Heartbreaking Bravery

Now that the past month or so has been all but brought up to speed, it’s time to re-adjust the attention to the releases that have been surfacing in the more present release cycle. This post will focus on the music videos that have managed to impress over the past few days, while ensuing posts will tackle some of the excellent songs and full releases to have emerged in that time. Color TV, a new act out of Los Angeles, gets the feature here but it’s also worth noting that a handful of other acts released impressive works as well, among them: Sick Sad World, Frigs, Littlefoot, Moving Panoramas, Snow Roller, Susan, Little Wings, The Blank Tapes, Mrs. Magician, Young Mister, Chastity, and Karen Meat and the Computer.

All of those videos linked above are more than worthy of attention but it was the retro-styled clip for “Anybody’s Girl” that grabbed the feature spot. Utilizing a green screen effect to lightly comedic proportions, the clip’s galvanized by the commitment of Tipper Newton (the guitarist/vocalist and principal songwriter of Color TV) in an energized performance. The song itself is a sharp blast of powerpop, anchored by Newton’s convictions and scathing vocal delivery.

Both the clip (directed by Newton) and the song take a lot of inspiration from the alternative movements of the ’80s and ’90s and execute those cues with an exuberant glee. It’s an extremely charming clip that touches on relationship dynamics in unexpectedly amusing ways. Newton’s forthright with her message and the clip actually benefits from the directness, affording it some extra room for some pointed moments.

With just one screen and some light effects, Newton (and Color TV) have come charging in without warning. “Anybody’s Girl” is an exciting burst of powerpop, ushering in a promising new voice. In just two and a half minutes, Color TV create a winsome identity that’s as self-aware as it is hopeful. Perfect as a soundtrack for warm weather hangs or late night parties, it’s nothing short of a small triumph. The same can be said of the song’s colorful video, which underscores the band’s DIY ethos with a welcome dash of subtlety.

Color TV’s only made two of their songs public but they’ll be a name to watch and they’ll almost certainly be highlighted on this site again.

Watch “Anybody’s Girl” below and pick up the digital single from the band here.