Reviews
Third Eye Blind – Ursa Major
Monday, April 12th, 2010 by WLOY Staff
I was sitting in a friend’s dorm the other day with approximately 4 or 5 other people when a startling yet predictable phenomenon occurred. None of us were paying any particular attention to the background music that was playing from an adjacent computer. Suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, each one of us began to sing, move, and hum, all in harmony and melody with each other. The results were almost frightening, and it took each of us off guard considering we had not planned this in any way. What could have caused this strange event, you say? Yes, it was none other than “Semi- Charmed Life” resounding around the room. Scientists have been baffled for years by this phenomenon. Studies show that it is physically impossible to not join into the music when subjects hear that doo-doo-doo, du, du-du-du-doooo off the beginning of “Semi-Charmed Life.” While I give Third Eye Blind some credit for wanting to recreate that same mystique they managed to develop so well on their self-titled, I’m also a little sad at how they failed to do so and in turn put a little blemish on their legacy. Ursa Major, the first release of their two-disc set, isn’t a horrible record by any means, but it is a blight on that alternative band that you sang along to so many summer nights. (more…)
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The Jealous Sound – Kill Them With Kindness
Monday, April 12th, 2010 by WLOY Staff
As individuals that are often very fervent and passionate about music, it’s easy to underestimate the value of pure, unadulterated, enjoyability. It’s by no means a simple quality to convey, and certainly doesn’t take anything away from the music, but, simply put: what is complex often takes precedence over the simple in the world of those passionate about music and vice versa in the mainstream. Sadly, this leads us to sometimes forget about those greats that simply evoke emotion, whether it be through a cliché style or through means we’re so used to hearing. (more…)
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Broken Social Scene – Forgiveness Rock Record
Saturday, April 10th, 2010 by WLOY Staff
Broken Social Scene have never been a band to go lightly on extravagance. The Canadian conglomerate of a band that began with 2 art-rockers quickly grew into a joint mish-mash of indie all-stars from a wide scope. With the sexy songstresses from Stars and Metric, it’s also worth mentioning that Broken Social Scene probably have one of the prettiest rock line-ups (sorry, Hayley Williams). This assortment of indie royalty grants Broken Social Scene the ability to experiment a little, and rarely do they pass up this opportunity. Forgiveness Rock Record is a rich display of Broken Social Scene’s many talents and areas of interest, from blaring horns sections to lighter pieces where Emily Hainses’ soft voice is most prominent. Yes, it’s also probably not too far from what you’re expecting to hear if you were one of the vehement fans of You Forgot It In People (then again, fans indifferent to YFIIP are few and far between). And in no way can you count this steady, tranquil progression against Broken Social Scene. Forgiveness Rock Record may not grant many gasps in shock and awe, but the group’s latest is sure to leave the rest of 2010 a target to catch up to as far as indie goes. (more…)
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Celeste – Morte(s) Nee(s)
Thursday, April 8th, 2010 by WLOY Staff
France’s Celeste have been busy in the business of uneasy tension. Their third full-length album in 3 years, Morte(s) Nee(s) continues in the tried-and-true tradition of harsh, melancholic, and brooding music. In 2010, Celeste reveals themselves to be more than simply a mirror of their French screamo counterparts Sed Non Satiata or Amanda Woodward. A tinge of black metal can certainly be felt here or there, but Celeste is really a screamo band at heart – and it fully embraces this quality on Morte(s) Nee(s). Heavy and dissonant, Celeste craft a distinct sound that’s sure to turn many away. The brooding atmosphere gets tiring, sure, but it never feels redundant or overused throughout the album’s 42-minutes. (more…)
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Groove Armada – Black Light
Thursday, April 8th, 2010 by WLOY Staff
Released in early March, the newest album from Groove Armada entitled Black Light reveals a darker side of the electronic duo. This time around, the group collaborated with vocalists featuring Nick Littlemore and SaintSaviour. What makes this album unique is that there are no purely instrumental tracks, and there seems to be a theme that flows through each song. This theme radiates a feeling of love lost in tracks like “Cards to Your Heart” and “Not Forgotten,” both featuring vocals by Nick Littlemore. (more…)
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First Quarter Report
Tuesday, March 30th, 2010 by WLOY Staff
2010 seemed to start out a bit slowly, but sure did it pick up impressively. The heavyweight matches don’t take place until later in the year between Radiohead, Minus the Bear, The Gaslight Anthem, Jonsi, and a slew returning big names. The main trend, it seems, among the first quarter of 2010’s best comes from the refinement or subtle changes in a band’s sound. Rather than recreating the promising albums of the past, Titus Andronicus, Beach House, and Frightened Rabbit refused to regurgitate the same album that first garnered them a fair amount of credibility. Instead, the commencement of the decade has opened with evolving bands – sometimes for better, other times, not so much – and I find it heartening. On that note of evolution, risk-taking, and utter surprise, I give you the best of the best in the first quarter of 2010… (more…)
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Queens Club – Young Giant
Tuesday, March 30th, 2010 by WLOY Staff
Besides a really cool design on their album cover, Queens Club rocks out with some great tunes. The band assembled in 2008 and is composed of the ex-members of the metal band The Chariot. Their new CD, Young Giant, was recently released on Tooth and Nail Records, which has signed similar popular bands like Anberlin. As I listened to the album, I was struck by the catchy guitar riffs and the energy that this group generates. This CD is packed with a number of great songs that are all worth listening to.
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Brand New – Daisy
Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010 by WLOY Staff
It’s hard not to have a strong opinion on Brand New”s brand new release, Daisy. The colossal wave of hype surrounding this album wasn”t replicated by any other band this year. Jesse Lacey and the rest had their destiny decided for them. Because of the expectations, Daisy was going to be a massive hit or a disappointment. Please excuse me for thinking that it doesn”t live up to either of these labels. Daisy, first and foremost, is what Brand New does best- progression. From the pop-punk of Your Favourite Weapon, to the emo-tinged Deja Entendu, to the masterpiece The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me, Brand New have managed to adapt and improve their sound while still remaining appealing and interesting.
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Touche Amore – …To The Beat of a Dead Horse
Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010 by WLOY Staff
Touche Amore”s … To The Beat Of A Dead Horse, is a record to take seriously. One look at the ominous cover can tell you that. A harrowing black and white cover complete with trite symbolism in the form of a foreboding rain cloud certainly displays a feeling of danger, ominousness, and even foreboding doom. Touche Amore are just one of the many recent bands to integrate emo and hardcore music. The most striking aspect is that no song hurdles the 3 minute mark. Short and pithy, … To The Beat is a screamo-influenced modern hardcore record with a melodic twist. Too much genre?… my apologies, but … To The Beat Of A Dead Horse really is a superb blend of genre-bending qualities. (more…)
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The Disco Biscuits – Planet Anthem
Thursday, March 18th, 2010 by WLOY Staff
A Philly jam-band with an energetic live show, The Disco Biscuits transcend the live setting surprisingly well on Planet Anthem. The album is an interesting fusion of electronic and rock music overflowing with effects and a two-sided atmosphere. Rather than centering Planet Anthem around single material, Disco Biscuits choose an interesting concept for their sound- an album that works together as a whole. Ultimately, it’s this decision that makes Planet Anthem worth a listen and perhaps a little more likable than it should be. While listen one and listen two might have you expressing some surprise over how enjoyable you find Planet Anthem, it’s not until multiple listens that the Disco Biscuits’ latest really reveals itself. As Shrek would say, Disco Biscuits are “like an onion.” They have layers. They may be a little stinky at some points, but Planet Anthem is a surprising success if only for the fact that it’s better than your first judgements may indicate. (more…)
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