ARTIST: Fantomas
CD: Suspended Animation
MUSICAL STYLES: Progressive, Metal, Ambient
BEST TRACKS: 4/20/05-Wednesday, and 4/30/05-Saturday
LYRICS: None found
COMMENTS:
Fantomas' latest work is a concept album, with one track for each day of April in 2005, as if a month-long calendar--and Suspended Animation feels more like a soundtrack rather than a traditional album. The music ricochets from one style, pace and sound to the next from one instant to another. Raw punk screams and rasps transition into nearly angelic, breathy murmurs. Driving guitars give way to jazzy beats. Children's voices collide with techno noise. Harp music flows into heavy metal. The sounds move fast, speeding through each twist and turn before the listener has a chance to take a breath. The effect is surreal, harsh, and sometimes haunting. Amazingly, Fantomas gives enough direction and fluency to the chaos to keep it from being total noise. The shocking transitions within their music seem almost natural because of the fluidity with which they're handled. Suspended Animation is 43.5 minutes of sheer suspense. Recommended for those ready to walk on the wild side.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Modest Mouse's "We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank"
ARTIST: Modest Mouse
CD: We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank
MUSICAL STYLES: Alternative, Rock, Pop
BEST TRACKS: Dashboard, Spitting Venom and We've Got Everything
LYRICS: http://www.azlyrics.com/m/modestmouse.html
COMMENTS:
Modest Mouse has an angsty, paradoxical, yet likable feel both musically and lyrically. Isaac Brock's vocals are distinctive, possessing a flavor all his own. His voice and lyrics are the focal point of We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank's sound, grabbing attention and making the music itself insignificant by comparison--merely a vehicle in which to display them. However, the band is definitely talented and they manage to use each note to its maximum effect and potency. The songs are subtly catchy, so you might find yourself singing along before you've even realized what you were doing. Longwinded verses contrast well with witty sounding and oft-repeated choruses full of memorable lines. Recommended for the cheerful pessimist in all of us.
CAUTIONS: Some language.
CD: We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank
MUSICAL STYLES: Alternative, Rock, Pop
BEST TRACKS: Dashboard, Spitting Venom and We've Got Everything
LYRICS: http://www.azlyrics.com/m/modestmouse.html
COMMENTS:
Modest Mouse has an angsty, paradoxical, yet likable feel both musically and lyrically. Isaac Brock's vocals are distinctive, possessing a flavor all his own. His voice and lyrics are the focal point of We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank's sound, grabbing attention and making the music itself insignificant by comparison--merely a vehicle in which to display them. However, the band is definitely talented and they manage to use each note to its maximum effect and potency. The songs are subtly catchy, so you might find yourself singing along before you've even realized what you were doing. Longwinded verses contrast well with witty sounding and oft-repeated choruses full of memorable lines. Recommended for the cheerful pessimist in all of us.
CAUTIONS: Some language.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Architecture In Helsinki's "Places Like This"
ARTIST: Architecture In Helsinki
CD: Places Like This
MUSICAL STYLES: Alternative, Jungle/Tribal, Indie
BEST TRACKS: Heart It Races, Like it Or Not, and Debbie
LYRICS:http://www.lyricsmania.com/lyrics/architecture_in_helsinki_lyrics_5290/places_like_this_lyrics_70131/
COMMENTS:
If you're looking for a band that's unlike anything else you've ever heard, Architecture In Helsinki is probably your best bet. Their music is upbeat, catchy, and refreshingly different--even in the indie scene. Places Like This captures the perfect blend of playfulness and musical depth, and the album's ten tracks provide enough variety to stay interesting. There's nothing particularly profound in the lyrics, however they do suit the music quite well. What is perhaps the most likable aspect of Architecture In Helsinki's sound is the tribal vibe contained within their sound, especially on the tracks Heart It Races, Lazy, and Nothing's Wrong. A jazzier, quirky feel takes precedence on Hold Music and Debbie. But, thankfully, their individuality never comes across as amateurish or fake, a fact that allows them to create a consistent and enjoyable album. Recommended for everyone ready to think far outside the box.
CD: Places Like This
MUSICAL STYLES: Alternative, Jungle/Tribal, Indie
BEST TRACKS: Heart It Races, Like it Or Not, and Debbie
LYRICS:http://www.lyricsmania.com/lyrics/architecture_in_helsinki_lyrics_5290/places_like_this_lyrics_70131/
COMMENTS:
If you're looking for a band that's unlike anything else you've ever heard, Architecture In Helsinki is probably your best bet. Their music is upbeat, catchy, and refreshingly different--even in the indie scene. Places Like This captures the perfect blend of playfulness and musical depth, and the album's ten tracks provide enough variety to stay interesting. There's nothing particularly profound in the lyrics, however they do suit the music quite well. What is perhaps the most likable aspect of Architecture In Helsinki's sound is the tribal vibe contained within their sound, especially on the tracks Heart It Races, Lazy, and Nothing's Wrong. A jazzier, quirky feel takes precedence on Hold Music and Debbie. But, thankfully, their individuality never comes across as amateurish or fake, a fact that allows them to create a consistent and enjoyable album. Recommended for everyone ready to think far outside the box.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Ladytron's "Witching Hour"
ARTIST: Ladytron
CD: "Witching Hour"
MUSICAL STYLES: Electronica, Shoegaze, Pop
BEST TRACKS: High Rise and AMTV
LYRICS: http://www.allthelyrics.com/lyrics/ladytron/witching_hour/
COMMENTS:
In some ways, Ladytron's Witching Hour is exactly what you'd expect from any electronica group with shoegaze and electroclash influences. However, the album opens strongly and their sound has enough depth to pull you into it. Lead vocalist Helena Marnie's voice complements the music perfectly, with an airy, almost haunted, style. Overall, Witching Hour waveringly alternates between being just another electronica album and capturing something outstanding. All the typical electropop elements are there, but there are moments that go deeper and darker. The best tracks make it worth the listen, and even the most mediocore are still more than bearable. Recommended for any female fans of Bloc Party in the mood for something lighter.
CD: "Witching Hour"
MUSICAL STYLES: Electronica, Shoegaze, Pop
BEST TRACKS: High Rise and AMTV
LYRICS: http://www.allthelyrics.com/lyrics/ladytron/witching_hour/
COMMENTS:
In some ways, Ladytron's Witching Hour is exactly what you'd expect from any electronica group with shoegaze and electroclash influences. However, the album opens strongly and their sound has enough depth to pull you into it. Lead vocalist Helena Marnie's voice complements the music perfectly, with an airy, almost haunted, style. Overall, Witching Hour waveringly alternates between being just another electronica album and capturing something outstanding. All the typical electropop elements are there, but there are moments that go deeper and darker. The best tracks make it worth the listen, and even the most mediocore are still more than bearable. Recommended for any female fans of Bloc Party in the mood for something lighter.
Death Cab For Cutie's "Plans"
ARTIST: Death Cab For Cutie
CD: "Plans"
MUSICAL STYLES: Alternative, Rock, Emo
BEST TRACKS: Marching Bands Of Manhattan and Your Heart Is An Empty Room
LYRICS: http://www.azlyrics.com/d/deathcabforcutie.html
COMMENTS:
Despite the fact that this band has become undeniably associated with the emo stereotype, Death Cab For Cutie still creates uniquely beautiful music. Plans, the sixth album of the band's career, refreshingly manages to avoid cliches or despair. Their songwriting is solid both lyrically and musically, creating a sound that is simultaneously hopeful and melancholy. You won't find anything worth dancing or headbanging to here, it's simply not Death Cab's style. Their music is reflective, especially during songs such as Summer Skin and Brothers On A Hotel Bed, but also more upbeat on other tracks--most notably, Crooked Teeth and Your Heart Is An Empty Room. However, the band expertly maintains an ambient and somewhat dreamy feeling throughout the entire album. Recommended for those in need of a soundtrack for their quiet moments.
CD: "Plans"
MUSICAL STYLES: Alternative, Rock, Emo
BEST TRACKS: Marching Bands Of Manhattan and Your Heart Is An Empty Room
LYRICS: http://www.azlyrics.com/d/deathcabforcutie.html
COMMENTS:
Despite the fact that this band has become undeniably associated with the emo stereotype, Death Cab For Cutie still creates uniquely beautiful music. Plans, the sixth album of the band's career, refreshingly manages to avoid cliches or despair. Their songwriting is solid both lyrically and musically, creating a sound that is simultaneously hopeful and melancholy. You won't find anything worth dancing or headbanging to here, it's simply not Death Cab's style. Their music is reflective, especially during songs such as Summer Skin and Brothers On A Hotel Bed, but also more upbeat on other tracks--most notably, Crooked Teeth and Your Heart Is An Empty Room. However, the band expertly maintains an ambient and somewhat dreamy feeling throughout the entire album. Recommended for those in need of a soundtrack for their quiet moments.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Hellogoodbye's "Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs!"
ARTIST: Hellogoodbye
CD: "Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs!"
MUSICAL STYLES: Alternative, Pop, Powerpop
BEST TRACKS: Baby, It's Fact and Touchdown Turnaround
LYRICS: http://www.azlyrics.com/h/hellogoodbye.html
COMMENTS: Slightly quirky, sweet and upbeat--the simplest way to summarize Hellogoodbye's music is with the word 'trendy'. Although first impressions of this album tend to be favorable, it's candy-like sweetness tends to become tiring after a while. Despite Hellogoodbye's popularity, their sound is rather shallow and, at times, falls flat. There's a lot of potential, but simply not enough depth to make repeated listenings worthwhile. Forrest Kline's vocals tend to be rather high-pitched, a trait that loses its charm before the end of the album. However, if the music doesn't annoy you, you'll soon find yourself singing along. Recommended for the trendy romantics among us.
CD: "Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs!"
MUSICAL STYLES: Alternative, Pop, Powerpop
BEST TRACKS: Baby, It's Fact and Touchdown Turnaround
LYRICS: http://www.azlyrics.com/h/hellogoodbye.html
COMMENTS: Slightly quirky, sweet and upbeat--the simplest way to summarize Hellogoodbye's music is with the word 'trendy'. Although first impressions of this album tend to be favorable, it's candy-like sweetness tends to become tiring after a while. Despite Hellogoodbye's popularity, their sound is rather shallow and, at times, falls flat. There's a lot of potential, but simply not enough depth to make repeated listenings worthwhile. Forrest Kline's vocals tend to be rather high-pitched, a trait that loses its charm before the end of the album. However, if the music doesn't annoy you, you'll soon find yourself singing along. Recommended for the trendy romantics among us.
Dropkick Murphys' "The Meanest Of Times"
ARTIST: Dropkick Murphys
CD: "The Meanest Of Times", Born & Bred Records
MUSICAL STYLES: Punk, Celtic, Rock
BEST TRACKS: Flannigan's Ball and The State Of Massachusetts
LYRICS: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/d/dropkick_murphys/the_meanest_of_times/
COMMENTS: If a perfect marriage of traditional style and modern rock energy exists, the Dropkick Murphys have it. And, in The Meanest Of Times they've nailed their sound better then ever before, effortlessly blending punk rock with plenty of celtic flavor. Bagpipes, mandolins, bodhrans and accordions join forces with electric guitars, bass, and drums. The vocals of the group complement the music quite well, and also strike that same balance of old and new. This latest album contains both high-energy jigs and slower, sweeter ballads, and attains a likeable variety while maintaining a consistent identity. The lyrics are pretty much what you would expect from a modern punk rock band, with a few exceptions. But the slightly crude nature of some of the songs' content is easily upstaged by the music itself. Recommended for those who want to dance a jig the hardcore way.
CD: "The Meanest Of Times", Born & Bred Records
MUSICAL STYLES: Punk, Celtic, Rock
BEST TRACKS: Flannigan's Ball and The State Of Massachusetts
LYRICS: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/d/dropkick_murphys/the_meanest_of_times/
COMMENTS: If a perfect marriage of traditional style and modern rock energy exists, the Dropkick Murphys have it. And, in The Meanest Of Times they've nailed their sound better then ever before, effortlessly blending punk rock with plenty of celtic flavor. Bagpipes, mandolins, bodhrans and accordions join forces with electric guitars, bass, and drums. The vocals of the group complement the music quite well, and also strike that same balance of old and new. This latest album contains both high-energy jigs and slower, sweeter ballads, and attains a likeable variety while maintaining a consistent identity. The lyrics are pretty much what you would expect from a modern punk rock band, with a few exceptions. But the slightly crude nature of some of the songs' content is easily upstaged by the music itself. Recommended for those who want to dance a jig the hardcore way.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Project 86's "Rival Factions"
ARTIST: Project 86
CD: "Rival Factions", Tooth & Nail Records
MUSICAL STYLES: Christian, rock, hardcore
BEST TRACKS: Molotov and The Sanctuary Hum
LYRICS: http://www.christianrocklyrics.com/project86.php
COMMENTS: Almost ten years after their self-titled first release, Project 86 is still going strong. As their sixth album, Rival Factions is a testimony to how far they've come, and possibly their best yet in several ways. One of the band's greatest strengths has always been their ability to make each album fresh while maintaining their identity, and it's a quality that still holds true here. This time, their sound is confident and polished--although almost a bit too polished at times, lacking the musical depth and diversity of some previous works. However, it's solid and consistent, making the songs more accessible than in the past. While Project 86 still claims their Christian roots, you won't find much of that within the lyrics of Rival Factions. Disappointingly, there is little mention of God, and certainly nothing that would offend a non-believer. However, the lyrics remain wholesome and forgo the despair currently so trendy in favor of a stand against wrong. Recommended for hardcore fans everywhere.
CD: "Rival Factions", Tooth & Nail Records
MUSICAL STYLES: Christian, rock, hardcore
BEST TRACKS: Molotov and The Sanctuary Hum
LYRICS: http://www.christianrocklyrics.com/project86.php
COMMENTS: Almost ten years after their self-titled first release, Project 86 is still going strong. As their sixth album, Rival Factions is a testimony to how far they've come, and possibly their best yet in several ways. One of the band's greatest strengths has always been their ability to make each album fresh while maintaining their identity, and it's a quality that still holds true here. This time, their sound is confident and polished--although almost a bit too polished at times, lacking the musical depth and diversity of some previous works. However, it's solid and consistent, making the songs more accessible than in the past. While Project 86 still claims their Christian roots, you won't find much of that within the lyrics of Rival Factions. Disappointingly, there is little mention of God, and certainly nothing that would offend a non-believer. However, the lyrics remain wholesome and forgo the despair currently so trendy in favor of a stand against wrong. Recommended for hardcore fans everywhere.
Regina Spektor's "Begin To Hope"
ARTIST: Regina Spektor
CD: Begin To Hope, Sire Records
MUSICAL STYLES: Acoustic, alternative, pop, folk
BEST TRACKS: Fidelity and On The Radio
LYRICS: http://www.azlyrics.com/r/reginaspektor.html
COMMENTS: Regina Spektor's music can probably be best described as quirky, and her sound is sparse yet enjoyable. Upbeat, pop-style songs are followed by mellower tunes mainly dependent on the piano for accompaniment. The folk influences present place the focus on her vocals rather than on the instruments, and her singing justifies it. Regina's voice is soft and somewhat accented; an engaging and likable effect. Her lyrics are uniquely straightforward in a nearly childlike manner, and almost humorous at times as a result of their candidness. Musically, however, the main emphasis is upon the piano, which creates a classical yet mostly lighthearted impression. The overall feel of Begin To Hope is that of a friend sitting down at a family piano to play and sing a little; down to earth and friendly. But it's not quite enough to catch the attention of those accustomed to bolder tunes. Recommended for those in the mood for some easy listening.
CD: Begin To Hope, Sire Records
MUSICAL STYLES: Acoustic, alternative, pop, folk
BEST TRACKS: Fidelity and On The Radio
LYRICS: http://www.azlyrics.com/r/reginaspektor.html
COMMENTS: Regina Spektor's music can probably be best described as quirky, and her sound is sparse yet enjoyable. Upbeat, pop-style songs are followed by mellower tunes mainly dependent on the piano for accompaniment. The folk influences present place the focus on her vocals rather than on the instruments, and her singing justifies it. Regina's voice is soft and somewhat accented; an engaging and likable effect. Her lyrics are uniquely straightforward in a nearly childlike manner, and almost humorous at times as a result of their candidness. Musically, however, the main emphasis is upon the piano, which creates a classical yet mostly lighthearted impression. The overall feel of Begin To Hope is that of a friend sitting down at a family piano to play and sing a little; down to earth and friendly. But it's not quite enough to catch the attention of those accustomed to bolder tunes. Recommended for those in the mood for some easy listening.
Bloc Party's "A Weekend In The City"
ARTIST: Bloc Party
CD: A Weekend In The City, 2007 Vice Music
MUSICAL STYLES: Rock, alternative, indie
BEST TRACKS: The Prayer and Hunting For Witches
LYRICS: http://www.azlyrics.com/b/blocparty.html
COMMENTS: This British band has a lot going for them--and, admittedly, find themselves towards the top of my iTunes playlist. First of all, lead vocalist Kele Okereke has a uniquely beautiful voice that instantly sets the band apart from the crowd the moment he begins to sing. The band's music itself is intense despite it's lack of a "hardcore" sound, with distinctive beats and guitar riffs. A high level of energy is present within many of the tracks. However, the songs themselves are often rather similar to each other and fail to create as much variety as one might have hoped. As a result, A Weekend In The City becomes slightly tedious through the last few songs. The title of the album is quite appropriate, and there is indeed the impression of being taken on a urban journey both in the sound and in the lyrics. The rhythm of the lyrics is much more mainstream than it was in Bloc Party's previous album, Silent Alarm, a change that suits their developing sound despite the resulting decrease in originality. Despite it's weak spots, A Weekend In The City is certainly the band's best album yet. Recommended for those looking for some very danceable rock.
CD: A Weekend In The City, 2007 Vice Music
MUSICAL STYLES: Rock, alternative, indie
BEST TRACKS: The Prayer and Hunting For Witches
LYRICS: http://www.azlyrics.com/b/blocparty.html
COMMENTS: This British band has a lot going for them--and, admittedly, find themselves towards the top of my iTunes playlist. First of all, lead vocalist Kele Okereke has a uniquely beautiful voice that instantly sets the band apart from the crowd the moment he begins to sing. The band's music itself is intense despite it's lack of a "hardcore" sound, with distinctive beats and guitar riffs. A high level of energy is present within many of the tracks. However, the songs themselves are often rather similar to each other and fail to create as much variety as one might have hoped. As a result, A Weekend In The City becomes slightly tedious through the last few songs. The title of the album is quite appropriate, and there is indeed the impression of being taken on a urban journey both in the sound and in the lyrics. The rhythm of the lyrics is much more mainstream than it was in Bloc Party's previous album, Silent Alarm, a change that suits their developing sound despite the resulting decrease in originality. Despite it's weak spots, A Weekend In The City is certainly the band's best album yet. Recommended for those looking for some very danceable rock.
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