Revolver - Music for a While
The thing that really, really stand out on this record is the copious use of backing vocals, both as a harmonic counterpoint to the melody and as a layering effect to increase the depth and volume of the music. And it works beautifully. Occasional time signature changes in the music lead me to believe that the members of Revolver are even more musically inclined than the music on the album exudes, which is quite an impressive feat because the music on the album is really good. There is an obvious throwback feel to this record, as if it was recorded in the late sixties (albiet, with much better production value than records of that time) and someone just found it a few weeks ago and released it. This one is definitely worth checking out, and it won't even take a full listen for you to be won over. -Alex Z
The Moondoggies - Tidelands
Listening to this album had me marvelling at how well two genres could be integrated. I didn't even realize how much the record was doing until about halfway through, but Tidelands by The Moondoggies seems to be a straightahead rock record that seamlessly incorporates elements of a soundtrack to an old spaghetti western. And it's not obvious, like a whistle and a harmonica to tell you the tumbleweed is rolling by, but I defy you to listen to this record and tell me it doesn't evoke an image in your mind of the old west. Aside from that, the record has some nice overlayed vocal harmonies and really in-your-face bass playing that makes it a lot of fun to listen to. A dirty organ that appears in some of the tracks is reminiscent of The Grateful Dead in the best way possible. Overall this record is nice; I honestly can't think of a better word for it. -Alex Z
Grinderman - Grinderman 2
Sophomore album from Nick Cave/Warren Ellis side project. Brutal. Intense. Sexy. Like lightning in a bottle. Testosterone fueled, twisted, fuzzed out, overdriven rockers here. I found the songwriting much stronger on their debut album; I never thought I'd see the day Oprah Winfrey figured into a Nick Cave lyric. A few tracks fall flat and don't seem to go anywhere sonically or lyrically. But overall, it's definitely worth a listen for any Nick Cave fan. The big bad wolf is coming to get you. -Erica M
Swans - My Father Will Guide Me Up a Rope to the Sky
Mastermind Michael Gira's its-not-a-reunion reunion with experimental pioneers Swans after 14 years. Darkly majestic aural assaults that combine the sonic brutality of early Swans with the more delicate and folkish beauty of Gira's Angels of Light project. Devendra Banhart lends guest vocals (along w/Gira's young daughter) on track 5. Well worth the 14 year wait. When the apocalypse comes, I'll be listening to this. -Erica M
The Harvey Girls - I've Been Watching A Lot of Horror Movies Lately
Words fail me when trying to compare these tracks to something I've heard before. The truth is, I've never really heard anything quite like it before. Extremely experimental approach from this husband and wife duo from Portland by way of Lawrence, Kansas. Loopy, spacey samples, moments of Sonic Youthy (yeah, youthy) guitars, dream up pop songs in outer space. Maybe this is what people do in Lawrence Kansas to keep themselves entertained in between tornadoes. Which is not to say that I don't like it. I do. Or at least I think I do. I'm still a bit confused. Certainly deserves a listen from the adventurous soul. --Erica M
Young the Giant - Young the Giant
An interesting mix of what I would call alternative and indie, Young the Giant's self-titled debut has an energy to it that is way too much fun. I'd say a lot of that comes from the production; this album has really good production value. Added to that, the singer can really carry a tune and belt well. He manages to sound like he's yelling and singing at the same time, which few singers can pull off well. He does, and seems to make the melody complement the harmony rather than the other way around. Every single track on this album is incredibly catchy, and the lyrics are quite complementary to the music. I will be revisiting this album again soon, and probably many times to come after that. --Alex Z
Holy Sons - Survivalist Tales!
This isn't the type of stuff I normally listen to, but maybe it should be. The dark, brooding overtone of the first grabs you at the very start and doesn't let go, though the album takes multiple turns toward the lighter and darker, happier, and sadder. The songs themselves are populated by powerful, long bass tones that are let ring in a fashion more associated with some of the stranger experimental albums out there. However, in this case, it gives the album a grounding and somehow makes it a lot easier to take in. Always interesting drums from Emil Amos, which is to be expected. The only thing that gives me pause about this album is that the singer's voice is a bit nasaly, but it's really not that bad, and is definitely excusable considering the quality of the everything else on the album. -Alex Z
Elf Power - Elf Power
Extremely catchy tunes and fun arrangements permeate this album. A bit bass heavy, but that's not a bad thing, especially when the bass lines are as interesting as they are on this album. Good use of harmonies to subtly enhance the vocals and make them just a tad more interesting. Also, the lyrics are really cool and create some fairly vivid imagery if you listen closely. Overall, just some really good, fairly standard rock music. To be honest, there wasn't a single track I didn't like on my first listen, which, for me, is not an easy feat for an album. -Alex Z
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