In 2008 Ryan Ross and Jon Walker excused themselves from the popular tween-rock-pop band Panic! At The Disco. They cited creative differences. It would appear that in this case that means that those two were creative and the other members of the band were not. The result is a band that does more than imitate the 60's rock sound...they have captured the essence of 60's era pop-rock. There are understated blues influences on some tracks that mix well with the inherent mellow sound. The laxed guitar and medium fidelity vocals are reminiscent of The Zombies. The two bands, although producing music decades apart from eachother, share the same appeal. Evidently, some of the tracks were written for PATD, but never came to fruition. Lead singer, Ryan Ross, has a cool and captivating vocal style that sustains the more deeply introspective themed lyrics exhibited on the band's debut album. It's elaborate and symbolic, but not overdone.
RedletterDaydream
Past Works:
N/A
Track:
Take A Vacation
After four years, HelloGoodbye follows up with their sophomore effort and a lot has changed. They've comfortably transitioned from power pop into indie rock. The tracks on the first album were dripping with teenage angst and the splendors of new adolescent love. This work has more of an edge to it. Along with the more pronounced rock influence, there are themes of apprehension and overall the sound has matured. In fact, the change may be enough to divide the band's fan base. The power popping tweens that went loco over the first album, may find this work to be a little too progressive indie rock for their tastes. The much anticipated (by me) follow up to "Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs!" offers much more substance. This is still a young band, experimenting with their sound and it would appear they are heading in the right direction.
RedletterDaydream
Past Works:
Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs!
Track:
Find Something To Do
Indie underdogs, Portugal. The Man, are back with their funk. "American Ghetto" is the sixth studio album from the Alaskan band. They maintain their underground status, and have managed to gather a cult following, but over the year since the release of "The Satanic Satanist", they have gained a little more critical acclaim and mainstream notoriety. The music on this album has the funk influenced guitar riffs that are the band's signature. There are also periodic uses of ambient electronic beats. The chill vocal stylings lend a sort of spookiness to the tracks. Some tracks like "Just A Fool" exhibit an inherent sadness to them, but in a way that is beautiful and magnetic rather than depressing. The lyrics are largely metaphoric and symbolic. It is clear that this is a band that strives for artistic integrity over mass appeal and I respect that.
RedletterDaydream
Past Works:
The Majestic Majesty
The Satanic Satanist
Censored Colors
Church Mouth
Waiter:"You Vultures!"
Track:
The Dead Dog
Vampire Weekend, the indie darlings of New York City stay true to form in their second major album released almost two years to the day after their self titled debut. The tracks are instrumentally elaborate. The lyrics are poetic at times, and at other times they are just fun. This is a light hearted album. Nothing about it is cumbersome. There are stories told in these songs, but they're easy going tales of coincidence, liesure, family, and optimism. This is a band that really kind of makes music that seems to appeal to their demographic. Most of their fans are white males or females between 14 and 24 from middle to upper class families with an affinity for indie-pop. If you listen to Vampire Weekend, you probably are in this group and know what I mean. What creates this appeal is recognizable throughout the album, something about the instrumental delivery I think.
RedletterDaydream
Past Works:
Vampire Weekend (self-titled)
Track:
Holiday
After listening to just a couple tracks off their debut album one quickly picks up on the distinct lo-fi, So-Cal sound that is Best Coast. The band calls this their first "full length" album, however from the beginning of track 1 to the end of track 13 is just under 32 minutes. Despite the short duration of this album, it is not lacking in content or substance. The female fronted trio from Los Angeles delivers an experience that is relevant and complex, but not too heavy. The tracks are melodic, but in an almost haunting way that sets a mellow tone. The laid back west coast sound coupled with the longing and, at times, pain expressed lyrically throughout this work conjure memories of cold days in summer...in the sense that it is a contradiction and a rarity, but also a reprieve from a lot of the indy garbage that seems to come out of southern California. "Crazy For You" addresses love, relationships, and fear of loneliness in a practical way most people will be able to relate to, whether you're a Wayfarer-rocking hipster or not.
RedletterDaydream
Past Works:
N/A
Track:
Our Deal
What can I say? This is just a fun, cute, and romantic album. I fell upon this album by accident and I was fastened to the song "Please Speak Well Of Me". You have to remember this is coming from a huge fan of black metal and punk. And I'm coming out to say that this is "cute." I'm not ashamed. Each song sounds excellent and is crystal clear. Excellent recording by the artist and the other individuals that worked on this album. This is another duo that hit the scene around 03' but I missed them and you probably did as well. BUt they are one of the better folk-rock bands that I've heard in a while. Deb Talan (band member) has a haunting voice. Literally. After you turn down the volume and go about your business you will still hear her voice in your mind. This is a must for any indie or folk fan, and I highly suggest you check them out.
LoopedEyeless
Past Works:
Hideaway
Say I Am You
Happiness
Track:
Please Speak Well Of Me
This is the follow up release from Bombay Bicycle Club's debut album "I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose" I was hooked on "Lamplight" for a while on that album. I as hoping this album would have the same catch as the first one did, I thought that was happening when I first heard "Rinse Me Down" (awesome song) but the rest of the album is just there. I'm not the biggest indie fan in the world but I do enjoy some, they just sound like they are trying a little to hard on this one, a little Simon & Garfunkel-esque but not quite reaching that fathom. I recommend "Rinse Me Down" and listen to the other tracks to make a desicion for yourself, but I do advise you to check out their first album before you attempt "Flaws".
LoopedEyeless
Past Works:
I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose
Track:
Rinse Me Down
Sleigh Bells told me they existed and were here to rock the F-ing house with their songs "Tell 'Em", and the beloved track "Infinity Guitars". This is the debut album from the rock duo, and I haven't heard a duo this powerful since Death From Above 1979's debut, "You're A Woman, I'm A Machine". The amazing guitar riffs and wonderfully crafted electronic beats make this album a must buy for any indie rock/electronic funk fan. I promise you will not be disappointed if you give this a listen, if you choose to give this great band a chance, I would listen to "Infinity Guitars" and your music void will be filled.
LoopedEyeless
Past Works:
2HELLWU
Track:
Infinity Guitars
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