This week’s Monday Threesome focuses on the female trio Vivian Girls and two side projects that stem from the group’s members (and former bandmates). Katy Goodman, now known on the scene as La Sera, and former Vivian Girls drummer Frankie Rose are currently focusing on their successful solo projects. Considering that each Vivian Girls member has performed in at least one other band, the musical combinations produced by this three-girl group may be endless!
Photo source: Facebook
I Heard You Say – Vivian Girls // Buy
Take It As It Comes – Vivian Girls // Buy
Cassie Ramone (guitar/vocals), Katy Goodman (bass/drums/vocals) and Frankie Rose (drums/bass/vocal) formed their band, Vivian Girls (@viviangirls), in early 2007. The Brooklyn trio immediately garnered a local following for their gritty three-part harmonies and dreamy noise-pop tunes, opening for acts such as Sonic Youth and Jay Reatard. Vivian Girls’ line-up changed pretty quickly, though, and only a year passed before Frankie Rose left the band to explore her own music and Ali Koehler jumped on as the new drummer. In 2010, Koehler left to play for the band Best Coast and was replaced by current member Fiona Campbell. Despite this revolving door, the band consistently produces lo-fi pop gems surrounded by alluring lyrics. Their latest LP, Share the Joy, released in 2011, combines Vivian Girls’ noise-pop sound with 60’s girl-group tendencies, producing a smooth and catchy album.
Photo source: Facebook
Please Be My Third Eye – La Sera // Buy
Break My Heart – La Sera // Buy
Katy Goodman, bassist of Vivian Girls, took the spotlight in 2012 as La Sera (@iamkatygoodman), following the release of her sophomore album Sees the Light. Don’t worry, though, the band is only taking a short break while the members pursue their own side projects. The album was met with rave reviews, compliments to Goodman’s song writing and her exquisite dream-pop production. In my eyes, Sees The Light is a catchy, standout album of 2012 – one you should definitely spin as we round the corner from spring into summer. Also, be sure to see La Sera at Cameo Gallery on May 19.
Photo source: Facebook
Know Me – Frankie Rose // Buy
Although her stint as Vivian Girls’ drummer and vocalist was short and sweet, we’re definitely still fans of miss Frankie Rose (@missfrankierose) and love the path that her musical career has taken. After leaving the band, Rose spent time with Dum Dum Girls and Crystal Stilts, but she really made a name for herself as the frontwoman for her own band. Rose’s latest album, Interstellar, was released in February of this year and has a big, clean, electronic/new wave sound supported by her all-encompassing vocals. While it took a few years for Frankie Rose to find her sound, this new album proves that the journey was worth the wait. Catch Frankie Rose later this week at the Mercury Lounge on May 5.