With the anticipation for the release of their new album in the air, Motopony has several appearances planned: tonight (May 23) for Chris Douridas’ It’s a School Night at Bardot, tomorrow (May 24) at The Troubadour, and they’re back on June 25 for a free concert hosted by KCRW at One Colorado in Pasadena. Don’t sleep friends!
Here's a free download from the band's myspace to tide you over 'til tomorrow...
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