The fourth studio album from Seattle indie stars, Minus The Bear, stays true to form for the most part. Maybe the most noticeable thing about this album, and something that fans will likely pick up on right away, is the greater attention to production. This work is probably the most electronically driven to date. It's not exactly auto-tuned, but the layered and synthesized guitar riffs are prevalent and there is periodic use of electronic, polyrhythmic backbeats, but nothing too dramatic. Jake Snider's voice is still sort of lacking any great range, but is incredibly smooth and easy to listen to. Lyrically, this album is more intimate with some sexual innuendo. Minus The Bear is one of the more progressive indie rock bands out there, and even though a lot of other bands have either caught up or begun to copy them, they exhibit an indelible charm that makes their work that much more intelligent and provocative. "Omni" is a playful and ornate work with more definitive lyrics, and is less tounge-in-cheek than past works.

RedletterDaydream

Past Works:
Highly Refined Pirates
Menos el Oso
Planet of Ice

Track:
Summer Angel

The sixth studio album from Indie favorites, The Decemberists, is perhaps their most promising to date. This is the third release since signing with Capitol Records and the last two albums lacked a certain elementary charm, as if they'd been trying too hard. "The King Is Dead" is simple and acoustic for the most part. It's a 'back-to-basics' record that will remind dedicated fans of why they fell in love with The Decemberists in the first place. The acoustic guitar and harmonica driven instrumentals along with Colin Meloy's whimsical vocals create a sort of sepia-toned experience that leaves a profound impression. There's still a beautiful underlying narrative but it's lighter and easier than on the past two works (fewer big words, for the sake of using big words). Peter Buck of R.E.M. makes a contribution on this album by playing guitar on several tracks including the first single, "Down By The Water", and there is an R.E.M. influenced sound throughout the work. This album has been well received for its confidence and consistent delivery.

RedletterDaydream

Past Works:
Castaways and Cutouts
Her Majesty The Decemberists
Picaresque
The Crane Wife
The Hazards of Love

Track:
Don't Carry It All

2010 was an eventful year for Circa Survive, with the release of their third studio album and second EP. "Blue Sky Noise" is probably the most complete album yet by this Philadelphia band. It sustains through all 16 tracks, which can't necessarily be said for the last two albums. As far as progressive indie rock goes, Circa Survive has set a pretty high standard for 2011. Listening to the latest releases, seasoned fans will admire the maturity and chemistry. The rest of the band has finally caught up with frontman, Anthony Green and his enormous vocal presence.The lyrics on these works are highly conceptual, in the sense that you're sort of transported to another place. Most remarkable about these two works is the massive improvement shown overall. The music is much tighter, more energetic and calculated, particularly with percussion. The aptly titled "Appendage" EP is just that, an appendage to accompany the studio album released months prior. It contains b-sides and a demo that hardcore fans will definitely appreciate. When we look back on Circa Survive years from now, we'll recall "Blue Sky Noise" as when they turned that corner and found the sound for which they'd strived, and left indie fans saying, "Saosin who...?". The "Appendage" EP is the cherry on top.

RedletterDaydream

Past Works:
Juturna
On Letting Go

Track:
Imaginary Enemy