Give it up for The Shondes, as today marks the release of their debut album, The Red Sea! I had the pleasure of hearing a lot of their new music in San Francisco a few weeks ago, and as someone who isn’t from the riot grrl, punk aesthetic, I must admit by the middle of the set I was more than moving my head–I was definitely moving my whole body. Their energy contagious–their passion for, not just their music, but what the music transfers in melodic political measurements, makes me giddy to watch these beautiful people become fabulous stars.

Here’s some advance praise:

“The Red Sea,” is a visceral work. While they give much credit to the sounds that influenced them — riot girl and queercore bands of the ’90s, traditional Jewish music — their moody songs are redolent of a time in the early ’80s when punk fractured into something more tuneful and complex. Harmonies grow discordant, Eli Oberman’s [violin] lends substantial melancholy to their quiet-loud dynamics. While being a radical, Judaic-bent, genderqueer, post-punk quartet sets The Shondes apart, being a political band whose music is as strong as its message is a rare treat.
-The Chicago Tribune

You can check out a few of their songs online and purchase their new album online:

Or, better yet, join them for their release party in Brooklyn–if I was still on the east coast, I damn sure would!

The Red Sea Record Release Show!
Friday, January 11, 7:00PM
Luna Lounge
361 Metropolitan Avenue, Williamsburg, Brooklyn
@ Havemeyer St.
Directions: http://lunalounge.com/directions
Door: $8
The line-up: Royal Pink, My Teenage Stride, The Art of Shooting, The Shondes

For more info: www.myspace.com/theshondes