How I Hear It

The National: High Violet

2011-11-16T11:40:00.001-06:00

Walk Through the Manhattan Valleys of the Dead

I'm ashamed to admit that it took me until now to enjoy listening to The National. These indie rock veterans have been around for over 2 decades with 5 albums under their belt, but it took High Violet for me to discover their wealth of great music. As I've now come to realize, The National only seem to get better with each album. High Violet is a polished and simplistic yet sophisticated album. The songs sound similar at first listen, but there's an underlying subtle maturity to the music and each song has something different to offer. Matt Berninger's baritone voice is soothing and the lyrics profound throughout the album. I don't feel the need to extol the talents of The National too much given their successful history; I'll let the music speak for itself, but I will point out my favorite tracks on High Violet: "Anyone's Ghost," the ever popular "Bloodbuzz Ohio," and "Conversation 16." Unsurprisingly, their tour with openers The Walkmen, Local Natives, Neko Case, and Wye Oak is completely sold out. If you haven't already, take a listen now. In the video, "Bloodbuzz Ohio."

1. Terrible Love - 4:39
2. Sorrow - 3:25
3. Anyone's Ghost - 2:54
4. Little Faith - 4:36
5. Afraid of Everyone - 4:19
6. Bloodbuzz Ohio - 4:36
7. Lemonworld - 3:23
8. Runaway - 5:33
9. Conversation 16 - 4:18
10. England - 5:40
11. Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks - 4:12

Incubus: If Not Now, When?

2011-11-16T11:32:00.001-06:00

I've Waited All My Life

Upon first listen to Incubus' 7th studio album If Not Now, When? I was pretty turned off. I've been a long time fan since 1999's alternative rock masterpiece Make Yourself, and when I heard their latest I was disappointed by the lack of excitement and energy that was on Light Grenades and the fact that songs such as the title track reminded me too much of a contemporary Christian rock band. Not to mention the lyrics can be cheesy and angsty. But, being the devoted fan that I am, I listened to it through a few times and it grew on me. My favorite tracks are still the upbeat ones that I picked out early on like "Switchblade" which breaks from traditional song structure conventions and displays Jose Pasillas' intricate and skilled drumming. "Adolescents" stands out as classic Incubus showcasing Brandon Boyd's vocals which are incredible - he has a huge range that most can only hit going falsetto. Toward the end of the track, the feel completely changes when most instruments drop out giving us just bass/guitar and Boyd's vocals. It's a surprising break that leads back into the chorus perfectly. "In the Company of Wolves" is a really interesting track. The beginning half sounds like it belongs on a Coldplay album but it disappears into an orchestral mess with a flanged guitar riff prevailing and proceeding into a serious but mellow jam. If Not Now, When? won't ever be considered Incubus' best album, but if you give it more than one listen, you'll find new things you like each time around.

1. If Not Now, When? - 5:05
2. Promises, Promises - 4:26
3. Friends and Lovers - 4:07
4. Thieves - 4:17
5. Isadore - 4:35
6. The Original - 5:05
7. Defiance - 2:19
8. In the Company of Wolves - 7:35
9. Switchblade - 3:27
10. Adolescents - 4:48
11. Tomorrow's Food - 4:19

Wilco: The Whole Love

2011-11-14T17:29:00.001-06:00

Disobey Across the Waves

The wildly popular and well-established indie rock group Wilco has come out with their 8th studio album The Whole Love in September of this year on the band's own label dBpm. It's hard to pinpoint just what kind of a band Wilco is - they started out as a country-esque pop song making machine, but have evolved over their 15 year existence becoming more experimental and creating their own style on each release. It would be nearly impossible to repeat the success of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, but repetition is not something that Wilco is about. On The Whole Love, it starts off with "Art of Almost" which is a large departure from what fans are used to. Electronic effects and artificial sounds are prevalent throughout and add a little something extra to the fuzzy guitar, crisp bass lines, and Radiohead-like drum beat. Orchestral strings build the song up and Jeff Tweedy's vocals break it down. The song ends in a driving jam that extends the song to over seven minutes. In "I Might," the bass and guitar are stratified to opposite ends of the keyboard while organ and back-up vocals control the melody. It's an upbeat track that reminds me of Spoon or Arcade Fire. This feel is pervasive throughout the album, especially on tracks like "Dawned on Me." Later on we hear more of Wilco's country roots thanks to a twangy lapsteel guitar on the tracks "Black Moon" and "Open Mind." Overall, I've really enjoyed listening to The Whole Love. Wilco's North American tour is nearly sold out, but there are a couple open dates and plenty of open ones in Europe. In the video, "Born Alone" off of The Whole Love.

1. Art of Almost - 7:17
2. I Might - 4:02
3. Sunloathe - 3:20
4. Dawned on Me - 3:43
5. Black Moon - 3:57
6. Born Alone - 3:55
7. Open Mind - 3:40
8. Capitol City - 4:04
9. Standing O - 3:29
10. Rising Red Lung - 3:10
11. Whole Love - 3:50
12. One Sunday Morning (Song for Jane Smiley's Boyfriend) - 12:04

The Rapture: In the Grace of Your Love

2011-11-11T12:29:00.001-06:00

Let Me Hear That Song

After a five year hiatus, American dance-punk group The Rapture released its third album in September called In the Grace of Your Love. This newest release has musical influences from across the spectrum, notably arena rock anthem pioneers U2, alternative rock contemporaries like Franz Ferdinand and Kings of Leon, and contains extended dance beats akin to the sound of James Murphy's LCD Soundsystem who just so happens to have produced In the Grace of Your Love. Expanding upon their influential role in the post-punk revival of the 2000's, The Rapture hits big on the single "How Deep is Your Love?" The dance feel is established from the beginning with a keyboard chord progression, enhanced with a hi-hat heavy percussive 2-4 dance beat. Luke Jenner triumphantly sings lyrics of spirituality and love and at the end we get a fitting saxophone melody. We get another solid dance track out of "Come Back To Me" which features an accordion sound carrying the song. The growth and maturity of the band members is reflected in their music which seems to have greater meaning and extra care in production. The Rapture is touring now in Europe. Also check out Geographer and Walter Meego. In the video, "Pieces of the People We Love" off of their second album of the same name.

1. Sail Away - 5:21
2. Miss You - 4:10
3. Blue Bird - 3:06
4. Come Back To Me - 5:38
5. In The Grace Of Your Love - 5:36
6. Never Die Again - 3:59
7. Roller Coaster - 3:41
8. Children - 3:56
9. Can You Find A Way? - 2:52
10. How Deep Is Your Love? - 6:27
11. It Takes Time To Be A Man - 5:41

Cults: Cults

2011-11-09T17:53:00.000-06:00

Death is Not a Fearful Thing

Staying true to their band's namesake, the indie pop New York City duo Cults starts their breakthrough song "Go Outside" with a quote from one of the most famous cult leaders of all time, Jim Jones. Knowing the background makes the otherwise innocent child toy mallet melody somewhat creepy. Regardless, it certainly is catchy. The intro ends with Brian Oblivion's forceful bass and Madeline Follin's reverberated voice. Cults have a distinctive retro feel that is especially apparent on "You Know What I Mean" which could have fit on the Grease soundtrack. This same type of sound is also apparent on the track "Bumper" where we get a chance to hear Oblivion's voice, which is highly enjoyable. Even the lyrics seem to be rooted in a 1950's or 60's mentality like in "Most Wanted" where Follin sings about heeding her mother's advice over a simple throwback drum beat and vintage sounding organs. And later on the track "Never Saw the Point," we hear a Beach Boys influence in Oblivion's rhythm guitar, but added is a certain depth and volume. Don't let Cults be pidgeon-holed - they have plenty of new takes on an old sound wrapped up in a solid album. Cults are on tour now in Europe. In the video, "Go Outside."

1. Abducted - 2:53
2. Go Outside - 3:24
3. You Know What I Mean - 2:32
4. Most Wanted - 3:24
5. Walk at Night - 3:05
6. Never Heal Myself - 3:03
7. Oh My God - 3:21
8. Never Saw the Point - 3:04
9. Bad Things - 3:40
10. Bumper - 2:42
11. Rave On - 2:52

Starfucker: Reptilians

2011-11-08T19:43:00.001-06:00

What would it be like to go to sleep and never wake up?

Alright, let's get it out of the way. The name. I know. It's juvenile. I'm going to go ahead and assume it comes from The Rolling Stones' song "Star Star" which was originally titled "Starfucker" until Atlantic Records insisted it be changed. While it doesn't do the band any favors, do yourself a favor and get over the name. Starfucker is an electronic outfit from Portland started in 2007 by Joshua Hodges as a solo project. It has since grown from the debut self-titled album in 2008 and now Reptilians this year. Their sound is best described as a mix between Passion Pit and My Bloody Valentine. They have pop inspired melodies that feel familiar upon first listen, but it's more polished and fuzzy than their first album. Or, as Hodges puts it, "dance music that you can actually listen to, that's good pop songs, but also you can dance to it." While it's not an album that gets me overly excited, it feels mature and it's a good listen cover to cover. If you feel the need to pick a couple tracks out, though, I would first recommend "Bury Us Alive." It's all together ethereal and raw. I also really enjoy "Mystery Cloud." It starts strong right away with a layered progressive synth melody and Hodges strained, airy vocals then toward the end, the song features a sample of a lecture from philosopher Alan Watts which Starfucker is wont to do. Also worth mentioning is "Astoria," a nostalgia inducing dance track with solid guitar and existential lyrics. Starfucker is touring now in both the U.S. and Europe. Check out their schedule here. In the video, "Rawnald Gregory Erickson the Second" off of Starfucker.

1. Born - 3:23
2. Julius - 3:48
3. Bury Us Alive - 3:10
4. Mystery Cloud - 4:25
5. Death As A Fetish (Feat. Mattress) - 4:14
6. Astoria - 2:42
7. Reptilians - 2:48
8. The White Of Noon - 4:25
9. Hungry Ghost - 2:09
10. Mona Vegas - 3:38
11. Millions - 2:34
12. Quality Time - 2:57

Fitz and the Tantrums: Pickin' Up the Pieces

2011-11-07T12:37:00.000-06:00

I Don't Believe in the Power of Love

Aptly described by frontman Michael Fitzpatrick, Fitz & the Tantrums are a "soul-influenced indie pop" group out of Los Angeles. Sharing vocal duties with the soulful Noelle Scaggs, the rest of the Tantrums are fleshed out with saxophone/trumpet/flute, keys, set, and bass creating a throw-back Motown inspired sound. Ever the performer, Fitzpatrick and his troupe create a dynamic and energetic live show which showcases their catchy and funky tunes wonderfully. They run the risk of being labeled outdated or cheesy, but have managed their vintage vibe and sound very well making a unique sound for themselves which is appealing to a wide spectrum of listeners. Old fans of the Detroit label will see them as a natural extension of the well-established genre and new listeners will find them to be upbeat, refreshing, and unique. Named by Rolling Stone magazine as a "band to watch" in April 2011, Fitz and the Tantrums debuted their first full length album in August of 2010 titled Pickin' Up the Pieces. It contains radio and television-friendly songs such as "Moneygrabber" and "L.O.V." with memorable choruses and toe-tapping melodies. The lyrics are simple but playful such as in "Rich Girls" where Fitzpatrick sings, "Rich girls will break your heart/ Poor girls will take your money/ I confess and I repent for the things I've done/ My soul is spent on rich girls and poor girls." Fitz and the Tantrums is halfway through its tour which you can check out here. In the video, "Winds of Change."
1. Breakin' the Chains of Love - 2:51
2. Dear Mr. President - 2:59
3. Pickin' Up the Pieces - 2:45
4. MoneyGrabber - 3:09
5. L.O.V. - 3:40
6. News 4 You - 3:57
7. Don't Gotta Work It Out - 4:09
8. Rich Girls - 3:14
9. Winds of Change - 4:09
10. Tighter - 4:56

CFCF: Continent

2011-11-04T20:05:00.000-05:00

Come Closer

So it's been about 2 years since Michael Silver aka CFCF came out with Continent, but I'm going to write a little about it because I don't think it has quite received the attention it deserves. An early adopter or perhaps influencer of chillwave, CFCF, named for CTV Montreal, creates huge electronic soundscape instrumentals replete with tasty bass lines and reverberating toms. The songs are filled out with hypnotic keys streaming out synthesized melodies, concise and satisfying, oftentimes joined by detached and tinny guitar strums playing out the rhythm. Silver has a way of building up each tune making for moments of intimacy and awe, much of it without the aid of any vocals. This stuff is very chilled out, but it has its moments when the music becomes adamant like in the guitar solo climax of "You Hear Colours" or the intense, epic percussive/bass jam throughout "Monoloth." In "Come Closer" Michael Silver provides some vocals which fit with the music like a glove. One of my absolute favorites "Half Dreaming" starts out with the sexiest bass line later combined with a swirling synth and if you're not jamming already, the guitar comes scratching out its own rhythm completing the mix. Indeed, as a friend messaged me after listening to them for the first time, "Hey guess what I don't have to masturbate anymore. I just listen to CFCF instead." There's a couple singles out, too, like Cometrue which is very nice on the ears. Find him here. Also, check out similar artists Active Child, Toro y Moi, and Neon Indian. In the video, "You Hear Colours."

1. Raining Patterns - 7:26
2. Invitation to Love - 6:07
3. Summerlong - 1:53
4. You Hear Colours - 5:38
5. Monolith - 7:12
6. Half Dreaming - 5:29
7. Letters Home 4:59
8. Break-In - 3:09
9. Come Closer - 6:07
10. Snake Charmer - 8:24
11. Half Dreaming Reprise - 2:41
12. Big Love - 6:22

Phantogram: Nightlife

2011-11-02T23:11:00.001-05:00

This is the Future

Reporting back from Phantogram's live show and I must say, it was a ton of fun. Touring with Reptar in promotion of their new EP Nightlife, Phantogram does a great job of turning their studio songs into an unforgettable live experience. Call it what you will, trip hop, psych pop, whatever, this duo from Sarasota Springs, NY uses electronic street beats and raw guitar to make their sound larger than life. On their newest EP, Phantogram continues to utilize Sarah Barthel's vocals to the fullest - using glitchy samples of her voice on top of singing while she pounds away on the keys like in the track, "Don't Move." Josh Carter meanwhile stoically carries the psychedelic melody on guitar, especially evident in the song "Making a Fist." He doesn't have a bad voice, either. Not quite as in your face as their first full release Eyelid Movies, Nightlife goes from the mellow self-titled track to the heavier artificial percussion of "A Dark Tunnel" in just six tracks. Most of them revert to the familiar trance-like choruses that we got to know in Phantogram's freshman album. While Nightlife doesn't showcase many changes to their sound, it is a solid EP that promises a bright future for Phantogram who finds itself drawing a unique mix of fans and carving out a music niche of their own. See if they will be playing nearby and, if you like what you hear, you may want to check out Little Dragon as well. In the video, "Let Me Go" with live visuals off of Eyelid Movies.

1. 16 Years – 3:56
2. Don't Move – 4:18
3. Turning Into Stone – 4:54
4. Make a Fist – 4:36
5. Nightlife – 4:06
6. A Dark Tunnel – 5:29

Mother Mother: Eureka

2011-11-01T20:54:00.001-05:00

What I'd Give to Be a Supernova

I cannot tell you how much I love this band. With each album, this indie rock quintet from Vancouver gets better and better culminating in the wonderful album Eureka released this year. Clearly more polished than their previous work on O My Heart and Touch Up (which are both well worth the listen), Eureka is mixed excellently and they seem to have found the perfect blend of male and female vocals. Mother Mother is infectious, catchy, and oh so upbeat. They're poppy to the point that I would call them a guilty pleasure...if I was guilty about it. But one simply can't help but to enjoy their energy and trip the light fantastic right along with them. Of their many dance-able tunes, the ironic "My Baby Don't Dance" is one of my favorite. They deftly intertwine basic rock elements of guitar, bass, and set while adding organ and some well-timed hand claps. It seamlessly goes from light to heavy in all the right places to get your feet moving. And just when you think you can't dance harder, a thumping bass kicks in near the end. The band has its more serious moments, too, like in "Getaway," which is beautifully sung and enjoyable in their own right. The lyrics tend to be about love ("Simply Simple"), loneliness ("Far in Time"), and sex ("Calm Me Down"), but don't be fooled by their playfulness - they get more insightful than you'd think like on "Original Spin" and "Born in a Flash." This band is really put together and I hear their live show is incredible. Can't wait to witness it with my own eyes. See their schedule here. In the video, "Body of Years" off of O My Heart.

1. Chasing it Down - 4:10
2. The Stand - 2:56
3. Baby Don't Dance - 3:30
4. Original Spin - 3:32
5. Born in a Flash - 3:11
6. Simply Simple - 3:32
7. Problems - 3:27
8. Aspiring Fires - 3:34
9. Getaway - 3:39
10. Far in Time - 3:20
11. Oleander - 3:20
12. Calm Me Down - 4:42
13. In the Wings - 4:00*
14. Carve a Name - 3:26*

*Available exclusively on iTunes as bonus tracks.

Active Child: You Are All I See

2011-10-31T20:44:00.000-05:00

You're So Damn Cold

It's not every day you hear a harp in a contemporary electronic band. Or anywhere outside of a symphony orchestra for that matter. Yet here we have Pat Grossi a.k.a. Active Child expertly incorporating the harp into epic and eclectic ensembles complete with heavy snare hits, reverberating claps, and soaring synths. His music is certainly unique - you wouldn't be at fault for thinking it sounds like a more stripped-down version of Sufjan Steven's Age of Adz or a slightly bigger sounding James Blake. As a former choir boy, you can hear the church hymn influence in Grossi's music making. He has a mesmerizing voice that never seems to leave falsetto which he often layers to make a more full effect and is also accompanied by computer effects and deep bass. There's definitely a time and a place for listening to Active Child. Save from the track "Call Me Tonight," which is pretty fun, most of the songs would be classified as ballads which are played with seriousness and angst that's both endearing and heartfelt. Some of my favorites off of You Are All I See include "Hanging On," "High Priestess," and "Way Too Fast." Active Child is touring now with M83. See the dates here http://activechildmusic.com/. Also worth a listen is Active Child's first EP called Curtis Lane. Also check out CFCF.

1. You Are All I See - 4:05
2. Hanging On - 5:21
3. Playing House - 3:21
4. See Thru Eyes - 4:17
5. High Priestess - 3:22
6. Ivy - 3:06
7. Way Too Fast - 5:14
8. Ancient Eye - 3:36
9. Shield & Sword - 3:39
10. Johnny Belinda - 5:04

Little Dragon: Ritual Union

2011-10-30T23:09:00.001-05:00

Follow the Signs

The Swedish electronic group Little Dragon is back on the scene with Ritual Union, a follow up to their self-titled full-length in 2007 and 2009's Machine Dreams. The foursome, anchored by Swedish-Japanese singer Yukimi Nagano on vocals, has justifiably been receiving high praise for this one. With lo-fi percussion and simplistic distorted bass, some of their songs are reminiscent of Gorillaz's iPad-created album The Fall - especially on "Seconds" - if it weren't for Nagano's light, sultry vocals. Their minimalism is very modern sounding, particularly on the title track "Ritual Union" which is accompanied by playful keys that build as the song progresses to a gratifying climax toward the end of the song. In the next song "Little Man" Nagano matches her voice to the staccato keys together piercing the silence and making for a lively feel. Released as a single, "Nightlight" is as dense as the music gets on Ritual Union and yet another danceable hit. All in all, it's a very coherent album that's very novel at first and a lot of fun to listen to. Check out Little Dragon's European tour dates here www.little-dragon.net. In the video, "Blinking Pigs" off of Machine Dreams.

1. Ritual Union – 3:30
2. Little Man – 2:41
3. Brush the Heat – 4:10
4. Shuffle a Dream – 2:58
5. Please Turn – 3:34
6. Crystalfilm – 4:49
7. Precious – 3:51
8. Nightlight – 3:25
9. Summertearz – 3:50
10. When I Go Out – 5:59
11. Seconds – 4:30

Walter Meego: Wondervalley

2011-10-28T02:26:00.001-05:00

Feeling the Way I Do

Despite the misleading name, Walter Meego is a five piece electronica rock band formed in 2004. After several EPs and lineup changes, they’ve come out this year with the full length Wondervalley. Compared to their freshman album Voyager in 2007, we get more of a polished, full sound. And with 3 added members this year, that makes sense. To be honest, this album is a little disappointing at first. With the departure from Meego’s familiar dance vibe, Wondervalley is slightly more mature sounding and tends to focus more on vocal harmonization and features several keys-driven ballads, but it works for them. It gives fans the chance to appreciate lead singer Justin Sconza’s talented vocals that would make Geddy Lee jealous. Wondervalley starts out strong with “Magic Eye,” where the change in direction for the band is already apparent. Followed up with “Starlight,” the crunchy guitar fills out the sound nicely with soaring synths and nice instrumentation that takes its cues from the drum kit just as it should. Reaching back to pop-inspired phrases that made their first album great, the track “Here I Am” begins with a bouncy melody accompanied with steady bass and culminates with staccato vocal phrases ending with appeasing claps and snare hits. There are tracks worth listening to, but I personally will stick to the house party or acid trip-ready album Voyager. This review isn't over enthusiastic, but Voyager is well worth the listen. Find them here at www.waltermeego.com. In the video, "Forever" off of Voyager.

1. Magic Eye - 4:01
2. Starlight - 3:05
3. Got Me Goin - 3:28
4. Here I Am - 4:06
5. Time Machine - 3:50
6. Bye Bye - 3:52
7. Ghosts in Love - 3:06
8. Meant to Be - 4:40
9. Tomorrow is a Place - 0:27
10. From California - 3:26

Geographer: Animal Shapes EP

2011-10-26T12:11:00.000-05:00

My Brain is on Edge

Hailing from San Francisco, Geographer is an indietronica trio created by frontman Michael Deni after the unexpected death of his father and sister. After gaining some degree of notoriety through gigs in the Bay Area, Geographer released a follow up EP titled Animal Shapes over a year ago in August of 2010 to their 2008 album Innocent Ghosts. Their sound is a nice mix of dance beats and somber melodies with Deni taking care of vocals and synthesizer in addition to support from Nathan Blaz (formerly of St. Vincent) on cello and Brian Ostreicher on drums. Reminiscent of The Black Ghosts, Deni's voice is smooth and ethereal, often going into a satisfying falsetto like on the track "Kites" which also features tasteful cello harmonies that are prevalent throughout Animal Shapes. The cello in combination with synthesized bass lines, insistent bass kicks, and Deni's soothing voice create tunes that are somehow upbeat and melancholy at the same time as typified by the outro, "Night Winds." The hauntingly beautiful "Original Sin" starts the EP off right alternating crashing cymbals and soulful cello making for a surprisingly big sound for only three musicians. Rich with emotion and themes of love and loss, Deni's lyrics have a sentimentality and depth that is not to be overlooked. On "Verona," he croons, "If I could be yours, you could be mine/ As long as it rhymes/ that's all I'll ever need." At just six original tracks and two remixes, this EP leaves the listener yearning for more. I'll be sure to keep my eye out for new releases by Geographer and I recommend you do the same. Check them out here http://www.geographermusic.com/. In the video, "Can't You Wait" off of Animal Shapes.

1. Original Sin - 4:43
2. Kites - 4:21
3. Verona - 5:00
4. Paris - 4:56
5. Heaven Waits - 4:00
6. Night Winds - 6:02

Justice: Audio, Video, Disco

2011-10-25T10:20:00.002-05:00

The Beating of a Million Drums

Nearly four years after the immensely successful and critically acclaimed Cross (nominated for a Grammy for Best Electronic/Dance Album in 2007), the infectious French electronic duo Justice is back with their new album Audio, Video, Disco. A,V,D will silence critics claiming Justice's sound is overly simple and easy to replicate. Taking cues from fellow Frenchmen Daft Punk's Human After All and Tron: Legacy OST, Justice's newest is heavy on fuzzy guitar and repeating lyrics with new ideas that are all together fresh and familiar. Full of epic sounding songs fit for a nightclub or movie soundtracks of their own, Audio, Video, Disco is sure to please. With captivating and simple pop rhythms like in "Civilization," the softer track "Ohio," and remix-ready "Helix," many of Justice's new tracks will inevitably receive the same amount of mainstream attention as "D.A.N.C.E." did on Cross. "On'nOn" indulges with catchy vocals and is indicative of the duo's attempts at making a lighter album than their first. True to the album title, there's stuff to be had for fans of disco and not only their contemporary metal/hair band fans. According to member Xavier de Rosnay, "It's disco opera...not too groovy, but with really simple movements...When we made this record, we wanted to create something very laid back and a bit 'countryside-ish.' You know, daytime music." Although not as distorted as the first, make no mistake, this is an electronic album. There's a lot of awesomeness to be heard, so check it out for yourself. In the video, "Civilization."

1. Horsepower - 3:40
2. Civilization" (with Ali Love) - 3:38
3. Ohio (with Vincent Vendetta of Midnight Juggernauts) - 4:01
4. Canon (Primo) - 0:27
5. Canon - 3:39
6. On'n'On (with Morgan Phalen) - 4:30
7. Brianvision - 3:11
8. Parade - 4:01
9. New Lands (with Morgan Phalen) - 4:14
10. Helix - 4:28
11. Audio, Video, Disco (contains a hidden track) - 10:31

Toro y Moi: Freaking Out EP

2011-10-24T12:03:00.000-05:00

Take it Easy

Coming off of two incredibly good albums (Causers of This and Underneath the Pine), Toro y Moi continues his prolific music career with the groovy EP Freaking Out. Continuing from the more funky feeling on Underneath the Pine, Chazwick Bundick really finds his voice on Freaking Out which is a promising indicator of more good stuff to come. On tracks "All Alone" and "Sweet," we hear some well-placed guitar strums hidden underneath his familiar organ-like keys that have a sound which gives the feeling of being underwater but avoids the trap of overproduction. The organ is especially prominent and funky on the self-titled track "Freaking Out." On his cover of 80's R&B hit "Saturday Love" by Cherelle and Alexander O'Neill, we can get an idea of Bundick's musical influences while he adds touches of his own style, especially in the added wobbly synthesizer and subtle bass line. For those unfamiliar with Toro y Moi, I would recommend starting with his first album and working your way to the present. It's fun to listen to the progression from lo-fi bedroom chillwave to his more groovy recent incarnations. In the video, "Talamak" off of Causers of This.

1. All Alone - 3:43
2. Freaking Out - 3:29
3. Sweet - 2:33
4. Saturday Love - 4:05
5. I Can Get Love - 5:38

Neon Indian: Era Extraña

2011-10-23T23:05:00.000-05:00

Staring at the Future

Already a big fan of his previous work on Psychic Chasms, I was really excited when I heard Neon Indian (Alan Palomo) had a new album out this year. Dubbed Era Extraña (Spanish for "was strange"), Neon Indian's sophomore album is highly acclaimed by Rolling Stone Magazine and others. And rightly so, for it is an extremely satisfying album. Less lo-fi and probably more accessible than the former album, Era Extraña starts out great (after the intro track) with "Polish Girl." A driving pop line takes you through the track with intervening synth effects and steady keys adding depth and body. Palomo's airy voice is a perfect fit and the whole album is mixed incredibly well. "Hex Girlfriend" is a dreamy, ambient soundscape of a track with simple melodies that could have gone on forever. Probably my personal favorite, "Future Sick" has a great blend of low and high end synths and sounds which all together convey a sense of nostalgia (about the future?) that is prevalent throughout the album. There aren't any tracks that I skip as each song seems meticulously chosen to create a very cohesive album. Indeed, "Arcade Blues" is included as a bonus track because Palomo felt that it didn't fit with his conception of the album as a whole. Overall, I really like the new, slightly more pop and melody-driven direction he has taken and I cannot wait for when he comes to town. See if he'll be playing near you http://neonindian.com/main.php. In the video, "Polish Girls."

1. Heart: Attack - 0:59
2. Polish Girl - 4:26
3. The Blindside Kiss - 3:35
4. Hex Girlfriend - 3:18
5. Heart: Decay - 1:46
6. Fallout - 3:34
7. Era Extraña - 2:59
8. Halogen (I Could Be A Shadow) - 4:37
9. Future Sick - 4:49
10. Suns Irrupt - 5:30
11. Heart: Release - 2:07
12. Arcade Blues (Single) - 4:47

Star Slinger: Volume I

2011-10-23T22:45:00.000-05:00

Like You and Me Babe

When I came across Star Slinger's Volume I, I didn't feel the need to find any new music for at least a week. The alias of English hip hop producer Darren Williams, Star Slinger is so fresh. He uses soulful female vocals and busy beats with dreamy synths to create something that is truly enjoyable to listen to. The Guardian gets it right when they describe it as "soulwave." It's the perfect combination of R&B samples and chillwave feel, but with more emphasis on electronica glitches, catchy riffs, and bumping beats. The first track "Mornin'" is optimistic and uplifting; the perfect greeting to a new day. And the perfect beginning to the whole album. "Mornin'" gives way to another great track, "Minted," that mezmerizes with a heart-thumping bass kick and perfectly repeating and alternating male and female singing. The lyrics are often indistinguishable or nonexistant - the voices simply add another layer of complexity and harmony to the music. Other stellar tracks include "Bumpkin," "Dutchie Courage," "Family Friend," and "Star Slinger." Word is that Volume II is on its way. Brush up on the first in the meantime. And check out his tour dates http://www.starslinger.net/home.html. In the video, "Mornin'."

1. Mornin' - 2:12
2. Minted - 2:00
3. Extra Time - 2:42
4. Innocent - 2:40
5. Bumpkin - 3:46
6. Copulate - 2:15
7. Dutchie Courage - 3:00
8. Gimme - 3:08
9. Gas - 2:46
10. Family Friend - 4:06
11. Star Slinger - 2:20

Reptar: Oblangle Fizz Y'all EP

2011-10-23T22:25:00.001-05:00

Pull Just a Little Bit More

The first show I saw at Lollapalooza 2011 this year was a band my buddy was into called Reptar. I thought, "Really? The dinosaur from The Rugrats? Um...yeah, sure." They didn't get more than 30 seconds into their first song before I was blown away. These guys can't be more than 20 years old, but damn they can jam. It's hard to describe their sound as I haven't heard anything quite like them. But comparisons to Architecture in Helsinki aren't far off - especially the voice. Hailing from Athens, Georgia, their stuff is very danceable but certainly not overly poppy. Their song "Blast Off" starts with an almost demonic chant that quickly gets you bouncing when the drums kick in and the vocals begin. It breaks down into a Who-inspired synth to which you can't help but bob your head. My personal favorite, "Stuck in My Id," wastes no time in getting you moving, starting with a simple guitar riff, then driven by nice repetitive high-end keys. It builds up to a chorus from left-field that had me literally saying, "Ho. Lee. Shit." I can't do these fellas justice in print, so I recommend checking them out on youtube or http://reptarmusic.com/. They've got an EP called Oblangle Fizz Y'all and a couple singles (I recommend "Houseboat Babies"). It's most definitely worth the iTunes purchase. They're touring now with another favorite, Phantogram.

1. Blastoff - 3:49
2. Rainbounce - 4:40
3. Context Clues - 4:51
4. Stuck In My Id - 5:13
5. Phonetics - 5:50

Red Hot Chili Peppers: I'm With You

2011-10-23T22:02:00.000-05:00

Rolling Everybody. It Starts With the Bass...

I want to start this blog off with a shout out to a band we all know and love, Red Hot Chili Peppers. Their newest album, I'm With You, released in August of 2011, has been largely panned by critics (especially by our pretentious friends over at Pitchfork). But I have to say, I've really been digging it. With the replacement of fan favorite guitarist John Frusciante with Josh Klinghoffer, folks were understandably skeptical. Their new effort is a departure from Stadium Arcadium featuring a lot of different ideas within each song. Klinghoffer's simple, tasty licks complement some sick bass lines courtesy of Flea and bring back that funky feel fans from the 90's first got hooked on. It starts with "Monarchy of Roses," a low-fi and muddy beginning has me cringing, but it doesn't take more than 60 seconds before I'm jamming out. The excitement is kept up throughout by tracks such as "Ethiopia," "Look Around," "Goodbye Hooray," and "Dance, Dance, Dance." Klinghoffer's also got some great back-up vocals on the tracks "Happiness Loves Company" and "Even You Brutus?" They really complement Anthony Kiedis' voice (even if his lyrics leave something to be desired). I can pick something out on every song that I enjoy. It may not be for everyone, but I'm With You is worth checking out. It definitely does it for me. In the video, "Adventures of Raindance Maggie" off of I'm With You.

1. Monarchy of Roses - 4:12
2. Factory of Faith - 4:20
3. Brendan's Death Song - 5:38
4. Ethiopia - 3:51
5. Anne Wants a Baby - 3:41
6. Look Around - 3:28
7. The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie - 4:42
8. Did I Let You Know - 4:22
9. Goodbye Hooray - 3:52
10. Happiness Loves Company - 3:33
11. Police Station - 5:36
12. Even you Brutus? - 4:01
13. Meet Me At the Corner - 4:21
14. Dance, Dance, Dance - 3:45