For those of you unaware I am a proud Kansas City MO resident, so I jump on any and all opportunities to check out good local music. One band in particular that I have grown an obsession over is Saharan Gazelle Boy. Formed by Darin Seal, a member of KC indie legends Capybara, and later joined by Sarah Handelman as guest vocals on a few tracks. The project has perfected the art of bedroom pop with a moody and nostalgic 80s feel that calms the mind and soul. I've heard some compare SGB to Washed Out with it's lo-fi chill-wave but with more of a pop underline that drives the song to the point of being ridiculously catchy.
The song Halfhair Girl is the second single off of SGB's Strange Teen Heart is all this and a bag of chips. The song oozes moody bedroom pop and brings up memories of 16 Candles. This track exemplifies the wonderful sound scape of synths and drum machines that make SGB's distinctive sound. And the lyrics seem like a mellow dramatic love letter to girl with a simple statement of "don't change a thing". It's been said that Darin Seal took a turn for the weird with this project by writing songs that sound like they should be diary entries from a teenage girl straight out of the 80s. This may be true, but he does it so perfectly you just don't care. Nostalgic energy of the mellow drama is put together in such a calm and soothing manner that makes you just want to listen to this song over and over again. I just can't recommend this band enough, check it out!
P.S. If you ever have the chance to see Saharan Gazelle Boy live, take it. Their live show is easily one of the best I have seen. The usual chilled out emotional vibe of the songs take on a new life in a live venue when they breath more energy and enthusiasms into each note. Yet they still remain soothing and the whole show just feels so relaxed. It also helps that the back up band for Darin Seal is his friends from Capybara.
Halfhair Girl by Saharan Gazelle Boy
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