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Foreign Born

Who? Born in San Francisco in summer 2003, the gauzy psych rock of Foreign Born is created by Lewis Pesacov (guitar), Matt W. Popieluch (vocals/guitar), Garrett Ray (drums), and Ariel Rechtshaid (bass). In 2005, the quartet headed south to L.A., and issued the 12″ release, “We Had Pleasure” b/w “Escape” and the In the Remote Woods EP. Having already shared the stage with the likes of Rogue Wave, Cold War Kids, and We Are Scientists, Foreign Born ready the release of their debut studio LP — On the Wing Now arrives via Steve Aoki’s Dim Mak label Aug. 21.

What’s the Deal? Percussion-loaded pop ballads, hypnotic bridges, and danceable rock edges all have their place on On the Wing Now. “Into Your Dream” ebbs and flows with new millennium Echo and the Bunnymen pop before sliding into a Raconteurs-style jam, while “Trial Wall” frolics with verses that capture the tinny clamor of Interpol without the latter’s ascending energy or dizzying choruses, but clear standout is “In the Shape,” a guitar-wheedling, high-energy treat tucked near the end of the album.

Fun Fact: For Foreign Born, it’s easy being green. Though Popieluch admits to signing his contract with Dim Mak on the roof of his car, he’s not totally fossil fuel-dependent. When Foreign Born toured the U.S. and the U.K., they ran most of their vehicles on vegetable oil.

Now Hear This:
Foreign Born – “In the Shape” DOWNLOAD MP3

Now Watch This:
Foreign Born – “Letter of Inclusion”

On the Web:
Foreign Born at MySpace
foreignbornmusic.blogspot.com

Talk: Would you give Foreign Born your green card?

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