Million Dead – Harmony No Harmony
Million Dead have hit their second album and have decided toswitch it up a bit. “Harmony No Harmony” is a deep record, which contains fourteen tracks. The album was produced by Mark Williams who has worked with Oceansize and Your Code Name Is Milo to name a few.
Album opener “Bread And Circuses” starts off fast and really sets up the album well. Frank(singer) is at his best when he gets this loud. “After The Rush Hour” has an incredible riff, the lyrics are really pushed to the front. “Plan B” is short at only one minute and thirty seven seconds; Yet, it is fast and loud and in your face, I didn’t want it to end. “To Whom It May Concern” is a bit too emo for its own good. The end saves it as it turns into some bizarre version of The Polyphonic Spree. I wish the whole song was done is this vein. “Living The Dream” is easily one of the most accessible tracks here, where as “Margot Kidder” one clocks in at over six and a half minutes. It’s one of the slower numbers on the album, and they manage pull it off. The slow, loud, slow formula works here. “Bovine Spungiform Economics” is another quick track that is just simply loud and wonderful. “Harmony No Harmony” is more of a sign of band spreading out into some new things. For example “Father My Father” has a choir in it. It really works very well. The band showcase here that they can pull it all off. Its not going to hit you own the first listen or the third listen maybe but If you give it that chance it will reward you.
By John Siwicki
The Lodger – Many Thanks For Your Honest Opinion
There seems to be something always popping up in Leeds . The Lodger are a three piece that a certainly worth your attention. The music has a distinct sixties type feel but a Graham Coxon powerpop riff, and that girlie shouty chorus and really it doesn’t get much better than that. These singles have now sold out but the band being such nice people allow you to download it for free here.
By John Siwicki
The Raveonettes – Pretty in Black
On this record, The Raveonettes decided to not work with limits on the songs. “Whip It On” was recorded in B-flat minor using only three chords, and “Chain Gang of Love” in B-flat major. Now that they have lifted the limits, will they only get better? One thing remains the same, they are nostalgic for the 50s and 60s.
“Seductress of Bums” and “Love in a Trashcan” are two songs that could have fit well on “Chain Gang of Love.” “Love in a Trashcan” is a great pop song and wonderful single. “Sleepwalking” Foos delicate vocals, with a progressing groove is quite unlike anything they have done before. “My Boyfriends Back” yes this is a cover of 60s girl-group The Angels. At first, I was a bit reluctant to listen to this cover, but they pull it off and it sounds grand. “Twilight” features a fuzzy disco beat, it’s an odd track but you’ll find yourself going back to this one. “Somewhere In Texas” is a long track by the band’s standards, i’ts four and half minutes. It’s a bleak, country influenced track, which sounds like it could be in the next Quentin Tarantino film.”Ode To La” features Ronnie Spector on vocals. The monumental tom, sleigh-bells all make it prime for that classic girl group sound. The song is one of the finest moments here. Foo and Spector’s vocals together just sounds so great together. It’s like a lost sixties classic.
This one was quite surprising. After the last two releases, it was hard to see where the band was going to go. They expanded their sound and up the ante for a very well rounded and enjoyable album.
By John Siwicki
Maximo Park – Graffitti
At first, I was a bit skeptical of Maxim, but they won my heart over with this single. “Graffitti” is a clever pop ditty. The hook is almost to good (even though it doesn’t make sense). “I’ll do graffiti if you sing to me in French. What are we doing here if romance is dead?” I mean, honesty what’s he on about? This single
really proves the band just might have some legs.
By John Siwicki