It is hard enough to stand out in the music industry, both in regard to the attention one receives and how long they are able to endure standing there without recognition. It is both literal and interpretive here, as a feeling of prominence undoubtedly effects one’s willingness to remain in an industry. In regard to the industry of music, it is difficult to name many other occupations that possess more unpredictability than that one. And on that note, forget about how the country or even the region recognizes them. Getting noticed by your locality cannot simply be an assumption. It is a triumph for some bands to be written about on the back page of their local paper, while others find insufficiency in an above-average review from Rolling Stone. Most newcomers, though, will find excitement in any sort of exposure. For that, I feel some sympathy for artists residing from Brooklyn. Sure, Grizzly Bear and TV on the Radio may be the area’s most popular contemporary acts, but that statement’s arguable nature simply shows how ample Brooklyn is with great acts; it is the rare instance of a local scene being both agreeably quantitative and qualitative. But it begs the questions, could a local scene ever be overpopulated by too many worthwhile acts? After all, we do need to go to work and get the recommended seven hours of sleep.

The obstacles for artists in artistically overcrowded localities are abundant, even if the issues often are prevailed by the privilege of living in an artistic community where inspiration is vastly accessible. In an area like Brooklyn though, I could only imagine the artists being more frustrated with the press’ selection process than the sheer concept of competition. To expose the already-exposed seems to be the norm, with superfluous addition of information (their favorite food, more influences, etc.) apparently compensating for the feeling of something fresh and exciting. For a stable artist intent on just creating music, this can be quite discouraging in the face of innovation. But for an artist like Kordan, who fuses a fresh and polished style of electro-rock with an urban-like rush, these deprived circumstances can be manipulated to his favor. When you have material as great as Kordan does in a place as thriving as Brooklyn, the experienced understand that patience is all one needs to eventually obtain success. Why I think Kordan’s success is imminent certainly has something to do with his music, but perhaps more so in how he reacts to the prospect of fame even if it has not arrived yet. It must be a city thing.

Kordan could modestly note that he’s opened for the likes of Cut Copy before selling any song or release, but the low-key Brooklynite does not approach success that way. He writes on his own blog about the art of others, not how his own project is on the verge of widespread recognition. Usually treading toward the avant-garde, featured artists on the blog like Pedro Vilas-Boas and Tatsuyuki Tanaka embody both the unknown and groundbreaking in the non-musical side of art. On the more audible end, Kordan is practically their equivalent. While working on a contemporary canvas that utilizes high-end electronic production to create shimmering works of memorable pop music, the embodiment of Kordan’s work is too distinctive and layered to be singularly grouped in the vein of electronic-pop. Like the avant-garde artists he adores and features, Kordan interprets and relays music differently than others within a similar realm. These include acts along the lines of Cut Copy and Chromatics, all very respectable electronic acts that infuse similar formulas of instrumentation and production but proceed to make their work individualistic through other, more discreet means.

While some electronic-rock acts utilize samples, stylistic fusions, and other forms of thematic quiltwork to establish cohesiveness, Kordan simplifies this dramatic struggle with precision. His debut EP, Fantasy Nation, contains a mere five tracks but each one possesses a different approach that summarizes Kordan’s intent beautifully. The EP’s self-titled cut is a translucent gem that takes the swift guitar work of Cut Copy and plasters it on the ’80s new-wave-inspired vocal techniques of groups like Cut Copy, who often worked their grandiose choruses using rhythmic prominence and abruptly increased vocal reverb. “Fantasy Nation”, along with several others on the EP, seems to incorporate guitar work that is not there for intricacy or dramatics, but rather as a supplementation of sorts. The rhythm section, powerful vocals, and subtle components of the great production is what truly establishes Kordan as something special. With “Fantasy Nation” serving as an up-beat replica of this decade’s trend in electronic-rock, the following “Tokyo Tears” is eventually more resounding as a somber look back at ’80s post-punk. The brooding bass line seems to pummel through the thick wave of reverb, making Kordan’s vocals nearly inaudible above being a moody whimper. When associated with the chilling guitar work though, it plays off extraordinary as one of the most ardently effective efforts on the EP.

“Slouchy Girl”, Fantasy Nation‘s closing number, is also noteworthy for being completely different than everything else on the release. With its strings, soft acoustics, and background coo’s, it almost sounds like Voxtrot acquired a stronger vocalist and started writing better songs. It is fun and catchy to be sure, and more than assurance that Kordan is vaster than a one-trick-pony. This phenomenal EP could have told you that by itself though. Fantasy Nation is one of the most memorable debut releases of the year, and listening to it shows why Cut Copy demanded Kordan to be their opening act last year after hearing the songs on this EP. Although Brooklyn’s bustle has prevented instantaneous exposure, the imminence of Kordan’s success can be easily heard through tracks like “Fantasy Nation” and “Tokyo Tears”. With artists like these, there is no such thing as an overpopulation of quality artists. As listeners, it should be our duty to sift through them in knowing that their locale provides more inspiration than most.

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Kordan – Fantasy Nation

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Kordan – Slouchy Girl

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Kordan – Tokyo Tears

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The post Kordan’s Fantasy Nation appeared first on Obscure Sound: Indie Music Blog.

In one room sits a huddled group of professionals, ranging from for-pay songwriters to conniving promoters. Their eyes are all on a whiteboard that lists several opportunities for their fledging client on this starry Friday night. Should he show up at a star’s birthday party, present at an awards show, or attend a charity dinner? It must be such a hassle to be forced to choose just one. Most of the independent groups featured here would probably laugh at such a scenario, either shocked or appalled at the fact that publicity is more important than the music itself these days. But can you really blame those who take advantage of it? When you have a travelling circus of songwriters, performers, and executives by your side throughout the touring and studio sessions, is there really anything else to do apart from flaunting a pretty face and throwing some vocals into an auto-tuner? Artists often struggle to resist the allure of automated production like this, with the major labels hot after a certain talent or superficial component that they can manipulate and promote to produce millions. You are guaranteed a house in Malibu and a new collection of sports cars, but your artistic integrity will be forever plagued, even if the PR firm expertly crafts the image that YOU are the songwriter and not some struggling professional with a knack for melody. Some artists hardly have a choice in the matter, but others are able to find the perfect divide between polished, accessible production and DIY ethics.

The XX playfully list their influences in regard to opposite spectrums, commercial success and cult success. It is not so much dependent on style, but instead how similar approaches can end up differing dramatically based on the pressures of derivative automation. They like everything from Aaliyah to CocoRosie, Rihanna to The Cure, and Missy Elliott to Chromatics. Some sharp contrasts, sure, but their message is clear in describing their influences this way. This London-based quartet is the antithesis of independent elitism, showing both their adoration for mainstream pop music and independent stylistic mash-ups with a sound that contains the commercially receptive allure of acts like Rihanna and Aaliyah but without the repetitive, industrialized facades that tarnish their images. Perhaps this applies not so much in teen America or MTV’s headquarters, but more in regard to readers of this site. You obviously come here to discover bands that have little to no recognition as of its publishing date, and to produce something that I and others deem quality without substantial recognition usually means that ambition and/or innovation has prevented the act from scaling the dizzying heights of national recognition. I do know that many listeners of these acts strive to be “ironic” for the hell of it, but it is hard to imagine anything more ironic than innovation and ambition serving as detriments to an artist’s career opportunities.

In another ironic twist of sorts, perhaps The XX’s maturity can be attributed to their young age. It sounds nearly contradictory, but these four schoolyard friends from southwest London clearly embody a new musical philosophy that seems completely aware of the fact that pop music does not need to be overproduced, stylistically derivative, or full of Hollywood cameos in order to manufacture great hooks. It is a rare and admirable sight to behold, especially when art-rock natives like the Arctic Monkeys lately appear more focused on whether their songs are good enough for radio airplay than the album itself. Unlike most of their contemporaries, The XX have crafted an album, not a collection of songs that they jumbled together for purposes of exposure. The desperation is clearly not prevalent for the four-piece, which is all the more admirable when one considers that they are barely out of their teens. For their debut album, 2.0, it is audibly indicative that the members stayed up well past their bedtimes. Like Junior Boys or early Air, 2.0 possesses a late-night feel that can be attributed to serene soundscapes, mostly led by a rumbling rhythm section that paces itself perfectly. It complements chilly synths and husky vocals with absolute precision, alternating between concise bass lines and highly rhythmic propulsions when the song calls for it. It helps that, like many musicians, The XX seem to work almost exclusively at night. The quality shows.

Oliver Sim and Romy Madley Croft are responsible for these aforementioned vocals, showing their beautiful abilities in the form of both duets and solo accompaniments. Their voices often sound trapped in an icicle-laden cave, the reflection of reverb becoming apparent due to the minimalistic arrangements. Synthesizers and guitars collide in the beautiful “Infinity” as both interchangeably emit a soulful croon, with a slight tinge of Afro-pop being evident in the spright keys of the similarly presented “Basic Space”. This track reminds me of a Matthew Herbert effort; the arrangement evolves into an absolutely brilliant progression as Croft’s angelic vocals become complemented by Sim’s low, grizzly croon. He himself sounds a bit like Rufus Wainwright, perhaps driven by the seductive mixture of icy keys and slick guitar tremolos. “Crystalised” is another standout, opening with two simultaneous guitar progressions before unfolding into a largely bass-driven gem. The vocals of Sim and Croft do an exceptional job of building into the chorus, first delving into a duet before the explosive chorus of guitars, bass, and subtle samples that illustrate a sense of urgency with a distantly operatic synth pad. “We just keep on getting closer,” they sing before this moment occurs, once again showing that irresistible pop hooks can unfold from even the simplest of circumstances. 2.0 may be deemed minimalistic by casual admirers of pop music, but the fact is that The XX’s debut is more intricate and involved than most releases you are bound to pick up this year. All 11 tracks unfold with beauty, elegance, and precision, never hesitant to surprise a listener with innovation enclosed in an atmosphere of slight familiarity. 2.0 needs to be heard, as it is easily one of the best debuts of 2009.

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The XX – Basic Space

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The XX – Crystalised

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The XX – Infinity

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The post The XX appeared first on Obscure Sound: Indie Music Blog.

Many musicians, regardless of prestige or intellect, tend to emit an appreciation for many varieties of art. They can stand afar as hobbyists of painting or photography, but few are brave enough to venture into being an actual participant of the art. The word “artistic” seems too broad most of the time, but there is no doubt that certain individuals posses a superior flair for fusing creativity, passion, and knowledge into an audible and/or visual experience. All arts require these aspects in some form, so it is no surprise that many successful artists are eclectically inclined within some fields of art apart from their primary field. In some cases, dabbling in an assortment of arts can eventually lead an artistically inclined but multifariously overwhelmed individual into a field that suits their personal abilities best. Here, a cumulative interest in art brought the initial founders of Bowerbirds together. The North Carolina-based trio has consisted of alternating members since their formation in 2005, but core members Phil Moore and Beth Tacular are indebted to a sense of artistic eclecticism among Bowerbirds’ members. Their style is highly indicative of stylistic transfiguration, altering accessible forms of folk and chamber-pop into accomplishedly unpredictable results that succeed after practically every attempt.

Lead vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Phil Moore began writing songs for a then-unnamed project in 2005, looking toward friends in multi-instrumentalist Mark Paulson and Beth Tacular to provide additional input and initial instrumentation on the material. Moore and Paulson had been friends in middle school and fronted several bands together during their schooldays, including some hilariously ridiculous names like Speed of Sauce, Ticonderoga, and Blast Force. Tacular originally had little experience in music, doubting her ability to sing and perform. However, Moore recognized her potential and artistic ability and she joined the group in 2005. She had taught herself to sing and play the accordion, so her contributions were immediate in April 2006 when the trio began recording their first EP, Danger at Sea. She also has a background in painting and web design, the latter of which pertains to the web design company she and Moore own. After all, everyone needs some kind of day job. For these two multi-talented bandmates, it came in something that catered to both of their eclectic artistic talents. This undoubtedly helped her eventual work with the similarly inclined Moore and Paulson, the latter of whom Tacular credits for his “multi-talentedness.” That is a word that describes Bowerbirds as a whole, both in their personal lives and their band’s stylistic result.

Bowerbirds’ debut album, Hymns for a Dark Horse, was released in early 2007 to commendable reviews, drawing many comparisons to the freak-folk movement that was so prominent at the time (with the likes of Devendra Banhart, Joanna Newsom, etc.). The comparisons likely brought some extra fans to Bowerbirds’ camp, but I personally found the comparisons somewhat off the mark as Bowerbirds’ additional emphasis on pop songwriting and accessibility was contrary to many figures of the particular movement. This is further demonstrated on their new album, Upper Air. This is not music from the typical surveyors of indie-folk with hushed melodies, soft acoustics, and subtle choruses, but rather an inventive concoction of infectious pop and folk that combines for an experience that could be called soothing, refreshing, and impressive. In comparison to a genre like jazz, pop music often lacks a component of subtle variation in which suave key changes are implemented or chords are presented with a certain variance. Bowerbirds’ past material opposes these simplistic sentiments, but Upper Air shows them at their true best with unconventional intentions in familiarly accessible territory. There are minimalistic acoustical efforts like “Silver Clouds” and “Ghost Life”, but there also stands extremely impressive displays of expansiveness that include the lusty Parisian exoticness of “Teeth” and the ever-evolving franticness of “Beneath Your Tree”. These are displays of a band that clearly shows their ambition, but also of one that seems to have few limitations.

“House of Diamonds” plays like a pop gem, plain and simple. The opener to Upper Air certainly sets Bowerbirds off on the right foot, boasting with an irresistible melody being led by acoustics, keys, and Moore’s smooth voice. An instant comparison would be to Andrew Bird, but Grizzly Bear’s multiple harmonies over lush folk instrumentation remain as another comparison due to the often-simultaneous vocals of Moore and Tacular. The track begins simplistically with its acoustic and keys, but an excellent chorus introduces a great hook as the duo sings, “You are free, you are already free.” A string arrangement serves as a portion of the bridge… and in an instant Bowerbirds’ resourceful delivery is exposed. They do not adorn their music with unnecessary additives, instead resorting to a qualitative philosophy that opts to utilize additional instrumentation when it truly makes a difference. During this specific moment after the chorus, the strings work beautifully and any additional use would have taken away from its novelty. The same resourcefulness can be said for the other tracks on Upper Air as well. “Beneath Your Tree” sticks to the same instrumental arsenal throughout, but still feels like an ardent success to the group’s rhythmic variations, interesting chord use, and superb songwriting. They are all reasons why Upper Air is Bowerbirds’ biggest success yet, also proving indicative of their explosive potential and likely breakthrough.

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Bowerbirds – House of Diamonds

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Bowerbirds – Teeth

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Bowerbirds – Beneath Your Tree

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The post Bowerbirds Fly the Upper Air appeared first on Obscure Sound: Indie Music Blog.

by Mike Mineo

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20. Ra Ra Riot – The Rhumb Line

Losing a member of a band to death can be devastating. No matter how many arguments and fistfights were initiated in the past, it is a fact that many groups tend to form a family-like bond after years and even months of touring and working together. When Ra Ra Riot’s original drummer, John Pike, was found dead on June 3rd of 2007, his former band mates were stunned. “This has felt like the unraveling plot of a tragic piece of fiction,” they said in a press release. However, about a month after Pike’s death, the band announced that they would continue the group in Pike’s memory. A string of tour dates and the eponymous EP in 2007 brought the group increased recognition as they prepared their debut full-length album, The Rhumb Line. The album itself serves as a fine example of the group’s potential, with their flashy style of art-rock serving as both an accessible and contagious interpretation of contemporary indie-rock. The New York-based group works with tinges of post-punk and punk, implementing both cellos and violins over a zealous display of dazzling guitars and tenacious rhythm sections. Vocalist Wesley Miles emits a sharp, slightly high-pitched tone that is reminiscent of vocalists in the vein of Nick Stumpf (The French Kicks) or a more subdued Hamilton Leithauser (The Walkmen). All together, it creates a very convincing sound that proves memorable despite its common originations. In addition to his role as a co-songwriter on a handful of tracks, one notable posthumous contribution from Pike on The Rhumb Line comes in the form of lyrical content. With Miles, he wrote “Dying is Fine”, a gripping track that wholly capitalizes on the group’s stellar mixture of strings and guitars. With an E.E. Cummings quotation serving as the main hook, the topic is emotionally ironic and the melody is addictively consuming. The mournful “Ghost Under Rocks” also makes excellent use of strings, guiding yet another captivating chorus as Miles yelps in perhaps his most emotionally resounding vocal performance on the album. “Here you are, you are breathing like little ghosts under rocks,” he sings, speaking of romanticized suffocation in mildly poetic form. When compared to the regretful – though dynamically vigorous – yelps and moans of “Ghost Under Rocks” and “Dying is Fine”, Miles’ vocals in “Winter ‘05” are appropriately more somber as the strings increase in intricacy and the percussion subtly adds several shuffled components. Along with a cover of Kate Bush’s “Suspended in Gaffa” making the cut, it exemplifies how The Rhumb Line serves as an enjoyably eclectic album within a fused genre that desperately needs it these days.

Ra Ra Riot – Dying is Fine

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19. Gentleman Jesse – Introducing Gentleman Jesse and His Men

One of the most appealing aspects of power-pop is the ability it has to remain untainted in a world where stylistic alteration is often inevitable. While some may argue that the genre’s apparent lack of stylistic ambition is the cause for such sturdy pop ideologies, the crafters of such music never seem to be given enough credit for their reluctance to become submissive toward what is deemed as this week’s fad in the music industry. Gentleman Jesse and His Men, a talented four-piece based out of Atlanta, employ this highly accessible form of power-pop very well, but they are also quite unique when compared to other groups in the genre. Yes, they are comparably intent on hooking in the listener with exceptionally infectious choruses and stellar harmonizing, but Gentleman Jesse and His Men happen to be significantly more nostalgic in approach. Instead of employing a formula in which an overwhelming degree of varying styles clash within a comforting power-pop aroma, the four-piece instead opts to bring back what made the genre so great in the first place. Traditional punk and garage-rock are the main forces at work here, making comparisons to the early workings of power-pop greats Exploding Hearts somewhat unavoidable. Exploding Hearts certainly infused more elements of punk into their overall sound, but the approach and level of melodic alteration remains highly comparable in the sentiment that both groups rely on amiable simplicity to elicit a uniquely engaging charm in which the songwriting and consequential hooks sound freshly invigorating despite the minimal forces of instrumentation at work. On their debut, Introducing Gentleman Jesse and His Men, frontman Jesse Smith plays the role of accessible power-pop vocalist with apparent ease, extracting a youthful tone of amateur exuberance while simultaneously allowing his commendable melodic range to flow naturally with the brisk use of guitar-led instrumentation. This is perhaps best heard on “All I Need Tonight (Is You)”, a track that would likely have been considered a classic by now if it had been released 30 years ago. From the lyrics to the lead guitar progression, the approach is extraordinarily simple but the appeal arrives in the strong melodic form that Smith conveys with the utmost confidence. In conventional power-pop form, he utilizes a callback approach in the utterly irresistible chorus before embellishing the moment with an extremely concise guitar solo. “You Got Me Where You Want Me” and “Attention” also utilize this accustomed callback approach with surprising precision. Those who view most traditional power-pop as a one-trick pony will likely state the same about Gentleman Jesse and His Men’s debut album, but anyone who enjoys fantastic hooks guided by little more than a guitar and rhythm section simply needs to check it out. Intricate it may not be, but this album’s infectiousness is downright undeniable.

Gentleman Jesse – All I Need Tonight (Is You)

Gentleman Jesse – You Got Me Where You Want Me

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18. Håkan Hellström – För sent för Edelweiss

Swedish listeners first caught a glimpse of Hellström in 2000 with his hit single “Känn ingen sorg för mig Göteborg”, with Hellström also releasing his debut album of that same name in November. Prior to the release, Hellström was only recognized as fans of the Swedish indie-pop band Broder Daniel as their drummer, a position he vacated between 1988 and 1994. He then rejoined the band in 1997 with a new role as the bassist, leaving in 2003 to focus solely on his solo career. By that time, Hellström had also released a second album, Det är så jag säger det, in 2002 and was in the midst of writing Ett kolikbarns bekännelser, his third album that released in 2005. Nåt gammalt, nåt nytt, nåt lånat, nåt blått, a compilation of b-sides, was also released the same year. After announcing that he had become a father and planned to take a short break, he emerged with his fourth album, För sent för Edelweiss, three years later in 2008. Though his first three albums exhibited a form of potential that only arrives once every so often in Swedish pop music, Hellström’s style sounded awkward with occasionally out-of-key vocals and repetitive arrangements. However, with För sent för Edelweiss, it looks as if the skilled songwriter has finally lived up to his wholesome potential. When an artist names an album after one of their own songs in particular, the conceptual intentions of the self-titled track take on lofty expectations. When it comes to “För sent för Edelweiss”, it serves as arguably the most pleasing track on both the album and throughout Hellström’s blossoming career thus far. It features the type of melody that will cause anyone – regardless of whether they understand the Swedish lyrics or not – to grin in pure delight, with the hauntingly beautiful instrumentation contrasting impressively with Hellström’s ardent vocals. The light plucking of an acoustic guitar initially finds itself underlying a graceful piano melody as Hellström’s voice quivers over the corresponding melody. When the twinkle of a new piano melody takes charge and establishes the chorus, Hellström’s voice takes on a melodic shift and crafts a devastating hook in the process. When the track concludes with a Sigur Rós-like instrumental recap over the crooning of Hellström, it simply reminds the listener just how elegantly stunning the overall result actually is. Since the title track will generally be recognized as one of the more instrumentally subdued songs on För sent för Edelweiss, first-time listeners of the track will likely be curious as to what Hellström sounds like when accompanied by increasingly noticeable instrumental fervor. As both “Kärlek är ett Brev Skickat Tusen Gånger” and “Jag Vet Inte Vem Jag är Men jag Vet Att Jag är Din” prove, the result is actually just as satisfying. Both songs implement guitar within a style of pop that is most reminiscent of accessible indie-rock, with “Jag Vet Inte Vem Jag är Men jag Vet Att Jag är Din” especially being resounding of the sentiment with a fury of electric guitars and reflective keys. They each remain insanely catchy in their own unique ways though, with “Kärlek är ett Brev Skickat Tusen Gånger” benefiting most from the vocal correspondence between a bluesy guitar, effervescent keys, and Hellström’s impressive vocal performance. With so many great Swedish releases each year, it is quite an indicator that För sent för Edelweiss is one of this year’s best from Sweden.

Håkan Hellström – För sent för Edelweiss

Håkan Hellström – Kärlek är ett Brev Skickat Tusen Gånger

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17. Thomas Function – Celebration

It would be premature for me to judge the chemistry in Thomas Function based on their music and online photos alone, right?. It could all just be a classic attempt to sell records. Well, considering that all pictures I have found of the members together depicts them having insane amounts of fun while at parties, playing shows, and in the studio, superficial corporate achievement seems to be the last things on their mind. In fact, It leads you to believe that these guys might even be having fun while making music together. And apart from the putting the “fun” in “function”, their music plays off just as naturally. Providing heavy doses of southern-rock and folk within a consistent showing of punk, the fact that Thomas Function are able to simultaneously provide odes to energized punk greats in the vein of Television and The Buzzcocks while delivering an array of styles related to folk and contemporary rock contributes prevalently to a style that is wholesomely unique and energetically engaging. The track that brought the four-piece arguably their biggest buzz in 2007 was “Relentless Machine”, a 7″ single that now once again has appeared on their excellent debut album, Celebration. Despite offering 13 tracks that are contained within a similar delivery, the boastful amount of hooks and instrumental variations provide for a form of excitement that most debuts only dream of. “2012 Blues” was a standout immediately for me from the first listen, as its acoustical folk origins are in stark contrast to vigorous punk-oriented gems like “Snake in the Grass” and “Conspiracy of Praise”, a style that reigns over most of the album. In a track like “Can’t Say No”, where a Pixies-like bass line is adjusted accordingly over an organ-led guitar progression that provides visions of classic Television and Velvet Underground, it almost makes for a colossal fusion of great indie-rock and punk bands who have made a significant mark in the past 30 years. The infectious “Can’t Say No” may be too hectic to make such past comparisons entirely spot-on, but the melodically charged energy that Josh Macero’s vocals convey makes the mixture of modernistic enthusiasm with past forms of punk and garage-rock a very satisfying blend. As for fans of The Buzzcocks or even Wire, one listen of “Snake in the Grass” should be convincing enough. Alongside “Conspiracy of Praise” and “A Long Walk”, it employs a concisely familiar form of catchy punk without being overly aggressive or manipulative in the process. With the rhythm section constantly impressing me with its tight coordination, the excellent guitar work making the comparisons to Television even possible, and Macero’s vocals being a constant source of hooks and youthful vibrancy, Celebration packs a very powerful punch that results in it being one of this year’s most satisfying debuts.

Thomas Function – Can’t Say No

Thomas Function – 2012 Blues

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16. Beach House – Devotion

Like many of those who immediately latched onto Beach House’s fantastic self-titled debut in 2006, I kept my admiration for the release no secret. It was an atmospherically beauteous album, flawlessly transcribing humane emotions as diverse as regret, embrace, and heartbreak into a sound that was as much accessible as it was ravishing. Beach House, a two-piece based out of Baltimore consisting of guitarist/keyboardist Alex Scally and vocalist/organist Victoria Legrand, were certainly the center of attention in 2006, as their well-received debut was an album that seemed to find its way onto everyone’s year-end list (it took a respectable #37 on mine). This year, they have reclaimed that same spotlight, with an excellent second album in Devotion that proves even more fulfilling than their debut. Though it may be subtle, Beach House’s own namesake provides for a cleverly suitable effect. Alex Scally and Victoria Legrand craft a sound that ushers the listener away from the hectic rush of complex urbanity, with their style being ceaselessly relaxing without any stylistic mundaneness. Like the location depicted in their namesake, the lushly written songs provide for an escape from petty demands and harsh realities; think of Devotion as a $15, 44-minute vacation. The exquisite “D.A.R.L.I.N.G.” is reminiscent of a lost love ballad from the ’50s or ’60s. Legrand’s vocals and Scally’s guitar progressions are seemingly able to put listeners into an entrancing state, this time being aided by a guitar soaked in reverb and a set of subdued keys. As per usual, Legrand’s vocals are beautifully chilling, being airily husky but giving off a frail sense of imagery in regard to the alluring backing instrumentation. The percussive involvement is always minute, but the lack of involvement makes the delicate nature even more suitably presented in the process. Another aspect that is revived from Beach House’s debut is Legrand’s ability to create a hook using her vocal range alone. Like “D.A.R.L.I.N.G.” and the majority of Devotion, “Gila” is aided by a guitar supplemented by a mixture of keys and organs. Though the bare instrumentation is enough to solicit immediate enjoyment, the moment when Legrand shifts her vocals into a deeper, more sympathetic range by stating, “Don’t you waste your time, no-oh-oh,” it provides for an instant realization in regard to the sheer beauty that the songwriting of Beach House conveys. With songs like these, Beach House’s Devotion is an elegantly beautiful release that sees this talented duo somehow improve upon the excellence of their self-titled debut.

Beach House – D.A.R.L.I.N.G.

Beach House – Gila

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15. Department of Eagles – In Ear Park

A good majority of people have, at one point in their lives, been forced to live with someone who does not exactly coincide with their standards of life. Roommate horror stories can be as amusing as they are appalling, but everyone recognizes that it is a part of life that most unspoiled individuals have to go through in order to live without a larger financial burden. When Fred Nicolaus and Daniel Rossen were assigned by NYU as roommates in their freshman year of college in 2000, they likely went through the usual semi-awkward introductions. The first few weeks may have passed by without much chemistry, but eventually when they found a common bonding point in music, they knew that luck was on their side. After putting out three EPs and two LPs under the name of The Whitey on the Moon UK, the roommates changed their name to Department of Eagles. Their first two full-lengths, The Whitey on the Moon UK LP and The Cold Nose, saw some moderate success with a stylistic array of electronic pop and sample-based instrumentals, but critics often felt that the releases were too disjointed and cluttered to truly capture a consistent audience. Shortly after the release of The Whitey on the Moon UK LP in 2003, Rossen joined the up-and-coming Grizzly Bear as an additional songwriter and guitarist. However, the two returned to working together shortly, recruiting drummer Chris Bear and bassist Nat Baldwin earlier this year to focus on In Ear Park, the duo’s second album under Department of Eagles. While I was personally impressed with some material that Rossen and Nicolaus have collaborated on prior to In Ear Park, this album is a major stepping stone in both of their developments as songwriters. The album itself was written partly as an ode to childhood, with Rossen making it a tribute of sorts to his recently deceased father. The actual “Ear Park” is a park in Los Angeles in which Rossen and his father used to visit, a touching point of significance when the song is being played. A lo-fi charmer, the duo shuffles through a series of intricately composed guitar arpeggios as Rossen relays his tender voice through a midst of backing strings and twinkling keys. The melody and instrumental capacity is astoundingly beautiful, especially when the subject is in consideration. The following track, “No One Does It Like You”, captures the essence of ‘60s pop in extravagant form. Backing vocals are exceptional here, simultaneously adding to both the rhythm section and enthralling melody in the deep and heightened tones, respectively. “Teenagers” is another key-led spectacle that later bursts into a consuming array of subtle horns and strings, highly indicative of the duo’s impeccably placed value on songwriting and production.

Department of Eagles – No One Does It Like You

Department of Eagles – In Ear Park

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14. British Sea Power – Do You Like Rock Music?

The “sophomore slump” is a term that has been applied a countless number of times for musicians, with indie-rock artists arguably being in that recent undesirable majority. It often proves difficult to attempt to pinpoint the cause for such drop-offs in quality, though I believe much of it can be accredited to the amount of pressure an artist receives from their label, the press, and the masses of fans who follow in their every step. In regard to British Sea Power, I admit that they initially set my expectations at a nearly insurmountable high. I consider their fantastic 2003 debut, The Decline of British Sea Power, to be one of the best debuts of this decade and I continue to give it a listen every so often. After the group released their follow-up, Open Season, in 2005, I found that the result was not something I was too personally enamored with. It was not a bad follow-up by any means, just a step back in the direction that the prevalently ambitious British Sea Power intended to go. With their third album, Do You Like Rock Music?, the album’s title seems hypothetical in relation to the brilliant content it conveys. With it, I have once again regained hope that British Sea Power could indeed be one of the most inventive indie-rock bands of the decade. It all begins suitably with “All In It”, a brooding build-up where a choral vocal accompaniment sings reflectively over the steady beat of a snare drum. Once the song begins to subtly fade out and the murmur of a church organ is the only audible presence, a burst of percussion and high-pitched guitar effects collapse onto one another, creating a monumental hook that sets the tone for the rest of Do You Like Rock Music?. The brilliant “Waving Flags” is arguably the best song that British Sea Power have written since the classic “Carrion”, crafting their trademark sound of epic, guitar-oriented rock into a state of pure bliss. Once the ardently grandiose chorus kicks in, any skeptics of the Brighton-based four-piece will likely cower away. Though the structure remains more consistent and the instrumentation more simplistic, the glimmering “Canvey Island” once again finds its strength in a explosive chorus, fully cemented by a preceding verse and bridge where the murmur of strings are presented over the slight strumming of an electric guitar. Depicting the great North Sea flood of 1953, the suitably named British Sea Power carry the song in full force, touching on feelings on disastrous disbelief as Scott “Yan” Wilkinson resoundly croons, “Don’t you think its strange, you know, the way it all works out? Brace yourself for storms and summer drought.” the beautiful “No Need to Cry” rounds off the album very nicely. Being somewhat of a new approach for British Sea Power, they pull off the sympathetic throwback love ballad with ease. Wilkinson turns his vocal intensity down a notch but compensates it with a lush assortment of guitars, subdued percussion, and cooing backing vocals. Unlike the stadium-sized intensity of the choruses in excellent tracks like “Waving Flags” and “Canvey Island”, “No Need to Cry” uses a more subtle approach in being uplifted by a simplistic sprinkling of keys. Regardless, the result is stunningly beautiful when a violin cleverly emerges from the layers of delicately crafted sound during the song’s final few moments. Do You Like Rock Music? opens, continues, and concludes in the same way: with consistent quality. So, if for some reason, the question of “Do you like rock music?” remains etched in your head, it should be quite easy to answer. In regard to this specific album, the answer is an unhesitant “yes”.

British Sea Power – Waving Flags

British Sea Power – Canvey Island

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13. The Walkmen – You & Me

Whether or not The Walkmen regressed on You & Me is a topic with two sides to it. Yes, they returned to a style that was more indicative of their first two albums with a higher emphasis on heavily distorted guitars and angular vocal melodies, but there is still a glaring aspect of You & Me that separates itself from any of The Walkmen’s preceding four releases. While percussively aided keyboards were often at the forefront on Everyone Who Pretended to Like Me Is Gone and distorted guitars and yelps comprised most of Bows + Arrows, You & Me serves as arguably the most stylistically multifarious album of their commendably consistent career. Their usual use of overpowering guitars, shimmering keys, and clashing percussion is predominant, but when looking at it by a track-by-track basis it becomes evident that efforts like “On the Water” and “Red Moon” contribute to an album whose stylistic scope remains unpredictably consuming. The swirling mixture of keys and horns in “Red Moon” creates some charmingly melodic circumstances for a topic as simple as romantic longing, while the beginnings of “On the Water” invokes the same sort of exotic imagery that songwriters in the vein of Tom Waits have been so known to generate. As the rumbling of bass underlies a glistening guitar progression, singer Hamilton Leithauser concocts a series of vividly appropriate lyrics. “All the years keep rolling, the decades flying by,” he sings as the guitars pick up pace and the track reverts from a mystical bass-led enigma into a hard-rocking fury. “But ahh, the days are long.” This lyrical realization is complemented superbly by Leithauser’s uniquely invigorating howl, an aspect that is aided by instrumentation that increases in intensity as the track progresses. “Red Moon” and “On the Water” are particularly excellent usages of the band’s tendencies to use natural imagery, an effect that supplements the occasional tranquility of both tracks superbly. In terms of each individual song, the songs are not the most structurally adventurous or melodically intimidating in the band’s catalog, but other gems like the anthemic “In the New Year” and the innovative use of percussion in “Postcards From Tony Islands” should convince listeners that the five-piece have clearly succeeded in crafting one of their most fascinatingly compelling releases to date.

The Walkmen – On the Water

The Walkmen – Red Moon

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12. Wolf Parade – At Mount Zoomer

Few bands manage to be as innovative and instantaneously accessible as Wolf Parade, the acclaimed joint project of Spencer Krug and Dan Boeckner. The most impressive thing to me about the two collaborators, however, is not the infectious melodies they create or the constant critical acclaim that comes their way, but rather the stylistic transition that both are able to make seamlessly as they jump from project to project. Both have been renowned as a few of the busiest songwriters in indie-rock and their durability throughout the past several years can mainly attributed to the unique and melodically invigorating aspects that their songwriting triggers. At Mount Zoomer will hardly feel like a sophomore album to most listeners, as both Krug and Boeckner have been employing reminiscent styles in their respective projects of Sunset Rubdown and Handsome Furs ever since Wolf Parade originated. But it is also a common belief to state that Wolf Parade’s debut, Apologies to the Queen Mary, contains the most accessible material from either artist to date, an aspect that arguably derives from intentions to promote their material to a more diversified audience. Krug’s share of material on At Mount Zoomer appears most reminiscent to his work with Sunset Rubdown, with the eerily resounding flair of “Bang Your Drum” and “An Animal in Your Care” employing much of they key-oriented formula over the yelping vocals and consistently revolving song structures that made trademark Sunset Rubdown tracks so memorable. Keeping in mind that At Mount Zoomer comprises of a similar structure in that Krug and Boeckner contribute an even number of separate tracks, I am actually more impressed with Boeckner’s efforts this time around despite Krug’s showings also being expectedly strong. This can be primarily attributed to Boeckner’s increased instrumental virtuosity, as his use of keys and synths has noticeably become more prevalent. This is best evident on “Language City” and “The Grey Estates”, both tracks that utilize an array of sparkling keys in an infectious chorus that is also guided by guitars and rhythmic additives. Despite Boeckner providing for a more consistent offering of quality songwriting, Krug offers one of the best tracks in the excellent “California Dreamer”. Krug’s skills as both a songwriter and excellent keyboardist are in full display as he shifts a minimal introduction of singular keys and backing percussion into a chorus that is the most anthemic and memorable on the album. “I’ll be round, I’ll be round, I’ll be round,” he sings prior to the bridge. “Like a teenager in town where all the other young lovers are found.” It is a moment that is aided purely by the intensifying tempo of deepened keys, a technique that makes the exceptional chorus that follows even more satisfying. A few shrill chords on keys then follow as the fully bolstered rhythm section emerges for the first time. Boeckner’s “Fine Young Cannibals” also serves as a standout, mainly due to a catchy little guitar riff that manages to sound so seductively enthralling over a soulful blend of keys (à la “It’s a Curse”). As the steady delivery of a new wave-like guitar progression eases placidly over concise percussion, it takes over two minutes for the track’s greatest hook to appear. Signaled by the brisk entry of keys, a crescendo of chords flurry over the same guitar progression and intensifying quivers. Keeping in mind that a Krug-Boeckner release without some sort of epic would feel out of place, the concluding “Kissing the Beehive” makes use of both songwriter’s ability to craft alternating song structures within a familiar melody. Though the first several listen will treat nothing to the listener but a few unexpected melodic surprises, each new listen with a better comprehension of the structure provides more in terms of infectiousness and enjoyment. As that track ends, it is easy to note that Krug and Boeckner have once again collaborated for one of the most enjoyable indie-rock releases of the year.

Wolf Parade – Language City

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11. Portishead – Third

Unlike the majority of other groups during the mid ’90s in Britain, Portishead did not become legends by releasing a masterpiece or two alongside a dozen or so middling attempts at reviving glory. Instead, the trio’s status as one of the most mystifyingly ambiguous groups to have an undeniable influence on contemporary music was granted because of sheer quality, not because of an excess of tours or releases. Prior to this year’s release of Third, the group released two albums of new material in the span of 13 years. Both of them, Dummy and Portishead will forever be considered landmark achievements in the genres of trip-hop and atmospheric alternative-pop. Clearly, unless Portishead have something worth releasing, it is not going to see the light of day. This rare ideology continues with Third, an awe-inspiring release that ranks up there with the classic Dummy as being one of the most atmospherically brilliant releases of the past 20 years. Their arrangements are often initially sparse, such as in “The Rip” where only an acoustic guitar and haunting synth pad appears to back Beth Gibbons’ quivering vocals. Like many classic Portishead tracks though, the melodic and instrumental expansion of “The Rip” is what makes the group’s ingenious level of execution so irresistible. As a bassy synth arpeggio backs a lengthily stable croon from Gibbons, a simultaneous percussive ignition occurs as the track steadily fades to black. The vocally brooding nature of “Plastic” and the ethereal, guitar-based murmurs of “We Carry On” may provide indication that Third is Portishead’s least accessible album out of their three, but successive listens will reward even those who are reluctant of the trio’s atmospherically-based talents. Sure, there are less instantaneous hooks, but Third is a grower whose genius is slowly unveiled with careful audible precision. For immediate enjoyment though, a track like the appropriately titled “Machine Gun” (with its percussive bursts) and the melodically enchanting “Hunter”, the latter which proves to be one of Portishead’s most captivating efforts. Haunting is often a common word to describe Portishead’s atmospheric brilliance, and never has being haunted been so enjoyable. A sheer piece of atmospheric perfection, Third is an album to be treasured by fans of Portishead and newcomers alike.

Portishead – Hunter

Portishead – The Rip

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The post Best Albums of 2008: #20 to #11 appeared first on Obscure Sound: Indie Music Blog.

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When monumental success is accomplished through means of distinctive locality, I imagine that the sense of pride for a group is indescribable. You grow up with a certain group of friends, talk and occasionally bicker with them about music to pass the time during class, and even form an embarrassing band or two during the same period; it is all a natural part of growing up for childhood friends that share a mutual love for music. With that being said, to make a flourishing career out of something that has positively taken hold of you for the entirety of your childhood can be a dream come true. To do it with those same friends that you grew up with is a rare sight to behold, but it is certainly not impossible to find. The Pittsburgh-based Ball of Flame Shoot Fire can certainly attest to this, as the entirety of their band is made up of a group of friends who grew to be the best of friends during their high school years. They were often simultaneously friends and bandmates, a mixture that can occasionally prove to be complicated due to the highly sensitive nature of an occupational relationship. As displayed in their music though, the chemistry for this five-piece in undeniable, allowing the five friends to maintain their composure and combine their talents for something that is truly and uniquely riveting.

The list of influences that Ball of Flame Shoot Fire have appropriately compiled on their MySpace proves quite indicative of their modernistic approach. A few years out of high school, it is not surprising of them to list a few contemporary greats like Sunset Rubdown, Animal Collective, and Grizzly Bear as a few of their influences. However, their prevalent admiration for legends like Tom Waits, Harry Nilsson, and David Bowie also allows them to emit their veneration for past approaches. This ultimately results in a very flexible form of indie-rock that gravitates largely toward aspects that are largely experimental and occasionally psychedelic. A rather immediate comparison would be to that of Animal Collective, specifically displayed on the excellent “Mugs”, but Ball of Flame Shoot Fire are certainly no imitators of a particular style or group. Apart from the fact that their songs differentiate from one another vastly through melodic, instrumental, and structural variation, their songwriting is captivating in a way that calls upon both inventively plausible hooks and audible energy; this aspect of songwriting is what makes the comparison to Animal Collective the most accurate. Fitting in nicely with imaginatively unclassifiable indie-rock acts in the vein of Animal Collective, Man Man, and Frog Eyes (all influences by no coincidence), Ball of Flame Shoot Fire have the capability to become the next big thing in the world of creatively unpredictable indie-rock.

Though all five members were friends throughout high school who had participated in other miscellaneous projects, Ball of Flame Shoot Fire did not officially form until 2006. They have played primarily around Pittsburgh, achieving a startlingly emergent fanbase while opening up for acts as accomplished as Grizzly Bear, Man Man, and Mates of State. Listening to their music, it is quite easy to see why acts in the vein of Grizzly Bear and Man Man have sought out the five-piece to open for them too. Ball of Flame Shoot Fire do not only write songs that are somewhat influenced by the psych-folk of such groups, but their ardently expressive reliance on youthful exuberance is heavily prevalent. The same can be said for a group like Man Man that have made a name for themselves in being one of the best live acts around due to their highly energetic presence on stage and in the studio. Hot off some significant local recognition, Ball of Flame Shoot Fire released their debut EP, Grumpy Little Bird, in the fall of 2007 to some more consistent acclaim. Some local publications and sharp blogs were the ones to generate some buzz for this one, solidifying the group’s status as one of Pittsburgh’s most promising up-and-coming acts. Still though, the EP had yet to attract the national recognition that the group’s sound so genuinely deserved. To check it out, you can to listen to it for free here.

After devoting most of this year to writing new material, the five-piece has emerged with Jokeland, their debut full-length. Set to be released by the end of December, it may very well be one of the most prominent unexpected hits of the year if it is released in time for annual consideration. Keeping steady with the unique quality that all of the group’s members were good friends in high school, the album was actually produced by another one in Alex Herd; he went to elementary school with vocalist/saxophonist/keyboardist Peter Henry. Thanks to both this cumulative chemistry and the group’s undeniable level of talent, Jokeland looks to be a fantastic debut that stems nicely from the great potential displayed on Grumpy Little Bird. The aforementioned “Mugs” is utterly irresistible, seeing an alternating cast of vocalists pull off their best Avey Tare impression with a variety of melodically infused yelping and slurring over an onslaught of harmonic variations that serve as a nod to this five-piece’s songwriting ability. The track’s presence truly comes alive when the backing vocals enter to infuse some ‘60s psych-rock harmonies over an evolving assortment of guitars, bass, and keys. The vocal delivery transitions from freak-folk to a tribal chanting of sorts, structurally consistent enough to prepare the listener for each succession of this particular vocal-oriented hook. At the midpoint of “Mugs”, the back instrumentation explodes with fury as a series of guitar tremolos increase in audibility over the same charismatically infectious overlapping of different vocals that made the track so striking from the get-go.

Another one of the album’s tracks, “Bertie Hey”, serves as a good indicator of the album’s overall diversity. While it is still heavily apparent that the same band is behind the effort, the differing vocal approach and melodic ideology separates the track significantly from an effort like “Mugs”. “Bertie Hey” almost reminds me of Man Man’s “Engwish Bwudd” with its pirate-y melodic theme; this is especially true when numerous vocals collide simultaneously in accordance to a heightening pitch around 02:13. This is followed by a messily enjoyable guitar solo, another indication of this group’s alarmingly impressive flexibility. “Bertie Hey” concludes just as excellently, with a series of brass accompanying several ardently conveyed phrases like “you think I’m guilty, didn’t do it; got a voracious appetite for danger”. “Patience” brings us into territory more reminiscent of a group like Sunset Rubdown or Frog Eyes, where vigorously intricate keys lead the way over occasional falsettos and whimpers to establish over five minutes of pure art-rock bliss. When the distortion of the multiply layered guitars subsides after three minutes and a gentle electric guitar arpeggio emerges, it sounds as if it is about to practically evolve into a new song. The original melody swiftly returns though, as this new guitar arpeggio slides seamlessly into the gradual accompaniment. Based on these three songs alone, I personally cannot wait for the release of Jokeland. Though it is likely too early to make such claims, Ball of Flame Shoot Fire has the potential to be one of the most talked-about bands of 2009.

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Ball of Flame Shoot Fire – Mugs

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Ball of Flame Shoot Fire – Bertie Hey

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Ball of Flame Shoot Fire – Patience

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Like many college students in October, this past month – for me – has been the busiest of the year in terms of workload. As a result, I find myself being extremely grateful for how easy it was to discover such a great variety of bands in the past month. I constantly have material that is waiting to be considered for a feature, but I often have to wade through it a bit to find something that piques my interest significantly before I get to a few select choices that I feel will contribute nicely to the site. As evidenced by the quality of October’s compilation, I am very proud of the groups featured here, many of which I just stumbled upon by chance. A lot of great stuff is in this collection, whether it came from Norway, France, Montreal, or Brooklyn. With that being said, I hope you enjoy it.

01. Little Joy – The Next Time Around (post)
02. Love Is All – A More Uncertain Future (post)
03. Malajube – Pâte Filo (post)
04. Jolie Holland – Mexico City (post)
05. Peter Broderick – Below It (post)
06. Begushkin – Murderer (post)
07. Katzenjammer – Tea with Cinnamon (post)
08. Rockettothesky – Grizzly Man (post)
09. {{{Sunset}}} – Zombies (post)
10. Helios – Hope Valley Hill (post)
11. Peter Moore – Sister Sunshine (post)
12. Winter Gloves – I Can’t Tell You (post)

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Even just by reading her own personal thoughts on the art of music alone, one can easily gather that Jenny Hval is one of those literary types. By this, I refer to individuals who seem to have a personal connection with works of literature, interpreting them as if it is their own life and experiences being foretold in the process. Sure, many of these types can be pretentious, but others can be uniquely invigorating in a way that causes the people they interact with to look deeper into the thematic meanings of literature and art in general. Hval is more applicable of the latter description, fusing her love of music and literature together for the “one-woman band” of Rockettothesky. It would make sense too, as the young songwriter from Norway also happens to be an aspiring writer who has had her works published in a handful of anthologies; she describes herself as constantly being busy with “pieces of fiction, articles, essays, [and] spoken word pieces” in addition to her music. That being said, she certainly seems like a fascinating person to sit down and have a cup of coffee with. The aspect that drew me to Hval’s music, though, was not the way she looked upon the art of writing and music. Instead, I became enthralled by the way she was able to fuse the two together in producing a sound and style that is truly and distinctively her own.

In accordance to her literary ideology, I suppose that it should not be all that startling that Hval began writing songs for Rockettothesky as a “secret project” of sorts consisting of impulsive monologues for her deceased dog, Inka. In fact, in her own words, the project is “an invocation of the voices of the dead”, prompting the improvisational tendencies of Hval to be both thematically appropriate and strangely resounding. You see what I mean about how it would be interesting to sit down and have a conversation with Hval? For those somewhat intimidated by her eccentric nature though, her music proves that she is not by any means utilizing these unconventional methods for the sake of recognition or artistic desperation. In touch with her individualistic self throughout the entire duration, the ten recordings on her second album, Medea, portray a woman who is clearly in touch with the style she intends to produce. Alternating between styles such as folk, electronica, and pop, her richly extravagant vocals haunt the realms of her stylistically multifarious ability in a comparable form to Björk, a prevalent influence. A plea to the dead is a somewhat bizarre way to describe her style, but as Hval shifts from highly melodic vocal lines on sweeping orchestrals like “Grizzly Man” to percussively aided electro-pop gems like “The Dead, Dead Water Lily Thin”, one begins to get the sense that her highly ambitious style of play may be impossible to describe any better than as tribal chants directed toward the dead.

While chants and odes to the deceased may sound like a grim topic, Hval’s music actually turns out to be more enlightening than it does somber or melancholically reflective. “Grizzly Man” sounds more spiritually uplifting if anything, looking upon such aforementioned aspects of death in a manner that appears optimistic and progressively gratifying. Some tracks may be foreign to me and most listeners, but the mixture of twinkling bells and beautiful finger-picked acoustical guitar progressions in “Grizzly Man” creates a serene atmosphere that is supplemented marvelously by Hval’s extraordinary vocals. Her range defies even her melodic diversity, a spectacle in itself considering the unpredictable nature of her song’s structures and the melodic instrumentation that drives them. This astute level of instrumental diversity and consequentially experimental production is found all throughout the duration of Medea, whether it be the heavily reverbed echoes of a trickling guitar and sporadic bass in “Song in Blood” or the use of wind chimes and subtle hint of strings in the opening “Song of Pearl”. Some tracks even border a cappella form. “Chorus”, specifically, is only backed by a brooding synth pad as a variety of vocal layers overlap to give a choir-like effect that simply adds to a central message of everlasting love.

Despite being considerably more ambitious than anything you are ever likely to find on mainstream radio, “14, 15, 13, 14” serves as one of the most accessible tracks on Medea. The track is directed by a key-led beat that is very reminiscent of Middle-Eastern folk music, a very fascinating development that reveals itself as Hval transitions between melodically appeasing harmonies and spoken-word movements over a bustling trickle of backing synths. It is also one of her most straightforward tracks in terms of style and substance, especially when compared to near-ambient spectacles like “Mothering Silence” and “Chorus”. The only other track that takes a somewhat similar approach is “The Dead, Dead Water Lily Thin”. Initiated by the deep resounding pounding of percussion and a nasally synth line, Sweden’s The Knife certainly comes to mind due to the track’s ability to remain in the realm of electronic pop while maintaining the utmost sense of ambitiousness and atmospheric maneuverability. It also helps considerably that Hval encompasses vocals that fit whichever style she chooses to a startlingly effective extent, whether it be a cappella choral music, meditative orchestral arrangements, or subtly infectious electronic pop. On Medea, there is something for anyone who appreciates succeeding in a nearly inimitable format.

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Rockettothesky – Grizzly Man

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Rockettothesky – 14, 15, 13, 14

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Rockettothesky – The Dead, Dead Water Lily Thin

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A good majority of people have, at one point in their lives, been forced to live with someone who does not exactly coincide with their standards of life. Roommate horror stories can be as amusing as they are appalling, but everyone recognizes that it is a part of life that most unspoiled individuals have to go through in order to live without a larger financial burden. As someone who has just gotten accustomed to living with a roommate over the past few weeks, I know that I fortunately got lucky by having someone who is not a hassle at all. In fact, we have actually become friends in the process. As most of us know though, the chance that a random pairing of roommates who have the capability to collaborate successfully on an artistic project is minimal, mainly because it is difficult to find such a compatible individual even if you were searching on your own. When Fred Nicolaus and Daniel Rossen were assigned by NYU as roommates in their freshman year of college in 2000, they likely went through the usual semi-awkward introductions. The first few weeks may have passed by without much chemistry, but eventually when they found a common bonding point in music, they knew that luck was on their side.

The freshman duo began writing songs on a regular basis after months of rooming together, utilizing an array of samples with programs that they were not hesitant to call “pirated”. Illegal or not though, they productively honed their skills and eventually found a meeting point in their intended style. Spacey folk has remained the main force at work, though their implementation of electronica is heavily prevalent in a form that is neither overwhelming nor stylistically desperate. Throwing them into that awkwardly titled “folktronica” category may be deemed appropriate by some, but avant-garde folk with a culturally resounding influence remains the most descriptively accurate for me personally. Think about something in the ambitiously folky vein of Grizzly Bear; it actually proves to be more than a mere comparison with some supporting background information that I will explain later. Recordings that were originally designed for the ears of friends only was uplifted into something more recognizable when the California-based Isota Records swooped Rossen and Nicolaus up, now with the alias of The Whitey on the Moon UK on their side. Mo’ ‘Tussin – the EP, their debut release, was put out in 2002 by Isota, featuring an impressive cast of ardent lo-fi efforts that allowed for a peek into the duo’s stylistic potential. However, it seems that when their alias changed, their sound shifted into a more expansive display that was for the better.

After putting out three more EPs and two LPs under the name of The Whitey on the Moon UK, the duo changed their name to Department of Eagles. It was primarily done to avoid a dispute with a band based out of San Fran by the name of The Whitey on the Moon, though Department of Eagles appears to me as a more concisely memorable choice regardless. Their first two full-lengths, The Whitey on the Moon UK LP and The Cold Nose, saw some moderate success with a stylistic array of electronic pop and sample-based instrumentals, but critics often felt that the releases were too disjointed and cluttered to truly capture a consistent audience. Shortly after the release of The Whitey on the Moon UK LP in 2003, Rossen joined the up-and-coming Grizzly Bear as an additional songwriter and guitarist. He proved vital to the success of the breakthrough Yellow House, an album whose critical acclaim remains nearly unmatched in the world of contemporary indie-folk. During this time, Nicolaus was worked a normal job but kept in constant contact with Rossen, supplying constant ideas as they continued to work on material for Department of Eagles. In December, the two began to focus on their second album under the name of Department of Eagles. Enlisting Grizzly Bear’s drummer, Chris Bear, and bassist Nat Baldwin to complete the rhythm section, they named the result In Ear Park when tracking and mixing concluded in May.

While I was personally impressed with some material that Rossen and Nicolaus have collaborated on prior to In Ear Park, this album is a major stepping stone in both of their developments as songwriters. While I do imagine that much of it has to do with Rossen’s newly founded experience as one of the main songwriters for one of indie-folk’s strongest acts in Grizzly Bear, longtime fans of Department of Eagles could easily tell you that chemistry between Rossen and Nicolaus created something that was eventual, regardless of any previous breakthrough projects. The album itself was written partly as an ode to childhood, with Rossen making it a tribute of sorts to his recently deceased father. The actual “Ear Park” is a park in Los Angeles in which Rossen and his father used to visit, a touching point of significance when the song is being played. A lo-fi charmer, the duo shuffles through a series of intricately composed guitar arpeggios as Rossen relays his tender voice through a midst of backing strings and twinkling keys. The melody and instrumental capacity is astoundingly beautiful, especially when the subject is in consideration. The following track, “No One Does It Like You”, captures the essence of ‘60s pop in extravagant form. Backing vocals are exceptional here, simultaneously adding to both the rhythm section and enthralling melody in the deep and heightened tones, respectively. “Teenagers” is another key-led spectacle that later bursts into a consuming array of subtle horns and strings, highly indicative of the duo’s impeccable value on songwriting and production. When In Ear Park is released on October 7th, I strongly recommend the purchase. It is an album whose critical acclaim is imminent for good reason.

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Department of Eagles – No One Does It Like You

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Department of Eagles – In Ear Park

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Department of Eagles – Teenagers

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Considering that the dates of anniversaries and birthdays vary from person to person, it would not be entirely unrealistic to deem Valentine’s Day as the most universally abundant day for the exchanging of mix tapes. After all, the process of compiling a mix of emotionally suitable tunes for a loved one has nearly caught up to the ranks of flowers and chocolates as being a staple of Valentine’s Day. With this in mind, since there remains a large amount of people today stuck in a state of seemingly perpetual loneliness, I figured it would be more productive to compile a mix tape for those who are not expected to actually receive one. Sad or not, I hope you enjoy it. For the gloomy ones though, it is often appropriate to soothe emotional distress with songs that are easy to relate to, causing topics like unrequited love and tragic rejection to appear frequently throughout this 15-track compilation. From the mid-’60s (The Left Banke, The Delfonics) to 2006 (Grizzly Bear), this collection has no emphasis on a particular style or period of time; the focus is on the mood and lyrical content, with unrequited desires being a prevalent theme. Even though this mix can be enjoyed alone in thematically appropriate form, I recommend to go ahead and find someone of your own liking whose current emotional outlook is similar to yours. It’s simply more fun than sulking alone.

01. Magnetic Fields – My Sentimental Melody (3:09)
02. Archer Prewitt – Go Away (4:54)
03. Grizzly Bear – Knife (5:14)
04. Cousteau – Peculiarly You (5:41)
05. Hall & Oates – Sara Smile (3:10)
06. The Czars – Val (5:11)
07. XTC – Your Dictionary (3:13)
08. Asahi – How Much He Lies (3:13)
09. The Delfonics – Break Your Promise (3:02)
10. The Smiths – I Want the One I Can’t Have (3:14)
11. Ryuichi Sakamoto – Rose (5:11)
12. Matthew Sweet – Hide (4:01)
13. The Left Banke – Walk Away Renee (2:43)
14. Antony & The Johnsons – Fistful of Love (ft. Lou Reed) (5:51)
15. David Sylvian – Forbidden Colours (5:59)

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Like many of those who immediately latched onto Beach House‘s fantastic self-titled debut last year, I kept my admiration for the release no secret. It was an atmospherically beauteous album, flawlessly transcribing humane emotions as diverse as regret, embrace, and heartbreak into a sound that was as much accessible as it was ravishing. Beach House, a two-piece based out of Baltimore consisting of guitarist/keyboardist Alex Scally and vocalist/organist Victoria Legrand, were certainly the center of attention in 2005, as their well-received debut was an album that seemed to find its way onto everyone’s year-end list (it took a respectable #37 on mine). Legrand’s delicately interwoven vocals provided for a touching experience over the warmhearted guitar progressions that Scally supplied without hesitation. Though their activity in 2007 has been purely of a touring mentality (with Grizzly Bear and Arbouretum), the duo has silently been hard at work on their sophomore release. After months in the studio, Devotion will finally drop on February 26th via Carpark Records. Consisting of 10 originals and 1 cover (Daniel Johnston’s “Some Things Last a Long Time”), the increased quality alone is clear indication that Beach House have picked off right where they left off.

Though it can only be subtly discovered, Beach House’s own namesake provides for a cleverly suitable effect. Scally and Legrand craft a sound that ushers the listener away from the hectic rush of complex urbanity, with their style being ceaselessly relaxing without any stylistic mundaneness. Like the location depicted in their namesake, the lushly written songs provide for an escape from petty demands and harsh realities; think of the album as a $15, 44-minute vacation. After having Devotion practically on repeat for the past two days, there is no doubt that Devotion is more enjoyable than Beach House’s impressive eponymous debut. Though the debut exhibited a sense of stylistic confidence that is rare to come across in regard to new artists, Devotion is even more expository of the duo’s dynamically gorgeous sound. The clear standout for me so far is the exquisite “D.A.R.L.I.N.G.”. Several Beach House songs have previously reminded me of lost love ballads from the ’50s and ’60s and this gem is no exception. Legrand’s vocals and Scally’s guitar progressions are seemingly able to put listeners into an entrancing state, this time being aided by a guitar soaked in reverb and a set of subdued keys softly releasing echoing chords . As per usual, Legrand’s vocals are chilling in the most beautiful form, being somewhat airily husky but giving off a frail sense of imagery in regard to the alluring backing instrumentation. The percussive involvement is always minute, but the lack of involvement makes the delicate nature even more suitably presented in the process.

Another aspect that is revived from Beach House’s debut is Legrand’s ability to create a hook using primarily her vocal range alone. Like “D.AR.L.I.N.G.” and the majority of Devotion, “Gila” is aided by a guitar supplemented by a mixture of keys and organs. Though the bare instrumentation is enough to solicit immediate , the moment when Legrand shifts her vocals into a deeper, more sympathetic range by stating, “Don’t you waste your time, no-oh-oh,” provides for an instant realization in regard to the sheer beauty that the songwriting of Beach House conveys. Like their debut, Beach House’s Devotion is an elegantly beautiful release. “D.A.R.L.I.N.G.” is the best track that the duo have ever released and the rest follows in near equal form. Though I am still much too busy compiling the best releases of this year (be prepared for that – next week) to rank 2008 releases, this may be my favorite so far.

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Beach House – D.A.R.L.I.N.G.*

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Beach House – Gila

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*Track removed upon request of Carpark Records

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