Review: Alexx Calise – In Avanti
Move over . . .well scratch that because I’m not really sure who I can compare Alexx Calise to. But don’t worry, that’s a very good thing. There’s nothing worse than a singer or a band trying to mimic what’s already been done. If you must have some sort of comparison, I would place Alexx somewhere in between Katy Perry and Halestorm. She’s far from being as poppy as Perry but not quite heavy enough to compete with a band like Halestorm. This in between state makes In Avanti an album that will satisfy the underground rockers and the glamorous mainstreamers. A well played maneuver indeed.
“Anything Goes” is a medley of rock, pop, and electronic, making it a hard track to resist and great way to kick off this album. A clap along bridge followed by a guitar solo makes for an unexpected, but sweet surprise to segue into a dance chorus outro —where Alexx advices us that “Nothing is sacred.” The second track “Break Me” is Alexx’s first single and it’s easy to see why. Catchy chorus plus fun rock riffs plus a “I’m better without you attitude” equals a recipe for success. There’s nothing sexier or more empowering than a woman who can tell her ex-boyfriend to back the hell off. Every woman will want to sing along to this dominating track.
I don’t think I’ve ever listened to an album that didn’t have at least one “emo” track, a.k.a the “ballad.” You know what I’m talking about. That one song everyone is ashamed to admit is their favorite because they can connect with on a deeper level, or because they have to whip out a box of Kleenex and deal with repressed emotions. “Cry” is seething with pain, regret, remorse, and sorrow. It’s the official breakup song and Alexx isn’t afraid to say what we all think after a disastrous separation. A string arrangement so delicately placed has the unique ability of making one weep with its minor scale notes. But fret not fellow rock lovers, the album only picks up from there, striking with a hard force. Songs like “Good Enough” and “My Song Version 2.0” combine dance and hard rock, a deadly combination that will have you playing these songs on constant repeat.
This is an album where emotions run free, striking that fragile chord within us. In Avanti takes us through one hell of a breakup, but in the end we emerge a better person because we’ve realized we don’t need the bastard anyway. An emotional album yes, but I still manage to feel euphoric afterwards. Kudos to Alexx for managing to turn troubled sentiments into something I can dance to.
Review: Good Shoes – No Hope, No Future
Pessimism wins out in the end for this indie punk band from England. It’s no wonder they chose a title like No Hope, No Future for their barrage of short, catchy tunes. The album starts off with a pop punk hook in “The Way My Heart Beats.” It’s almost hard to believe the song screams cynicism —that all relationships are doomed to fail in the end. Same problems, different people, or at least that’s lead singer Rhys Jones’ motto. The music catches up with the theme on “Everything You Do.” Jones’ voice reflects the somber mood of the slow screeching guitars. Fear not, that uptempo pop returns for the rest of the album but don’t expect to feel so lively if you pay attention to lyrics. “Time Changes” offers a bleak outlook on getting older but it manages to stay cheery with a dance rock rhythm and fast hi-hat riding.
The songs on No Hope, No Future fully embody the album title. Sometimes it’s hard to understand why a band chooses a certain album title. Or you listen to the music and there is nothing cohesive from one song to the next. Good Shoes manages to make a record that makes sense, that shares one theme. But even that doesn’t save this album. While the music itself may put a happy little smile on your face, the cheerless outlook overshadows it. You can get away with a few good listens until you wonder if this band truly is that hopeless. Although I enjoy listening to all things dark and dismal, I prefer the music to coincide with the lyrics. Happy music plus sad lyrics equals an uncertainty in one’s emotions and a mediocre album.
Emma Pollock – The Law of Large Numbers
A quiet whirlwind of beauty, style, and substance define Emma Pollock’s new album The Law of Large Numbers. Pollock gives us her own brand of style with airy introspective soft pop. Her music is subdued and peaceful but nothing to be forgotten. She may begin and end this album with a gorgeous piano solo but don’t expect to be bored by piano ballads, there’s none of that here. “Hug the Harbour” gives us a kick start with a drum rhythm that stands out as much as Pollock’s soft Scottish voice. But if there’s any one song that you absolutely must listen to, it’s “Red Orange Green.” If the song title makes you think of a traffic light, well that’s exactly what Pollock was aiming for with her stop-go rhythm. A ticking beat and singing structure to match it will latch onto your brain and force you to hit the repeat button. It’s always amazing when the lyrics speak the music as Pollock sings, “My heart it goes beat, beat, beat. Listen this door it goes creak, creak, creak, creak. Listen this clock goes tick tock tick.” While the rest of the album will certainly hold your attention, it doesn’t come close to this traffic stopper.
“Chemistry Will Find Me” offers an eerie dark side that I didn’t know Pollock could summon. It is an intriguing contrast to the rest of The Law of Large Numbers and shows versatility rather than stagnancy. A menacing drum beat pounds away and mixes with soft guitar cries. Yet Pollock’s lyrics are not dismal. She knows love will find her. The Law of Large Numbers is an uplifting journey through Emma Pollock’s own struggles and revelations. It may not change your life but it will certainly be a pleasurable listening experience.
Review: Los Campesinos – Romance is Boring
Los Campesinos may think romance is boring but the album is anything but. The seven piece band gives us a wild ride of indie pop mixed with electronics and unique sounds. Romance is Boring is full of highs and lows, the fun and upbeat and the darker, more serious tunes. “In Media Res” begins this joy ride, starting off softly, building speed, and plateauing in a beautiful symphony. The opening song often defines an album and this song showcases their unique blend —somewhat erratic but it all makes sense. It’s impossible to figure out where their songs are headed but it’s what holds your interest. It’s what makes you want to keep listening.
A drum beat and unforgettable vocals dominate “A Heat Rash in the Shape of the Show Me State…” All other instruments are secondary but of course, just as essential. Pianos, violins, and saxophones all make an appearance in the song, revealing this band’s complexity. Although Los Campesinos can seem very young because of their convivial style, their music is well thought out and detailed. “Plan A” feels like it belongs in a horror movie. Eerie scratching guitars and frightened singing make up the verses. Electronics in dissonance add to this troubling tune. But the choruses liven up turning the song into something more enjoyable for our fragile ears. There are so many sounds and vocals and instruments flooding each song on Romance is Boring but Los Campesinos somehow keep the chaos organized. They don’t have catchy hooks and they don’t follow any formulas, but somehow these turbulent melodies still manage to pull you in.