Photo By Eleanor Stills, copyright 2012
Pyyramids isn’t quite a supergroup. The duo is a meeting of minds that brings together the talents of He Say She Say frontwoman Drea Smith and OK Go bassist Tim Nordwind.
A mutual friend introduced Smith and Nordwind via email, and their collaboration began long before they ever met in-person. On paper, Pyyramids may seem like an odd pairing. Smith’s He Say She Say is an electro-pop outfit that’s worked with Lupe Fiasco and toured with Kanye West. OK Go is a band that’s known for zippy, snare-tight alt-rock tunes and their innovative (and very viral) music videos. But Smith and Nordwind are also music fans, first and foremost. They bonded over a mutual love of 80s British post-punk, and that sound inspired what you hear from Pyyramids. They released their debut EP Human Being in 2011, and started performing live the following year. Pyyramid’s debut full-length Brightest Darkest Day hits stores on April 9.
But today we’re going to reach back to their Human Being EP for our song of the day. Today’s tune, “That Ain’t Right,” really showcases why Smith and Nordwind make so much sense as a duo. Smith’s torchy vocals wouldn’t be out of place in a 60s Bond theme. They add a certain mysticism to the verses, and when the pair kick into the pounding, anthemic choruses, Smith’s voice keep the song grounded, and ties the song together. It’s a brilliant package. However unlikely the duo may seem on paper, Smith and Nordwind are sure to make a big splash this year at South By Southwest.
And speaking of South By Southwest, you can catch their official SXSW 2013 shows at:
Wed, 3/13: Hangar Lounge, 8:00 p.m.
Fri, 3/15: The Whiskey Room, 8:00 p.m.
Sat, 3/16: St. David’s Bethell Hall, 10:00 p.m.
