SXSW 2012 Records

Chairlift

Being in an Apple ad can be the kiss of death, especially with a song as whimsically catchy as "Bruises" from Chairlift's 2008 debut album, Does You Inspire You. To fend off sophomore stagnation, the Brooklyn duo returns with material that stays true to its trademark song structure but turns the musicality up considerably. A song like "Amanaemonesia" starts with a thin bassline bouncing to densely layered synths in the chorus. It's a nice transition to "Met Before," a few guitars short of My Bloody Valentine. Principal songwriter Caroline Polachek's vocals ring through the beautiful fog with lyrics that are lighthearted but never stumble into silliness. When the BPMs decrease, as they do on "Cool as a Fire" and "Turning," it sets the uptempo tunes in starker relief; yet when Chairlift moves feet, it makes sure the heart isn't far behind. (Thu., 1am, the Parish; Fri., 12mid, Empire Automotive)