This is a departure from what I’ve been reviewing as of late. No, it isn’t grindcore or anything drastic. The songs are drenched in harmonies and world beat. Rather a strong record from a band I wish I heard about earlier than last week. This is Shearwater’s sixth album, and I have a feeling I’ll be back racking a lot of their catalogue.
The band is a collaboration of members from Okkervil River and Kingfisher. As the cover suggests, this album is about living on an island and struggling with limited surroundings, and an abundance of Nordic themes. This is...
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Do you recognize the name, Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta? How about her stage name, Lady Gaga? Yep, that is the one. She's a performer, there is no denying it. On the stage, she is in her comfort zone. She was born for the attention that she gets, and she thrives on it. I have had my own mixed feelings about Lady Gaga. Her music videos are weird to the point where they are frightening. (I am serious; have you seen them?) I never imagined actually owning her CD until it wound up on my front door step, courtesy of...
There seems to be an increased trend in band names that are related to wildlife. Such as the beginning of the decade was dominated by ‘the’ bands, we now have animal bands. I must admit, though, that I enjoy the direction these bands are going in, be it ‘freak folk’ or indie rock, the songs are well structured and written.
Local Natives is a five piece that focuses on vocal harmonies and rhythm more so than guitar solos. The closest this album comes to ‘rocking out’ is track three ‘Sun Hands’, but the rest of the album is melodic. I...
Ok, ok, there are only a few 2009 records I have left to review, and this is one of them. This album came out last spring. I bought it over the summer, and it has taken me a long time to figure my opinion. I’ve listened to it, read up on it, and I even went and bought Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys to have a comparison. What do I think? It isn’t that bad.
Veckatimest has been stacked against Merriweather Post Pavillion, by Animal Collective, I don’t think that is fair. This album is trying very hard to...
There is something to be said for guitar driven rock music: there isn’t much being made currently. Oh yes, there are bands playing a guitar in their songs, but there is also plenty of distortion and effects to deter you from the instrument. Thankfully, Florida natives Surfer Blood have replenished our deficiency.
Track one, ‘Floating Vibes’ opens with the thunder of a few chords and a simple riff and picks up with the waves. Then the waves crash as ‘Swim’ explodes with echoed vocals and another strong riff. The best parts of this album: themes of ocean water and the...
