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David Bazan’s Strange Negotiations and Live in Akron

June 17, 2011 By Jessica Astronaut Leave a Comment

Meet David Bazan, an indie rock musician from Seattle. He was the force behind the now defunct Pedro the Lion. The front man of Headphones. Currently he performs under his namesake.

Under Pedro the Lion, Bazan marketed his remarkable sense of assonance. His songs were based on theology. He spent the better part of a decade battling his religion and inner personal issues. His loss of faith and questioning of his world turned into a drinking problem. In an attempt to rid the demons and see angels, he went solo.

Three records in under David Bazan and each one is better than the previous one. Bazan recently finished up a slew of Living Room Shows. Which were exactly as they sound. He played in strangers living rooms across the country. The shows capped out at fifty people and he played with his guitar and nothing else. In between songs he opened the floor up to the audience for q&a’s. He answered honestly and played requests.

More recently, Bazan has released his newest solo album, Strange Negotiations. It’s a powerful record about humanity and battling self-delusion. It weighs heavy on what it means to be human and more than that, what does it mean to be apart of the human culture? It deals with love for life and the disgust for the world our lives exist in. Bazan battles the age old question of how to fight the battle while still being a part of the battle. He succeeds with his biting tongue, his keen sense of lyrical structure, and catchy choruses. It might be his best record yet.

On Sunday, Bazan and his backing band made their way to Akron’s Musica. It was one of the few times I’ve witnessed him live with other people playing and it was incredible. His energy was high as usual. His set list was impeccable. Surprisingly, he stayed true to his q&a technique. The questions were more broad and a lot funnier than they usually are. But again, he answered honestly.

Bazan is an extraordinary and rare musician. He’s humble, he’s funny, and he’s got a voice that sends chills throughout my body. His music evokes deep thought and dancing. Is there anything better than a poignant, gut-wrenching musician? Nope. This is as good as it gets.

So, stop reading and start listening.

Filed Under: Album, Articles, Show Tagged With: barsuk records, David Bazan

The Lonely Forest – Arrows

March 30, 2011 By Valida Leave a Comment

Artist: The Lonely Forest
Album: Arrows
Label: Trans (Atlantic)
Release Date: March 22nd, 2011
Purchase: [itunes link=”http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-dont-want-to-live-there/id424480278?uo=4″ title=”The Lonely Forest – Arrows” text=”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: Death Cab For Cutie, the lonely forest, trans

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

January 31, 2011 By Bryce Jacobson 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 link=”http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/for-you-and-your-denial/id412806419?uo=4″ title=”For You and Your Denial” text=”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: yellowcard

The Secret Handshake – Night & Day

September 8, 2010 By Max Specht 1 Comment

Artist: The Secret Handshake
Album: Night & Day
Label: Triple Crown Records
Release Date: August 17th, 2010
Purchase: [itunes link=”http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/fresh-start/id382919365?uo=4″ title=”iTunes” text=”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: Lights, luis dubuc, night & day, stop!, The-Secret-Handshake, used to be so sweet, woman

The Pretty Reckless – Self-Titled EP

June 28, 2010 By Jessica Astronaut 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: interscope records, taylor momsen, the pretty reckless

Envy On The Coast – Lowcountry

April 27, 2010 By Max Specht 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: envy-on-the-coast, lowcountry, Lucy-Gray

Sail By The Stars – The Night Owl EP

April 18, 2010 By Max Specht 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: sail by the stars, the night owl EP

Circa Survive – Blue Sky Noise

April 18, 2010 By Max Specht 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: anthony green, atlantic-records, blue sky noise, Circa Survive, Equal Vision Records

Murder By Death – Good Morning, Magpie

March 29, 2010 By Jessica Astronaut 1 Comment

Artist: Murder By Death
Album: Good Morning, Magpie
Label: Vagrant
Purchase: Website Pre-Order
Release Date: April 6, 2010

Overall: 9.5
Music: 10
Lyrics: 8
Production: N/A

Murder By Death has consistently been in the background of my life. One of those bands that all my friends loved, but one of the bands I never quite fell in love with. I’ve seen them live twice, once on accident and once on purpose. Both times, I was blown away by their stage presence, the dedication of their fans and their ability to transform completely from album to album.

And so, here I am, years later, still not convinced Murder by Death is my cup of tea. But the weather is gloomy, my friends wont stop talking about the genius of Good Morning, Magpie, and so, I decide to give one final plunge into the world of MBD’s music.

I hit play and instantly, I am frozen. The first track “Hentuckey Bourbon” is only 34 seconds long, yet I was hooked. It’s slow, pretty, and one of the best record openers I have heard in years.

My initial idea was to write my thoughts upon my first listen, but I couldn’t. I had to stop to let it all sink in. I listened to this record five times in a row without ever moving. I simply could not.

The stand out track for me is “Piece by Piece”. The opening is almost jolly sounding while the actual tone and lyrics of the song are moody and dark.

For the first time in years, I had finally understood the allure of Murder By Death. The music is complicated, solid, well rounded, and each song is constructed in such a manner that it evokes strong human emotion.

“Foxglove” is another track that caught my attention. The chord progression and strings in the background are reminiscent of older Murder By Death, but also fresh and exciting.

In reality, I can’t say which song is the best because with each listen I change my mind.

Murder By Death is classic American noir in music form and right now, this is precisely the only thing I want and need. I don’t drink or dance, but by the end of this record, I wanted a bottle of whiskey and a pair of dancing shoes.

Filed Under: Album, Reviews Tagged With: Murder By Death, Vagrant

Mr. Fogg – Moving Parts

March 16, 2010 By Max Specht Leave a Comment

Artist: Mr. Fogg
Album: Moving Parts
Label: Kicking Ink Recordings
Purchase: iTunes
Release Date:

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

Granted, most listeners have probably never heard of Mr. Fogg, but upon first listen one would immediately swoon at his sombre crooning over lovesick electronic beats. And while this Mr. Hudson sounding english heavy heart might be dismissed as just another flash in the pan, his songs bring to life a soundscape of emotion that others may lack, in his debut album Moving Parts.

The album is decidedly different from most others instrumentally, from the Owl City playful ticks of “Moving Parts”, to the almost Nine Inch Nails sounding harsh electronic snaps of “Keep Your Teeth Sharp”. All these different strokes that are painted in the music help keep the album from growing stagnant.

“Stung” is the highlight track of the album, with the echoed harmonies and the catchy chorus. The song brings together the entire essence of the album, what feels fleeting and distant is much closer after all in Mr. Fogg’s world. It’s an adventure of the soul, that feels connected and disconnected by the artists all at once.

While at times Mr. Fogg could be too comparable to other artists, it is just one hump to get through while listening to the songs. They are well put together, and most importantly sound genuine in their effort. Moving Parts will keep you in motion, no matter how sad things can get sometimes.

Filed Under: Album, Reviews Tagged With: kicking ink records, moving parts, mr. fogg, mr. hudson, Nine-Inch-Nails, Owl City

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