Artist: The Smittens
Title: Believe Me
Format: 12" album on transparent vinyl
Cat#: Fika020
Release date: 23rd July 2012
Bandcamp | Spotify
Formed on a whim at a party in 2002 the Smittens have emerged as one of America's best- loved underground indiepop quintets, releasing 3 full-length albums, a remix ep, and a handful of singles and compilation appearances. Their fourth studio album, Believe Me, is due out on London's Fika Recordings in summer, 2012.
As a fixture on the international indiepop festival circuit, with appearances at the Indietracks festival, Athens Popfest, NYC Popfest, Popfest New England, San Francisco Popfest, London Popfest, and the Cosy Den Festival in Stockholm, the Smittens have been bringing their lively, melodic sound to new fans every chance they get. In summer 2012 the Smittens are heading back to Europe for their most ambitious adventure yet, this time with the fabulous help of backup singer/soapmaker Missy Bly.
To date the Smittens have toured across the US and in Canada, the UK, France, Sweden, Germany, and Denmark and have shared the stage with many bands they admire including Allo Darlin’, Math & Physics Club, Tullycraft, The Mountain Goats, The Undertones, Ballboy, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Mates of State, We Are Scientists, Mirah, The Butchies, Kimya Dawson, Dub Narcotic Sound System, Tender Trap, Bishop Allen, The Essex Green, Comet Gain, Standard Fare, Bunnygrunt, The Manhattan Love Suicides, Cats On Fire, Dear Nora, James Kochalka Superstar, and even Richie Havens!
Press for Believe Me
"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
"The Smittens have carved out a unique underdog niche built around happy tunes peppered with surprisingly melancholy, socio-political-influenced lyrics" Burlington Free Press
""Believe Me" is sometimes tongue in cheek amusing, and always entertaining." Examiner "an indiepop disco floor-filler" Adequacy