Louis XIV

On January 29, 2008, Louis XIV will release their second full-length album Slick Dogs and Ponies on Atlantic Records. It's been almost three years since their debut The Best Little Secrets Are Kept, and on their self-produced follow-up the San Diego quartet explore new sonic terrain. The lush, grandiose collection includes string arrangements by world renowned composer David Campbell (as in Beck's dad...I know, right??). What results is a record that demonstrates a devotion to artistic growth, blending classical sensibility with their rock and roll roots. The debut single, "Guilt By Association", is an example of classic Louis XIV neo-glam: catchy, playful taunts over a scratchy dance-punk track, declaring "You don't have to do the crime to serve the time". It's not all vintage Louis XIV, however. As front man Jason Hill explains, "The minute people think they have you pegged, you have to try something new.” Slick Dogs and Ponies follows this year's digital-only EP The Distances From Everyone To You - a four-song release which includes three Louis originals, as well as their "glamtastic" cover of Queen's "Flash's Theme" which was featured in the Sci-Fi Channel's Flash Gordon series.