tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74179367691852905682024-03-14T01:40:37.392-07:00The POP! Stereo Review Round UpNews, Reviews, and more from The POP! StereoPaul POP!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01062860123536572746noreply@blogger.comBlogger1750125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417936769185290568.post-9247058051835984852016-04-05T13:55:00.001-07:002016-04-05T13:58:37.120-07:00Bloody Knives Will Cut Your Heart Out For This<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpfk8Zg5tqpHds0t6dAGuS2F6WDnI0fEMaLCI43T2sKmHDAGIHWTOfUlj_HPNSS5FUokbyWNrOgq9dhCUszuLj615J-lmfBRthMdeOqiWyanUsapA_afquLtOFz_1IpWDqUYk1XIlZXA/s1600/bloodyknives.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpfk8Zg5tqpHds0t6dAGuS2F6WDnI0fEMaLCI43T2sKmHDAGIHWTOfUlj_HPNSS5FUokbyWNrOgq9dhCUszuLj615J-lmfBRthMdeOqiWyanUsapA_afquLtOFz_1IpWDqUYk1XIlZXA/s320/bloodyknives.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There seems to be two camps in our post-gazing world. One camp takes the ethereality route create
airy, gauzy songs that linger like a spring breeze. The other camp assaults you with sheets of
distortion, noise, and more effects that humanly possible. This is the camp that unsurprisingly named
Bloody Knives belong in. Their latest
album, the family friendly, <i>I Will Cut Your Heart Out For This</i> is a
loud, brash, and violent musical attack.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Creating solid sheets of noise, Bloody Knives crank their
guitars to 11 put their effects pedals on overdrive and just go. The songs that make up<i> I Will Cut Your Heart Out For
This </i>are aural assaults of cascading waves of distortion that could
scare the living daylights out of someone.
This record contains no choruses or things to latch on to. Rather, it overpowers you with so much guitar
wrangling it's hard to discern where riffs begin and end. This is a record of sturm und drang and it's
almost painful to listen to on headphones because of how chaotic and noisy it
really is. I love the idea of this band
and their approach is nuts I just wish they had a bit more to cling to. Really, what they should have done is gotten
a black metal vocalist and just gone off the deep end...that would have been
unreal.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As it stands though, Bloody Knives are about the most brutal
and vicious indie band to walk the planet.
Their songs are visceral, raw and strike at the core of shoegazing. Like Marmite,
<i>I Will Cut Your Heart Out For This </i>is a love it or hate it kind
of thing and where you fall will depend on what you hear when you listen to
it. But know this, a noisier and more
riotous gazing record will be hard to find!<o:p></o:p></div>
Paul POP!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01062860123536572746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417936769185290568.post-4588961214737162782016-04-04T14:29:00.001-07:002016-04-04T14:33:56.712-07:00DJ Sun Heads To China Bearing Beats With Qing Xi<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzIrFJaNkE_iA-0TM_O0KoEv7hv2zrHqJ5AsgCG-sWxqCX7NGUQsuH9vCxnlZswm33WMfYPTtfVzxA4nzrzGAJ4Zmk5XAqtm3YaDl5QQCi1KNht-_JoFlFp0-uF5Ji-g9Je7JHRq87y4/s1600/djsun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzIrFJaNkE_iA-0TM_O0KoEv7hv2zrHqJ5AsgCG-sWxqCX7NGUQsuH9vCxnlZswm33WMfYPTtfVzxA4nzrzGAJ4Zmk5XAqtm3YaDl5QQCi1KNht-_JoFlFp0-uF5Ji-g9Je7JHRq87y4/s320/djsun.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ok…I have to admit, I was a bit thrown by this record. Judging by what I saw on the cover I figured I was about to embark on a world music journey centered in China and can you blame me…I mean look at the record. What <i>QingXi</i> actually is, however, is a chilled out electronic album from DJ Sun constructed as a soundtrack to his personal journey around China; at least I got the China part correct.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyway, <i>QingXi </i>is an atmospheric excursion through sound and an imaginative travelogue authored by DJ Sun. Originally commissioned as an audio visual experience the record is a thoughtful expedition where following along with the liner notes is important and informative. Sun, through his writing, sets the tone and the stage for each of the pieces that make up <i>QingXi </i>and it provides some context of where Sun’s imagination and creativity were rooted while he was producing this record. <br />
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Featuring a bevy of minimal beats, synth washes and other haunting and natural sounds one can’t help but wonder how these musical ideas permeated Sun’s journey throughout China. With tracks about bee keepers, shop keepers, the island of Macau and even sailing in a non-Christopher Cross sort of way Sun keeps your imagination flowing as his story unfolds. His blending of minimal techno and chill out while honoring tradition and culture makes for an awesome listen. It might not be a dance floor monster but <i>QingXi </i>is an amazing headphone experience that will keep you mind incredibly busy. <br />
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While this isn’t what I was expecting, I got something much better. DJ Sun’s <i>QingXi </i>is an awesome listen and an interesting idea that works. One would love to see DJ Sun take the idea of aural travelogue’s and run with it. Imagine an Australian journey, an Indian excursion, an Arctic experience…the possibilities are endless in a Rick Steeves kind of way!Paul POP!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01062860123536572746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417936769185290568.post-38644898154124992342016-04-01T14:30:00.000-07:002016-04-01T14:30:23.613-07:00Joe Driscoll & Sekou Kouyate Play Monistic Theory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcT-508OlBU8cnKhFta4FRGJetnONP8Am4Q-xdQva88dFJSn14qfp5rHfVD1E4j2Xd1wewvj5W8mTa2X-eDlxmxPAbzrKMN1lZPHZwbNum52kOPkPr56HoE3PpgZRxtb-h4d8_TSwF6Y/s1600/joeandsekou.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcT-508OlBU8cnKhFta4FRGJetnONP8Am4Q-xdQva88dFJSn14qfp5rHfVD1E4j2Xd1wewvj5W8mTa2X-eDlxmxPAbzrKMN1lZPHZwbNum52kOPkPr56HoE3PpgZRxtb-h4d8_TSwF6Y/s320/joeandsekou.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /><br />Joe Driscoll & Sekou Kouyate have come together for a
second round of kora infused fusion on their album <i>Monistic Theory. </i> Much like their debut, this effort is a
gorgeous blend of North American and African sounds that come together in a
jazzy blend of funk, folk, and virtuosity.
With a variety of influences and musical sounds blending and working
together there is nothing that this duo is afraid to try. They rap, they sing in Guinean, they pack a
thousand guitar riffs into a song and let the kora weave magic spells; it’s all
here and Joe & Sekou seamlessly intertwine cultures and chemistry to a
dynamic and organic sound that is uniquely their own. <br />
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From songs that sound like they’re straight from Pat Metheny’s studio to more
traditional ballads featuring the kora, Joe and Sekou take the listener on a
journey of exploration and discovery.
It’s a wonderful ride that’s as gorgeous as an African sunset and as
intriguing as New York City. These guys
can seriously play their hearts out and it feels as though they’ve dumped every
ounce of their musical souls into these songs.
There’s a lot of love, emotion, creativity and talent throughout these
songs. It’s hard to believe after
listening to <i>Monistic Theory </i>that
this collaboration might not have ever happened. Thankfully, both Joe and Sekou stuck things
out and let things flow and if all works out the journey that they’ve carried
on with <i>Monistic Theory </i>will continue
for years to come.<o:p></o:p></div>
Paul POP!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01062860123536572746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417936769185290568.post-15128138147686703092016-03-31T13:54:00.001-07:002016-03-31T13:58:13.846-07:00Cha Wa Bring The Funk & Feathers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Talk about perfect timing…the arrival of Cha Wa’s album <i>Funk N’ Feathers</i> just happens to coincide with the Mardi Gras season. This record sounds so New Orleans it sounds as if it were recorded as Cha Wa were marching through the French Quarter. To be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever heard a band that so seems festival born than Cha Wa. These guys are ridiculously energetic and pumped to bring the sights, sounds, and even smells of Mardi Gras to you by any means necessary. <br />
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<i>Funk N’ Feathers</i> has this incredible live feel to it that manages to catch some of the energy that pulsates through New Orleans during this time of the year. Honestly, it’s almost more energy than the digital music format can handle. Nonetheless, the party atmosphere that Cha Wa creates throughout this record is upbeat and fun and propelled by songs that are percussive, rhythmic and as the title indicates…funky. In fact, these guys are so funky that one suspects they could create grooves out nothing but Café Du Monde beignet mix. <br />
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If you weren’t able to make it to Mardi Gras this year in New Orleans and are too lazy to partake in the one at Universal in Orlando, pop <i>Funk N’ Feathers </i>on, cover yourself in beads make a float out of your bed and imagine yourself cruising through the French Quarter. Seriously. <i>Funk N’ Feathers </i>is an fantastically fun record that does its best (and does it well) at trying to encapsulate the funk and fun of New Orleans in less than an hour. Cha Wa have knocked it out of the ball park with this record and short of seeing them in New Orleans <i>Funk N’ Feathers </i>suffices as one heck one an experience by itself.Paul POP!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01062860123536572746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417936769185290568.post-76072146924832187892016-03-30T13:55:00.001-07:002016-03-30T13:55:32.749-07:00Jeff Runnings Primitives & Smalls Is A Beauty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZNfZrMboSg2kaHRBMsDWoXkk1nwTbaZSyIJX5YlYIKYm3JwommezUdNlrBl2nQaLd8mtMnqC4JzEv2gGl5-bDk4qOU0aaN_wF1BnwVBc4NpOY0oQjJJz6-gVtd_Fbuq8XMq9KN13vkw/s1600/jeffrunnings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZNfZrMboSg2kaHRBMsDWoXkk1nwTbaZSyIJX5YlYIKYm3JwommezUdNlrBl2nQaLd8mtMnqC4JzEv2gGl5-bDk4qOU0aaN_wF1BnwVBc4NpOY0oQjJJz6-gVtd_Fbuq8XMq9KN13vkw/s320/jeffrunnings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Jeff Running’s album <i>Primitives
and Smalls</i> is an ethereal dream that washes over you like a fragrant wave
of clean laundry on a spring day. The
album is an airy, wondrous exploration of guitar textures, ghostlike drum beats
and whispered vocals. It’s so angelic it
doesn’t feel real. In fact the songs
seem so otherworldly I’m kind of convinced that the only way to listen to <i>Primitives and Smalls </i>is by unconscious.<br />
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Mr. Runnings has come up with a series of haunting tunes that have some
Slowdivian qualities about them but are still uniquely his thanks to his
fascinating voice. While not quite deep
or high pitched, Runnings’ voice sounds dazed, hazed, and half-awake as he
whispers and sighs his way through the songs that make up <i>Primitives and Smalls. </i>It’s
this heavenly croon that really makes the record stand out. While the songs on <i>Primitives and Smalls</i> are stunningly gorgeous it’s Runnings’ voice
that lifts the record from being just another post-gazing experiment. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div>
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I quite like this record.
It’s chilling, minimalistic tones and slightly drowsy vocals make the
record easy to get lost in. <i>Primitives and Smalls </i>isn’t necessarily
catchy or filled with pop hits but rather, is beautiful and
transcendental. This is the soundtrack
to the best night’s sleep ever…and after a lot of really crappy nights of sleep
this is a dream come true! Essential
listening for anyone remotely interested in shoegazing, dream pop, or a good
night’s sleep!<o:p></o:p></div>
Paul POP!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01062860123536572746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417936769185290568.post-15152390157562660872016-03-15T15:00:00.001-07:002016-03-15T15:01:24.344-07:00The Blessed Isles Are Straining Hard Against The Strength Of The Night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKomNNwMO8Y3oO-_JlB9KlqSUyOD05iauAkq2OKP1YVNYK5nJblOZsBa8lgtdQYh3vKyYxsX-HK7x3bVdxIfKT2be7tQydMomlVoB5cj05WTDDq1JGwEjoeFc5V0bFVW_7mibwHCSinRM/s1600/blessedisles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKomNNwMO8Y3oO-_JlB9KlqSUyOD05iauAkq2OKP1YVNYK5nJblOZsBa8lgtdQYh3vKyYxsX-HK7x3bVdxIfKT2be7tQydMomlVoB5cj05WTDDq1JGwEjoeFc5V0bFVW_7mibwHCSinRM/s320/blessedisles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Somewhere between shoegazing and synthpop lies the land The
Blessed Isles have staked out as their own.
This dynamic duo specialize in creating ethereal synthy post-gazing
works of sheer beauty that are dreamy and otherworldly. Their album <i>Straining Hard Against the Strength Of the Night</i> is a magnificent
effort that’s the closest thing to floating in space I’ve ever heard. If you can imagine Peter Hook and Elizabeth
Frazier working together then you have some semblance of an idea of where The
Blessed Isles are coming from.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Straining Hard Against
the Strength Of the Night</i> is a hypnotizing effort that is an alchemical
reaction between the cross pollination of ethereal sub genres. From the whispered vocals, the washy synths
and distorted guitars The Blessed Isles have such a firm standing in the past
that you might think that they were. And
yet, despite their obvious love of all things 80’s & 90’s, the band find a way
to take their vintage influences and manipulate them into something wholly
modern and unique to them. Sure you can
play spot the classic indie band but it’s more fun to just listen to how these
guys written such great songs. <i>Straining
Hard Against the Strength Of the Night </i>has so many great choruses and so
many huge hooks that just about every song on this album could be an indie pop
hit.<br />
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There’s really nothing to dislike about either The Blessed Isles or <i>Straining Hard Against the Strength Of the
Night. </i>This is a perfect pop record
that’s emotional, catchy and simply gorgeous.
From solid production to brilliant songs <i>Straining Hard Against the Strength Of the Night </i>has it all and it’s
easily one of my favorite records of 2016!<o:p></o:p></div>
Paul POP!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01062860123536572746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417936769185290568.post-38475952844311119932016-03-07T14:19:00.001-08:002016-03-07T14:19:46.224-08:00Los Hacheros' Bambulaye Is A Modern Vintage Gem<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKqhoxQ8NLElb6bCHJDjtjVnt2W7jzXYz1C10td2QGxqm791SmglI-cLETdYL5VuzxXWp2wjlhyz6Y47-UABV56Y151RdrQa_EtO0Qd5f5eemff3-4yGo81_KeFDYalhCBQ0tyHY38yU/s1600/loshacheros.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKqhoxQ8NLElb6bCHJDjtjVnt2W7jzXYz1C10td2QGxqm791SmglI-cLETdYL5VuzxXWp2wjlhyz6Y47-UABV56Y151RdrQa_EtO0Qd5f5eemff3-4yGo81_KeFDYalhCBQ0tyHY38yU/s320/loshacheros.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
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Sometimes good things come in small unmarked packages! Such was the case when Los Hacheros’ album <i>Bambulaye</i> arrived in my mailbox. This fantastic album of Latin music harks
back to the golden age of the genre and reminded me of the days of my youth in
Miami. This Brooklyn based band are so
in touch with the vintage style of the music they love that they recorded the whole
thing analog for a grittier and more raw feel; they succeeded as <i>Bambulaye</i> feels and sounds like a record
from another time.<br />
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With influences ranging from son montuno and guaracha to
salsa Los Hacheros’ sound is as diverse as the city they call home. The result is a record that sounds fresh,
alive, and energetic despite looking to the past for inspiration. Throw in the band’s ability to not only
improvise musically but lyrically as well and you have a band that’s vibrant
and truly creative. This creativity and
improvisational nature allows the songs of <i>Bambulaye</i>
to become these organic, living and breathing works of energy that are fiery
and loose. It’s a magnificent work of
art here and Los Hacheros do such a great job of creating an old world
atmosphere that it’s hard not to love <i>Bambulaye.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></i></div>
With amazing musicianship, a love of the past, fantastic spontaneity
and songs that are almost impossible not to dance to <i>Bambulaye </i>is pure perfection.
Los Hacheros are an amazing unit who have captured the energy and
passion of their forefathers and created something uniquely their own. They might not actually be from the Golden Age
of Latin Music but don’t tell them that!
<i>Bambulaye </i>is a constant
reminder of how seductive Latin music is and as such it’s an essential record
of the genre. <br />
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Paul POP!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01062860123536572746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417936769185290568.post-11528210506897694382016-03-06T09:18:00.000-08:002016-03-06T09:18:30.689-08:00Witching Waves And Their Crystal Cafe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLEoZi8MUSSkueUMqZNYvFCY-bxy0rcwChFgPRn0XHEOWZwv3gaCaYjmhnu8oTMTFIUT_QA00kc2ULWn98wt_KGoZjqE3Usrm3EGxIQSU1r1CZqHyZGTSl9CW2sDPejZL-yk5JfX_yRc/s1600/witchingwaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLEoZi8MUSSkueUMqZNYvFCY-bxy0rcwChFgPRn0XHEOWZwv3gaCaYjmhnu8oTMTFIUT_QA00kc2ULWn98wt_KGoZjqE3Usrm3EGxIQSU1r1CZqHyZGTSl9CW2sDPejZL-yk5JfX_yRc/s320/witchingwaves.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /><br />Witching Waves’ <i>Crystal
Café</i> is a restless record of noisy guitars, sugary sweet vocals and driving
rhythms. Sounding something like the
Pixies/Breeders with a bit of riot grrl, Lush and Sonic Youth thrown in for
good measure Britain's Witching Waves create a raucous distorted wall of edginess with
just enough pop sensibility to make it all memorable. Not overly produced or even overly played, <i>Crystal Café</i> churns through songs in a
torrent of frenzied riffs, shouts, melodies and broken drum heads. It’s all a bit rough and tarnished around the
edges but that’s what makes Witching Waves so darn good and fun to jump around
to. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Crystal Café</i> is
probably the most American record I’ve heard a British band produce since
Urusei Yatsura did things like this in the 90’s. And while there are bits and bobs that sound
British in their tendencies, most of the songs lend credence to the thought
that Witching Waves were raised on 90’s indie rock from the States. Irregardless of origin, the eleven songs that make up <i>Crystal Café</i> are all brilliant and there’s
so little wrong with this indie rock gem it’s not even worth mentioning. From the jumpiness of the guitars to the boy
girl vocal trade-offs and even the subdued basslines prodding the songs along Witching
Waves have stumbled on to some songwriting gold here and it all comes together
to make for one heck of a thirty minute ride. Raw, unrefined and fun <i>Crystal Café</i> is a modern indie rock classic and one of the best records of 2016 thus far. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Paul POP!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01062860123536572746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417936769185290568.post-26907199906166831562016-03-05T07:21:00.000-08:002016-03-05T07:21:09.853-08:00Versus Is Well Worth The Trip To Eureka California<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx4Oev5e5cowSNrqBA0n8spQZyOWXLHEFCvw9WfaC-sF6MZcR88ajTFs1u5KREo3CwGfd-BjkIPVr7dHXkHLLHHX-7WWkf3Cw0iruqabkaMy1hupCi6fSHoQo10V5R-DZZkXsw6gp3e9c/s1600/eurekacalifornia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx4Oev5e5cowSNrqBA0n8spQZyOWXLHEFCvw9WfaC-sF6MZcR88ajTFs1u5KREo3CwGfd-BjkIPVr7dHXkHLLHHX-7WWkf3Cw0iruqabkaMy1hupCi6fSHoQo10V5R-DZZkXsw6gp3e9c/s320/eurekacalifornia.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /><br />As shambolic as the cover would seem to indicate Eureka
California’s <i>Versus</i> is a crazy ride
through the indie rock lexicon. Sounding
like a perfect smash up between <i>Daydream
Nation</i> era Sonic Youth, <i>Slanted and
Enchanted</i> Pavement, a bit of Superchunk and some surf guitar <i>Versus</i> is a noisy wrangled record of
chaotic fun. This is a sloppy and loud
record that hits you over the head with massive melodies, geeky guitar work,
and songs that are hard to forget.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eureka California don’t necessarily write anything overly
complicated but what they do write seems to be held together by some broken
guitar strings, duct tape, and a bit of luck.
It’s all very messy but its simplistic nature is its greatest
asset. This is a homage to classic 90’s
indie rock made with a heart the size of Texas and it’s so in love with that
era it’s hard to believe this was released this year. <i>Versus</i>
is an awesome listen and catchier than the zika virus it’s songs recklessly
careen through three minutes like a 90 year old granny backing up in a parking
lot. Rough, raw and prone to blowing
speakers <i>Versus</i> is a shining example
of how indie rawk should be played. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />Eureka California’s <i>Versus</i>
could fall apart at any point while it’s being listened to. Its disheveled songs, shaky walls of noisy
guitars and muddled melodies somehow manage to hold together just long enough
to work their way into your consciousness and never leave. It is almost impossible to dislike sloppy
stuff like this because its organic nature is so unpolished and raw that its
intentions are laid bare. Eureka California are an awesome band and <i>Versus</i> is a trip well worth making. <o:p></o:p></div>
Paul POP!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01062860123536572746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417936769185290568.post-39632820724984534522016-03-02T14:30:00.002-08:002016-03-02T14:30:42.537-08:00Silva's Jupiter Is A Work Of Cosmic Beauty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6CUswfBQ5dZd1MbsG1F2v_tjjetkF-RWGkLoylEBQNjdQjf138QqknVzyf5abubD6aAxSBAH85s5L_kT3B8YnLbj4TNwV2oXrLcB1xsxfVgBjLD3_91xf0LSKxDByAJz6GL_8dBSM94/s1600/silva.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6CUswfBQ5dZd1MbsG1F2v_tjjetkF-RWGkLoylEBQNjdQjf138QqknVzyf5abubD6aAxSBAH85s5L_kT3B8YnLbj4TNwV2oXrLcB1xsxfVgBjLD3_91xf0LSKxDByAJz6GL_8dBSM94/s320/silva.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /><br />Silva’s <i>Jupiter </i>is
a musical tribute to the largest planet in our solar system and is inspire by
pop, bossa nova, electronica and even chanson. Led by 27 year old Espirito Santo and his
endless fascination by the planet the album is a bit unusual and geeky when you
think about it. Who’s inspired and
endlessly curious about a planet nowadays that isn’t in NASA or ESA? Not very many people but I think that’s what
makes <i>Jupiter </i>feel so special it’s an
honest and spacious (so to speak) record that reflects the size and strength of
the planet.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With <i>Jupiter </i>Silva
(Santo) challenged himself to step away from layering endless amounts of music
on top of each other. Instead he chose a
more organic and minimal structure that despite its implications still is
expansive and vast. <i>Jupiter</i> is a sumptuous and sensual record that takes elements of
hip hop and electronica and chills them to perfection. The album is a slow moving gyration of
steaminess. The record isn’t blatantly
sexy but the slow moving beats, near jazzy atmospheres and whispered vocals
create an atmosphere that makes it that way.
From pulsating bass lines, tickled pianos and slow steady beats this
record slowly builds up a cold sweat. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />You might not have any idea what Silva is saying on <i>Jupiter</i> but you don’t really need
to. The overarching chilled out vibe and
stirring musical passages convey all the messaging you need. <i>Jupiter</i>
is as beautiful as the galaxy itself and as magnificent and majestic as the
planet that it’s named after. Not world
music by any stretch of the imagination Silva had created a chilled global
downtempo work of awesomeness. <o:p></o:p></div>
Paul POP!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01062860123536572746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417936769185290568.post-53350890494272199142016-02-23T14:51:00.001-08:002016-02-23T14:51:12.516-08:00Lakou Mizik Bring The Beauty of Haiti Home On Wa Di Yo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcWluMSv9IHZG4des_aXpowJmmY4Pvlo9Lv9lObWBLtYzoXxIRt6RLoWYTYFx4XayXYBd6b5a5WKv_SSKoErqB8m3rSev9ieuQqFEeZccTqhU9HTulg9pPekHsISiWDfyVL-OTcr6tZPY/s1600/lakoumizik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcWluMSv9IHZG4des_aXpowJmmY4Pvlo9Lv9lObWBLtYzoXxIRt6RLoWYTYFx4XayXYBd6b5a5WKv_SSKoErqB8m3rSev9ieuQqFEeZccTqhU9HTulg9pPekHsISiWDfyVL-OTcr6tZPY/s320/lakoumizik.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /><br />Formed in the wake of the Haitian earthquake of 2010 Lakou
Mizik is makde up of a diverse collection of musicians coming together to make
music together. Various religious,
social and economic strata are represented within the group and each have
united to tell stories and share their struggles. The resulting musical tales are encapsulated
on <i>Wa Di Yo</i>. Spanning generations Lakou Mizik create Afro
Caribbean call and response harmonies that are as celebratory as they are introspective.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Wa Di Yo </i>is a
gorgeously tropical record that’s in a constant state of motion. Its rhythms and grooves have a pop
sensibility about them while being introspective and thoughtful. The record’s uncomplicated feel and multipart
harmonies are simply awesome and give the album a sense of nimbleness
throughout. Steeped in Haitian and
Creole culture and influenced by generations of music the record is an
intriguing picture of Haitian culture today.
This is a country that has been
through one of the worst natural disasters of the last twenty years and
somehow, some way the people have a spirit of resiliency about them. This spirt pulsates through <i>Wa Di Yo </i>and guides many of the songs. <br />
<br />
Lakou Mizik is a band that has seen more than its fair share of dark days but
instead of dwelling on them they’ve chosen to move forward. <i>Wa Di
Yo </i>is the sound of healing and inspiration and it’s simply fantastic
stuff. Although it sounds world away, <i>Wa Di Yo </i>brings the spirit and culture of
Haiti straight to your heart. It’s a
great record that’s brimming with positivity and hope and there’s nothing the
matter with that!<o:p></o:p></div>
Paul POP!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01062860123536572746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417936769185290568.post-50421898617266343872016-02-18T14:46:00.001-08:002016-02-18T14:46:24.594-08:00Zona's Quest For Peace, Love and Understanding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0joL8SM2ur4lLY0mRm9XUZJ-mC8iKRyPDTvH1HnHMhzl0ju8nByKGateOi0eFNEm8Ke0F4dmlzPp6gL5IYDi28virLa4Mdqhj0aWhyC5lww0Z0R7fSK74QviLvyNp7bel0Q6RdqLoqak/s1600/zona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0joL8SM2ur4lLY0mRm9XUZJ-mC8iKRyPDTvH1HnHMhzl0ju8nByKGateOi0eFNEm8Ke0F4dmlzPp6gL5IYDi28virLa4Mdqhj0aWhyC5lww0Z0R7fSK74QviLvyNp7bel0Q6RdqLoqak/s320/zona.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /><br />I have to admit, I didn’t give Zona’s <i>Peace, Love and Understanding</i> any chance of being good. I mean look at the cover. It’s not good; it just isn’t. Then I put the disc in and holy frehole I was
taken aback at what I was hearing. <i>Peace, Love and Understanding </i>is a mind
numbing house record that harks back to all those classic late 90’s records
that made mega-clubs temples to 4/4 time.
<br />
<br />
<i>Peace, Love and Understanding</i> is
packed with 12 tracks of sensual disco influenced vocal house that are so damn
sexy and groove laden you’ll be spilling champagne all over the dance
floor. What’s truly different about this
record is Zona’s use of live instrumentation in addition to the soulful vocals
of Angela McGary, Chezere Brathwaite, Jackie Wilson, Wade Chandler, Chellena
Black and Valarie Moise. Brimming with
positivity and packed with dancefloor friendly grooves this record is about as
close a musical religious experience as you are likely to have. Listening to <i>Peace, Love and Understanding</i> reminded me how much I miss this
traditional taken on house music. <br />
<br />
Zona has created a euphoric, upbeat, glittery, sexy house record with <i>Peace, Love and Understanding.</i> It might
be a cliché saying but nothing about this record is cliché except for how wrong
I was to judge it by its cover. In a
world littered by dirty and aggressive dance music, Zona reminds us how sensual
and positive the genre can be when it’s at its best. <i>Peace,
Love and Understanding </i>is an understated and subdued classic that needs to
be in your life. <o:p></o:p></div>
Paul POP!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01062860123536572746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417936769185290568.post-57786246449431038712016-02-16T14:30:00.001-08:002016-02-16T14:30:15.761-08:00The High Violets Heroes & Halos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pvPYPxs1_Xwnd_lhU8LKaWFfV-4xw1j3RMcWH5VJxdmcEIXy0ByCus2Vo2kCljd_USom44zFKYGVG9ed8cQ49mAHEjrO9sc1-KFrQ53NTl5W1fbtRJGoleaGgd0hlbwjqGOpqBSUJ2Y/s1600/highviolets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pvPYPxs1_Xwnd_lhU8LKaWFfV-4xw1j3RMcWH5VJxdmcEIXy0ByCus2Vo2kCljd_USom44zFKYGVG9ed8cQ49mAHEjrO9sc1-KFrQ53NTl5W1fbtRJGoleaGgd0hlbwjqGOpqBSUJ2Y/s320/highviolets.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /><br />Five albums in and The High Violets kind of have the whole
post-gazing dream pop thing down pat.
They know their way around ethereality and could sculpt a noise pop song
in their sleep. They know how to take
their influences and make them their own.
These guys are good and their latest album <i>Heroes and Halos</i> does anything but disappoint.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While they often get compared to Slowdive, I really think of
The High Violets as Saint Etienne lost in a shoegazing haze. Vocalist Kaitlyn at times sounds so much like
Sarah from Etienne you’d swear she was trapped in <i>Foxbase Alpha. </i>This isn’t a
bad thing in any way, shape or form and in fact, it’s all a bit endearing if
you ask me. While vocally the album has a slightly twee edge about it musically,<i> Heroes & Halos</i> is a
blissed out beautiful trip through sheets of shimmering guitar noise. The songs are wispy, willowy and as light as
breeze. It’s all really rather gorgeous
stuff and the band create an aural aesthetic that as heavenly as the album’s
name implies. There’s so little to
fault here because The High Violets know how to do this with their eyes closed
and they don’t it really, really well. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Heroes & Halos </i>is
the latest album in The High Violets career that exceeds expectations. In a world littered with post-gazing pop
bands The High Violets have staked their claim as leaders of the new school and
with <i>Heroes & Halos</i> it’s easy to
see why; dreampop has never sounded so heavenly as it does here. Perfection personified.<o:p></o:p></div>
Paul POP!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01062860123536572746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417936769185290568.post-67157681909988224512016-02-09T14:25:00.000-08:002016-02-09T14:25:26.657-08:00Dear Dark Head Create Strange Weather<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZsGPI7dgtEY94jCcsAw6ZSzN29ogf-wIWokG2IVJhlWNGYgDTuShK15S6M3RceE0Q_WSOk6M10023SRHiNfzIBYAJCtdqOhH2uz-v04nsnv5RYqvU3D5v5qZDm20fcd0DKSFMc-OEE0U/s1600/deardarkhead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZsGPI7dgtEY94jCcsAw6ZSzN29ogf-wIWokG2IVJhlWNGYgDTuShK15S6M3RceE0Q_WSOk6M10023SRHiNfzIBYAJCtdqOhH2uz-v04nsnv5RYqvU3D5v5qZDm20fcd0DKSFMc-OEE0U/s320/deardarkhead.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /><br />DearDarkHead’s Mini LP <i>Strange
Weather</i> is a six song ethereal journey into the post-shoegazing
landscape. This instrumental record is
utterly gorgeous and features some of the best guitar work I’ve heard on an
instrumental work in a really long time.
And while the musicianship on this record is top notch or higher, it’s
one of the few atmospheric albums that I’ve heard that would benefit immensely
from vocals.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you ever wondered what the Stone Roses would sound like
without Ian Brown, <i>Strange Weather </i>answers
that question. It’s a crisp record that
jangles, jumps, jams and shimmers in the sunlight. The songs are memorable, danceable, and ready
for a vocalist to take them into the stratosphere. Not really post rock, not really ambient, not
really anything related to anything similar DDH seems to be a band that simply couldn’t
find a vocalist. That being said, if
they ever were to find one suited to their tastes DearDarkHead could be a band
with an arsenal of killer singles and world domination at their feet. Until then bliss out to <i>Strange Weather</i> and enjoy its post-shoegazing atmospherics. <o:p></o:p></div>
Paul POP!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01062860123536572746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417936769185290568.post-56543686582236853222016-02-05T14:10:00.000-08:002016-02-05T14:10:01.161-08:00Great Lakes' Wild Vision<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKfMpAyJHEF2sEtM0YyxYBpWQo24HL4LkYJluoZsV04haZsZXciFvESrhisrkhfLboCEtxxnIl27Uy5yqNSKFdzqBF0Zexld3BUhkR83FAfcH4SViNobAPwHzNuRvMNzEOfqyb1YnlsQ/s1600/greatlakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKfMpAyJHEF2sEtM0YyxYBpWQo24HL4LkYJluoZsV04haZsZXciFvESrhisrkhfLboCEtxxnIl27Uy5yqNSKFdzqBF0Zexld3BUhkR83FAfcH4SViNobAPwHzNuRvMNzEOfqyb1YnlsQ/s320/greatlakes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /><br />To tweak a rather famous lyric, “It’s been a long time since
I’ve twanged and rolled.” Six years to
be precise. It’s hard to believe but
it’s been that long between Great Lakes records so the fact that I’m staring at
<i>Wild Vision</i> is deeply thrilling. And what a thrilling record it really is.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now based in Brooklyn, Great Lakes haven’t changed much
since their move from Athens, GA over a decade ago. Sure they’re in the big city but their heart
and soul is as rustic as ever and <i>Wild
Vision</i> is an expansive dusty record that has more in common with
mid-western prairies than the Van Wyck. <br />
<br />
Great Lakes collectively have come up with another fantastic record of rock and
roll run through the country roads and backwoods of America. There’s enough heartbreak, bluesy guitar
riffs, twangy pedal steel sounds, multipart vocals and brilliance to give you
goosebumps. The record slowly trots
along barely changing the pace throughout and it’s rarely, if ever, in an
upbeat mood. In fact, there’s a constant
sense of emotional despair throughout but it works for the band because the
music they create is so suited to this atmospheric environment. If Nick Cave were to don a cowboy hat and
ride off into the sunset with The Bad Seeds in tow <i>Wild Vision</i> is the sort of record they’d come up with.<br />
<br />
<i>Wild Vision</i> is not the feel good hit
of 2016 . It is, however, a
temperamental and emotive record that feels like it could end it tears at any
point. Great Lakes have a produced a
dour and dark record of countrified rock and roll that’s perfect for
winter. Its downtrodden sense of
disappointment along with the pastoral feel of the record makes for great songs
and even better listening. I really
enjoyed this album and after being away for so long it’s nice to know that
Great Lakes can still create material like <i>Wild
Vision. </i><o:p></o:p></div>
Paul POP!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01062860123536572746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417936769185290568.post-37515214767103221612016-02-05T14:05:00.001-08:002016-02-05T14:10:25.714-08:00Aziza Brahim's Timely Abbar el Hamada<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDmcTherR_xnCKCnKy42bcqNcb1pMCGSQrLqdXnVGftasmTAwLCi6SmHtPFuuiSr9huCMBUY1i4APgngRS7OYdIeuFehakTFkxpoJEPYwaRj_0KsryUMHptVdhoGwrbDNxk5pjx7lsfKs/s1600/azizabrahim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDmcTherR_xnCKCnKy42bcqNcb1pMCGSQrLqdXnVGftasmTAwLCi6SmHtPFuuiSr9huCMBUY1i4APgngRS7OYdIeuFehakTFkxpoJEPYwaRj_0KsryUMHptVdhoGwrbDNxk5pjx7lsfKs/s320/azizabrahim.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
Raised in a Saharawi refugee camp in Algeria and living in
exile for more than two decades Aziza Brahim’s album <i>Abbar el Hamada</i> is an album that’s about resilience and
perseverance as much as it is a musical statement. And what a record it is. <i>Abbar
el Hamada </i>is a beautiful African influenced Arab spiced record that
embraces atmospheric musical passages and jazzy melodies with open arms. This record is a diverse effort that reflects
the changing face of the world today. <br />
<br />
Exploring the tumultuous and timely stories of the migrant and immigrant
experience this record seems to have arrived at just the right time. <i>Abbar
el Hamada </i>is a reflective and thoughtful effort that paints a picture
through music and compassionate songwriting.
While Aziza might be from Algeria and exiled in Spain, this record would
seemingly fit any of the current migrant crises we see daily on the news and
makes a statement about the humanity of it all without making a much of an
effort. <br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even without the lyrics much of <i>Abbar el Hamada </i>is beautiful and emotionally poignant. The reflective and often mellow interplay
between musicians creates a serene mood and the songs are light, airy, and
sound as if the old world was caught mixing with the new world. I really enjoyed the songs on <i>Abbar el Hamada</i> despite not
understanding anything Aziza was singing.
The record is the sort of thing you’d expect Rick Steeves to be
listening to as he and his crew drove across the continent.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Emotional, stunning, and provocative Aziza Brahim’s <i>Abbar el Hamada </i>is an impactful effort
on many levels. It’s impressively put together, played and thoroughly
enjoyable. It’s hard to believe a
musician with such talent is exiled and forced to live so far from home but
perhaps it’s that distance that drives Brahim and makes his songs as amazing as
they are. A worthy and passionate effort
all the way around <i>Abbar el Hamada </i>is
well worth a listen.<o:p></o:p></div>
Paul POP!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01062860123536572746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417936769185290568.post-40369821525186866662016-02-05T13:58:00.001-08:002016-02-05T14:10:33.997-08:00Try The Pie Takes A Rest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU0JtDPco0JmrUIpZWNZ-QPw712zo_KCNF62SbMf0wdsYUtqzSSUxbCN0kBcrwYScQvcyheK9kEIg9bV6QRokDCBr6vHZOPMEKBzl0BD7-pHUYbHEhs3rsyP2hY_2507Hyzowq0sKcsDw/s1600/trythepie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU0JtDPco0JmrUIpZWNZ-QPw712zo_KCNF62SbMf0wdsYUtqzSSUxbCN0kBcrwYScQvcyheK9kEIg9bV6QRokDCBr6vHZOPMEKBzl0BD7-pHUYbHEhs3rsyP2hY_2507Hyzowq0sKcsDw/s320/trythepie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
Try the Pie is the project of one Bean Tupou who creates
wilting twee acoustic pop that sounds as if Kim Deal was giving you a long
aural hug. Her latest album <i>Rest </i>is
a sweet and tender little record that sounds so twee and fragile that it might
just crumble apart while being listened to.
With barely any production or barely any sheen <i>Rest </i>breaks your
heart with just the vocals of Bean who whimpers and whispers across the record.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
There's nothing complicated about <i>Rest </i>but there
doesn't need to be because Try The Pie still comes up with delicious song
concoctions that melt your emotions into a giant puddle of teary goo. <i>Rest </i>is so heartfelt and so genuine
you can't help but love this record. I
can't stand acoustic music but Bean's voice is just so dainty and adorable my
heart melts every time she sings. <i>Rest
</i>is an enjoyable listen of intimate and fragile indie folk. It's not the best sounding or produced but
Try The Pie has some of the most delicately beautiful tunes to come across my
ears in a while. It's not an upbeat or
energetic release but it's a perfect aural valentine and it's filled with a
genuine sense of love. And that, that's
pretty cool<o:p></o:p></div>
Paul POP!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01062860123536572746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417936769185290568.post-1082521449582459852016-02-05T13:54:00.000-08:002016-02-05T14:10:42.398-08:00Antlered Aunt Lord is Ostensibly Formerly Stunted<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd80Gpgu0UM6e_y35-TacMqqySDReETourkYsVOQXAyGW5A2suDfCIgBKMp30YkgWg2k3XsW1cURTh4PlLDMi6naN9QkNOac2adUe5DRL_wCjf6j7915vlN8U-WbmWlzW_LB4BInTxfkA/s1600/AAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd80Gpgu0UM6e_y35-TacMqqySDReETourkYsVOQXAyGW5A2suDfCIgBKMp30YkgWg2k3XsW1cURTh4PlLDMi6naN9QkNOac2adUe5DRL_wCjf6j7915vlN8U-WbmWlzW_LB4BInTxfkA/s320/AAL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br />
<br />
The oddly named Antlered Aunt Lord is as shambolic and weird
as their name might imply. Led by the
one and only member, Jesse Stinnard, AAL is a crazy chaotic mess of a solo
project. Stinnard is a hap hazard
artist who cranks out songs as if doing so was as involuntary as
breathing. I'm not sure if he's really
all that good overall but he occasionally hits a sweet spot and comes up with
something that perks your ears up. <br />
<br />
Stinnard's solo effort, <i>Ostensibly Formerly Stunted, </i>is as loosely put
together as his musical ideas.
Consisting of 19 tracks much of this record comes from a backlog of
songs AAL had laying around and it kind of sounds like it. <i>Ostensibly Formerly Stunted</i> runs
together as if it were his stream of consciousness let loose in a recording
studio. As a result the album is truly
all over the place musically and covers more genres of indie than I could
count. Guitars are wrangled, drums broken,
voices strained and through it all <i>Ostensibly Formerly Stunted</i> is as
lo-fi as lo-fi can be. I'm not sure if
my tolerance level for all this messiness is high enough for repeated listens,
but there are some special moments on this slab. For example, the second Stinnard finds a
keyboard magical things happen songs worth hearing ooze out of the record. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<i>Ostensibly Formerly Stunted</i> isn't necessarily a bad
record from a songwriting standpoint (Stinnard has some great ideas) it just
pivots from production qualities faster than sub genres. And while the production is lacking AAL has
some tunes worthy of listening to and given $10 and a DAT recorder they might
make for a nice sounding record.
Unfortunately, this entire record is so all over the place that it
tested my sanity a bit too much. If you
like crazy lo-fi/no-fi pop off of Adderall you'll absolutely flip a wig for
this but if you enjoy hearing things in a somewhat structured manner...you'll
lose your mind. Antlered Aunt Lord's <i>Ostensibly
Formerly Stunted</i> sounds like a demo committed to vinyl and I'm not sure
that's a good thing. <o:p></o:p></div>
Paul POP!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01062860123536572746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417936769185290568.post-68753703794782582862016-02-04T14:22:00.002-08:002016-02-04T14:22:58.948-08:00Animal Daydream Love Citrus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQ0MmMlBWkCjd4DPcMXZxOePgBS62nFR_rXIcdlovzKpXRhLonN9o7ZaoB2wEqkbdWIkOgvK8ztugkMBizoZGsANIRE3x2rtAc9Oo-a4MSa8KnWc0QHT-Wo97MocsiFo2hx5kJX6Zzdk/s1600/animaldaydream2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQ0MmMlBWkCjd4DPcMXZxOePgBS62nFR_rXIcdlovzKpXRhLonN9o7ZaoB2wEqkbdWIkOgvK8ztugkMBizoZGsANIRE3x2rtAc9Oo-a4MSa8KnWc0QHT-Wo97MocsiFo2hx5kJX6Zzdk/s320/animaldaydream2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /><br />Animal Daydream's <i>Citrus</i> 7” is a blast of post 60's
jangle that has so much Byrdsian goodness running throughout it you'd swear
Roger McGuinn was in the band. The four
songs on this single are fantastic melodic gems that are sweeter than grapefruit
with sugar on top. Seriously, this is a
great little record that highlights the never ending awesomeness that Animal
Daydream constantly release. Jangly
guitars with psychedelic flourishes pair nicely with the melodious melodies
here and the result is a single of summer pop perfection for the dead of
winter.<br />
<br />
The record is bookended by the two best songs, “Citrus,” and “In My Room.” The two tracks are jangly and slightly
psychedelic tunes that have a brilliant pop sensibility about them. They really are pop hits, just fifty years
late to the party. There's nothing to
fault on <i>Citrus</i> except to say that it's only four songs! Enjoyable on
either side <i>Citrus</i> is a tangy treat of indie pop run through the 60's
with orange tinted glasses (get it?).<o:p></o:p></div>
Paul POP!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01062860123536572746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417936769185290568.post-64480178942658648572016-02-04T14:20:00.000-08:002016-02-04T14:20:14.750-08:00Mark Van Hoen Has Nightvision<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EhaGdKmXXbu2ZLeCOVWWdfsaTxGBSNoeYz3fr2I74f_ud14bSkA-4yyKHcWJKR_xkaqmCzxEJEqby_dtn3L4x3EJG65XOpUSnzLxm2UN-K1yrPTPcmK4RiCkjvhm8o1aXDvlifXMm-M/s1600/markvanhoen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EhaGdKmXXbu2ZLeCOVWWdfsaTxGBSNoeYz3fr2I74f_ud14bSkA-4yyKHcWJKR_xkaqmCzxEJEqby_dtn3L4x3EJG65XOpUSnzLxm2UN-K1yrPTPcmK4RiCkjvhm8o1aXDvlifXMm-M/s320/markvanhoen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /><br />Mark Van Hoen’s album <i>Nightvision</i>
is so aptly titled that it’s almost fair to judge this book by its cover. <i>Nightvision</i>
consists of ten tracks from a dark sunless future world where Blade Runner is
come and gone and the apocalypse happened generations before. Mark Van Hoen creates a bleak, minimalistic
landscape of sounds that haunt your brain and let your imagination run
wild. It’s a post-Eno ambient
masterpiece of synth goodness that expands beyond the universe into the great
beyond.<br />
<br />
With an army of synthesized sounds, ghost like murmurings, and a sound palette
that is well beyond your imagination, Mark Van Hoen creates his
soundscapes. The songs Van Hoen has
composed on <i>Nightvision</i> are
post-apocalyptic electronic drones that loop and twist into infinity. This is the sort of record where one song
seamlessly bleeds into the next with barely any notice and as a result much of <i>NIghtvision </i>plays out as one 49 minute
long dream.<br />
<br />
<i>Nightvision</i> is an enjoyable listen on
headphones and if listened to in a dark room could potentially cause
insanity. Its rich textures and sounds
play havoc with your ears as your mind runs rampant in Mark Van Hoen’s soundscape;
and it’s amazing. If you like post rock,
drone, ambient or just getting lost in a different world you can’t do much
better than <i>Nightvision!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
Paul POP!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01062860123536572746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417936769185290568.post-56902274647286934412016-02-04T14:16:00.001-08:002016-02-04T14:16:52.378-08:00This Is The Mythology Of Modern Death According to Thee Koukouvaya.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5G_aikPYC0pSPisD2Ws_0ITEE7CypEiKC6vWd7pC1wMrso2Fg04PL8YqhA5NvrLwj3X99NofoV5zeLevxWuVhSbj0Vcai1xJyeS2brNWXlEEEu9cogPw4yybTdYrTpfpdSl3zNnmDhg/s1600/theekoukouvaya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5G_aikPYC0pSPisD2Ws_0ITEE7CypEiKC6vWd7pC1wMrso2Fg04PL8YqhA5NvrLwj3X99NofoV5zeLevxWuVhSbj0Vcai1xJyeS2brNWXlEEEu9cogPw4yybTdYrTpfpdSl3zNnmDhg/s320/theekoukouvaya.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /><br />Thee Koukouvaya’s album <i>This
Is The Mythology Of Modern Death</i> is an atmospheric and near ambient
soundscape with the occasional diversion into trance and deep house. As one might think with that sort of pedigree,
<i>Mythology</i> is a beautiful and lush
record that maintains its gorgeousness even when it goes full on dance floor
crazy. This is a record that’s easy to
get lost in and is very absorbing because of how hypnotic and crafty Thee
Koukouvaya is at creating and manipulating their unique sound palette.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most of <i>This Is The
Mythology Of Modern Death</i> is an expansive experiment in ambient sounds and
haunting beats. The record is a
minimalistic dream come true with stray sounds, broken beats, whispered noises
and things that create a spooky world in which Thee Koukouvaya conducts its
aural research and development. This
isn’t the type of record filled with catchy choruses or things that you’ll
remember, rather, it’s the sort of album that surrounds you and washes over you
with constant waves of oblique beauty. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />There might not be much to latch on to with <i>This Is The Mythology Of Modern Death</i>
but the record never ceases to captivate.
It’s an imaginative sound collage created in an ever expanding ambient
world that’s easy to get lost in. I love
records like this because once you slip your ear buds in they transport you to
another time, another place, and another world and it’s the sort of thing that
drains and cleanses your mind with the purity of its existence. This is the sound of ambient in 2016 and it’s
wonderful.<o:p></o:p></div>
Paul POP!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01062860123536572746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417936769185290568.post-33446257953537324782016-02-04T14:08:00.000-08:002016-02-04T14:08:55.075-08:00SPC ECO Plays With Dark Matter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7G6qo27y8TuzzaTGF2hoH28bzAdyQmK2hwcQLP8pfdZCYlvWNhxku8txBYV7GYRnJk-U4fgkOfWAWu05kh-UzN99Vt57eQ4CwdPpAI5xTkLqOI7mvdGrQZpu3bHO6xxwIx5YQHFi-kFo/s1600/spceco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7G6qo27y8TuzzaTGF2hoH28bzAdyQmK2hwcQLP8pfdZCYlvWNhxku8txBYV7GYRnJk-U4fgkOfWAWu05kh-UzN99Vt57eQ4CwdPpAI5xTkLqOI7mvdGrQZpu3bHO6xxwIx5YQHFi-kFo/s320/spceco.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /><br />For those of you who are old enough you’ll remember that
Dean Garcia was in the monumentally awesome post shoegazing band Curve. If you can remember that than you might
remember their second album <i>Cuckoo</i>
and just how dark in tone that record was.
Dean Garcia’s new project SPC ECO seemingly picked up where that left
off and took it to the next logical progression with <i>Dark Matter.</i> <br />
<br />
Downtempo and with more atmosphere than most planets, <i>Dark Matter</i> is a deeply sensual trip hoppy affair that is less
early 90’s shoegazing and more turn of the century post comedown. The songs that make up much of <i>Dark Matter</i> flow into each other so
seamlessly the album just rolls like a dark clouds passing through the midnight
sky. It’s a beautiful and lush record
that uses ambient guitar work and whispered haunting vocals to cast its spell
over you. And it wins, because if
there’s one thing that Dean Garcia can do it is the ability to write one heck
of a song. These songs might not be
upbeat pop songs but they work well under the cover of darkness and will haunt
your soul for ages and that’s pretty awesome.
<br />
<br />
SPC ECO isn’t Curve but they pick up logically where Curve should have left
off. <i>Dark
Matter</i> is a fantastic listen that shows overwhelmingly that Dean still has
the knack for creating essential music no matter the genre. I went into this record thinking it was going
to be some Curve re-hash but was blown away when it wasn’t. <i>Dark
Matter</i> is downtempo the way it should be played: ethereal, otherworldly and
slightly creepy. <o:p></o:p></div>
Paul POP!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01062860123536572746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417936769185290568.post-15514097949153497202016-02-04T14:00:00.001-08:002016-02-04T14:00:25.755-08:00Half Sour's Tuesday Night Live Is Sweet <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2wxiikgaG4yqhXVzltDbbU7A3QGLMJ77cXIiLCWaylg2kpPvoekPFQ5RMkQEfps6GlbYgGSsPrLTtG1KhKb_WZW6-7c-Ii730bfCFp-M5T68XXyk7SRjQxGHV0RABgZZsLNw8n-Io6rE/s1600/hoursour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2wxiikgaG4yqhXVzltDbbU7A3QGLMJ77cXIiLCWaylg2kpPvoekPFQ5RMkQEfps6GlbYgGSsPrLTtG1KhKb_WZW6-7c-Ii730bfCFp-M5T68XXyk7SRjQxGHV0RABgZZsLNw8n-Io6rE/s320/hoursour.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /><br />Half Sour’s album <i>Tuesday
Night Live </i>is a raw and rough indie pop record that rumbles, bumbles and
stumbles its way through the genre with an energetic fervor that’s brimming
with honesty and purity. These guys are
not world class musicians and clearly did not spend a gazillion dollars on <i>Tuesday Night Live</i> but they’re so damn
genuine that you can’t help but love every note on this record. The whole thing sounds like it was duct taped
together while being recorded on a Radio Shack Realistic tape recorder in the
band’s warehouse; it’s a mess and sloppy but bloody brilliant.<br />
<br />
Half Sour are so seemingly free of pretension that they just write songs that
give big aural hugs. If you’re looking
for comparisons think of anything on Matinee, March or Jigsaw Records (their
label) and you have an idea of what these guys sound like. There are melodies that will melt your heart,
boy-girl vocals that are sugar rushes of sweetness, jangly guitars that jump
around and a sense of fun that picks you up off the ground and forces a smile on
your face. This is pure pop goodness with
a heart as big as Jupiter and songs as syrupy and melodious as they come.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Tuesday Night Live</i>
is a big hearted blast of fun that’s an absolute joy to listen to. In the dead of winter records like Half
Sour’s are rays of sunshine that melt away the gloom and remind you that spring
is just around the corner. It may be
uncomplicated and as messy as your house but sometimes a little frenetic chaos
is the sign of genius and in the case of Half Sour I’d definitely say that’s
the case! <o:p></o:p></div>
Paul POP!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01062860123536572746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417936769185290568.post-37421575105093033232016-02-03T14:20:00.001-08:002016-02-03T14:20:26.899-08:00Stick Figure Are Anything But Set In Stone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqrRJNZb7QLTSjDWA4p3n9lyLUhYQDA-03bjElkK4klUm6GqPa6zgd6rP6jWMu4bZuQudV4ikf9rStUBUbTBUIsFAbsaQARefkAoYBUaVVpIN8VbY2LcCBeOY5BYsM9hFCAOUWZ6AWdQ/s1600/stickfigure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqrRJNZb7QLTSjDWA4p3n9lyLUhYQDA-03bjElkK4klUm6GqPa6zgd6rP6jWMu4bZuQudV4ikf9rStUBUbTBUIsFAbsaQARefkAoYBUaVVpIN8VbY2LcCBeOY5BYsM9hFCAOUWZ6AWdQ/s320/stickfigure.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
Stick Figure have done more with the standard reggae musical
template over the course of their album <i>Set
In Stone </i>than most other reggae artists have done over their course of
their career. In fact part of me really
doesn’t want to call Stick Figure a reggae band. These guys so easily bring other musical
influences to the table that it will make your head spin. From psychedelic rock to electronics <i>Set In Stone</i> is laying down the future
of reggae one track at a time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stick Figure are seemingly, very interested in diversifying
their sound and exploring other musical areas with an intriguing curiosity. They venture like bards across the musical
landscape trying things on for size and adapting whatever they find and like to
their sound. For the most part
everything they try succeeds. The first
song alone is what I suspect it would sound like if Pink Floyd hung out with
Bob Marley and did loads of acid. Where
they sort of get cliché is their lyrical prowess; songs about pot love is just
so trite and yeah I know it’s reggae…but knowing that this is the sound of the
genre in space it seems like they could diversify their lyrics a bit as
well. Anyway, it’s a nitpicky thing and
doesn’t take away how musically awesome this record really is.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
You might think there’s very little left to explore within
the somewhat tired genre of reggae, but Stick Figure have found ways to
energize the genre and make it feel and sound completely different. They’re super creative songwriters,
imaginative musicians and so open minded that they’re willing to give anything
a shot. I never thought that I would
like a reggae record as much as I do <i>Set
In Stone</i> but these guys have brought something to the table that’s original
and refreshing and knocked it out of the ball park. <o:p></o:p></div>
Paul POP!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01062860123536572746noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7417936769185290568.post-25273033429867331092016-02-03T14:15:00.000-08:002016-02-03T14:20:32.125-08:00Rickolus Is Coconuts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOV9auAwVqkPI6mfMMTazfAkMKfSStwnvUHo4PCKW_UXRQeawtPlKYBYbF08SDSmrpNN3RzbdjoO7NSts4kxd56_N1tKiLziO-aCSywBjD4V-Bapgq2FREh1RPASfkyHKLcedA_6o9H0/s1600/rickolus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOV9auAwVqkPI6mfMMTazfAkMKfSStwnvUHo4PCKW_UXRQeawtPlKYBYbF08SDSmrpNN3RzbdjoO7NSts4kxd56_N1tKiLziO-aCSywBjD4V-Bapgq2FREh1RPASfkyHKLcedA_6o9H0/s320/rickolus.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
How the hell is Rickolus not a massive star? This Jacksonvillian is easily the best
musical product to come out of the Bold City since well...ever. While other bands have risen to popularity
overnight, Rickolus has been more of a slow burn when it comes to his
music. Yet, he's so consistently
brilliant and well consistent in releasing material that's memorable, rooted
firmly in indie rock and just so damn good that stardom deserves to be his.
Seriously, world, get with the program. <br />
<br />
His latest album <i>Coconut</i> is yet another quirky notch of brilliance in
his career. With massive hooks, choruses
that linger for days and his kooky mannerisms Rickolus creates a tweeish pop
world that's truly all his own. Sure he
jumps from post grunge, indie rawk and Britpop influences like a 12 year old
girl skipping rope, but he does it with such finesse and assuredness that it
works well for him. I mean the first
three songs alone on Coconut toss you around like a broken washing
machine. From the thrashy workout of
“Wasteland,” to the massive soaring hit in the making, “Destroyer,” your heart
will suffer heartbreak, chills, and possibly a coronary. This is from a guy who lives in Duval
folks. Duval. Rick and his band have crafted a brilliant
record here that rarely falters and even the ballads are a worthy but heart
wrenching five minutes of your time.<br />
<br />
<i>Coconut</i> is fantastic in every conceivable way. It's stupendously poptastic with enough of a
rough edge about it to keep Rick's cred well intact. Probably my favorite album of the last six
months it's difficult for me not to picture this record getting huge. Rickolus has the chops, has the songs, and
has all his shit together enough where he should be hobnobbing with stars and
establishing residencies in various London clubs. Once again...success deserves to be his and <i>Coconut</i>
goes a long way to helping achieve that goal.
You can help him get there as well by buying this record. Now.
<o:p></o:p></div>
Paul POP!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01062860123536572746noreply@blogger.com0