Videohippos - Unbeast the Leash

Hailing from Baltimore, Videohippos is the duo of Jim Triplett (guitar, vocals, keys) and Kevin O’Meara (drums, vocals, keys). The group will be releasing their debut album Unbeast the Leash through Monitor Records on June 19th and I would be pretty surprised if this doesn’t end up getting some well deserved attention soon after it’s available. My first thought was to call this noise-pop, but that doesn’t necessarily fit with Videohippos. First and foremost the melodies contained within Unbeast the Leash are just too goddamn catchy and intoxicating to simply write it off that easily. The groups sound is definitely one of the most intriguing and unique mashups that’s I’ve heard in awhile, combining a crazy amount of churning synth, feedback, and thunderous drumming. Really, O’Meara’s ferocious battery to his drum kit is a driving force on Unbeast the Leash giving the group an almost mutant like essence to their already cartoon-like sound. Surround that with Triplett’s wonderfully crafted melodies and then sprinkle in samples upon samples and you have Videohippos odd but highly tantalizing view of pop music.

Although I’ve yet to see these guys live, I am thinking that Unbeast the Leash may only be scratching the surface as to what this duo is all about. Apparently they play to a backdrop of a screen that runs video collages that run in synch with the duo’s music. I can only assume as to how much of surreal experience that would be. But yeah, I am hoping to possibly catch them when they come around here on their current tour with Dan Deacon, as should everyone else out there. Check out their MySpace for complete tour dates!

Videohippos – The List [MP3]
Videohippos – Kool Shades [MP3]

Be on the look out for Unbeast the Leash out on Monitor come June 19th.