Reviews: Midlake – The Courage of Others
Following up The Trials of Van Occupanther it would be easy to try to repeat the same formula. But Midlake certainly did not do that. One big difference to me is the lyrics. On their previous 2 albums they seem to be storytelling. This album seems to be inspired, at least in part, about their personal views on the state of the world. Which seem to be quite somber, if I’m correct.
Another difference would be the production and arrangement. It’s a very simple album but I really had to listen a few times to differentiate the songs from each other. Mostly because the tracking is basic and consistent throughout: guitars, bass, drums and vocals. Certain acoustic guitar parts and the occasional flutes remind me of classic British folk like Cat Stevens or The Moody Blues. But despite the simplicity there is a lot of depth. A lot to listen for and appreciate.. I’ve loved every album and EP from Midlake so far and this one is no exception.
Review: The Very Foundation – This Restless Enterprise
It doesn’t take much time to receive what this album provides. Because it doesn’t provide much. It lacks any real defining factors. The guitar, songwriting, vocals, and production seem to be an afterthought. The occasional horns add some color to the songs and it benefits from some unconventional song structure but I still get an overall feel and sound of a local bar band. Almost every song is about sex. I have no idea how autobiographical it is but it seems to be about a self-indulgent fiend with no self control. It’s trying to be dark and hip but with out of key vocals and harmonies and a lack of intensity the lyrics are not very convincing. More time should have been spent on the songs themselves than the image they are trying to create. Highlights for me were few; the horns on “Runaway To Tokyo” and the violin on “Dial Tone”.
Review: Alec Ounsworth – Mo Beauty
I’ve heard of, but never heard Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. So I have no basis of comparison for founding member Alec Ounsworth’s solo release Mo Beauty. And I have to say I won’t be running to listen to Clap Your Hands Say Yeah’s music if it’s at all like this album. It’s not a terrible album. There are a lot of good songs actually. It’s just the production and the vocals that seem to take a potentially elegant and simple song and make it quite annoying. Several songs are cluttered with unnecessary noises. And the vocals are very nasally and whiny without much dynamic range. And a lack of articulation make it difficult for you to understand what he’s saying. There is a loose sound and feel and a heavy jazz influence throughout. The album was recorded in New Orleans so no surprise there. But like I said, it’s not terrible. “That Is Not My Home (After Bruegel)” is an epic sounding husband and wife adventure tale with a truly unique and fantastic chorus. Another good chorus can be heard on “Bones In The Grave”. “What Fun.” and “Obscene Queen Bee #2″ pretty much round up the highlights. There was only so much I could take at a time and it was really because of the vocals. I think he could benefit from having another singer to at least sing some of the songs and help break the monotony. Despite the negatives, it is worth a listen.
Review: Brand New – Daisy
Brand New’s sound is anything but brand new. The new album Daisy is definitely not pushing boundaries, and not really a good example of the already crowded genre of alternative rock. The lyrics and tones of the album are very dark. There’s a lot of aggressive singing and hardcore screaming on most songs, with the exception of maybe 3. Right in the middle of the album is the oddball “Be Gone”; a raw bluesy (very similar to Led Zeppelin’s “Hats Off To Roy Harper”) tune that’s gives the album some much needed interest. Nothing stood out for me on this album. The guitar, drums and bass are very basic and sound rather bland. The vocals and melodies are mediocre at best. This album falls completely flat.