The Resistance

This is an article that I wrote for the Bison and was published a few weeks back.

The word hype is a dangerous but necessary demon in the music industry. Too little of it and your band falls into obscurity and you amount to nothing special. But, if you get too much you stand to disappoint your fans, and that can be a nail in your career’s coffin. This is the demon that Muse has been fighting ever since they announced they would be heading to the studio to make their next album.

It has been three years since any new material has been heard from the English trio that is Muse. The Resistance is the much-anticipated follow up to the critically acclaimed Black Holes and Revelations album. The trio had a lot to live up to following such a market success and they did not disappoint. The band in fact took their music to a whole new level of excellence.

I will admit that the first single off the record, Uprising, had me a bit worried about the album as a whole. The song gives off a much more popish tone than past Muse hits. With a shuffle feel set by the drums and a steady bass pattern leading the harmony, it is up to Mathew Bellamy’s vocals to carry the song. This being said it is a solid first single that does draw the curious listener into the album.

Muse is quick to shove any ideas that this is a pop record off as soon as the second song plays. The next song the needs to be brought up though is The United States Of Eurasia. With a beautiful melodic piano intro, followed by accompanying synths and then Bellamy’s amazingly smooth voice that carries the song into a strong Arabic feeling interlude that sticks for the remainder of the song. The song feels like something out of a Queen album with the vocals creating chords all by themselves and the song ends with a brilliant piano concerto.

The next song is a brilliant throw back to an older Muse. MK Ultra feels like a throw back to Muse’s Absolution album. It is a beautiful mix of synths, strings, percussion, and bass that carry the backup to the amazing vocal harmony that carries the song along.

The final piece of music that has to be mentioned is the masterpiece that is the three part symphony that closes out the album. There is not a part in this piece that stands out because all three are so brilliant. The first movement serves an overture for the next two pieces. Being a symphony there is a more of a focus on strings and instrumentals than vocals. This may seem risky but Muse pulls it off brilliantly. The second movement contains in it a fantastic piano piece with strings in the background. This movement does contain more vocal melody than the previous movement. The simplistic feeling of the piano does not last for long as the drums, guitar, and bass enter and lead the song spiraling till it somewhat fizzles out into another piano interlude. The last movement brings about rest and resolution to the piece. Much slower than the previous two movements the song runs it’s course and the ritardandos into a final cadence between strings and piano.

This album blew my mind. I will admit that I went into listening to it with very low expectations and expected nothing more than a remake of Blake Holes and Revelations. Muse proved me wrong. They made a fantastic record that is both classical and innovative. I hope they continue to make the amazing music they make so that I can be pleasantly surprised again.

Light

Positive messages are very hard to come by these days. So much music is dark and draining or just pop produced garbage. Then every now and then an album is released that cutes through the darkness and uplifts those who are depressed and downtrodden. Light by the orthodox jew reggae sensation Matisyahu is one of those albums. The album was suggested to me by a close friend of mine when I was down, three songs in I was smiling and couldn't find any reason to frown.

The album pulls on both reggae and Jewish themes in its sound. The album has chants that makes the listener feel like they are in a synagogue. Couple that with the reggae sounds that the guitars and the drums create and sprinkle in a bit of beat boxing and you have an album that is complete in every aspect.

The first song you have to mention is One Day. The song is so melodic and epic in proportion. The vocals are clean and uncovered for the majority of the song forming harmonies and making me want an acoustic version to be released. The keyboards and the strings mix with the percussion and the guitars and underneath it all is a message of hope that makes the listener smile.

The next song on the list is Smash Lies. Filling more like a club hopping R&B hit than the ballad previously mentioned, the song has a fast tempo that leaves the listener bobbing their heads to the beat. The rhyme play, the folk guitar, and the back beats are not to be ignored. Like every other song on the album this song carries a positive message that is full of positive outlook.

Motivate is a song that feels rather more like a blues song than a reggae jam. That is until you get into the verse where the reggae music comes through to make you move. But the guitar theme that is repeated through out the piece makes you think that you are listening to the blues. The guitar solo is nothing to be ignored, adding to both the blues and the reggae tone of the song.

The last song I'm going to mention isn't even exclusively Matisyahu, it is actually by The Crystal Method. These remix artists have teamed up with the reggae star to make a club hit that you can't stop listening to. The synths and the keys make the song feel industrial but the drum beat makes it feel natural. It all comes together to make an amazing song.

I feel kind of bad because every song on this album is amazing. You have to listen it end to end to even begin to fathom how epic the album as a whole is.

Always Listening,

Nick

Grey Britain

It has been a long time since I posted anything and I apologize for that. I'm going to start this back up regularly now. So thanks to those who stuck around.

It is hard to harness fury. To capture the pure anger and blood thirstiness of the human nature in music form. Gallows has been known for this since they started shredding back in 2005. The British punk band's second record, Grey Britain, was released in May and is by far one of the most angry and outstanding punk records I have ever let devastate my ear drums.

The album is not for the faint heart. The songs are raw and harsh. Frank Carter's voice is rough and driving through out the entire album. The songs are hard hitting and full of anger. But if you find yourself wanting to venture into a darker piece of music, the kind of music that stirs the deeper more animal side of you, then allow me to make a suggestion. Buy this album!

The first song I have to mention is "The Vulture." Presented in two acts on the album the song is actually a more melodic side of the band. The first act is just Frank, an acoustic guitar, and some light strings in the background. The song goes on singing a verse that sounds like the laments of a man condemned. Just when you think all the song is going to be is an acoustic set the song hits you hard. Picking up in tempo and bringing in the strength of the full band. The song shows both sides of the British band, the soul and the fist.

Another great song is "Black Eyes." With an opening that traces its punk roots all the way back to the start and a bare lyric, I know where you live, that is screamed into silence this song is one of my personal favorites. The song goes into an amazing breakdown before spiraling into oblivion as it ends.

The song "Misery" is also a must listen. Opening with piano, strings, and a marching snare intro, the song sounds like it is heading into the darkness. The opening fades into dissonance and a strong bass line comes through the chaos and Franks screaming voice leads the song into a pounding song. The breakdown at the end of the song is the kind of thing that causes chaos to erupt at a live show. The group vocals just add to the epic ending. Don't mind the pig squealing at the end, that is normal.

The last song I'm going to mention is "London is the Reason." The song was the first single off the record and was the reason I bought the album. The song has the ingredients to make a rock classic. The group vocals, the tight guitar rifts, the insane drums, and the ridiculous vocals. The song is so powerful that you can't help but at least bob your head to the beat.

I will admit that this album is not for everyone. If you are not a fan of punk music or hardcore music you will not enjoy this album. It is in one word angry, plain and simple. It is an amazing album and should be listened to.

Till next time.

Always listening,

Nick

With Roots Above And Branches Below

Every now and again I hear about a band that just can't possibly live up to their reputation. They are great live, they have more raw energy in their music than most bands, and they bring a positive message to the table. In my mind there was no way this band could really be this great. Well true to form, The Devil Wears Prada proved me wrong, they were amazing in all those ways and more. Their third album "With Roots Above And Branches Below" just came out and it just goes to show that they are progressing as a band.

The album opens with a hard hitting track and does not let up the relenting assault on the listeners eardrums until the last dissonant chord fades. This Ohio based band files under a very interesting category, Christian Hardcore. This makes them special since instead of them screaming about the devil and other dark things, if you read the lyrics you find that at their roots, The Devil Wears Prada has a positive and pure message.

Back to the album. The entire disc has a push forward feeling to it. Each and every song will stir active feelings inside of you and make it hard to sit still while listening to it. Surprises are to be had though in the melodic guitar rifts that people are not accustomed to hearing in hardcore music. The keyboards featured on most of the tracks also add a layer that a listener can appreciate.

If I had to pick one song to take the entire album and put it in a nutshell it would have to be the song Gimme Half. This song opens with a loose piano intro followed by a clear and cutting rift that gets stuck in the listener's head. Add onto this a drum part played by an expert and then add the screaming voice of Mike Hrancia and a breakdown that will have you gasping from amazement and you have one of my favorite songs on the album. 

That is not the only track on the record that deserves note. Ben Has A Kid is an epic example of the seamless change between Hrancia's voice and that of the guitarist Jeremy DePoyster, who sings clean vocals at key points in songs. This song takes melody and breaks it apart till all that is left is dissonance. They then create an effect that is like that of clouds parting and the sun coming out as DePoyster's voice leads into a new part of the song. 

Two other songs I need to mention. First is the song Assistant To The Regional Manager. This song is another song that plays hard into the strong keyboard playing the band enjoys to use and implement into their sound. Second is Louder Than Thunder. This song is like a break for the listener. It is melodic and smooth. Sung by Depoyster only the song has depends almost exclusively on his vocals. It has some piano and some drums in the back along with the guitar and bass, but all of the instruments play and accompanying roll in the music. 

This album had me worried when it first came out. I had heard little about it from anyone before I bought it and did not think it was possible for the band to follow up their previous album with anything as strong, they proved me wrong. If you are in the mood for something heavy, or if you are in the mood for something thought provoking I would recommend buying this album.

Always Listening 

Nick

21st Century Breakdown

Wow, has it really been that long since I made a post? I'm sorry. I had finals, then moving, then getting a job so I could afford music. But I am back and I bring a great album to you the reader.

Following a successful album is never easy. The artist has to live up to the greatness of the record and try to do as well this time. A lot of times the artists fall short and the audience is disappointed. This is not the case with the new Green Day album, 21st Century Breakdown. This follow up to their critically acclaimed album American Idiot, which won two Grammy's, takes the concept of political change and moves towards action. This album is a punk treat in a world where complexity is making me sick, I can't follow all those time signature changes. 

The album as a whole is another rock opera of sorts, with reoccurring melodies. Though it is best listened to straight through, each song can stand on it's own and cause a mixture of emotions. Though no where near as pervasive as their last few records, the album does contain language that may offend those who are offended by those things.

The single off the record, Know Your Enemy, forwards the call to action theme of the album. With a straight punk beat in the background, the song hits like any good punk song should: fast, hard, and angry. The song makes for a great single and leaves the listener wanting more. The album will provide more, trust me.

The next song you should notice is 21 Guns. The song is more of a ballad of sorts. I've never been one for ballads but this song is more than a ballad, it is an anthem. It speaks of surrender in a way that makes it sound like a victory and is just a masterpiece.

Horseshoes and Handgrenades is another great song. It is a dirty, grimy, gritty punk song. It is angry and is unapologetic for its attitude. The song is sticking it to the system in all the right ways. Pay attention to the spelling at the end.

The last song I'm going to mention is ¡Viva la Gloria! With its opening piano melody that is haunting and makes you feel like you have walked into an empty bar and there is Billie Joe Armstrong playing the keys and pouring out his heart. Then the drums kick the song up a notch. The new tempo makes the song push to a new fever. This song will easily make the listener understand the meaning of rock opera.

I didn't mention all 18 of the tracks on the CD but everyone deserves your undivided attention. This album is a must. Period. You need to own this album like you need three chords to write a punks song. It will make you a better person, honest.

Always Listening, 

Nick

Against The Grain

A couple of weeks ago I talked about a new and upcoming band from Vancouver, Canada, The Veer Union. Their premier album, Against The Grain, just came out today. I have been playing it over and over on my iPod, and I have to say it is an amazing record. 

This album is truly outstanding. The rock is just catchy enough to get stuck in your head but you don't mind singing these songs over and over. Every song on the album holds its own but there are definite high points. Here are my top five.

First off is Seasons. This is the single off the record, call and request it, and it does a really good job defining the band's style. The catchy guitar hook mix excellently with the vocal melody to create a beautiful melody counter melody sound. Crispin's voice is one of the defining features of this band, it can bend and meld with the music to cause wonderful blends at times.

Second on my list has to be Darker Side of Me. This song shows the harder side of the band. The guitar rift in the chorus makes me think of a band much heavier in sound than The Veer Union. the opening bass line is something to notice as well.

Third in this list is Over Me. Noticeably more mellow than the earlier songs, this song is a welcome break from the harder hitting rock. I've never been a huge fan of ballads but for this song I made an exception. The introduction of the piano really adds to the feeling of the song. I have heard songs where the band adds piano and the sound is usually either too overpowering or gets lost in the mix, this is not the case for this song, the piano melds excellently.

Fourth is The Final Moment. This song jumps the listener out of a slower portion of the album. The song makes me want to get in my car and just drive. The energy of the song will probably make me speed though, so it might not be a good idea.

Finally is What Have We Done. This is the last song on the record and it is so different that you have to take notice of it. With a stomp pattern backing the verses instead of drums, and with a constant piano melody this song sounds almost like a different band. But at the same time it showcases a lot of the talent in the band. The open a cappella part shows the vocal talent that both Crispin and Eric, and the chorus gives Fid, the lead guitarist, a chance to flex his talent. 

I'm not stating that these are the only good songs on the record. The entire record is worth going out and buying. I would highly recommend that anyone who likes alternative rock go give it a listen.

Always Listening

Nick

Swan Songs

Ever heard a song that just made you want to jump around and go crazy? A song that makes you want to dance, mosh, and go workout, all at the same time. This is what almost every song on Hollywood Undead's premiere album Swan Songs makes me want to do. They are the Beastie Boys or our generation and they want your attention.  

The six member rap rock group from Los Angeles got its start back in 2005 on Myspace. Due to their insane following and popularity they were named Myspace's number one unsigned group in 2006. They played their first live show in 2008 and released Swan Songs in September of the same year. They signed to A&M/Octone in 2008.

Members:

• Charlie Scene
• Johnny 3 Tears
• J-Dog
• Da Kurlzz
• Deuce
• Funny Man

The group is different by many means. To start with, the group wears masks on stage. They are six white kids rapping on stage with masks. To the common viewer this sounds like a side show at a circus. But these young men are quick to show they are no opening act, they are the main attraction. 

The album is a constant barrage of hard hitting beats and lyrics. Their single Undead will have any listener at least bobbing your head to the beat. The song shows the full aspect of the group, featuring every member in the song and not pulling any punches in the lyrics. Note: this group is very explicit, so if you are not into swearing in your music, just a heads up. 

The rest of the album is a constant rap rock hit. Think Linkin Park meets Beastie Boys and throws an epic party. The band doesn't just sing about parties though. The talk on heart ache, My Black Dahlia, social activism, Young, and broken homes, The Diary. This group could  be called the voice of the generation, but I would be scared to cliche this group, who is everything but a cliche. 

If you want an album with dance tracks go buy this song. If you want an album with head-banging tracks go buy this album. If you want an album with chilled out songs buy this album. Basically if you are into rap rock, hip hop, or dance, I would highly recommend this album. 

Always Listening.

Nick