Brooklyn-based Little Anchor is one of those bands that, after seeing them perform, definitely seem onto something. Their sound is unabashedly polished and ready for the radio, but they maintain an indie edge suitable for the County of Kings. The band’s lead single, “Alive”, off their forthcoming album, Floating Bridges, begins with hard guitar and percussion but shortly moves into melodic arrangements highlighted by Alexa Cabellon’s sugary-sweet vocals. Add in xylophone accents, growing bridges, crescendoing choruses and rhythm guitar that sounds like dancing, and you have a single that will easily catapult this band.
Those intricate arrangements are no accident — Alexa and her fellow bandmates, guitarist Kendrick Lo, bassist Thomas White and drummer Ian Chang, are each classically trained musicians who have been playing together as Little Anchor for years. The band released their debut EP, Sunland, in 2010 and a full-length album, Yellow Lights, in 2011, spawning recognition for their delicately powerful singles “Don’t Be Afraid to Move” and “Until Our Eyes Adjust”.
“Alive” uses the same core elements that have defined Little Anchor’s sound since its inception: strong melodies, pop sensibility and Alexa’s easy vocals, combined with the rest of the band’s expert instrumental work. All these ingredients are still present, they’re just older, more matured and perhaps a little darker. Building and breaking throughout, “Alive” is a rollercoaster that leaves you wanting more.
If you’re based in New York, be sure to catch Little Anchor at their record release party on July 23 at Glasslands, along with all other kickass local bands Landlady, Johanna Samuels and Railbird!