Last week I talked about Yukon Records band Flashing Red Lights. Another California act that has me tingling all over is Les Blanks and their self-released album, Shoot the Horse. I’ve been listening to Shoot the Horse for weeks now, but have been procrastinating writing a proper review. Their sound is just too damn hard for me to explain.

Les Blanks put out an eclectic batch of tunes that lead you to believe that they might be a punk band on “Grand Kickstand.” Then you skip to the next song, “Ages Old,” and you’ll find a rollicking, electric track that tricks you into thinking that maybe they are an alt-country outfit. Then “La Reina” starts off with a piano-laden burlesque vibe that reminded me of one of my favorites from last year, Pale Young Gentlemen.

While describing the varied Les Blanks sound has been a challenge, it has been easy to enjoy. It’s full of rock and roll flavors that should appeal to any Pixies fan (I thought I heard Frank Black more than a few times). Shoot the Horse will be released tomorrow, so feel free to warm yourself up with these tracks.

MySpace | Yukon Records

Les Blanks - Ages Old

Les Blanks - La Reina

Also check out the tracks from Flashing Red Lights:

Flashing Red Lights - Endless Salt

Flashing Red Lights - Strings and Brass