| Driven Far Off

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.

Jarrod Gorbel @ the Beachland Tavern – Cleveland

April 27, 2010 By Jessica Astronaut Leave a Comment

To catch an artist at the start of their tour always feels lucky. Like maybe you’re going to experience a more refreshed version of the performance and in most cases, this is probably an accurate assumption. But in regards to Jarrod Gorbel, I don’t think it really mattered.

The venue was filled with young, pretty, well dressed girls and a handful of perfectly groomed boys, all of which appeared to be in love with Jarrod Gorbel. Both as a musician and as the man himself.

For as simple as his music is, just a man and his guitar, it would be easy and almost expected to have a lackluster live show. But his lack of restraint and natural hilarity grants these lovesick suicide (his words, not mine) songs a lighthearted almost joyous presentation.

The setlist contained only a few Honorary Title songs. Mostly he performed unheard new songs, “I’m going to play some new songs and I know that’s not what you want and you wont be able to sing along unless you’re one of those weird people that mumbles your way through songs like “blahhhh blahhh.” He finishes this sentiment off with a strange face, a squeal and than launches into the strongest of the new songs, “Devil’s Made a New Friend”.

Gorbel might be better suited as a comedian because almost every word that came out of his mouth sounded like a well rehearsed joke. He even did an impromptu depression medication commercial. He thanked the openers, talked about how one of them loves big wet hairy and mainly kisses. “What the fuck else is there to say? I love you or not. Do you love me? No, no, I’m not talking to myself. Uh, I’m not even here to see you, fuckin’ a, I need to start to drink earlier”¦when you’re playing. AHHH, this is my meth voice!”

A girl in the crowd casually and quietly said, “My balls shrunk, I just can’t do it.” He laughed and shrieked, “I know, RIGHT? You have performance issues, he likes big men”¦she’s writing, we’re all just sharing memories. Creating a vibe.” Like most things Gorbel says, he nailed it. No matter your interest in his music or opinion on this genre, his performances are part comedy and part hang out session infused with beautiful well crafted songs. It doesn’t get much better than this.

He’s both an artist to watch out for and someone who should not be denied. Buy his EP, check out a show, wear his soft cotton t-shirts as a loin cloth, whatever suits your fancy, but if you plan on passing Jarrod Gorbel by, you will eventually regret it. And I’ll say, “I told you so.”

Show took place on Friday, April 23, 2010 @ the Beachland Tavern in Cleveland, Ohio

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.

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.

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.

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.

Before Their Eyes – Untouchable

March 16, 2010 By Max Specht Leave a Comment

Artist: Before Their Eyes
Album: Untouchable
Label: Rise Records
Purchase: iTunes
Release Date: March 9th, 2010

Overall: 8.0
Music: 8.0
Lyrics: 8.5
Production: 8.0

For the many people that know who Before Their Eyes are, there are plenty more that have never heard them before. The band has just released their third album entitled Untouchable, and it seems now more then ever, are looking to find more people to listen to them and become fans.

The main difference that kept Before Their Eyes from reaching that pinnacle of success and exposure has always been a lack of one extremely catchy song. Their past albums have been solid, but didn’t have that extra push of a special song that would hook people in immediately. This album has one in the form of “Sing To Me”, which has a very catchy rising chorus and airy harmonies to round it all out. This song would be a perfect start to hear from this band, and could find its place on radio fairly easily.

Untouchable’s first half is also different for the band, with less focus on the screaming side of their sound. While the band has always been able to, and still can incorporate screaming with regular singing, they can pull off one without the other quite well. “Love Is Misery” and “Start With Today” are both examples of how well they can do this, as they lay off the chunkier side of their music.

When they do rock though, Before Their Eyes are very good at what they do. Amongst the monster guitar riff in the middle of “My Match, Your Fire” and the growls of “Hell Or High Water”, one could equate them to the crunchy hardcore of Cancer Bats. That is until they break out into falsetto melodies where they set themselves apart from the rest (“Rick Vs Nick” shows off the back and forth of melodies and screaming to a T).

Before Their Eyes have taken their sound to a new place, where they can experience success while still remaining true to their original sound. They are a band that can shred with the toughest, while still pen a charmingly sweet ballad (“Start With Today”). While the melodies can sometimes be to nasally, and they aren’t necessarily reinventing their genre, there is more good then bad which makes this a pretty strong affair.

Motion City Soundtrack – My Dinosaur Life

March 1, 2010 By Max Specht 1 Comment

Artist: Motion City Soundtrack
Album: My Dinosaur Life
Label: Columbia Records
Purchase: iTunes
Release Date: January 19th, 2010

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

Nine times out of ten when your favorite band signs to a major record label, all that transpires after is normally negative. The constant spree of “they were so much better” and “look at how they changed their sound” runs rampant amongst all the popular music blogs. Very little do we see a band return to form after they’ve signed such a deal, but as unorthodox as it is, such is the case with Motion City Soundtrack latest release My Dinosaur Life.

While their last album left people a little bittersweet, My Dinosaur Life provides a taste of why people fell in love with this band. Some songs rock hard like only Motion City Soundtrack know how to do (“Disappear”, “Worker Bee”) While others show off the band’s pop charms. In particular, “Her Words Destroyed My Planet” and “Stand Too Close” are both cute and catchy with their execution.

The one thing that Motion City Soundtrack has always been known for is their quirky lyrics. Being able to talk about just anything, never taking themselves too seriously with what they mention. This album isn’t any different in that regard, the obscure inspector gadget reference in “Pulp Fiction” and the anti-social panic of “Delirium” allows the music to match the tone of the song precisely.

Motion City Soundtrack have allowed themselves to experiment with past efforts, and this one is no different. It’s not like they have basically re-released their first album under a different name, but rather taken everything they’ve discovered from three records into one hybrid. The album is a jump into a whole new world for the band, because from here they can go all the way to the top. So whether or not you enjoy the vintage sounds of “@!#?@!” or the soft harmonies of “Skin and Bones.” Everything is original, everything is pristine, everything is (more than just) alright.

Alesana – The Emptiness

February 16, 2010 By Max Specht Leave a Comment

Artist: Alesana
Album: The Emptiness
Label: Fearless Records
Purchase: iTunes
Release Date: January 26th, 2010

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

Alesana have been at it for a while, crafting albums more ambitious than the last. Their latest entitled The Emptiness is a full force dive into a world they’ve created all unto themselves. One again we find ourselves with a raucous guitar assault and bouncing vocal harmonies back and forth between wails and ferocious screams.

Throughout all their albums, Alesana have shown off that they have pretty good pop charms. A song like “Heavy Hangs The Albatross” shines in the beginning with a lush chilled voice before breaking into an assault of guitars and screams. The intensity of the screams, although necessary at time for the tones can be a bit hard on the ears. In comparison, the harmonizing may be more appreciated at times.

The Emptiness needs to be experienced as a whole, due to the fact that it is a pretty heavy concept. It is hard to pick out specific songs to listen to, because they are best enjoyed in the flow of the entire album. The ambient-to-intense jumps found in “Hymn For The Shameless”, the back and forth crowded screams of “The Thespian”, or the grand finale epic venture of “Annabel.”

Although it is better as a whole, songs like “To Be Scared By An Owl” and “The Artist” (keep an eye out for the particularly moving bridge) are well executed on their own and could be put on rotation separately from The Emptiness.

Alesana may not be a band for all different kinds of people, but those that can appreciate them will no doubt enjoy this album. If you enjoy bouncing harmonies versus hard-hitting screams then this is a band (and an album) that you can’t pass up on.

The Economy Sucks Tour-January 21, Slims in SF

January 24, 2010 By A. Renteria Leave a Comment

After contemplating of hoping on to Bart and heading to San Francisco to catch the Economy Sucks Tour, I decided that very morning that I’ll make a spontaneous trip on my own to catch Anti-Flag and Broadway Calls. Once out on the Bart I turned on my ipod to listen to Anti-Flag, only to be disappointed and sadly finding out that I didn’t have any of their songs on my mp3 player. However, I did have the Bouncing Souls album which they covered 3 songs of Anti-Flag songs. Finally arriving in beautiful, rainy San Francisco, I hoped on the bus headed towards Slim’s arriving about 2 hours before the show started. Standing with my red umbrella and trying to keep warm I witness a tour bus parking right in front of me. Turns out, Anti-Flag we’re running a few hours late and had just arrived in San Francisco. Right at 5:30 pm my friend from Berkeley arrived and we called Neltie, Anti-Flag’s tour manager, to let us in. Once settling onto a bench inside Slim’s, Anti-Flag and their crew started to set up their equipment and performed sound check. That was my first time seeing Anti-Flag live, and in a room of only a handful of people, it was great. They sound check to 3 songs and were off stage. As 7pm hit the clock, the rest of the folks outside Slim’s were let in and greeted with the opening act band Oregon called Broadway Calls. Broadway Calls have an amazing energy live and are a bit more on the poppy-punk sound. There were a few folks in the crowd who sang and fist pumped along,while the rest stood waiting for Aiden or Anti-Flag. While watching Broadway Calls perform, a overheard a young girl tell her friend “They are so generic sounding.” Although they may be, they got the crowd clapping and me tapping along to their songs. Later through out the show, I figured out the young girl was there for this band from Canada called Cancer Bats. Let me just say that Cancer Bats or Aiden aren’t my cup of tea and noticed that all the folks, mostly older, that were there for Anti-Flag stood in the back of the venue or near the bar. There at Slim’s I wondered if I was too old for the kind of music Cancer Bats and Aiden played, I’m only twenty. It was almost 1opm and Aiden were just a few songs into their set when I decided to leave and head back to San Jose. Although I missed Anti-Flag, I was still able to hear them perform 3 songs during their sound check without a huge crowd.