Ex Cops

n recent years lo-fi indie music has steadily risen up, like a giant cumulus nimbus, reaching it’s uppermost heights with the likes of Toro Y Moi, or Beach House, or Tennis – or any others from the multitude of artists that seem to fry their music by utilising the power of the sun through the magnifying glass that is Stereogum or Gorrila vs Bear. Today we bring you the next in line on the horizon, the Brooklyn-based Ex-Cops.

Just like their genre-mates, this is atmospheric mood music, that will surround and indulge you like a soundtrack to your afternoon. This is music to listen to whilst you do other things. It won’t penetrate your thoughts or demand attention, only warm you up or cool you down, proving as forgetful as office air-conditioning. Like rainbows or clouds they look beautiful from a distance, mesmerising even, but close up you notice the illusion, realising that they don’t actually have any real form or substance. It’s like they don’t really exist, floating in the air like a smoke ring that dissipates when you reach out to touch it.

That’s not to say they’re not enjoyable. This perfectly-pitched, beautifully melodic music serves it’s purpose well by raising or lowering your mood. Much in the same way that punk or dance music can’t suit every single frame of your mind through the day, neither can this, but select them when the mood is right and they’ll fit like a silk glove filled with Vaseline.

Inevitably a batch of excellent blogs, such as No Modest Bear, My Old Kentucky Blog, I Guess I’m Floating and The Needle Drop, among others, have picked up on them early with the track The Millionaire, which flew around online after they played their second ever live show at this year’s SXSW. Nursery rhyme vocals come in dream-like waves, over a beat that sounds like you’re listening with bathwater in your ears. It’s utterly lovely, but we can’t help but feel like we’re trying to look at something through our fingers because the sun’s burning our retinas – it’s simply impossible to make it out properly, even if you squint.

Tracks such as You Are A Lion I Am A Lamb and S&HSXX pick up the pace by adding in beats that serve to drive the songs in a new gear. The former lightly riffs away and earns a bassline backing that gives the melody a heartbeat, whilst the vocals hand you something to hum to. The latter introduces an industrial beat, refreshing you before the guitars appear like sparks that grind away at the wall of vocals. Both tracks show the band off in a more palatable light.

Spring Break (Birthday Song) sounds as positive as the track’s title suggests. It feels like you’ve gone camping for your birthday with Brian Wilson and he’s picked up a guitar around the campfire and started to make up a birthday lament on the spot. It’s another great example of their appeal, with their signature feather-light touch applied throughout yet another typically short three minute pop song.

This new project, from ex-Hymns frontman Brian Harding, only formed a few months ago, but the buzz is rising considerably, as we await the debut release, an EP entitled White Women. With music that takes the beautiful harmonies and melodies of a Radiohead ballad or a Beach Boys b-side, burns them and then plays them back to you through the walls of the apartment next door, this is an artist that will likely go on to gain blog inches in the months to come. However, this inevitable coverage is still unlikely to rack up much commercially successful chart sales, but it’s still worthy of your time. The clever trick that’s played with music of this fuzzy, lo-fi nature is that it’s actually pretty timeless and pitches itself well at the ears of the already converted, blog-reading public. It’s those discerning listeners that will appreciate this long after any charting hits have been forgotten. (MB) - The Recommender

March 31, 2011Posted by: adminNo CommentsVideosbroken chinese chairs, brooklyn, ex-cops, lo-fi, rock, Videos
Ex-Cops- “Broken Chinese Chairs”

Since my review of that Craft Spells album, I’ve been having a hankering for lo-fi, self-recorded rock and pop. So, let’s introduce the Brooklyn band Ex-Cops.
Though “Broken Chinese Chairs” is pretty fun and breezy, the mood of this band can get pretty dark, too. Word ’round the fire is an EP should be coming down the pipes. Considering there will be guest vocals from MINKS on it, maybe Ex-Cops will get the Captured Tracks hookup. - The Needle Drop

Foreign - No Modest Bear

Featured - Best New Tracks

LISTEN: Ex Cops “The Millionaire”
Monday March 21st, 2011


If you haven’t had the chance to catch the Brooklyn band Ex Cops performing live (which is understandable as they’ve only played a handful of shows thus far), the new project from HYMNS’ Brian Harding is best understood through a filter of mid-Sixties pop rock luster.

Drenched in reverb, Harding and his fleshed-out backing band develop a sunshine Beach Boys’ characteristic, while his voice, softer and more approachable on Ex Cops’ recorded material, takes a jagged left turn by approaching near Dylan ’65 pinched hoarseness when up on stage. (The latter, more nasally trait is better characteristic of HYMNS’ backcountry hipster folk.) Both live traits resulting in a magnified version of the driving guitar and slacker-town melodies that are only gently hinted upon during Ex Cops somewhat brief (for now) recorded output. Occasionally this slight disagreement can leave fans with a sour taste in their mouths, especially if concert goers expect groups to replicate everything exactly as it sounds on tape. (In my opinion Twin Shadow, whose distant depression synth sound resembles a more aggressive TV on the Radio element when playing live, are an example who suffer from recorded-to-live translation.) But luckily for Harding and his fashionably apathetic backing band, in the case of Ex Cops, both variations are pulled off. Like a head full of hair in some random handsome boy modeling catalog, Ex Cops’ live show may be a bit more energetic and disheveled, but it’s still more than acceptable (and sometimes better).

Ex Cops just returned from SXSW and they’re busy wrapping up their White Women EP (which’ll feature vocals from MINKS Amalie Bruun), but below you can listen to this recently recorded track of warm synths and vocals that are happily reminiscent of March sunshine shown through a slight afternoon overcast. Here’s “The Millionaire.” (via)
- Veoba

Featured - Unpopular

Its Sunday…many of you are coming down from that southern western high…meanwhile I’m coming down from the March-like madness. Good times all around (besides some stomach issues felt by the little one in the house). Safe travels to all you wandering music fiends and safe brackets to all you amped up sports fiends. Wherever and whoever you are – crank up the party with these:

mp3: Ex Cops – The Millionaire | Facebook
- Pasta Prima Vera

Back in January, I was fortunate enough to be able to bring you the debut of two new songs from Ex Cops, the new project from Brooklyn’s Brian Harding. My good fortune continues, as I’ve now got another one to share, and this…this you’ve got to hear. Recorded just a few nights ago, “The Millionaire” is an absolutely gorgeous ballad, led by warm synths, a steady, muffled beat and an electric guitar that shimmers like the sun reflecting on a dark blue lake. But it’s Harding’s voice that makes this truly special, and the moment you hear him whisper-sing his first line, I’m sure you’ll agree. Prepare to be haunted in the best possible way.

Ex Cops - “The Millionaire”


Harding is currently wrapping up the White Women EP, which will feature guest vocals from MINKS singer Amalie Bruun. However, there’s talk that this could possibly turn into an album. Time shall tell. For now, enjoy the tunes and, if you’re lucky enough to be attending SXSW this year, don’t miss Ex Cops perform at Swan Dive on Tuesday, March 15th, with Grizzly Bear’s Chris Taylor, who’ll be on hand to do a DJ set. Doors open at 9 p.m. - Octopus Windmill

Ex-Cops, the side project of HYMNS’ Brian Harding, is one of the latest haze-soaked Brooklyn bands looking to grab your attention. Let’s avoid the part of the conversation that asks why this sort of music is so prevalent in today’s underground music scene — that’s not to say such ponderings aren’t worth exploring, but Harding’s latest offering, “The Millionaire,” stands stably on its own legs. That is, after all, the first and foremost requirement… who cares about influences and trends as long as the provided vibes are as thoroughly pleasing as these are:

[MP3] Ex-Cops – The Millionaire

“Here we are, but we can’t remember why…” opens up “The Millionaire”, which goes on to suggest that the song’s title reflects a fuzzy, emotional richness as thick and dream-like as the syrupy synths and cheerful oohs and aahs that buoy the lyrics. It’s a simple message nestled within a simple song, one that guides our current seasonal transition with relentless ease and camaraderie. If you’re like me you’re probably making springtime mixes right about now… “The Millionaire” might be the perfect opening track.

Ex-Cops are currently working on an upcoming EP called White Women, release sometime TBA. We’ll keep you posted. - I Guess I'm Floating

More than a little buzz forming around Brooklyn-based Ex Cops, a new project from ex-HYMNS frontman, Brian Harding. Harding is assembling a live unit and concurrently putting the finishing touches on the low wine of this project, White Women EP, which we’re working under the assumption will include the Radiohead-esque Black Helicopters.

If you’re Austin-bound, be aware that Ex Cops third ever show will be going down March 15th at Swan Dive. I suspect people are already starting to queue up, so you may want to get a move on. - My Old Kentucky Blog

excopsband.com - excopsband.com

Back in January, I was fortunate enough to be able to bring you the debut of two new songs from Ex Cops, the new project from Brooklyn’s Brian Harding. My good fortune continues, as I’ve now got another one to share, and this…this you’ve got to hear. Recorded just a few nights ago, “The Millionaire” is an absolutely gorgeous ballad, led by warm synths, a steady, muffled beat and an electric guitar that shimmers like the sun reflecting on a dark blue lake. But it’s Harding’s voice that makes this truly special, and the moment you hear him whisper-sing his first line, I’m sure you’ll agree. Prepare to be haunted in the best possible way.

Harding is currently wrapping up the White Women EP, which will feature guest vocals from MINKS singer Amalie Bruun. However, there’s talk that this could possibly turn into an album. Time shall tell. For now, enjoy the tunes and, if you’re lucky enough to be attending SXSW this year, don’t miss Ex Cops perform at Swan Dive on Tuesday, March 15th, with Grizzly Bear’s Chris Taylor, who’ll be on hand to do a DJ set. Doors open at 9 p.m.

- Octopus Windmill

If you haven’t had the chance to catch the Brooklyn band Ex Cops performing live (which is understandable as they’ve only played a handful of shows thus far), the new project from HYMNS’ Brian Harding is best understood through a filter of mid-Sixties pop rock luster.

Drenched in reverb, Harding and his fleshed-out backing band develop a sunshine Beach Boys’ characteristic, while his voice, softer and more approachable on Ex Cops’ recorded material, takes a jagged left turn by approaching near Dylan ’65 pinched hoarseness when up on stage. (The latter, more nasally trait is better characteristic of HYMNS’ backcountry hipster folk.) Both live traits resulting in a magnified version of the driving guitar and slacker-town melodies that are only gently hinted upon during Ex Cops somewhat brief (for now) recorded output. Occasionally this slight disagreement can leave fans with a sour taste in their mouths, especially if concert goers expect groups to replicate everything exactly as it sounds on tape. (In my opinion Twin Shadow, whose distant depression synth sound resembles a more aggressive TV on the Radio element when playing live, are an example who suffer from recorded-to-live translation.) But luckily for Harding and his fashionably apathetic backing band, in the case of Ex Cops, both variations are pulled off. Like a head full of hair in some random handsome boy modeling catalog, Ex Cops’ live show may be a bit more energetic and disheveled, but it’s still more than acceptable (and sometimes better).

Ex Cops just returned from SXSW and they’re busy wrapping up their White Women EP (which’ll feature vocals from MINKS Amalie Bruun), but below you can listen to this recently recorded track of warm synths and vocals that are happily reminiscent of March sunshine shown through a slight afternoon overcast. Here’s “The Millionaire.” (via) - VEOBA

Japanese text - Warzsaw/Ideal Copies

I’m really excited to be premiering a couple tracks today from Ex Cops, the new project from singer/songwriter and former HYMNS frontman Brian Harding. According to Harding, HYMNS, whose output includes two albums and, most recently, the Appaloosa EP, disbanded a few months ago, leaving him to pursue something new. That fresh start has resulted in the beginning stages of the White Women EP, which Harding is currently wrapping up in Brooklyn while he recruits a live band for some potential shows next month. He was kind enough to send over a couple songs in the meantime, both of which will likely appear on said EP (release date TBD)

Like a hilltop mansion with a violent history, “Black Helicopters” haunts as easily as it seduces. Harding’s beautiful falsetto drifts along like a thick fog in a long forgotten ghost town out in the old west. Its accompanying video takes us to an illustrated graveyard where the song and all its skeletons come to life.

As the title would suggest, “Spring Break (Birthday Song)” finds Harding travelling a sunnier road. The sound of crashing waves, a lightly strummed guitar and a beat you can’t help but tap your feet to lead to a sweet, sing-along chorus and, for three minutes, you’re wherever makes you most happy
- Octopus Windmill

Text in French - MAISONHATE

Its Sunday…many of you are coming down from that southern western high…meanwhile I’m coming down from the March-like madness. Good times all around (besides some stomach issues felt by the little one in the house). Safe travels to all you wandering music fiends and safe brackets to all you amped up sports fiends. Wherever and whoever you are – crank up the party with these: - Pasta PrimaVera

More than a little buzz forming around Brooklyn-based Ex Cops, a new project from ex-HYMNS frontman, Brian Harding. Harding is assembling a live unit and concurrently putting the finishing touches on the low wine of this project, White Women EP, which we’re working under the assumption will include the Radiohead-esque Black Helicopters.

If you’re Austin-bound, be aware that Ex Cops third ever show will be going down March 15th at Swan Dive. I suspect people are already starting to queue up, so you may want to get a move on. - My Old Kentucky Blog

Text in Swedish, URL below - No Modest Bear