The Lonely Forest – LIVE

May 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The Lonely ForestThe Lonely Forest are about to head out on tour in support of their “big brother” Chris Walla and the rest of Death Cab for Cutie. I had the chance to check out their set and talk with the guys on their last tour through Minneapolis in April and wanted to share my thoughts and overall recommendation of the band with the fine readers of Driven Far Off. Also be sure to check out the full tour dates and ticket links for their roadshow with Death Cab and their album Arrows (read review | buy).

The Lonely Forest kicked off their April 2011 show Minneapolis somewhat quietly with “Turn off This Song and Go Outside.” No, the music was not lacking in decibels; rather, the four-piece simply did not waste a second to chat the crowd up, opting instead to let the music speak for itself. Folding into “(I Am) The Love Addict” with manic dancing and over-sized expressions on singer Jon Van Deusen’s face, the band set an above-average energy level for the set and never turned it down.

Van Deusen never missed a note as he wailed away. Braydn Krueger translated the full drumbeats from the album Arrows into a ravaging show – rivaling Animal from the Muppets on “Tunnels” – but also found time to sweetly provide high vocal harmonies. Bassist Eric Sturgeon briefly scaled the drum-set to swing from the ceiling, and guitarist Tony Ruland (somewhat painfully, it turns out) collapsed into the drum kit to end the set.

Rise to Prominence

The band’s energy level could easily fill a longer set and a bigger stage, but for now, the foursome say they’re comfortable with their slow rise after playing together for five years. While they joke about being “the tortoise” in the race towards prominence, the guys say they plan to continue doing what they know best. The plan? Make decisions focused on longevity and steadfastly avoid compromising gimmicks.

Not surprisingly, they’re down to earth and thankful for their success thus far. It’s a great feeling to be the first (and still only) band on Trans, Chris Walla of Death Cab for Cutie’s label, the boys say. “It’s like a science experiment… but definitely one with lots of good ingredients,” remarks Sturgeon.

And while Walla patiently waits for the right second signing to come along, The Lonely Forest are enjoying the spoils of being an only child on Trans. Though they may be guinea pigs, the guys feel that they’re in good hands, noting that Chris is not only easy to work with, but also “like a long-lost big brother who has shown up in your life and is awesome and takes you to the arcade.”

Music and Messages

That nature crops up repeatedly is not because of any agenda, says Ruland. Rather, he attributes the many references to nature to nurture: the boys grew up in Anacortes, Washington, with the Pacific in their backyards and evergreen forests in their front. Impressive natural environments are simply ever-present in their lives and therefore perhaps more present in their songs than in those of other contemporary rock bands, he adds.

The ability to produce songs about more than just heartbreak makes the band seem quite mature, and so it can be quite surprising to find out that lead singer Jon is just 23 years old. With all the energy and talent they’ve got, we can only hope* that the road ahead of the band stretches far into the distance and that The Lonely Forest may keep on singing in time together for a long time.

* (beyond buying an album or hitting up a show to support these guys, of course).

Filed Under: Articles, News, Reviews, Show Tagged With: ,

The Lonely Forest – Arrows

March 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Artist: The Lonely Forest
Album: Arrows
Label: Trans (Atlantic)
Release Date: March 22nd, 2011
Purchase: iTunes

Overall: 9
Music: 8.5
Lyrics: 9
Production: 9

The Lonely Forest’s Arrows is a powerful major debut for the band from Washington state and for Death Cab For Cutie frontman Chris Walla’s new label, Trans. The album kicks off with “Be Everything”, which although a successfully heartfelt song, starts things off on a note that is just a touch too whiny. But keep listening. Or “Turn off This Song and Go Outside” as you’ll be told on the second track in its catchy chorus. No, but seriously, keep listening. This is an enjoyable album through and through.

John Van Deusen’s minor vocals are reminiscent of R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe at times with a sort of lazy quality. However, Van Deusen doesn’t quite hit the whiny peaks of Stipe. Throw in a little taste of the Counting Crows’ Adam Duritz and update it to 2011 with Vampire Weekend style “oohs” and “ahhs” and you’ve got the Lonely Forest’s vocal sound. The band supplies catchy riff and choruses one after another, but perhaps the most attention-grabbing attribute after the vocals is the relentless drum beats, fast and full-bodied, which power every song.

Already with “Turn off This Song and Go Outside”, the guys set a motif for the rest of the album: the Lonely Forest, as its name might imply, pumps out sad songs about fallen love, but also pulls nature into the mix quite a bit. This refreshing quality, moving beyond the well-covered songwriting territory of joys and sorrows of the heart, is best displayed in the album’s second single, “We Sing in Time”, which pulls in a political message without being too overtly preachy. The more big-picture philosophical questioning in “End It Now!” is also a treat for a mind seeking stimulation to think of something other than love.

Overall, I’m happy these bites are spinning on my hard drives and echoing in my head.

Filed Under: Album, Reviews Tagged With: , ,

Review: Yellowcard – “For You, and Your Denial”

January 31, 2011 By 3 Comments

Yellowcard is set to release their new album, When You’re Through Thinking, Say Yes, on March 22. The bands first single “For You, And Your Denial” is available now on iTunes.

Yellowcard’s Ocean Avenue was a turning point for the band and by far a fan favorite. A mixture of long touring and a change in direction led to a few lack luster follow ups and eventually a hiatus in 2008.

With the bands return, they are also making sure to keep the energy high on their new album and “For You, And Your Denial” showcases this energy like its still 2003 and Ocean Avenue is playing on everyones retro iPod or even better, an actual CD. “For You, And Your Denial” features the classic violin we have come to know from Yellowcard while still brining the energetic guitars and what even feels like a bit of darkness to it.

Can we expect a great album from Yellowcard? Will it be like they never left? Will the fans still line up to hear their new songs or will they just be hoping to hear the classics? Let us know your thoughts on the song and the upcoming album.

Filed Under: Flash, News, Reviews Tagged With:

Tim Kasher Show Review

October 2, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Tim Kasher of Cursive/the Good Life fame is embarking on his solo tour. The solo tour is in support of his upcoming solo debut The Game of Monogamy.

I wasn’t exactly sure what the show would entail as the record isn’t entirely long. Would we get Cursive, the Good Life or covers? Kasher played essentially all of his solo songs and despite the record not being released yet, that didn’t stop the crowd from screaming along.

The show included a few surprising Good Life song. Such as “O’rourke’s, 2:10 A.M”, which launched the crowd into insanity. As well as a twice failed attempt at Cursive’s Driftwood. After the first two attempts, Kasher grabbed his Jameson, chugged, grabbed the microphone, and talked himself through the lyrics. He drank more Jameson and told the crowd how he didn’t pay attention during practice because this song was so old. On the third attempt, however, he managed to get it right.

The new material is typical Kasher-style. It’s sad, contemplative, at times loud, and always emotionally driven. The songs were received well and played even better.

Even if Kasher was a terrible musician, at the very least, he’s hilarious. His infamous random drunken tangents are worth attending the shows. This time around, he went on a five minute rant about his fantasy relationship with Dido.

The crowd was thin compared to a Cursive show, but that’s not to say that the place wasn’t packed. The solo songs are solid and while I loved every second of it, I’m still anticipating the next Cursive or Good Life records. That’s where my heart lies and hopefully Tim’s too.

Tim Kasher @ the Grog Shop – Cleveland, Ohio – September 29, 2010

Filed Under: Reviews, Show Tagged With: , , ,

Jenny & Johnny @ The Beachland Ballroom

September 18, 2010 By 2 Comments

Jenny and Johnny is composed of Jenny Lewis and Jonathan Rice. Lewis of Rilo Kiley fame is name enough to sell out venues before the bands debut record ever dropped.

Lewis is a goddamn pro. She’s commanding with her dull red hair and bright red dress. She smiled like a child and waved as if she had no idea she was so adored. She’s used to being a front woman, but for the night, it was obvious she was sharing the reigns with Rice. Rice looked dirty with bands obstructing his view and a goofy smile plastered on his face. The two of them sounded magical when they harmonized, their voices blended just right. They shared glances and lovesick smiles. They made jokes and shared brief moments of intimacy. Rice is a better musician with Lewis by his side.

They performed the majority of their record and while the material isn’t as good as previous work by Lewis, it stands out on its own as something entirely different. The crowd went insane when the two of them launched into Lewis’ solo material. While most of the songs were off of Acid Tongue, a mediocre record, Rice enhanced them.

They also played “Melt Your Heart” from Rabbit Fur Coat, which was an odd choice considering how slow and quiet the song is. The crowd was almost overpowering with their chatter. But that’s not to say, the two didn’t nail it.

Lewis debut a new song, “One of the Guys,” the song was better than their entire record. It was straight up country and it put Lewis in both her element and back as the lead. These songs aren’t groundbreaking, but Lewis is endearing and enchanting.

The show ended with a cover of “Love Hurts” just like every other show and it felt right and they did not appear bored. In fact, they owned it.

Jenny & Johnny will probably never become what Rilo Kiley was, but who cares? These two are having fun now and that’s what really matters.

Filed Under: Articles, News, Reviews, Show Tagged With: ,

The Secret Handshake – Night & Day

September 8, 2010 By 1 Comment

Artist: The Secret Handshake
Album: Night & Day
Label: Triple Crown Records
Release Date: August 17th, 2010
Purchase: iTunes

Overall: 8.5
Music: 9
Lyrics: 7.5
Production: 8.5

When I first heard of The Secret Handshake planning to release an album entitled Night & Day, I won’t lie when I say I expected much of the same sing-song lyrics, with electronic beats and plenty of auto-tune. But after listening to the new album from Luis Dubuc (the main component behind all the music), that this album is completely different from everything beforehand, and a step above that material as well.

The album implements old school instruments and production techniques to really give it a classic, soulful feeling to it. In comparison to his other work full of electronics and computers, this makes the album feel incredibly liberating from the first vibrations and rising effect of “Every Single Time”, to the body rocking finale of “Here’s To You”. Night & Day creates this raw vibe that rings true to how Luis appears to feel about his music, where it feels compassionate and honest, as if he has finally become an adult in the musical world, discovering himself and the music he wants to make.

Although the album at times borders the realm of cheesiness, in how honest it is trying to be embodying the vibe of an old school soul record, there are plenty of songs that can and will work today in our modern music radio world. The fun retro vibe of “You Got Me” or the catchiness in the lyrics of “Woman” would fare well amongst the average teenage crowd. Along with The Secret Handshake’s female contemporary Lights, the two put together a duet entitled “Used To Be So Sweet”, that will make fans of either side light up with joy.

There is no doubt that fans will be split about this album, seeing as how it is a complete rebranding of the artist’s sound, but it is most definitely worth a listen. A newer, more mature, and different/distinct image for Luis will only garner newer fans and even catchier tunes. Night & Day might be an album people will be skeptical to listen to, but after hearing the new motown inspired tunes, there will be many new fans or at least much more respect for this sensational artist.

Filed Under: Album, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,

The Pretty Reckless – Self-Titled EP

June 28, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Artist: The Pretty Reckless
Album: Self-Titled EP
Label: Interscope Records
Release Date: June 21, 2010
Purchase: iTunes

Overall: 8.5
Music: 8
Lyrics: 7.5
Production: 9

The Pretty Reckless is fronted by sixteen-year-old actress Taylor Momsen. Momsen has gained her fame portraying bad girl, Jenny Humphrey on Gossip Girl.

When the show started, she was fourteen, innocent and natural. By the second season she was in the process of turning into a bad ass. In interviews, she’s rude, short, and proclaims, “I’m not trying to be a role model!”

She’s given shit for the way she dresses, chain smokes, and her all around persona. She’s an easy target for all of these reasons and because she’s a young actress turned singer and who isn’t sick of that? But the truth is, Momsen has a wonderfully gritty voice. She sounds like someone who has smoked way too many cigarettes or maybe a little like Courtney Love. The actual music isn’t bad either. Her songs sound like b-sides to music recorded before she was born and that’s not a bad thing.

The lyrics are a bit weak, but she’s young. It would be surprising if the music was complex. That’s not to say the lyrics are bad. “I’m just sixteen if you know what I mean? Do you mind if I take off my dress?” They’re fun and a little like a kid trying on her older sisters grown-up clothing. But it works.

Momsen conquers what few actresses turned singer have. She’s doing what Miley Cyrus has failed to do, be young, edgy, and talented with out selling underage sex. She is breaking out of the teeny bopper mold. Yes, she’s young. Yes, she’s singing about things she shouldn’t know yet. And yes, she looks significantly older than she is, but who cares?

Like it or not, Taylor Momsen is talented. The EP isn’t perfect, but she has the rest of her life to create a number one record. And who says she can’t?

Filed Under: Album, Reviews Tagged With: , ,

Envy On The Coast – Lowcountry

April 27, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Artist: Envy On The Coast
Album: Lowcountry
Label: Photo Finish Records
Purchase: iTunes
Release Date: March 30th, 2010

Overall: 9.0
Music: 9.5
Lyrics: 9.0
Production: 8.5

Envy On The Coast have always struck me has a really electric band, incredibly spontaneous with tempo shifts that hampered their ability to make a really solid album. Lucy Gray had its moments of spectacular songs, but overall left me less than satisfied. Enter the band’s new album Lowcountry, have they been able to bottle that lightning and use it to their advantage this time around?

The answer is a most definite yes, the band has come along way from their first album. Not only has the production improved, the band’s ability to write insanely infectious songs has come along way. Not the kind of catchy though that will wear you out after the tenth listen, but the good kind that grows on you after a long time that really sticks with you. Case in point, “The Great American T-Shirt Racket” at first listen may not sound like the catchiest affair, but after time you can see it as a potential radio single, and the band’s strongest (almost pop like) hook that wraps around you after multiple listens.

On their debut album, it was sometimes hard to hear lead vocalist’s Ryan Hunter’s voice as it sometimes became to nasally to listen to after a while. But in this album, it shows that he has come a long way vocally. Whether it be in the soft crooning of “Made Of Stone”, or the light, innocent melodies of “Like I Do.” Not only is his voice is improved, now you can’t get it out of your head.

Of course the band hasn’t lost that explosive charge that made them sound like a less mellow sounding Incubus, from the explosive mind-blowing chorus of “Clean Of You”, or the punch of gang vocals on “Puritan Dirt Song”. The band still has a clear knack for making songs that can shift from tempo to tempo almost seamlessly.

Lowcountry also takes more political tones, like the lyrics of “Head First In The River” which go “we’re the ones who you paid to see a piece of my soul for your money/and it’s my job, to smile while pigs feast/ swallows slop out of the head of a crooked priest,” the more political tones of their lyrics really helps develop their sound and makes them even more pleasing to listen to. This album isn’t something that at first you’ll see yourself playing over and over again, but with time and appreciation, every song will get stuck in your head and you’ll find yourself humming along to them in the car. Not only a band that could fit on alternative radio, but one that could do it while retaining their pride and core fanbase.

Filed Under: Album, Reviews Tagged With: , ,

Sail By The Stars – The Night Owl EP

April 18, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Artist: Sail By The Stars
Album: The Night Owl EP
Label: Unsigned
Purchase: Online Store
Release Date: April 27th, 2010

Overall: 7.5
Music: 7.5
Lyrics: 7.0
Production: 8.0

These days, it can be hard to find music that just feels good to listen to. A lot of songs are striving to hard to be important, and trying to reach a “deeper meaning.” There’s a whole load of people just looking for songs that make them feel happy, while not making them feel completely shallow at the same time. Enter: Sail By The Stars, this one man band has everything you could ask for, crisp melodies, shiny hooks and a disposition sunnier then a hot summer day in the south. All these components are displayed to hear on The Night Owl EP.

The EP begins with the song “I Wish I May, I Wish I Might”, which allows the listener to everything right about Sail By The Stars. The bouncing acoustic guitar, and the catchy chorus that circles round and round the infectious toe-tapping beat. Starting the album off with the right foot is exactly what this song does.

The Night Owl EP‘s especially impressive moments involve things like the acoustic intro of “If My Room Were A Rocketship,” or the catchy chorus of “A Glowworm Never Grows Dim,” which is also complimented by the hooky lyrics. All of this leads up to the final, ballad track entitled “I’ll Give You The Moon.” Any listener that enjoys a good ballad will find themselves spinning this one on repeat, as the combination of piano and strings will have you singing the song to yourself all day long.

While most critics will shake their heads at the fact that Sail By The Stars isn’t necessarily reinventing the wheel when it comes to catchy pop tunes, those who enjoy the songs will find themselves playing them again and again, and what’s wrong with smiling every now and again? This EP serves as a nice taste of sunshine amongst more savory albums.

Filed Under: Album, Reviews Tagged With: ,

Circa Survive – Blue Sky Noise

April 18, 2010 By 1 Comment

Artist: Circa Survive
Album: Blue Sky Noise
Label: Atlantic Records
Purchase: iTunes
Release Date: April 20th, 2010

Overall: 9.0
Music: 9.0
Lyrics: 9.0
Production: 9.0

After a few years, and a couple side projects, Circa Survive are back with their highly anticipated third album Blue Sky Noise. Following their previous record On Letting Go, it seemed like the only place to go was up for the band, but does the new album live up to the expectations that the band set themselves up too?

One of the complaints that could have been made about Circa Survive’s previous records was that they didn’t stray far from the alternative rock sound, playing with the same old ideas of needling guitars and drawn out melodies. It was something they were (and are) great at, but it could only be done so many times. Blue Sky Noise takes a different turn with the bands sound, with a much more decidedly rock vibe to it. Whether it be the intense (and I do mean intense) screams on “Get Out” or the rocking guitars of “Fever Dreams,” the expansion of their sound is a welcome edition to their catalogue.

That’s not to say though that the entire album is all new, there is still plenty of the old Circa Survive that people have loved since day one. A song like “The Longest Mile” really calls to the bands earlier material, or the haunting echoing sounds of “Glass Arrows.” Blue Sky Noise is as different as it is the same, and many diehard listeners will most likely respect this from the band.

The last thing about this album, and the most controversial, would Anthony Green’s voice. It’s really a love/hate affair with all listeners, and this album will only spark more debates over whether he has a place in music. His voice has easily gotten more gruff and it’s harder to hit those really high notes heard on previous affairs, but it does add to the intensity of their sound. While at other times, when Green is singing in his lower register, it amounts to some of the best songs on the album (most notably “Frozen Creek” and “Spirit Of The Stairwell” which are both beautiful). His voice is most definitely an acquire taste, but those who like it will love it this time around.

All in all, Blue Sky Noise is a welcome addition to the Circa Survive’s discography. This album won’t grab you right out of the blue the moment you hear it if you are a casual listener, but you’ll find it growing on you listen after listen. The band has acquired a certain explosive, yet subdued sound, that most other bands don’t have (or can’t control) which makes them very special in their own right.

Filed Under: Album, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
WordPress Hosting