The Balconies: "Kill Count"

It was always only a matter of time before the Balconies stumbled upon a breakout single, and though it took a few years longer than I’d anticipated after the release of their self-titled debut in 2009, I think the time is finally upon the former Ottawa (now Toronto) threesome. Simply behold the TV-ready video for “Kill Count,” the polished, muscular centerpiece of their forthcoming sophomore EP, due out February 28th via Coalition/Warner.

The major label affiliation may help account for just how professional this whole thing looks and sounds, but it’s clear that whatever cash has been tossed their way for the gig will be paid back tenfold—“Kill Count” is exactly the kind of infectious confection mainstream indie networks propel to the nth degree of stardom, and if I hadn’t seen these guys cover “Age of Consent” in an unfinished Ottawan basement three years ago I’d assume they were celebrities of some variety already. They wear the fame they’re waiting for well, I mean, and the sheen that’s needed suits their style just fine. Look how comfortable they look here thrashing about before flood lights, all three hip but model-pretty, shot like an ad for something their key demo can’t afford. You don’t need a focus-group to tell you how appealingly marketable these guys are.