The worst way to describe a band is by using the "A mix of x and y" formula or one of its variations ("Like x mated with y in a's place while b is watching", for example).I've just read someone describing Warpaint as a mix between The Mars Volta and The Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Here's a brief rundown of what's wrong with this description.
a) If your tastes are so limited that the Mars Volta becomes your touchstone for any rock music that's off the beaten path, you have shitty taste in music and a crippling lack of curiosity in general. You need to start stepping out of your comfort zone, because your love of wanky nu-prog is becoming embarrassing.
b) If a girl's voice, any girl's voice, instantly reminds you of Karen O, you need to listen to more girls. And not just singers; I'm talking friends, friends of friends, your buddy's girlfriend, co-workers, neighbours. Ogling at their tits is not enough. Start actually listening to them.
c) Most importantly, Warpaint sounds NOTHING like The Mars Volta. Aren't there words you could use to express what you hear in their music? Must everything be likened to something else from your own limited experience?
It's like people who have the habit of finding in the rollodex of their mind who might have a physical resemblance to every single person they've met. "Doesn't that girl remind you of my girlfriend from 9th grade?" "Doesn't that guy look like our mutual friend we haven't seen in 3 years?" The Mix-of-x-and-y formula is of the same order. It's an insecurity in the face of something new. It's the fear of not "getting it", assuaged by a false feeling of familiarity. But using the formula shows one's hand. It is a symptom of being intimidated by the new and being unable to process it with confidence.
How this sounds like The Mars Volta is anyone's guess.
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