Rock Out With Your Blog Out

This recurring segment is the product of me wasting hours upon hours scouring Amie Street for good music from bands I’ve never heard of. This week’s inaugural selection is Jotto’s eponymous EP, which you can purchase for $2.60 by clicking here. 

What do I know about Jotto? I know they’re from Philly, like another one of my favorite bands. I know they have yet to release a full length album. You know what else I know, I can’t wait until they do.

If you’re inclined to buy the Jotto EP, I can tell you that you’re getting a nice six pack. Although they echo already entrenched indie bands, mainly The Strokes and The National, there’s something a little off about these guys. Just listen to “The Girl Who’s Seen Too Much (In II Acts)”. The mush-mouthed vocals contrast the conventional piano progression. The result is a bizarrely memorable song.

“Backyard Circus” is the best song on the EP, and it’s a brilliant piece of work. The dirty ditty manages to stay exciting from the opening keys to the closing horns. The opening track “Young in the City” is also terrific. Although the drumming is distinctive, it’s the lyrics that won me over – they really capture the cocktail of uncertainty and optimism shared by many 20-somethings. Here’s the video:

One thing that concerns me is that Jotto’s second EP released earlier this year isn’t nearly as strong. Maybe that’s why it’s cheaper. You can download Good Friend Electric for free on the band’s website.