Body Parts

Sometimes helping others with their artistic passions makes you long to create something you can call your own, something Ryder Bach knows all too well. The actor/songwriter has written all kinds of music for his friends, and collaborated on all kinds of stage productions, but it’s the experimental pop duo Body Parts that he makes up with Alina Cutrono that’s been consuming him of late. While running around L.A., Bach told us about botched video shoots, transitioning from acting to music, and the band’s debut album, Fire Dream, out October 29. Body Parts play with Heatwarmer and Lures at the Columbia City Theater this Thursday (8/15).


Body Parts can help you make sense of your own "fire dreams" when they play the Columbia City Theater this Thursday, 8/15. Photo by Stephanie Gonot.
Last-minute errands? Errands, but also, we’re shooting the video for one of our new singles. We were supposed to shoot it last night, but we got shut down before we even started. It’s ridiculous. There’s a fireplace on this rooftop. We put a fire in there and they showed up and said “You can’t have fires in that fireplace.”

Because that makes sense! I know! We were like “Are you serious? It’s a fireplace.” We had to scramble then we’re going to shoot it somewhere else tonight.

Are you and Alina behind the video concepts? It’s been a pretty even collaboration between Alina and I and the director. We’ve gotten lucky to have friends who are talented enough to execute the videos. For the choreography, we told them “We’re going to come up with some choreography.” They’ve been like “Cool. Just show up on the day of and whatever you guys come up with, we’ll do.” It’s been pretty natural and easy so far.

You both have backgrounds in theater, dance, and performance. Can you tell me a bit about the work you’ve done? Alina’s done a lot of dance in different troupes. She’s also in this sideshow troupe where she breathes fire. I’ve done quite a bit of musical theater. It’s been my profession for the last couple years. I also act in commercials. I’m coming at it from more of an acting background, and she’s more a dancer.

Do you have a favorite role? I’ve been involved in one production since the workshop five years ago. It’s called Girlfriend. It’s based on the music of Matthew Sweet. That’s been the most fun because the people involved have become my favorite people.

How did you make the transition from acting to music? I’ve always written music. I’ve written music for movies, friends’ movies, and art pieces. I moved to L.A. with the intention of just acting, and at a certain point I thought “I have to have something that I can be the lead creative force behind.” I tend to get very into the things that I’m doing, so Body Parts became something that I could devote my time to. It’s mostly really fun.

Where did you all record Fire Dream ? The bass player in the band, Ray [Proudfoot], is an engineer, and he has some recording equipment and I have some recording equipment. We recorded it between five locations [laughs]. We recorded the drums in Alina’s dad’s house. We did the vocals three different places. I have this friend, Danny, with a studio so we recorded some stuff at his studio and then a bunch of stuff at my apartment, a couple things at Ray’s apartment.

Body Parts sounds like a very self-sufficient band. It happens out of necessity. This album was a whole concept brewing in my mind, and you go “I could either wait for someone to give me the resources, which may never happen, or I could figure it out myself.”

A concept you had or a concept album? It’s a loose concept album. It came from this dream I had where a close friend murdered my parents. The dream changed the way I interacted with my friend in real life. I created this phrase, “fire dream,” to define that phenomenon where a made-up reality affects reality. I thought there were many specific circumstances that fall under that scenario, so I started writing this album that has built-in messages and themes. A big theme of the album is self-help religion. It’s about religion, the culture of worship and celebrities. It’s not a concept album in that there’s a story that you’re following, but all of the songs are based around this fire dream idea.

Does that friend know about your dream? He does. I had a lot of talks with him about the idea in its early form so it’s OK.

What’s next for Body Parts? We have some more singles coming out. We’re going to do a larger U.S. tour in October. It should be a pretty crazy next couple of months because we’ve put a lot on our plate, and we’ll see how it goes. We’d love to go to Japan, England, Europe, so that’s the dream.

A much happier dream than no parents. A happier dream than the fire dream. - http://www.seattleweekly.com/

Fresh and funktastic, here’s a new jam from new band Body Parts that’ll grab your ears with an “I must follow these vocals to the source of the song” interest akin to Pepé Le Pew fresh on the scent of his next sexual conquest. While the song conceptually is existentially kitschy (thinking about all the unknowns in the world) and the lyrics can be thin at times, the hook/melody combo paired with a retro bass line/riff are strong enough to make this an enjoyable three minute jaunt. - http://www.iguessimfloating.net/

In line with this year’s ’70s musical comeback, Los Angeles electro-pop outfit Body Parts have unveiled a velvet-lined, funky pleaser called “People”. The track, off the band’s full-length debut, Fire Dream (October 29th, Faughter/Daughter Records), is a much-welcomed nod to the Bee Gees’ rich, soulful harmonies and suave swagger. “What about all the people you never hear about?” they inquisitively croon over an intricate groove. As rhetorical as it may be, it’s a question best pondered while lounging on your neon shag rug. Listen below. - http://consequenceofsound.net/

Experimental pop unit Body Parts cite an array of influences: Prince, Kate Bush, and, perhaps most notably, Church of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. Name-dropping aside, it's clear from previously heard tracks "Desperation" and "Unavoidable Things" that the Los Angeles outfit — led by core members Ryder Bach and Alina Cutrono, rounded out by bassist Raymond Proudfoot, drummer Taylor Dexter, and keyboardist Derek Coburn — specialize in supple, funk-informed synth-pop. For further proof, time-travel back to the '80s pick-up scene by streaming "People" below. - http://www.spin.com/

The lyric video was initially introduced to buy some time in between the release of a single and the need to make a video for it—as attention spans grow shorter, something in between started to feel like a necessary middle-step. However, the medium has since evolved into a brand of visual consumption all its own, knowing that an impatient audience wouldn't be quite content with only words flashing on a screen. In the case of Body Parts' "Unavoidable Things", the video itself is much more than just the words—and if when you watch it unfold, it's almost easy to forget that the lyrics are still there. Mixing fire and water, "Unavoidable Things" grows from a dancy, disco track to a bizarre and thoughtful art project. - http://www.imposemagazine.com/

I always look forward to hearing new music by Body Parts because it’s always so damn fun. I am yet again impressed as I listen to their new single, “Unavoidable Things.”

The song starts off strong with some Afro-pop bass and beat… and who doesn’t love that? The vocals are crystal clear and resonating as the electric guitar slithers its way in. This track oozes 80s pop goodness, and that’s just fine with me. Body Parts is obviously an immensely talented group of musicians who are wildly creative and incredibly fun to listen to.

This brings me to my next realization: I am very much looking forward to Body Parts’ new album, Fire Dream, set to release on October 29. I bet it’s a doozy! - http://www.indieshuffle.com/

This latest single “Unavoidable Things” from Body Parts definitely commanded my attention upon first listen. The tune is built around a funky 80's-tinged groove and a snappy, upbeat rhythm. You’ll be able to detect threads of great experimental pop composers like Talking Heads and of Montreal in the rubbery, upbeat jam. It’s one of our first tastes from their forth-coming debut record. These up-and-comers are led by vocalist Ryder Bach and includes guitarist Alina Cutrono, bassist Raymond Proudfoot, drummer Taylor Dexter, and keyboardist Derek Coburn. I don’t know about you, but I’m excited to hear more. - http://www.turntablekitchen.com/

Lately there has been a resurgence of glitzy synth-pop productions reminiscent of those so commonplace in the 1980s. Body Parts are one of those bands that have taken to creating this kind of material, but what sets them apart is that they do so effectively. This is particularly true on their new single “Unavoidable Things,” an epic and hopelessly catchy synth-pop creation. Leading the track though, are Ryder Bach’s slightly androgynous vocals that evoke a retro feel while still being decidedly modern. It’s a unique ability that doesn’t feel contrived or premeditated, and instead flows almost effortlessly. Body Parts will release their debut album, Fire Dream, October 29th but you can hear a taste of it with “Unavoidable Things” below. - http://pigeonsandplanes.com/

With some light Googling, we learned that the appearance of fire in a dream is favorable to the dreamer, so long as he or she doesn't get burned. Whatever that means, dreams figure prominently into L.A. band Body Parts' sound. Their forthcoming album Fire Dream (which was in fact inspired by vocalist Ryder Bach's nightmare) is the meeting point of bright, '80s dance music and the subconscious.

For their latest track, "Unavoidable Things," Bach and bandmate Alina Cutrono pair the synth-heavy sound and cresting harmonies of their earlier work with lyrics that plunge inward. "Three months ago I woke up in a cold sweat," Ryder Bach sings over an infectious groove. "It was a fire dream. Everyone was burning, but they weren't dead yet..." Freighted with symbolism, the line hangs unfinished and leaves listeners wondering about its meaning even as they dance away.

So what does Bach dream about when he hears the song? "I come upon a homeless man sitting against the side of a building crying, I ask him what's wrong, and he looks up at me and says, 'There's no way I can change my nature,' " he says. "This scene never actually happened, but for some reason it always comes into my head when I hear this song, I don't know why." Like most dreams, we'll leave it up to Freud to dissect this one. - http://www.interviewmagazine.com/

Without name-calling Prince as an influence on this track, we'd seem ignorant. But then while drawing attention to its early 80s disco and pop sound (reminiscent of a hint of Blondie, a dash of Tiffany), we'd show our age. If you're looking to really get the essence of this new track from dancey duo Body Parts, you need to see past the influence and just get into the flow. There are textures of electronic experimentation here as lush and vibrant as a fresh carton of raspberries that are immediately dropped into a champagne flute. The vocals are crisp, and the title is misleading—"Desperation" this is not. It's gregarious and expressive and gets our heart rates above the standard hoodie-wearing BPM we keep them at.

Body Parts' debut record, Fire Dream, comes out on October 29 through Father/Daughter Records. You can preorder that here, and then catch the group live at the dates below the embed. We hear the live show isn't to be missed, as the dancing is grade-A - http://www.imposemagazine.com/

Los Angeles band Body Parts traffic in high-gloss, 1990s pop. Check out duo’s infectious single “Desperation,” a cut from their forthcoming debut album.

The band’s debut album Fire Dream is out October 29 via Father/Daughter records. - http://www.undertheradarmag.com/

Body Parts‘ Ryder Bach exposes his inner diva during the band’s intimate indoor set. While playing guitar and singing, his arms flail in emotive gestures. “Which body parts?” someone in the crowd asks. “It’s whatever you want it to be,” Bach responds before jumping into the next song. Though it’s only 2 PM, the crowd is engaged and sensually dancing in the small space. They groove with the band as they play their latest single, “Rest While You Sleep,” and feed off Bach’s dance—inducing vibes. - http://www.purevolume.com/

Body Parts took the stage at 9:00 and set the bar incredible high for the rest of the week. Although avoiding a Talking Heads comparison would just be forced, the band manages to channel that sound in their own way. I’ve seen Talking Heads done horribly, and this isn’t that. Frontman Ryder Bach mesmerizes onstage with awkward dance moves and impressive vocal range. The entire lineup remain focused, tight yet energetic. I wrote that this was a band to see at SXSW this year, and I nailed it. They play several more times, so check out showlistaustin.com and get to it. - http://www.poppressinternational.com/

Body Parts took the stage at 9:00 and set the bar incredible high for the rest of the week. Although avoiding a Talking Heads comparison would just be forced, the band manages to channel that sound in their own way. I’ve seen Talking Heads done horribly, and this isn’t that. Frontman Ryder Bach mesmerizes onstage with awkward dance moves and impressive vocal range. The entire lineup remain focused, tight yet energetic. I wrote that this was a band to see at SXSW this year, and I nailed it. They play several more times, so check out showlistaustin.com and get to it. - http://www.poppressinternational.com/

Body Parts, the project of songwriter, singer and guitarist Ryder Bach, have shared a new video for “Rest While You Sleep”. The new video maintains that your body is your temple, so he and guitarist/singer Alina Cutrono perform Yoga in a variety of locations, no matter the climate. Join in the fun by using this as your new instructional workout video. You get to hear a great song in the process. The video was directed and edited by Matt Sobel and shot on location in Death Valley, Santa Cruz and Los Angeles, without the use of a green screen. - http://www.earbuddy.net/

I’m so happy to hear that Body Parts is back with a new release. “Rest While You Sleep” is an uplifting track surely able to get your spirits up.

The first thing I noticed upon first listening was that this single is very Talking Heads-esque. Even down to the vocals, the lead singer sounds very much like David Byrne, which is a very good and unique thing, in my opinion. There’s definitely a tropical vibe sprawled across this experimental, mathematical indie pop track, much like other Body Parts’ tracks. They always leave you wondering what they’re going to come up with next.

If you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up in music form, Body Parts should be your go to. They’ll be releasing a two-song single on February 19, 2013. - http://www.indieshuffle.com/

L.A. experimental pop band Body Parts can be strange and beautiful, and beautifully strange; it’s hard to deny the entrancing yet odd things they do both sonically and visually. And what have they done to accompany the marvelous single “Rest While You Sleep?” They went to Death Valley and Venice Beach to practice tai-chi. The Matt Sobel-directed video doesn’t include any green screens, and its inspiration came from this dude. Their album “Fire Dream” is slated for a release later this year. - http://buzzbands.la/

L.A. experimental pop band Body Parts can be strange and beautiful, and beautifully strange; it’s hard to deny the entrancing yet odd things they do both sonically and visually. And what have they done to accompany the marvelous single “Rest While You Sleep?” They went to Death Valley and Venice Beach to practice tai-chi. The Matt Sobel-directed video doesn’t include any green screens, and its inspiration came from this dude. Their album “Fire Dream” is slated for a release later this year. - http://buzzbands.la/

The latest single 'Rest While You Sleep' from 405 favourites Body Parts cements the LA quartet's aptitude for immaculate indie-pop. Led by Ryder Bach, the band manage to fuse the slick, pop sensibilities of The Dirty Projectors, colossal chorus harmonies and Talking Heads' off-kilter vocals to create an irresistible and idiosyncratic sound.

Body Parts are set to release a new two song single on February 19th through New Professor Music. The band are also working on an album scheduled for a late 2013 release. - http://thefourohfive.com/

I found this new Body Parts track in my Soundcloud stream. They are signed to New Professor Music, who has released some of the David Shane Smith music that I have covered in my time here with Sirens. I follow them on Soundcloud and stumbled upon “Rest While You Sleep” by accident – the new Soundcloud just keeps playing right through your stream til you tell it to stop. I never told it to stop, and I was inadvertently introduced to Body Parts.

“Rest While You Sleep” sounded like a motivational speech set to an early 90's pop track to my unfocused ears. Summery electronics twinkle behind a surprisingly strong, full male vocal lead intoning you to “rest while you sleep” and “just be yourself” – you can see why I thought it was a motivational track, yes? No? Well then, you see what had happened…

It was probably the third time through the track that it really clicked with me. I feel a bit foolish now admitting it took that long for me to fall in love with it. I admit to running the gamut of opinions initially. Here was my conversation with myself: Is it actually motivational? Not really. Well, kinda? Hokey? A little, but in a good way. Catchy? Yeah, it’s growing on me. Light? Very, it’s like a weight is lifted when listening to the track. So? It’s good, but I can’t really explain why I like it so much.

That’s pretty much the nail on the head. I can’t really explain whatever it is that will get you to listen to Body Parts. I just think you should. It’ll make you feel better or maybe even feel better about yourself, and your ears will love it.

If I had any criticism at all, it would be that singer Ryder Bach looks like he tweaked his shoulder on the album cover. That looks like a signature rotator cuff issue. He should get that checked out. Also, as a fairly new parent I have to say, if Ryder Bach is indeed the Body Parts founder’s real name…smooth. Your parents deserve kudos.

Kudos, Bach parents. Well played. - http://sirensofdecay.com/

Leave it to a band from L.A. to write a song called "Perfect Water." The track's half of a new single from Body Parts, an Echo Park quartet led by frontman Ryder Bach. "Perfect Water" pours out like a farm-to-table cocktail, one part Local Natives rhythmic gymnastics, one part Dirty Projectors vocal athleticism, and a slice of Talking Heads grooviness -- making for a full glass of intoxicating indie rock. Even better: Refills won't wreak havoc on your credit card debt.

The band's huge harmonies soar like a fighter-jet formation, cruising over click-clacking drums and fruit-flavored synths to drop lines such as "I feel like touching your mind to your body!" It's metaphysical business from a band that also wants us to dance. The track, alongside A-side "Rest While You Sleep," is out today on New Professor. It's the first music from the group since debut set On Purpose, an album Bach recorded mostly solo in a Long Island basement. Sounds like the West Coast's been treating them well -- must be something in the water. Or maybe the farmers' market? Drink up below. - http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/

The band: Body Parts, an Echo Park solo project-turned-band.

The sound: The band plays a wildly melodic brand of indie rock indebted to cerebral dance music makers such as Talking Heads and Dirty Projectors. Founder Ryder Bach’s voice is a high, shrill instrument that’s at its most powerful enmeshed in dissonant multi-tracked harmonies; his irreverent lyrics range from sincere calls for “more conditional love” to name-checking Miley Cyrus. (And that’s just one song.)

The random: Aside from a handful of vocal contributions, every note on the group’s seven-track “On Purpose” EP was played by Bach in his parents’ Long Island basement before he headed west and gathered the rest of the group. - www.latimes.com

The band: Body Parts, an Echo Park solo project-turned-band.

The sound: The band plays a wildly melodic brand of indie rock indebted to cerebral dance music makers such as Talking Heads and Dirty Projectors. Founder Ryder Bach’s voice is a high, shrill instrument that’s at its most powerful enmeshed in dissonant multi-tracked harmonies; his irreverent lyrics range from sincere calls for “more conditional love” to name-checking Miley Cyrus. (And that’s just one song.)

The random: Aside from a handful of vocal contributions, every note on the group’s seven-track “On Purpose” EP was played by Bach in his parents’ Long Island basement before he headed west and gathered the rest of the group. - www.latimes.com

LA’s Body Parts was originally started as the musical project of Ryder Bach, but has since been extended into a full band including Alina Cutrono, Raymond Proudfoot, and Taylor Dexter. On February 19th, the band will be releasing their new single for “Rest While You Sleep” via New Professor Records.

They have a potpourri of influences that shape their sound that mixes African guitar with heavy percussion and off-beat vocal delivery to make danceable grooves. “Rest While You Sleep” has very strong similarities to artists such as The Dirty Projectors and Talking Heads/David Byrne that can best be described as eclectic pop. The single is a precurser to a planned full-length sometime later this year.
- http://www.myoldkentuckyblog.com/

There are two pretty remarkable things worth mentioning about the video for "Rest While you Sleep" by L.A.-based, self-described "experimental pop" band Body Parts: 1) the clip was filmed on location (no green screens) in Death Valley, Santa Cruz and Venice Beach, places that provide backdrops as dramatic as those that you'll find on a Planet Earth DVD for 2) band members Ryder Bach and Alina Cutrono to practice... tai-chi. Watching glaciers crash as Bach and Cutrono bend and lunge into synchronized poses makes it feel as if they're meditating and exercising while something ominous or apocalyptic -- yet beautiful -- takes place around them. And, interestingly, we hear that the something ominous nearly did happen even before they started filming -- the band was trapped in an icy mountain pass on their way to Death Valley. Fortunately for all, they made it out alright and got to work on their tai-chi. Watch the video above. - http://www.papermag.com/

If the Dirty Projectors had cousins out West, they’d be the band Body Parts. You’ll hear the resemblance right away in the dissonant Afro-guitar licks and jumpy, sprightly vocals. But while this band may have its father’s eyes, Body Parts is a unique progeny. The group’s On Purpose EP is pop deconstruction in Projectors fashion but with a couple of one-off duets that are sparing in their composition but rich in their delivery. And unlike the Projectors you won’t feel lost if you haven’t got a music degree, as these off-beat rhythms and elaborate pop experimentation have easier points of access.

In 2009 Ryder Bach had a lot of projects in mind. Growing up in San Jose, CA, his first brush with music came in the form of the musical. Bach, who earns his bread by day as an actor, got his first taste of music in that grand realm, but he still came to cut tracks in his spare time on GarageBand like the rest of us. The band is for its members not an all-consuming obsession. Bach has his acting; his cousin, percussionist and vocalist Sebastian Bach, has his own side project as does Alina Cutrono, the band’s guitarist and vocalist; drummer Marie Ishikawa and bassist Ray Proudfoot have been musical nomads for a while.

Despite having other stuff going on, the band has put a lot of work into its EP, and it shows. The process was something akin to designing the first rocket: developed on the drawing board, blown up, then brought back for tweaks. “We went through many different versions and ended up on the ones that we recorded,” explains Ryder. “Certain songs went through four or five complete overhauls.”

The hard work payed off and resulted in a tightly wound seven-track EP. The cascading vocal harmonies on tracks like “Doing Things” and “Conditional Love” create the illusion of a whole choir behind the tracks. The bounce and rapid-fire pop power of “Words” and “Complicated” cast hooks by the handful. A lot of ground gets covered as Body Parts can lock into an Afro-pop groove and switch completely to the Roy Orbison balladry of “Complicated.” In between there’s plenty of interesting percussion—cowbells and rim tick-ticking—to enjoy.

The band embarks on a tour next March and will be attending SXSW for the first time. Body Parts will also be cutting new tracks for a project Ryder is calling “Fire Dream.” It would seem the purely off-the-clock project of Body Parts is taking up more and more of the frontman’s time, which for us is a very good thing. - http://www.cmj.com/

It’s not often that such an overt hommage to the The Dirty Projectors is done fresh, but these Los Angeleans have tackled the task and created something compelling here. The odd-tune harmonies, the afrobeat guitar riffs, the rim clacks driving the thing up and down the coast with the top down. - http://yvynyl.tumblr.com/

This was the music used on one of the floats in the Peter Falk Day Parade. A humble one, not the giant inflatable trench coat or the 9-foot glass eye, but just a group dedicated to the stewardship of his memory. They understand that Peter Falk was not perfectly great, and neither are they, but they love both him and themselves. - http://www.saidthegramophone.com/

Body Parts are an LA-based experimental pop quartet (I love how fancy shmancy that sounds) comprised of lead singer/guitarist/sexy motherfucker Ryder Bach, bassist Alina Cutrono, drummer Marie Ishikawa and drummer (2 drummers?) Matt Sobel.
Their music has been compared to that of The Dirty Projectors which, in theory, is probably pretty accurate. However, I’m a little bored with The Dirty Projectors because I feel as though they’ve fallen into that whole how-weird-and-different-can-we-make-our-music-sound trap. (I’m sure their fans are very happy with the results, but I just can’t really get into it.)
Of the tracks I’ve heard from Body Parts’ soon-to-be-released debut album, I’d say the band reminds me of a fusion between Talking Heads and Pavement, but their sound touches on many different genres both musicially and vocally. In fact, the vocals on one of their songs even reminds me of the 1940s-style harmonizing made popular by The Andrew Sisters. (I’m sure many of you are thinking “WHO?!”)
The band recorded their debut album, On Purpose, out in my neck of the woods (ish) in Long Island last year. My favorite track that I’ve heard thus far is called “Doing Things” and I’ve been more or less addicted to it for the last week or so. Their music will be best suited for those of you that have a thing for artists and bands that test the boundaries of what ‘pop’ is; so be sure to listen with an open mind.
As if I needed to be anymore obsessed with these guys, the video they recorded of themselves performing live atop someone’s roof (in NYC?) has me convinced that Body Parts are the real deal. Everything just seems to ‘make sense’ while watching the band perform.
I’ll be continuing to throw my support behind Body Parts (which kind of sounds sexual). Their music will be a challenge for some of you to wrap your ears around, but do me a favor: Take off your electropop dancing hat, put on your hipster hat (don’t kill me for lumping you guys in with hipsters btw, Body Parts), open your mind and check out the aforementioned performance of “Comfortable, Happy, Satisfied” and then listen to their song “Critical” below. Or do it in reverse order. Just do it, ok? - http://www.fredhystere.com/

This might be a tad different from the stuff I normally post on here, but it is way too catchy and wildly ridiculous for me to refrain from sharing.
There are days when music can change the course of your day. One minute you can be on the pathway of eternal grumpiness; nothing seems right and you’d rather just bury your head under a pillow and sleep the day away. Then you hear a song that immediately changes your mood. After hearing such music you couldn’t stay grouchy even if you wanted to. This was the case when I met Body Parts halfway through a slump day. From that moment on I was a changed boy.
Nestled comfortably somewhere between Dirty Projectors and of Montreal, this Los Angeles band balances the quirky and the catchy in equal measure. If you find yourself in need of a quick pick-me-up do yourself a favor and check out Body Parts. Pay what you want for it on their bandcamp. - http://cactus-mouth.tumblr.com/

There seems to be some sort of mad scientist thing going on with Body Parts’ infectious new track ‘Comfortable, Happy, Satisfied’. The California four-piece creates an art-pop Frankenstein of sorts, stitching the avant-garde vocal textures and phrasings of the Dirty Projectors to the raucous and unrestrained exuberance of Brooklyn’s Suckers.
This is not intended to be background music, and the band makes that very clear from the start, virtually interrogating the listener in three-part-harmony over throbbing toms and some sparse guitar picking. The singing is a highlight, with tight, crisp, and well-placed vocal harmonies building to an emphatic chorus that stomps and sways in a slightly off-kilter way, like a the drunken last dance at a best friend’s wedding.
I’m not going to lie, I’ve been infatuated with this song from the first listen. My only issue with it is that it’s painfully derivative. Body Parts have thus far done an excellent job of cherry-picking the finest influences that modern indie-rock has to offer, but I hope they can expand their sound and become a sonic touchstone much like the bands they are emulating.
Body Parts self-released new album, ‘On Purpose’ is out now and available as a name-your-own-price download. It’s also available as a physical CD with a handwritten note and drawing from the band. - http://www.mp3hugger.com/

Part of the pleasure of receiving new music is finding out what’s happening in your hometown. Rarely do I actually get stuff from Los Angeles that isn’t some new boring hipster band or a dull and uninteresting noise project, often casting it aside for something similar but better. Luckily the current wave of rock that I have been lucky enough to get into (and in some cases see live up north) has been utterly killer. The dual drum and ‘6os meets ‘00s writing powerhouse of Aerial Stereo (possibly on hiatus, which would be terrible) was enough to get me to abandon most of the shitty anarcho-folk-punk in Santa Cruz and re-evaluate my hometown locale. And through that I found out about Body Parts. Not only are they related to another musician I like, singer-songwriter-bandleaderS.A. Bach (check out his stuff – please), they just so happen to have a debut mini-LP newly pressed and ready for all ears. On Purposemay only contain seven songs and about 27 minutes of music, but the infectious melodies and skillful writing maintain its staying power and immediate enjoyable traits.
From the first second of the disc, the music latches on with fervor and intensity. “I like the things that you’re doing” sings guitarist/lead Part Ryder Bach in a falsetto all his own, as opener ‘Doing Things’ showcases an impressive array of influences. Talking Heads and Dirty Projectors come to the fore, with massed harmonies in the chorus, nervous guitar, and a distinct sense of melisma, as well as a lack of articles in band names. To break down Body Parts to those two sources alone shortchanges the songs ultimately, and the infectiousness of highlights like ‘Comfortable, Happy, Satisfied’ and ‘Critical,’ two songs that boast sing along choruses and show off Bach’s vocal ability and ease with which the band jumps across intervals. The end result is aurally exhilarating and bizarrely modern while retaining a decidedly retro sound, the sound channeling the crisp guitar sonics of eras past while firmly staying with electronic experimentation both with the drums and the vocal editing. Inflections as far reaching as Insect Trust and classical sprechstimme can be discerned in the interplay of ‘Stereotypes’ and the chanting ‘Conditional Love,’ songs that release their pent up aggression in measured bursts of guitar and delicate female vocals over some even more delicate music. This sense of pan-generational influence is exactly what makes On Purpose as fascinating as it is, and reinvigorates each song with the energy of the previous outing.
So ultimately the end result is a debut that shows not only huge promise and a keen ear for catchy experimentalism, but actually makes me want to go to shows in my hometown. What that means is the LA scene can actually remove itself from the miasma of mediocrity that has grown thanks to the overabundance of bands. By the sheer replay value, free download, and low $10 price tag for a physical copy (housed in a sturdy digipak with a note from the band!), how can the offer go unnoticed? - http://thefourohfive.com/

Considering how irreverent Body Parts seem to be on their seven track offering On Purpose, one has to hope and believe that the awful album art seen above is just an inside joke or a sarcastic comment on the over wrought retro album covers trend. Either way, band names and album art mean nothing. It's all about the music and Los Angeles' Body Parts have offered up one of the more interesting, unique, and personality driven releases this year.

On Purpose comes at the listener from all directions and demands full attention as a song can turn on a dime or a new section of a song can pop up and then disappear as quickly as it was presented. There is a cockiness with Body Parts that never once feels pretentious, rather the band sprinkles in the right amount distain, humor, and wit. It would be easy to label Body Parts as sarcastic assholes, and they are on this album, but it's a label bestowed on them as a compliment. The band knows what they want to say and with most sarcasm or ironic meddling it can be taken the wrong way in the wrong hands.

For my tastes, Body Parts are exactly what a great indie rock band should be. There is a playfulness that never once compromises intelligent songwriting. In metaphor form, Body Parts are like a teenager having the time of their life reading Nabokov's Pale Fire and never apologizing for it. I'm always attracted to bands who don't have any comparisons to other bands and after hearing On Purpose not a single other band comes to mind. Body Parts are unique to themselves only. The music is fun, difficult, humorous, ironic, playful, sad, introspective, and if you think up the word, probably that too. I don't think Body Parts are even close to reaching their full potential and considering how much I enjoyed On Purpose, this band is definitely one to watch in the future. While we wait for their masterpiece, enjoy one the better releases of 2011: On Purpose. - http://welistenforyou.blogspot.com/