The Smittens

The Smittens are a hard-working, globe-trotting independent American twee pop band from Burlington, Vermont. The band is friends first and open-hearted indiepop revolutionaries after that. Max Andrucki, Colin Clary, Dana Kaplan, Holly Chagnon, and David Zacharis switch up instruments, song-writing, and singing to create catchy, harmonydriven twee ballads, pop anthems, and queer love songs—always brilliantly lyrical, and often brazenly political. Preferring to do it themselves, the Smittens handle every step of the process, from recording their own music to creating the distinctive artwork that graces the bands fliers and album covers, and booking tours at home and abroad.

Formed on a whim at a party in 2002 the Smittens have emerged as one of America’s bestloved underground indiepop quintets, releasing 3 full-length albums, a remix ep, and a handful of singles and compilation appearances. Recently joined in live performances by star singer/soapmaker Missy Bly, the band’s fourth studio album, Believe Me, is due out on London’s Fika Recordings in summer, 2012.

Press:
“a natty little pop tune” Drowned In Sound [Burning Streets Of Rome single]
“a wonderful touch of The Magnetic Fields about [Burning Streets Of Rome” Lauren Laverne, BBC 6 Music
“each and every song they write is a rampant musical pleasure – they could force a smile on the sourest face. ‘Believe Me’ is a delightful album, perfectly timed for the sunshine and full of that summertime innocence” Bearded Magazine
“They craft bittersweet indie pop” Neon Filler
“Sounding like a Belle & Sebastian brought up solely on Tullycraft instead of all that Bob Dylan and ‘60s soul stuff” Norman Records
“‘Believe Me’ is twee pop in the best possible way – jolly, carefree and full of character” Shout 4 Music
“Burlington, Vermont’s most lively bubblegum group have gone all Magnetic Fields – synthesised 80s pop references, baritone vocals, lyrical gay playfulness” Sweeping The Nation
Burlington “The Smittens have carved out a unique underdog niche built around happy tunes peppered with surprisingly melancholy, socio-political-influenced lyrics” Free Press
“”Believe Me” is sometimes tongue in cheek amusing, and always entertaining.” Examiner
“an indiepop disco floor-filler” Adequacy