Customer Reviews

Glistening Pleasure

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I saw Duran Duran perform in July 2009. NPSH opened for them. While I typically don't expect much from an opening band, NPSH (as they are now called) were so fun and full of energy that I couldn't help but like the music and I went and bought the CD immediately.

While some songs are on the "joke" side it's really well done. The music is 80's sounding (I mean that as a compliment), but at the same time, it's not like the 80's at all. The sound or vibe is of a time when music seemed to not take itself so seriously, but it also has a production quality that resonates to the current musical standards.

I really enjoy listening to them and I can't wait to hear their next album.

Me + Yr Daughter
Slow Motion Tag Team
Beard Lust
Sophisticated Side Ponytail

Those are all some of the stand out tracks (IMO).

I was pleasantly shocked when I heard this band open for someone. I have had impromptu dance parties with only this EP played on repeat. The lyrics are hilarious, and my friends and I repeat them to each other all the time. The videos on youtube are as entertaining as the lyrics. They unfortunately changed their name to Brite Futures, which is not as good as Natalie Portman's Shaved Head, but maybe Natalie Portman didn't like the band stealing her name?

I first saw NPSH at Bumbershoot and have been infatuated with them every since. From their light-hearted lyrics to their catchy guitar and synth rhythms, you can't help but dance and sing along to all their songs. NPSH seems to be making music for the sake of the music and not for money or other motivations. This belief shines through in their performances on this CD where in every song they seem to be having loads of fun. I fully recommend this CD as it is one of my favorites and you will undoubtedly fall in love with it. Also, be sure to watch for NPSH as they garner more national attention!

Natalie Portman's Shaved Head is not a thing; it is a way of life, at least for five very young hipsters from Seattle. "Glistening Pleasure" is the debut album from NPSH, an electro-pop band that has rapidly been climbing up the college radio charts. Party, dance, and party some more seem to be what NPSH stand for.

"Beard Lust" is a song about facial hair maintenance, and might be the best song on the record. Bubblegum pop keyboards and goofy falsetto vocals compose the song. Funny and catchy, this song serves as the template for Glistening Pleasure.

Lyrically this album is not very serious but musically this album is amazing. On album opener "Me + Yr Daughter" drums open hard and continue throughout with synthesizers buzzing and guitars slashing with brilliant affect. Flashy hooks make Natalie Portman's Shaved Head the band to be, with the CD that can fuel any party.

My friend who is a music aficionado was really, really excited about this album. I put it on my iPod. It's a year later, and I'm still not tired of it. I saw them live, and it is a once in a lifetime experience to get to see a band that, by all rights, should be gigantically popular, playing a small Cafe in San Francisco. There were no more than 50-100 people there, it was spectacular! I love that their lyrics are mostly playful, and yet they are serious about their music and make sure that every track is one that is worth listening to.

My main gripe with Indie Rock/Pop these days is that it's all so self-absorbed and serious. A lot of it is people essentially complaining about themselves and the world. NPSH is refreshing to say the least. It's actually annoying to go to a record store and start listening to CDs now, because it's really hard to find any music that sounds like NPSH, and the type of music they create is my favorite kind of music: accessible, fun, synthy, singalong, bassy, pop hooks, sillyness, catchy guitar riffs, it's all there!