Music

Dripping with energy, Typhoon creates something so lively and real on their studio albums. From handclaps to a rousing chorus of backup singers, this orchestra of a band (around 13 people) creates such a rich sound but in a directed fashion, far from a cluttered mess of instrumentation. And the dynamics of the song are so teasing and unique, as verse after verse builds tension that works towards an nonexistent climax, instead favoring short breaks to momentarily relieve the tension. It doesn’t hurt that the lead vocals sound a bit like Andrew Bird either.

This Portland based conglomeration isn’t exactly new to the music scene, forming in 2005 before internal pressure led to an extended hiatus. But now, back with their EP A New Kind of House, Typhoon is picking up speed again, appearing on David Letterman back in August. The band just finished off a small regional northwestern tour but promises more dates in the coming months. Be on the lookout and until then listen to “Summer Home.”

-Will Guerin