A Band You Don't Know, But Should.

For all the people who have been waiting for a new Postal Service record since the last presidential election, I suggest you tide yourself over with Minneapolis band Halloween, Alaska. HA is a collective of musicians from around the Twin Cities, notably drummer David King from The Bad Plus and guitarist Jake Hanson, brother of Jeremy Hanson of Tapes 'N Tapes.

Unlike the Postal Service, HA uses all live percussion, and King plays his hybrid kit (electronic and acoustic percussion) so fast that on slower songs he drums on his legs to keep his metronomic beats locked in with Hanson's atmospheric guitar parts. HA's singer James Diers sings with a laconic, flexible rhythm that somehow always finds a place in the electro-pop surrounding him, and the band's choice of cover songs (State Trooper by Bruce Springsteen, and I Can't Live Without My Radio by LL Cool J) is impeccable.

Check out one of my favorite Halloween, Alaska songs, Call It Clear, and do yourself a favor and check out other songs at their myspace.

Call It Clear Halloween, Alaska Mp3

Myspace for Halloween, Alaska.