One of the most surprising aspects of Brooklyn band Cutouts’ debut album Baby Blue Suede is that the title originates from a poem about a Billy Joel song. The crooning of Cutouts is a far leap away from the pop legend provocative pop-rock, but in a weird way, it makes sense for this band. Their thematic goal on this album was to foray into the complex and unpredictable — and they do this well, over a psychedelic soundscape of guitar loops, distortions, and even a refreshing violin part. Their use of characters in songs like “Nina” and “Baby Blue Suede & the Dangerous Three” shows their narrative capacity as artists, as well as their ingenuity. Cutouts are definitely a band to watch in the Brooklyn scene, and they will be at the Mercury Lounge on July 28th. – Lilly Milman
Watch the video for our favorite track “Phone Sex” below.