Get ready for another band from everyone’s favorite borough, Brooklyn! After making a dent with the 2007 release of their Burning Birthdays EP and then staying dreadfully silent in 2008, the Harlem Shakes are poised to return in the New Year with the release of their first full-length, Technicolor Health, on March 24th via Gigantic Music.
The new album’s eclectic sound stems from a bounty of collaborations; with Stuart Bogie of TV on the Radio and Jon Natchez from Beirut playing sax, and Kelly Pratt from Arcade Fire playing French horn, the list is quite extensive. The likes of Randy Newman, Spank Rock, and even Carlos Santana as are listed as influences helping to mold this album into the beautiful cacophony known as Technicolor Health.
In fact, the Latin music that “plays outside the bands’ windows at night” is said to have a particularly major impact on the album’s sound, as evident in the form of the “Latin Mojo” setting on their Dr. Groove drum machine. The setting was used to “authentically capture the spirit of Latin percussion” so we’ll have to wait and see how that comes across.
In support of the release, the Harlem Shakes will embark on a 11-date swing beginning next month with Tokyo Police Club.
Technicolor Health Tracklist:
01. Nothing But Change Part II
02. Strictly Game
03. TFO
04. Niagara Falls
05. Sunlight
06. Unhurried Hearts (Passaic Pastoral)
07. Winter Water
08. Natural Man
09. Radio Orlando
10. Technicolor Health
Harlem Shakes 2009 Tour Dates:
02/24 – Providence, RI @ Lupo’s *
02/25 – New York, NY @ Webster Hall *^
02/26 – Washington, DC @ Black Cat *^
02/27 – Swarthmore, PA @ Swartmore College *
02/28 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr Smalls *
03/01 – Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop *
03/02 – Columbus, OH @ Basement *
03/03 – Covington, KY @ Mad Hatter *
03/05 – Atlanta, GA @ Earl *
03/06 – Tallahassee, FL @ Downunder *
03/07 – Orlando, FL @ The Social *
* = w/ Tokyo Police Club
^ = w/ Born Ruffians
