The Stiletto Formal

Posted by Rob Ortenzi on 29-Mar-06 @ 02:41 PM

HQ: Tempe, AZ
NOW PLAYING: Masochism In The Place Of Romance EP (thestilettoformal.com)

THE STORY SO FAR: Blending the spastic energy of the Blood Brothers with the melodic quirks of Tilly And The Wall, the Stiletto Formal arrive at a sound they call "indie sex-core"—but however you describe it, their music perfectly suits both dancing at shows and spending introspective nights at home. "Our stuff makes you want to dance like old rock 'n' roll—not like the '80s new wave you'd play in a club," vocalist Kyle Howard explains.

WHY YOU SHOULD KNOW 'EM: With a slew of national tours under their belts, the Stiletto Formal are taking a break to demo new material. And while Howard says he doesn't know who'll ultimately release the new disc, he says a handful of indie labels (including ones you'd actually recognize) are interested in signing the band. And as for what it'll sound like: "There'll be 10 songs on the CD, and we're going to make sure not one sounds like another," Howard says. "Our entire focus is on ingenuity and creativity, and avoiding making the same shit you hear all the time." —Chelsea Ide

YOU LIKE? YOU'LL LIKE: The Blood Brothers / Neon Blonde / Death From Above 1979