Mr. Smalls show featuring No Age, Dan Deacon, and Deerhunter. Need I say more? I haven't been this pumped for a show, in a long long time. Considering they're doing collaborations, it will be really something see. Haven't updated this in months, so I figured I'd start again with something epic. Yeah show review after, until now see some live work by the artists.
No Age
Deerhunter
Dan Deacon
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Welcome Back
So it has been awhile since I updated this, spring break, the weather, shows, can you blame me? Anyways I figured I'd come back in with style, and talk about the free Black Moth Super Rainbow Show, which took place for free at Carnegie Mellon University last night. The day was perfect too for an outside show, with the weather being around 90 degrees the whole time. Not to mention that the CMU campus lawn, is a great place to hold a show. There was quite a good turn out for the band as well, even though the show, didn't get to crazy until Black Moth came on around 10ish.
First off was Tusk Lord, seemingly a local college kid band. They played a garage rock style, comparable to an early Pavement. Since they played with chill, guitar and drums, and had mostly lazy vocals. Tusk Lord would only play for about, 20 minutes though, jamming with about three songs. Overall they were not bad, but it seemed as though they could've worked on the volume levels before they started playing. You could barely hear the singer, or the guitar, and at times the music seemed completely out of sync. Regardless not bad and they left in a comedic fashion as well, with a simple "Were done!".
Tusk Lord
Second up was, Harangue also from Pittsburgh. They play a style of music that concentrates a lot on keyboard, and an upbeat tempo. I have seen them open before at Garfield Artworks, and I was excited to see them again. The only bad thing was, they played all songs I had heard the time they opened before. So while I was hoping to hear a bit more of what they had to offer, I got nothing new and was a bit disinterested. The crowd at this point was still also not too into it, sitting back and talking still. Than finally Black Moth came out, to put an end to all that.
Black Moth Super Rainbow
So Black Moth Super Rainbow, comes out, sets up, and immediately everyone rushes the stage. They open with a psychedelic jammer, and everyones pumped. At this point I am standing in a large crowd of people, and I'm about five feet away from one of the amps. Black Moth uses really heavy synth, so to put it simply my ears were getting fucking blasted. This only made the experience better though, because the music was so good, loud, and the crowd was just dancing away. It did get a bit hot, that being the only drawback on the night I believe. Than again what do you expect when a bunch of hipsters are dancing right near you, in 90 degree weather. Overall they played long, well, and loud, and you can't ask anymore of a band. The highlight of the night is when they began to play Sun Lips, and the crowd reacted by just freaking out. It was an awesome scene, and I'm sure the band was stoked to see the turn out. So on that note I'm out, if you still haven't listened to Black Moth, check them out, song below. Enjoy! later.
(thanks to jes)
First off was Tusk Lord, seemingly a local college kid band. They played a garage rock style, comparable to an early Pavement. Since they played with chill, guitar and drums, and had mostly lazy vocals. Tusk Lord would only play for about, 20 minutes though, jamming with about three songs. Overall they were not bad, but it seemed as though they could've worked on the volume levels before they started playing. You could barely hear the singer, or the guitar, and at times the music seemed completely out of sync. Regardless not bad and they left in a comedic fashion as well, with a simple "Were done!".
Tusk Lord
Second up was, Harangue also from Pittsburgh. They play a style of music that concentrates a lot on keyboard, and an upbeat tempo. I have seen them open before at Garfield Artworks, and I was excited to see them again. The only bad thing was, they played all songs I had heard the time they opened before. So while I was hoping to hear a bit more of what they had to offer, I got nothing new and was a bit disinterested. The crowd at this point was still also not too into it, sitting back and talking still. Than finally Black Moth came out, to put an end to all that.
Black Moth Super Rainbow
So Black Moth Super Rainbow, comes out, sets up, and immediately everyone rushes the stage. They open with a psychedelic jammer, and everyones pumped. At this point I am standing in a large crowd of people, and I'm about five feet away from one of the amps. Black Moth uses really heavy synth, so to put it simply my ears were getting fucking blasted. This only made the experience better though, because the music was so good, loud, and the crowd was just dancing away. It did get a bit hot, that being the only drawback on the night I believe. Than again what do you expect when a bunch of hipsters are dancing right near you, in 90 degree weather. Overall they played long, well, and loud, and you can't ask anymore of a band. The highlight of the night is when they began to play Sun Lips, and the crowd reacted by just freaking out. It was an awesome scene, and I'm sure the band was stoked to see the turn out. So on that note I'm out, if you still haven't listened to Black Moth, check them out, song below. Enjoy! later.
(thanks to jes)
Monday, April 13, 2009
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Its been awhile
cLOUDDEAD
So I will discuss one of my favorites, cLOUDDEAD. If you haven't heard of these guys they came about in, 1999. cLOUDDEAD, plays a very distinct style of hip hop, which became an original sound. A good way to describe the band is indie hip hop, or rap. It mixes odd synth beats, singing of abnormal lyrics, strange voice samples, or most of the time rapping, with each artist bringing their own unique sound. They brought a sound that had never been heard before, and that is what brought most people to listen. With now indie well knowns, Yoni Wolf, Doseone, and Odd Nosdam. Yoni Wolf and Doseone, brought the vocals, while Nosdam kept the spot on sounds going. The band at this point has broken up, but Yoni, and Dose also had side projects that have stayed together. With Yoni front manning more poppy Why? which started back in 97, and Dose manning Subtle starting in 2001. The artists still remained on Anticon, which has much of this experimental hip hop still coming out to this day. Take a listen to the opener off Ten (2004), Dead Dogs Two, and see what you think. Enjoy.
So I will discuss one of my favorites, cLOUDDEAD. If you haven't heard of these guys they came about in, 1999. cLOUDDEAD, plays a very distinct style of hip hop, which became an original sound. A good way to describe the band is indie hip hop, or rap. It mixes odd synth beats, singing of abnormal lyrics, strange voice samples, or most of the time rapping, with each artist bringing their own unique sound. They brought a sound that had never been heard before, and that is what brought most people to listen. With now indie well knowns, Yoni Wolf, Doseone, and Odd Nosdam. Yoni Wolf and Doseone, brought the vocals, while Nosdam kept the spot on sounds going. The band at this point has broken up, but Yoni, and Dose also had side projects that have stayed together. With Yoni front manning more poppy Why? which started back in 97, and Dose manning Subtle starting in 2001. The artists still remained on Anticon, which has much of this experimental hip hop still coming out to this day. Take a listen to the opener off Ten (2004), Dead Dogs Two, and see what you think. Enjoy.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Clues
The Unicorns
Clues is the new band by indie rocker, Alden Penner. If you have no idea of who that is, he was for awhile a bit of the star, in the lo-fi genre of music. This all started back in late 2000, with up and comers from up north (Canada), The Unicorns. They captured the scene for awhile, with their poppy sound, but odd and dark lyrical writing. The band consisted simply of three members, Nick Thorburn, Alden Penner, and Jamie Thompson, who were all differently musically talented. Penner brought his odd lyrics/sound, Nick added a poppy element to this darkness, while Jamie kept the percussion persistent. Not long though, they began to fight, and would display it with their own songs, which was made obvious on their well known album, Who Will Cut Our Hair When We're Gone. Evident with lyrics on the song aptly named, Child Star, which seems to accuratly describe those who are young stars act, mostly for how bitchy the song ends, with Nick and Alden going back and forth with, "I hate you", "I hate you too".
Alden Penner
While many probably thought this was mere joking, they were doing anything but, shortly after they released that album in 2003, they split up. This didn't stop the three from making music, with Nick almost immediately, making Islands, which was oh so poppy, who made a very strong debut with the album, Return To the Sea in 2006. Jamie played with Islands, for awhile but would end up leaving, but Nick continues to produce music with the band. Now onto the more interesting story, with Alden Penner. He would eventually fall out of any news, after The Unicorns breakup, until recently. It was announced that Alden, would debut with a new project, called Clues at a festival in Montreal. They were a big hit at the festival, bringing music somewhat similar to The Unicorns, but was a bit different. Clues, is releasing an album supposedly in May of this year, which also includes a member of the Arcade Fire. The album is self titled, and will let you jam out, to your favorite odd sounding, weird lyric, songs, with eleven original tracks.
Clues- Self Titled
Below are two early releases of songs, Remember the Severed Head, and Perfect Fit. If your a Unicorns fan, this should come as no real surprise, sound wise from Alden. Listen to the tracks, see what you think, and as always enjoy.
Clues- Remember Severed Head
Silverlake Steps - Clues - "Remember Severed Head" from We Listen on Vimeo.
Clues- Perfect Fit
Silverlake Steps - Clues - "Perfect Fit" from We Listen on Vimeo.
Clues is the new band by indie rocker, Alden Penner. If you have no idea of who that is, he was for awhile a bit of the star, in the lo-fi genre of music. This all started back in late 2000, with up and comers from up north (Canada), The Unicorns. They captured the scene for awhile, with their poppy sound, but odd and dark lyrical writing. The band consisted simply of three members, Nick Thorburn, Alden Penner, and Jamie Thompson, who were all differently musically talented. Penner brought his odd lyrics/sound, Nick added a poppy element to this darkness, while Jamie kept the percussion persistent. Not long though, they began to fight, and would display it with their own songs, which was made obvious on their well known album, Who Will Cut Our Hair When We're Gone. Evident with lyrics on the song aptly named, Child Star, which seems to accuratly describe those who are young stars act, mostly for how bitchy the song ends, with Nick and Alden going back and forth with, "I hate you", "I hate you too".
Alden Penner
While many probably thought this was mere joking, they were doing anything but, shortly after they released that album in 2003, they split up. This didn't stop the three from making music, with Nick almost immediately, making Islands, which was oh so poppy, who made a very strong debut with the album, Return To the Sea in 2006. Jamie played with Islands, for awhile but would end up leaving, but Nick continues to produce music with the band. Now onto the more interesting story, with Alden Penner. He would eventually fall out of any news, after The Unicorns breakup, until recently. It was announced that Alden, would debut with a new project, called Clues at a festival in Montreal. They were a big hit at the festival, bringing music somewhat similar to The Unicorns, but was a bit different. Clues, is releasing an album supposedly in May of this year, which also includes a member of the Arcade Fire. The album is self titled, and will let you jam out, to your favorite odd sounding, weird lyric, songs, with eleven original tracks.
Clues- Self Titled
Below are two early releases of songs, Remember the Severed Head, and Perfect Fit. If your a Unicorns fan, this should come as no real surprise, sound wise from Alden. Listen to the tracks, see what you think, and as always enjoy.
Clues- Remember Severed Head
Silverlake Steps - Clues - "Remember Severed Head" from We Listen on Vimeo.
Clues- Perfect Fit
Silverlake Steps - Clues - "Perfect Fit" from We Listen on Vimeo.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Depression Session
Elliott Smith
Surprisingly enough, I have never written anything about one of my favorite artists, Elliott Smith. If you don't know Elliott, he mostly played an acoustic style of music, with very deep, depressing, lyrics which many could relate to. He wrote what obviously he was feeling at the time, or what he was doing in his suicidal life. Elliott also was no amateur at the guitar, with his playing matching his singing, and being just as intricate as his lyrics. Even though, it is tough to just pick one song to share, take a listen to All Cleaned Out, from the album New Moon, which was a collection of songs written that were never released, because of Smith's death. The song is not hard to understand, with lyrics "Here comes your pride and joy, the comic little drunk you call your boy, makin everybody smile", but jumps to what is seemingly the harsh reality being, "Who takes your pretty plan, and then becomes a disappearing man, after a little while". Smith in his lyrics, comments regularly about his own lifestyle, which was what many would refer to as, Rock and Roll. Elliott was known for his heavy drug and alcohol use, mixed with his own depression, and even though he would attempt to clean up, it would eventually lead to his own suicide. Smith could be talking about his own cleaning out, with all the times he attempted to get clean, and his writing "I saw you with your make up runnin down, now whats that all about?", seems to show possibly a girlfriend/lover, showing her happiness for his getting clean. Interestingly enough though, the song includes chords, that are so upbeat that the song could be misconstrued. I believe the song shows with the bright guitar a positive outlook, while the lyrics tell another story, what an interesting mix of vocals, and instrumentation. So give this song a listen, and enjoy.
Surprisingly enough, I have never written anything about one of my favorite artists, Elliott Smith. If you don't know Elliott, he mostly played an acoustic style of music, with very deep, depressing, lyrics which many could relate to. He wrote what obviously he was feeling at the time, or what he was doing in his suicidal life. Elliott also was no amateur at the guitar, with his playing matching his singing, and being just as intricate as his lyrics. Even though, it is tough to just pick one song to share, take a listen to All Cleaned Out, from the album New Moon, which was a collection of songs written that were never released, because of Smith's death. The song is not hard to understand, with lyrics "Here comes your pride and joy, the comic little drunk you call your boy, makin everybody smile", but jumps to what is seemingly the harsh reality being, "Who takes your pretty plan, and then becomes a disappearing man, after a little while". Smith in his lyrics, comments regularly about his own lifestyle, which was what many would refer to as, Rock and Roll. Elliott was known for his heavy drug and alcohol use, mixed with his own depression, and even though he would attempt to clean up, it would eventually lead to his own suicide. Smith could be talking about his own cleaning out, with all the times he attempted to get clean, and his writing "I saw you with your make up runnin down, now whats that all about?", seems to show possibly a girlfriend/lover, showing her happiness for his getting clean. Interestingly enough though, the song includes chords, that are so upbeat that the song could be misconstrued. I believe the song shows with the bright guitar a positive outlook, while the lyrics tell another story, what an interesting mix of vocals, and instrumentation. So give this song a listen, and enjoy.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
The fall of contemporary music
Is shit such as this, actually becoming popular.
Lady Sovereign
So heres the plan, lets take a talentless, 23 year old, London girl, make her act tough, add cool beat, and let her repeat hooks. I am sure you have heard of this mockery of music before, Lady Sovereign. She blew up from her hook hit in 2006, Love Me or Hate Me, which boasts lyrics "Yeah, it's officially the biggest midget in the game", "I dunno, make way for S-O-V", and "If you hate me than, Fuck You". Have you ever heard anything this uncreative before? I doubt that you have. This is what makes me sick of artists such as Lady, they sing a catchy hook, get an ear pleasing beat, and nothing else. With her new song below Pennies, she opens with crude, but mind you extremely clever, "Yeah Fudda Muckers", and then surprisingly, a catchy beat starts. After some more lyrics that are only there for abhorrence, not just because they're completely terrible, but another reason is the fact that her voice is horrid. A thick english accent, barely recognizable speech, and downright stupid lines, mark the song. The chorus is a hook once again, that being "How many pennies have you gotten for me", or something very close to it (once again note the impossible to understand rapping). So once again this song lacks anything, that would add to music, really all it does it play on idiocy. Don't be surprised if this reaches MTV, the radio, and then you'll be hearing everyone singing the catchy hook. Lady Sovereign than cashes in, does the same thing the next year, it gets eaten up, and once again she cashes in. It shows how easy it is to play the music market, because people love anything with a catchy hook, and beat, it just needs to lack the best thing there could be in a song, creativity. So after this rant, have a listen to the single Pennies below, you should understand. Normally I would end with enjoy (Breck), but this song is nothing more than an added blemish on music today.
Lady Sovereign- Pennies
Lady Sovereign
So heres the plan, lets take a talentless, 23 year old, London girl, make her act tough, add cool beat, and let her repeat hooks. I am sure you have heard of this mockery of music before, Lady Sovereign. She blew up from her hook hit in 2006, Love Me or Hate Me, which boasts lyrics "Yeah, it's officially the biggest midget in the game", "I dunno, make way for S-O-V", and "If you hate me than, Fuck You". Have you ever heard anything this uncreative before? I doubt that you have. This is what makes me sick of artists such as Lady, they sing a catchy hook, get an ear pleasing beat, and nothing else. With her new song below Pennies, she opens with crude, but mind you extremely clever, "Yeah Fudda Muckers", and then surprisingly, a catchy beat starts. After some more lyrics that are only there for abhorrence, not just because they're completely terrible, but another reason is the fact that her voice is horrid. A thick english accent, barely recognizable speech, and downright stupid lines, mark the song. The chorus is a hook once again, that being "How many pennies have you gotten for me", or something very close to it (once again note the impossible to understand rapping). So once again this song lacks anything, that would add to music, really all it does it play on idiocy. Don't be surprised if this reaches MTV, the radio, and then you'll be hearing everyone singing the catchy hook. Lady Sovereign than cashes in, does the same thing the next year, it gets eaten up, and once again she cashes in. It shows how easy it is to play the music market, because people love anything with a catchy hook, and beat, it just needs to lack the best thing there could be in a song, creativity. So after this rant, have a listen to the single Pennies below, you should understand. Normally I would end with enjoy (Breck), but this song is nothing more than an added blemish on music today.
Lady Sovereign- Pennies
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
I'm actually a minimalist
Stars of the Lid
Just a quick add for a busy day, ambient band Stars of The Lid. Give their out there, cinematic, feel a chance, you may like it. This song, Articulate Silences Part 1 off their highly regarded 2007 release And Their Refinement of the Decline, gives a positive chill sound. Listen, Enjoy.
Just a quick add for a busy day, ambient band Stars of The Lid. Give their out there, cinematic, feel a chance, you may like it. This song, Articulate Silences Part 1 off their highly regarded 2007 release And Their Refinement of the Decline, gives a positive chill sound. Listen, Enjoy.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Things to Look Forward to
Coming this month, notable releases from notable artists.
Handsome Furs- Face Control
Releases- Tuesday March 10th
Heres what you should expect, from the Canadian couple, if you have not listened to Plague Park (2007). Dan Boecker brings his musical genius, from Wolf Parade to work with his wife on a side project. Plague Park was a good album from 2007, not amazing but it was interesting in the least. It's Dan Boecker singing, along with synth, and heavy use of a drum machine. It makes for a downer sound, with nothing being upbeat, get ready for a depression session. Overall the album should be good, check it out.
Peter Bjorn and John- Living Thing
Releases- Tuesday March 31st
Just like the name tells us, the band is made up of Peter Moren, Bjorn Yttling, and John Eriksson. This swedish trio has really been at the top of their game, with their last two albums which faired well, Seaside Rock (2008), and Writer's Block (2007). You may know this indie pop rock trio, by their hit from Writer's Block, Young Folks, which has been played in gas stations, grocery stores, and on commercials everywhere. This album should fair well, even after they had a little bit of a selling out period. Thankfully it wasn't Of Montreal bad selling out. So if you like poppy high singing, fun guitar, and oddball lyrics, this ones for you.
Others to mention:
Dan Deacon- Bromst (24 March, 2009)
Cursive- Mama, I'm Swollen (10 March, 2009)
The Decemberists- Hazards of Love (24 March, 2009)
Handsome Furs- Face Control
Releases- Tuesday March 10th
Heres what you should expect, from the Canadian couple, if you have not listened to Plague Park (2007). Dan Boecker brings his musical genius, from Wolf Parade to work with his wife on a side project. Plague Park was a good album from 2007, not amazing but it was interesting in the least. It's Dan Boecker singing, along with synth, and heavy use of a drum machine. It makes for a downer sound, with nothing being upbeat, get ready for a depression session. Overall the album should be good, check it out.
Peter Bjorn and John- Living Thing
Releases- Tuesday March 31st
Just like the name tells us, the band is made up of Peter Moren, Bjorn Yttling, and John Eriksson. This swedish trio has really been at the top of their game, with their last two albums which faired well, Seaside Rock (2008), and Writer's Block (2007). You may know this indie pop rock trio, by their hit from Writer's Block, Young Folks, which has been played in gas stations, grocery stores, and on commercials everywhere. This album should fair well, even after they had a little bit of a selling out period. Thankfully it wasn't Of Montreal bad selling out. So if you like poppy high singing, fun guitar, and oddball lyrics, this ones for you.
Others to mention:
Dan Deacon- Bromst (24 March, 2009)
Cursive- Mama, I'm Swollen (10 March, 2009)
The Decemberists- Hazards of Love (24 March, 2009)
Sunday, March 8, 2009
The Strangers
St. Vincent
From her new album Actor, comes the single The Strangers. If you have not yet listened to St. Vincent she started her music career playing in Sufjan Stevens traveling bands, and with Polyphonic Spree. After gaining her musical experience with these bands, she started her own solo project St. Vincent. She released a great album Marry Me, in 2007. She is really one talented human being, after seeing her live in concert, this is apparent. She played at the Warhol in December of last year, and wow, amazing voice, sick on the guitar, and knew how to work a crowd. Anyways her new song The Strangers, is listed below for your listening pleasure. The singing is quite similar to that of songs on Marry Me, overpowering voice, with added effects. One noticeable difference is that of the synth beats, that were really not as prominent at all in Marry Me, which had seemingly more focus on Annie (St. Vincent), playing the electric guitar, and in this song seem to take over, with guitar in the backseat. There is a guitar solo though, having the guitar blast away all the other sounds, which gives a good throwback to her other songs. After that though, it is synth loops, beats, faded guitar, a sweet voice, intricate lyrics, and a nice upbeat feel. Have a listen , Enjoy.
The Strangers- Actor
From her new album Actor, comes the single The Strangers. If you have not yet listened to St. Vincent she started her music career playing in Sufjan Stevens traveling bands, and with Polyphonic Spree. After gaining her musical experience with these bands, she started her own solo project St. Vincent. She released a great album Marry Me, in 2007. She is really one talented human being, after seeing her live in concert, this is apparent. She played at the Warhol in December of last year, and wow, amazing voice, sick on the guitar, and knew how to work a crowd. Anyways her new song The Strangers, is listed below for your listening pleasure. The singing is quite similar to that of songs on Marry Me, overpowering voice, with added effects. One noticeable difference is that of the synth beats, that were really not as prominent at all in Marry Me, which had seemingly more focus on Annie (St. Vincent), playing the electric guitar, and in this song seem to take over, with guitar in the backseat. There is a guitar solo though, having the guitar blast away all the other sounds, which gives a good throwback to her other songs. After that though, it is synth loops, beats, faded guitar, a sweet voice, intricate lyrics, and a nice upbeat feel. Have a listen , Enjoy.
The Strangers- Actor
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Divinations
Mastodon- Crack the Skye
Mastodon over the past few years, have really established themselves as one of metal's finest groups. They have one of the larger following in the metal music community, and even attract non-hard music listeners such as myself. With hit albums, Leviathan, and Remission, both of these albums came out in the early 2000s, and they have a new album lined up to release in the next couple weeks, titled Crack the Skye (pictured above). The album is sure to have a lot of hype behind it, because this band is getting so damn big. In total the new album, will have a run time of a little over 50 minutes, with 7 melt your face tracks included (all with that sick album art as well!). So fittingly from the new album comes the first single, Divinations. This track shows Mastodon in some metalish settings, snow, kings, cavemen, and sorcery (or some goofed up shit). Regardless this seems to show a bit of a change in Mastodon, and you can hear it in the singing. Lead vocals Brent Hinds seems to be singing clearer, a huge change from the past albums, which carried a more low yell sound to all the vocals. While I personally, do not hate this change, I can't really tell if I enjoy it or not. Thankfully they still do throw in some of the yelling, but overall the singing is just a little higher, it's odd. The nice thing is the instrumentation, is still just as strong, and does not lack whatsoever. The guitar is what's expected, along with bass and percussion. Truly Mastodon are technical geniuses at instrumentation, with no metal band doing it better. Overall the song makes me somewhat frightful of Crack the Skye, being a complete change up for Mastodon, but it is still a good listen. The best thing to do will be to wait and see, and hope that they retain the amazing sound they have had for this long. Video for Divinations below, Enjoy. Just an add on, realized that not surprisingly this album is leaked.
Mastodon over the past few years, have really established themselves as one of metal's finest groups. They have one of the larger following in the metal music community, and even attract non-hard music listeners such as myself. With hit albums, Leviathan, and Remission, both of these albums came out in the early 2000s, and they have a new album lined up to release in the next couple weeks, titled Crack the Skye (pictured above). The album is sure to have a lot of hype behind it, because this band is getting so damn big. In total the new album, will have a run time of a little over 50 minutes, with 7 melt your face tracks included (all with that sick album art as well!). So fittingly from the new album comes the first single, Divinations. This track shows Mastodon in some metalish settings, snow, kings, cavemen, and sorcery (or some goofed up shit). Regardless this seems to show a bit of a change in Mastodon, and you can hear it in the singing. Lead vocals Brent Hinds seems to be singing clearer, a huge change from the past albums, which carried a more low yell sound to all the vocals. While I personally, do not hate this change, I can't really tell if I enjoy it or not. Thankfully they still do throw in some of the yelling, but overall the singing is just a little higher, it's odd. The nice thing is the instrumentation, is still just as strong, and does not lack whatsoever. The guitar is what's expected, along with bass and percussion. Truly Mastodon are technical geniuses at instrumentation, with no metal band doing it better. Overall the song makes me somewhat frightful of Crack the Skye, being a complete change up for Mastodon, but it is still a good listen. The best thing to do will be to wait and see, and hope that they retain the amazing sound they have had for this long. Video for Divinations below, Enjoy. Just an add on, realized that not surprisingly this album is leaked.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Would You Please Listen?
Devendra Banhart
That is all that Devendra is asking you to do, with his song off Cripple Crow (2005), Heard Somebody Say. Opening up with some soft piano, adding some soothing guitar, and minor percussion. Devendra sends a simple message with this song, but it hits close to home. The song keeps an upbeat tempo, with Devendra's soft, sweet singing that is also backed up by others, really sending out a peaceful message. With lyrics singing "I heard somebody say, that the war ended today, but everybody knows it's going still." Devendra puts out the opinion of the American populace, in a short way, and makes it more direct with lines "Oh it's simple, we don't wanna kill." With the song, Heard Somebody Say, Devendra writes a tranquil feeling song, with a good easy to understand meaning, this song delivers. Give this folk hit a listen, click it down below. The dude needs some support after him and Natalie Portman broke up, heartbreaker. Enjoy!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Sunday Song
Deerhunter
Just a quick add of a song, for Sunday. If you haven't listened to Deerhunter yet, I don't know what you're doing, but hopefully this song lets you get a good listen. From their EP Fluorescent Grey, comes the song Wash Off. Opening up slowly, with an inhaling of smoke sound, which goes into steady percussion, constant bass, and distant sounding guitar, make the song what it is. Cox sings right with the guitar matching his voice, with the song then opening up to a more shoegaze sound at times, just complete noise. The washy vocals, loud music, and dark sound make this song, and add to Deerhunter's oddness. Just a random thought to add, another thing I love about this band, is the way they act towards fans. Last August, they played at Garfield Artworks, after the show I met them, and they were really good to the people coming up, just talking or asking them to sign shit. Give them a listen, Enjoy! Oh and it's March, was not aware of that, until I checked the date on this post.
Just a quick add of a song, for Sunday. If you haven't listened to Deerhunter yet, I don't know what you're doing, but hopefully this song lets you get a good listen. From their EP Fluorescent Grey, comes the song Wash Off. Opening up slowly, with an inhaling of smoke sound, which goes into steady percussion, constant bass, and distant sounding guitar, make the song what it is. Cox sings right with the guitar matching his voice, with the song then opening up to a more shoegaze sound at times, just complete noise. The washy vocals, loud music, and dark sound make this song, and add to Deerhunter's oddness. Just a random thought to add, another thing I love about this band, is the way they act towards fans. Last August, they played at Garfield Artworks, after the show I met them, and they were really good to the people coming up, just talking or asking them to sign shit. Give them a listen, Enjoy! Oh and it's March, was not aware of that, until I checked the date on this post.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Cigarette In Your Bed
Possibly one of my favorite youtube videos ever, made by a fan of the band. This video for My Bloody Valentine's, Cigarette In Your Bed, simply shows a lot of clips from movies, with people smoking. It's alright, maybe a bit artsy fartsy, but what the fuck ever. I think this is one of MBV's best songs, because of the contrasting guitar and percussion. The song changes from a very wavy out there feel with softer guitar, and barely there percussion, to tough booming guitar, and blasting drums. Truly shoegaze, at its finest. Enjoy.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Tobacco
Tobacco- Fucked Up Friends
No not what you smoke, it's the artist from Black Moth Super Rainbow, Tobacco. Tobacco and Black Moth are both Pittsburgh based music makers, with a unique sound. If you like electronic music than this will be your shit. Tobacco had a debut album Fucked Up Friends, which is almost entirely looping, and was recorded only on analog equipment. Though he does go back to his Black Moth roots, and uses the vocoder on many a track. One of the interesting tracks Dirt, which features hip hop artist Aesop Rock. Listening to this track shows the potential Tobacco, has for being a real producer. He really brings the stoner element back to life with his music , the beats are very trippy, but are still friendly on the ear. His beats are good, and original enough to get some recognition, I believe. Anyways listen to the albums FUF's opening track, see what you think, Enjoy.
No not what you smoke, it's the artist from Black Moth Super Rainbow, Tobacco. Tobacco and Black Moth are both Pittsburgh based music makers, with a unique sound. If you like electronic music than this will be your shit. Tobacco had a debut album Fucked Up Friends, which is almost entirely looping, and was recorded only on analog equipment. Though he does go back to his Black Moth roots, and uses the vocoder on many a track. One of the interesting tracks Dirt, which features hip hop artist Aesop Rock. Listening to this track shows the potential Tobacco, has for being a real producer. He really brings the stoner element back to life with his music , the beats are very trippy, but are still friendly on the ear. His beats are good, and original enough to get some recognition, I believe. Anyways listen to the albums FUF's opening track, see what you think, Enjoy.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
February 10th 2009 Show
Garfield Artworks
Live from Garfield Artworks on Penn Avenue comes headliners Mi Ami, with former Black Eye's members, Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Depreciation Guild, and South Seas Sneak. I'm at the show with a few friends as usual, if you've never been to Garfield, it is a total indie scene. New art lines the walls, shows are cheap, and obscure bands are always playing. While I could hate this place, it seems to be a bit special, regardless of the fucking heat. If the venue gets packed, you will do nothing but sweat, not that awesome, buzzkill really. Really though it has a great starting off bands feel, original music, sound quality isn't amazing, but it is damn loud. Really though there isn't much more I could ask for.
To start the show we see local band South Seas Sneak, I think it was a local band. Two older men mid 20s?, come in guitar and drums. Solid percussion and guitar, the music was a little lacking though. I can't hate on innovation, the set was mostly instrumental, some screaming in one of the tracks. It ended fast enough, it was alright.
Depreciation Guild
Next up comes a complete surprise shoegaze/electronica band called, Depreciation Guild (free album below). These guys just fucking ripped, if you're someone that is into shoegaze. They immediately showed signs of My Bloody Valentine, with their drowned out vocals, and loud guitars. They really had a unique shoegaze sound, not just using guitars, but the use of Nintendo noises. As lame as this sounds, they had a controller onstage with a synth, but really this made the music what it was. A strange darker sound, eerie singing, good drumming, and odd visual effects. They had a manager I believe, putting up odd color squares behind the band, they also used strobe lighting for breakdowns. This band fucking blew my ear out, but it was awesome, surprised me how well they sounded. I was right up front jamming, I was very welcoming to hearing some shoegaze, as was the crowd around me. Interestingly enough, the lead guitarist/singer from this band was the drummer in Pains. I talked to him after, he was a pretty nice dude, stressed about how the sound kinda fucked up, he was welcome to some props for playing a great show.
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
Next was the band I really came to see, Indie poppers The Pains of Being Pure at Heart. These guys came out with a very band look, tight jeans, sweaters, hoodies, warm colors, had a walk to them as well. The crowd recieved them warmly, and really this was the part of the show that was the most packed. Again I was up front ears ringing, and the music was awesome. The vocals were lacking which sucked, no fault to the band though, it's Garfield after all. The four piece band rocked the place with their awesome Smiths like songs. Good singing from the male lead, and the female backup. This band is all about about upbeat music, which a lot of the time is a nice refresher. Upbeat, fun, lovey lyrics seem to make the band who they are, with songs ranging from "Come Saturday" to "This Love is Fucking Right' they killed it. The instrumentation was great, short poppy songs, rocking guitar, background synth, groovin bass, solid. Pains really seemed to be into the crowd, and seemed to enjoy the venue as a whole. The fans were into it, the band was, and so was Manny (owner). They played a good 45 or so minutes, and left with smiles and congratulations from the crowd. I ended up purchasing their record for the price of 10 dollars, which for vinyl is a steal. Hopefully they come back, since they enjoyed themselves it seemed.
Mi Ami
The last band who I really didn't know, and was too tired to really stand up for, was ex black eyes member influenced, Mi Ami. They were a trance type band, but with banging drums, and screaming. Don't mean to really cut this one short, but they seemed pretty good, played about 5, 12 minute (or so it seemed) songs. They ended up having a smaller gathering than Pains, but with the pitchfork review I guess anything can happen.
All in all, it was a very good show. It started off a little weird, but the middle was amazing, and actually ended pretty well. I can only hope that Pains, and Depreciation Guild come back in the near future. They rocked the crowd, myself, and that's really I was hoping for. I am going to go listen to the vinyl. Enjoy
Live from Garfield Artworks on Penn Avenue comes headliners Mi Ami, with former Black Eye's members, Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Depreciation Guild, and South Seas Sneak. I'm at the show with a few friends as usual, if you've never been to Garfield, it is a total indie scene. New art lines the walls, shows are cheap, and obscure bands are always playing. While I could hate this place, it seems to be a bit special, regardless of the fucking heat. If the venue gets packed, you will do nothing but sweat, not that awesome, buzzkill really. Really though it has a great starting off bands feel, original music, sound quality isn't amazing, but it is damn loud. Really though there isn't much more I could ask for.
To start the show we see local band South Seas Sneak, I think it was a local band. Two older men mid 20s?, come in guitar and drums. Solid percussion and guitar, the music was a little lacking though. I can't hate on innovation, the set was mostly instrumental, some screaming in one of the tracks. It ended fast enough, it was alright.
Depreciation Guild
Next up comes a complete surprise shoegaze/electronica band called, Depreciation Guild (free album below). These guys just fucking ripped, if you're someone that is into shoegaze. They immediately showed signs of My Bloody Valentine, with their drowned out vocals, and loud guitars. They really had a unique shoegaze sound, not just using guitars, but the use of Nintendo noises. As lame as this sounds, they had a controller onstage with a synth, but really this made the music what it was. A strange darker sound, eerie singing, good drumming, and odd visual effects. They had a manager I believe, putting up odd color squares behind the band, they also used strobe lighting for breakdowns. This band fucking blew my ear out, but it was awesome, surprised me how well they sounded. I was right up front jamming, I was very welcoming to hearing some shoegaze, as was the crowd around me. Interestingly enough, the lead guitarist/singer from this band was the drummer in Pains. I talked to him after, he was a pretty nice dude, stressed about how the sound kinda fucked up, he was welcome to some props for playing a great show.
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
Next was the band I really came to see, Indie poppers The Pains of Being Pure at Heart. These guys came out with a very band look, tight jeans, sweaters, hoodies, warm colors, had a walk to them as well. The crowd recieved them warmly, and really this was the part of the show that was the most packed. Again I was up front ears ringing, and the music was awesome. The vocals were lacking which sucked, no fault to the band though, it's Garfield after all. The four piece band rocked the place with their awesome Smiths like songs. Good singing from the male lead, and the female backup. This band is all about about upbeat music, which a lot of the time is a nice refresher. Upbeat, fun, lovey lyrics seem to make the band who they are, with songs ranging from "Come Saturday" to "This Love is Fucking Right' they killed it. The instrumentation was great, short poppy songs, rocking guitar, background synth, groovin bass, solid. Pains really seemed to be into the crowd, and seemed to enjoy the venue as a whole. The fans were into it, the band was, and so was Manny (owner). They played a good 45 or so minutes, and left with smiles and congratulations from the crowd. I ended up purchasing their record for the price of 10 dollars, which for vinyl is a steal. Hopefully they come back, since they enjoyed themselves it seemed.
Mi Ami
The last band who I really didn't know, and was too tired to really stand up for, was ex black eyes member influenced, Mi Ami. They were a trance type band, but with banging drums, and screaming. Don't mean to really cut this one short, but they seemed pretty good, played about 5, 12 minute (or so it seemed) songs. They ended up having a smaller gathering than Pains, but with the pitchfork review I guess anything can happen.
All in all, it was a very good show. It started off a little weird, but the middle was amazing, and actually ended pretty well. I can only hope that Pains, and Depreciation Guild come back in the near future. They rocked the crowd, myself, and that's really I was hoping for. I am going to go listen to the vinyl. Enjoy
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Depreciation Guild
They have a free full album available for download, go to this site Depreciation Guild, hover over album, and you will find a link to the download. This 10 song shoegaze album is great, and best of all free. Enjoy
Concert Pains
Depreciation Guild
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
Saw The Pains of Being Pure At Heart last night, at Garfield Artworks. Surprisingly enough, one of their openers called Depreciation Guild, is very good as well. If you werent aware Pains is an indie pop/rock band, and Guild is a shoegaze My Bloody Valentine type band. Both were very enjoyable to watch, and played a great show.
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
Saw The Pains of Being Pure At Heart last night, at Garfield Artworks. Surprisingly enough, one of their openers called Depreciation Guild, is very good as well. If you werent aware Pains is an indie pop/rock band, and Guild is a shoegaze My Bloody Valentine type band. Both were very enjoyable to watch, and played a great show.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
The Game
The name says it all, hate it or love it. 50 actually being decent, The Game at the top of his game, and solid beats. Random post just thought I'd get this one out there, sick.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Smashing Pumpkins new track
If you weren't aware, The Smashing Pumpkins revealed a new song,named FOL, during a Hyundai ad, that played on Super Bowl Sunday. This song is free for download, at the Hyundai link at the bottom of this paragraph. While I am not really a huge Pumpkins fan, though I enjoyed most of their earlier music. This seems to really try to be a remake of their older songs. It reminds me somewhat of a more produced Zero, or even Bullet With Butterfly Wings, with how intense it attempts to be. It really ends up just sounding as though, they are trying too hard to be well dark again. Corgan really in my mind, has lost this whole dark image, the song brings mediocre guitar, lyrics, and overall production. It isn't good, but I think most of the fans agree they are taking a huge nose dive at this point in their long music careers. While I am not attempting to be too critical, just listen to Zero and FOL, and see how they stack up side by side, I think it's simple to see what has happened. Selling out sucks for everyone.
FOL
Saturday, January 31, 2009
New: Track and Video of the week
Now weekly adding a video and a song from really any point in time. These will show new bands, past bands, and just classic tracks. Enjoy it.
Sunny Day Real Estate-In Circles
This band is so 90s it almost hurts. Really though a showing of emo musics roots. At one point it actually was good, an emotional, depressing song from these guys off the album Diary. It's a good one don't hate.
Olivia Tremor Control- Gravity Car
The Gravity Car - The Olivia T...
These guys came out in 90s as well (not intentionally both 90s bands), and are now split up. They make some amazing indie rock, with ridiculous instrumentation, and effects to boot. Goofy lyrics and reminiscent of The Beatles OTC rocked the 90s softly.
Sunny Day Real Estate-In Circles
This band is so 90s it almost hurts. Really though a showing of emo musics roots. At one point it actually was good, an emotional, depressing song from these guys off the album Diary. It's a good one don't hate.
Olivia Tremor Control- Gravity Car
The Gravity Car - The Olivia T...
These guys came out in 90s as well (not intentionally both 90s bands), and are now split up. They make some amazing indie rock, with ridiculous instrumentation, and effects to boot. Goofy lyrics and reminiscent of The Beatles OTC rocked the 90s softly.
Merriweather Post Pavillion Review
Pop? Upbeat? Fast Tempo? Yes, this is Animal Collective (Indie music superstars), and I'm sure you're going to be asking quite a few questions when you hear their newest outing Merriweather Post Pavillion, from Domino Records. This is album is a bit more like Strawberry Jam, and really different from anything from the likes of Feels, People, Water Curses, or Sung Tongs. Listening to this album, you will see that Animal Collective really can perfect any style they want to do. If you are not a big fan, or have never even heard of this trio well get ready to meet them. This is easily Avey Tare, Panda Bear, and the Geologist's (These are obviously just nicknames) most accessible album to date. Merrriweather is well Animal Collective's first real pop album. Oh and just to get this out of the way, the cover is illusion art by Akiyoshi Kitaoka.
Now if you're a person who has really followed AC over their music careers, this album should really be no surprise to you whatsoever. Just hearing Strawberry Jam, you knew that they were becoming a little bit more upbeat and poppy. Is this a bad thing? No, it really isn't, I really see no problem with becoming more pop, but that's only if the music doesn't suffer. Another surprising thing is, none of the albums have suffered from many of the members doing their own side projects, for example Person Pitch from Panda Bear, or Avey Tare working with his wife on Pullhair Rubeye. These guys really have their shit together, and love to keep putting out original music for all the hipsters, (Now everyone I guess? It is fucking pop) there really is a reason they have been a sensation in the music world. Classify them how you want freak folk, pop, even trance, whatever but they really have one of the more unique sounds today in the music world. One thing with Merriweather though, is that it only boasts one slower song. The songs, are obviously very catchy (can be good or bad), and it would be bad for this trend to continue I believe. I'm scared that are falling into a trap other bands have gotten themselves into, that of selling out. They are a completely different sounding band from their first albums, Song Tongs or Spirit They've Gone Spirity They've Vanished. The only thing that is similar really, is that of Avey Tare's voice, his yelling and screaming has really been a constant for Animal Collective, and this is key to the band's odd music making success. Though something nice,and unexpected from this album is, you will hear Panda Bear Singing more (No Geologist does not sing too many loops to worry about).
Now to start to speak about Merriweather, get ready honestly for more synth than ever. These guys have really become masters of looping, which is a sample of music that is being constantly repeated. You will hear a lot of different loops, many crazy sound effects, and Avey Tare and Panda Bear shouting out the vocals. One nice thing this album does keep is really the odd noises made by the singers, which has been with every album, and thankfully has not gone away. Random yelling of nonsense, or humming suprisingly is one of the things that make them who they are. Nonsense is one of the big things with Animal Collective, from the yellings, all the way to their lyrics. You migth be thinking that their nonsense lyrics are something you will hate, but while a lot of it is nonsense, it does work for how odd the music sounds. Don't worry though many of lyrics are very thoughtful, and when you're reading the song reviews you will see what their all about.
Now the album will start off by fooling you with the opener In the Flowers, it really starts off as a throwback to older AC. It creeps up on you, opening with a very catching slow beat, and Avey's quiet but powerful voice. It speaks of a dancer Avey finds high in a field that catches his attention, and after about 2 minutes the song just explodes musically. The beats start pumping with a jolting synth, and crazy singing. Next you get to hear really what the album is all about, pop, with the song My Girls. While this song is really catchy speaking of things like My Girls as the title suggests the lyrics get oh so sensitive, such as "Is it much that I feel I need" "A solid soul and the blood I bleed". Avey also speaks of outlooks on life when yelling over major beats "I don't mean to seem like a I care about material things or my social status", and then letting us know what really is important to him "I just want four walls and adobe slabs for my girls". Here you start to see some nonsense like adobe slabs, really an undefinable term but it just seems to fit, for no reason. Just listen to the track and you'll get it. The third track Also Frightened asks all of us a simple question "Are you also frightened?", and repeats it many times, just like the other question int he song "Will it be just like I'm dreamin". The song touches on much more trippy lyrics, such as "Excited and screaming their voices go wild, and raise with the birds mating up in the clouds". Another highlight track is Bluish the fifth tack on album. It also opens up slowly, but really stays slow for everything but the catchy chorus. The song is more trippy including lyrics "Pulling me into another dream, a lucid dream", but the chorus really sells this one. The chorus opens with piano going up in key, more upbeat love like lyrics, and well matching synth. Most of the songs are extremely upbeat, or a combination of the two. A rare chill song for this album, No More Running, really goes back to their folk roots. The song includes odd lyrics lyrics, "I locked my bones and trapped my feet, I told them I found em a place to be" ,or, "No more runnin, says my mind". The chorus belts in harmonization between Panda and Avey "It's what I hope for", with for being elongated. The rest of the songs really are very poppy, even if they tend to open up slowly. The last song really speaks for the album as a whole this being Brothersport, including crazy lyrics, nutsy noises, and it is oh so catchy. The whole song, is just pop, loud beats, and awesome loops.
In total this album comes in around 55 minutes making Merriweather, Animal Collective's longest album they have ever released. I can only hope that if they keep their pop sound, that they wont end up losing their originility (selling out). For now, it is actually somewhat of a nice change of pace, even though I think everyone still really loves older Animal Collective. This is as was previously said their poppiest album to date, but that does not make it bad. It is honestly one of the best albums that will be released in 2009, and it was released in early January, which makes it somewhat of a great New Year's gift. If Animal Collective is going pop well I guess I am on board, with this release, they make me believe they can perfect anything they put their minds to. So the trio makes another amazing release, enjoy it and wait for an ep in a few months, so we can see what direction their going in then. I get a feeling they may change their pop ways, since these guys touch anything and it turns to gold. So go out buy this eleven track jamming album, and have fun. Until then Ill keep on runnin to get more music (godawful joke).
My Girls from Merriweather Post Pavilion
Monday, January 26, 2009
Gobbledigook
Watch as some naked Icelanders run about in the forest, on this upbeat opening track for Sigur Ros' newest album.
New Sigur Ros First Listen Impressions
The album all together has a very upbeat feel in comparisons to that of ( ) , and others. Percussion is used frequently on the album, but don't worry the sound is still just the same as what you'd expect. Great synth and piano all in use, along with great singing. The album really does start as a big wave of excitement, and then in great fashion, mellows out very much at the end, with more piano. This album is very very good, a great listen, and another strong output by the band.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Sigur Ros
From your favorite Icelanders comes the new album Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust or With a Buzz In Our Ears We Play Endlessly. The first few tracks seem very strong, good use of percussion. Review this later, Animal Collective still coming.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
SNL January 17th 2009 just in case you missed this. Amazing live performance on SNL by Fleet Foxes with their song Mykonos. Now also added is better quality videos from SNL. Was'nt even aware they played Blue Ridge Mountains, until now. Both are great quality now really be sure to check these out, enjoy.
Really surprised to hear them play my personal favorite, Blue Ridge Mountains, from their self titled album. A song that really starts off with sweet slow melodies, and then picks up with amazing harmonization.
Also been slacking on the updates Animal Collective review done soon.
Really surprised to hear them play my personal favorite, Blue Ridge Mountains, from their self titled album. A song that really starts off with sweet slow melodies, and then picks up with amazing harmonization.
Also been slacking on the updates Animal Collective review done soon.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Classic
Animal Collective new (pop) album Review soon
Also ordered Arcade Fire's Funeral on Vinyl a classic in my eyes really. Talk about this as well when it gets here
Regardless of age
Slow and steady beat, good percussion, and always interesting guitar by the duo No Age. Goat Hurt is really an interesting depart from their usual jams. Even random song releases like this,they really seem to put a large amount of effort into it. One drawback is the style on song and the singing. Voice of the singer is just a bit too rough for the type of song it is attempting to be. Regardless it is still quite a good listen. Enjoy
7 Inch No Age Teen Creeps
Already heard teen creeps from Nouns their No Age's second album, but a new track is on the 7 inch called Intimate Descriptions more trance and slow, showing a shoegaze side to No Age. Really good track simple but enjoyable.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Straight outta Ohio
Ohio is not exactly my favorite place ever, but regardless some good music has to come out of it sometime. So I recently purchased that of Times New Viking's newest record Rip It Off . Assuming that many haven't heard of this band, I'll hand out some background. First you can see they're from Columbus, Ohio quite a boring place (not too different from my home town but whatever), the band consists of three members, Jared Phillips on guitar/vocals, Adam Elliott on drums, and Beth Murphy on keyboards/vocals. These three come together to make some of the most strong Lo-Fi noise rock in a long time. The band also sports to other full length albums, Dig Yourself, Present the Paisley Reich, both of which come out rather recently. If you were wondering how lo-fi, we are talking an 8 track recording.
The recording is what is going to stick out the most on record. If you can't take a band trying to be a bit artsy, than a personal suggestion would be to skip the listen. But, for those of you out there who are open to all types of music that use even recording styles to their creative advantage, you may want to buy or download this one. The entire album besides a small cut in one song is very rough. This roughness honestly comes off as quite charming, like listening to your best friends band, the only big difference is these guys are making good music. The washed out sound is really something original, and if this one of the new ways to make music then really I am all for it. Music has gotten less and less creative over the past years, and maybe sometimes taking a step back for creativity's sake is not a bad move.
So now that the lo-fi discussion is out of the way lets talk about the music itself. The album consists of 16 total songs all the way from Teen Drama to and ending post teen drama (haha). Now don't let that number of tracks full you, the album is only around 31 minutes in length, with most songs fast paced and right to the point. At their heart the band really pulls from noise rocks past and from of punk. A lot of the time voices are mostly drowned out by the blarind guitar with just tons of feedback smashing through the amps. The singers both also have voices fitting for this band, you wouldn't want them to perfect for what you're hearing, they belt out solid lyrics over nice guitar riffs and keyboard hits. Songs like the opener have lyrics that kind of mock teens so called dramas like "lets concieve a new concept of thoughtless" or "Is the right time to get wasted in the summer". We were all teens once and know of this rebellion that now we may look on, and laugh at. Well TNV nails a lot of things in their songs with the lyrics (even if a the lyrics sheet is needed to tell what their saying). Sometimes the band just writes some simple songs which really seem as though they could be pop, but that chance is ruined, for example in Faces on Fire a line "Lets do something that hasn't been done yet, I just can't wait to be near you.
Rip It Off is just what it sounds like carefree and rough. If you are looking for amazing singing, clear sound, and beautiful melodies you'll be dissapointed. The thing is you won't find it, but you will uncover some amazing noise rock. Really one of the best albums of the year 2008, and shows lo-fi is still a solid genre. So pick it up don't be surpised if you like the washed out sound charm and the solid song writing.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
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