Madaila, a Burlington based group with powerful pop hooks and tasty synths, are making some seriously ripe-for-radio tunes. Armed with soulful vocal performances, infectious grooves and a dash of neon, the band's sound is catchy and distinctive, but is also free to convey a bit of darkness lingering under the shimmering, synth-y mass. Take a listen to the band below, and catch them playing Burlington's Higher Ground Ballroom with Arc Iris 12/30.-Olivia Sisinni
 

Arc Iris was started by Jocie Adams (formerly of The Low Anthem) as a solo project in 2012 before enlisting the help of Zach Tenorio-Miller on keyboards and Ray Belli on drums, and in 2014 they released their genre bending debut that was influenced by everything from folk and country to jazz and cabaret. Their upcoming album Moon Saloon takes on a darker and more mysterious atmosphere, while continuing to use bold classical arrangements that make their sound unique. Their complexly composed songs feature a wide array of instruments and tender vocal harmonies that shape the band’s ethereal sound. The band is about to leave for an over a month long tour in the US and Europe. In anticipation of Moon Saloon's release on August 19th via Bella Union, our friends at Delicious Audio asked the band's keyboardist, Zach, about the band's gear and creative process - see link below.

Delicious Audio interview with Arc Iris.

The staggeringly beautiful stylings of Providence, RI group Arc Iris have been brought to life in their new video for “Kaleidoscope,” a single off of their upcoming album “Moon Salon.” The three piece ensemble, which includes former Low Anthem member Jocie Adams, uses tantalizing vocal melodies, mysterious cello lines, emotionally-charged drum beats, and lush harmonies to create mesmerizing performances, both acoustically and visually. The new video is no exception - it features a blended interaction of dancers, musicians, and light for a psychedelic display, reminiscent of Joanna Newsom, Fleetwood Mac, and Animal Collective. The video takes you on a fantastic journey through their sound, which is unique, compelling, and enchanting. You can catch Arc Iris’ enchanting aura this July at their C’mon Everybody residency in Brooklyn, starting on July 5, and in New Haven, CT on July 21. - Dan Rome

A few days ago, I wrote about Bent Shapes and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah performing at The Middle East Downstairs. Well, I went to the show last night and I was captivated by a band I had never heard of before. Bent Shapes and CYHSY both put on excellent sets, but Providence-based Arc Iris absolutely stole the show for me.

The five-piece group had everything you could want in a live performance--intense energy, appreciation for performing and incredible talent. As they were setting-up, I was perplexed as to what they might sound like. They brought two keyboards, drums, a stand-up bass, acoustic guitar, lap steel, banjo, trumpet and a trombone to the stage--quite an eclectic combination. Oh, and did I mention that they all dressed in white and had one member doing interpretive tap dancing to the music? They reminded me of some strange Jefferson Starship-meets-Ployphonic Spree hybrid, but with an even more unqiue sound.

I'm still struggling to process/describe what it is exactly that I saw last night, but their sound was something akin to a soul/folk/jazz amalgamation that absolutely blew my mind. They are currently on tour with CYHSY, so if you find that they are coming to a city near you, I implore you: go see this band. They will be well-worth your time.  

Their next gig is tonight at the Bowery Ballroom in NYC, followed by Metro Gallery in Baltimore. Check their Facebook for more information.

-Dan McMahon (@dmcmhn)