halfcrazedmusicblog

Illuminaudio

2010-12-18T17:14:00.000-08:00

It's always a shame when a member of a band leaves. The drama that is created among the fan base, coupled with the uncertainty of the bands future, leaves the band in a very awkward position. The remaining members have to make a choice, they can call it quits, fill the spot and make mediocre music and be forever reminded that they were always better with so and so in the band, or they can fill the spot and rise to a higher point musically. When Craig Owens departed Chiodos he left the band in a tight spot. Owens' voice is considered one of the best in the genre and many thought that without him the band would fall apart. With the doubts of the masses hanging over them, Chiodos entered the studio and came out with Illuminaudio, a more epic and powerful album than any of their previous works.

Chiodos formed in 2001 in Davison, Michigan. In 2005 they released All's Well That Ends Well and in 2007 they released Bone Palace Ballet. Owens departed the band in 2009 and was replaced by Brandon Bolmer.

Illuminaudio is the progression you want to see a band like Chiodos make. When met with a trial, the band took all their emotion and threw themselves into the creation of a product that would show the world they were still a force to be reckoned with. Bolmer doesn't try to be Owens, instead he brings his own touch to the music and helps take the album to new heights.

Almost like an answer to any question or doubt the album's strength, "Caves" is the hard hitting single from Illuminaudio. Opening with what sounds like war drums and a haunting vocal melody, the song wastes little time in flexing the musicianship of all the band's players. The song's loose feeling verses and high soaring choruses are grounded to earth only by the scattered hard hitting sections. The song could also be seen as a chance for the band to show off their new singer's range, which leaves little room for doubt.

Almost at the end of the album lies the song "Those Who Slay Together, Stay Together," a song of epic proportions. This song drips pure energy and intensity, from the driving verses to the battle cry like choruses. This is the song the band decided to pull out all the stops on, the opening's piano melody and the screams toward the end showing the vast pallet of styles the band can handle. When the ending of this song finally comes some listeners might find themselves exhausted, so consider this a heads up.

A song the casual listener might skim over is "His Story Repeats Itself," and they will miss a real treat. First off to truly hear the song, one has to start with the last 30 seconds of the previous track. This little prelude helps set up a lovely little gem, with some of the most haunting sections of the album. The bridge is especially eire and flowing, while the rest of the song feels very much like a call to arms.

"Notes In Constellations," is a simple break from the mania and intensity of the rest of the album, that being said this isn't a song to be written off. With much more melodic guitar and keyboard parts, the song flows and sounds almost like a lullaby, a very epic lullaby. The chorus is especially nice with high soaring vocals and guitar. The outro of the song is nice relaxing float back to earth from the dreamscape the song takes you to.

This album takes all expectations and shatters them. Many people expected Chiodos to roll over and die, some people even wanted them to. Instead of doing that, Chiodos brought its fans a new, powerful album. If this is a taste of what's to come then the future looks bright for this band.

Always Listening

Nick

All Day

2010-12-12T18:02:00.000-08:00

The mash-up is a controversial topic in some circles. Some would never want anything changed in their favorite artist's works, while others see nothing wrong with a little remixing. While both sides have valid points there isn't anything really wrong with mash-ups. It is a new way to experience songs that a listener has come to love. On top of that, if the mash-up artist is good, new combinations can occur that we never imagined. Enter the ring one Girl Talk with his new album All Day. This is the blueprint that all mash-up artists should look to for their remixes. Rarely is there anything less that perfection from Girl Talk and All Day is no exception.

Girl Talk is the alias used by Gregg Gillis. The mash-up king started making music in 2001 while he was a biomedical engineering major at Case Western Reserve University. He is considered by many to be a lawsuit waiting to happen for his sampling habits, Gillis claims fair use as his backup.

All Day takes pride in surprising its listeners with combinations they would have never thought of. Classic rock under rap, dance over hip hop, alternative behind r&b; there is nothing logical with the combinations, except that they work amazingly. There is nothing quite like hearing The Ramones backing Missy Eliot or ELO backing any rapper. That's right, ELO is in this album. If you don't get that reference it's okay, most won't.

It's not like each mix happens then the next mix instantly happens either. The entire album flows smoothly from one track to the next one. Girl Talk intended this album to be enjoyed front to back like one piece of music and that's what it sounds like. The album is divided into tracks for easier navigation, but don't think that if you listen to the beginning of a track you'll know everything that will happen on that track. There are multiple samplings by multiple artists for each song on the album. If you miss a minute on the album, you miss a ton.

The samples in this album, as mentioned earlier, span multiple genres. The artists represented include, in no real order: N.E.R.D, U2, MGMT, Drake, Willow Smith, T.I. Black Sabbath, Nikki Minaj, Radiohead, Notorious B.I.G., 2Pac, B.oB., Devo, Grateful Dead, Iggy Pop, Ying Yang Twins, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Jackson 5, Nirvana, The Beastie Boys, Lady Gaga, and Lil Wayne, among so many more. There is no way to really explain the sense of awe that comes from hearing two songs combine to make something so much better.

So when it comes down to it is this album worth getting? Well it's free, so there really is nothing to lose. Besides the album is really amazing, a work of art though it maybe illegal.

Always Listening

Nick

Sidewalks

2010-12-09T19:52:00.000-08:00

With the holidays already upon the masses it is the time of year for cherry jingles and upbeat holiday music. These songs, filled to the brim with good tidings, are euphoric if not annoying beyond belief. Through all this I find myself turning not to the classics, though I do enjoy them from time to time, but to indie and like sounding genres. Who needs "Jingle Bells" when you have The Vampire Weekend, who needs "Rocking Around the Christmas Tree" when you have Passion Pit, and who needs "Sleigh Ride" when you have Matt & Kim? It is the latter that I turn to the most and their new album, Sidewalks, is a prime example of an indie album that does almost everything right.

Matt & Kim joined forces in 2004 in Brooklyn, New York. They Have released three albums with Sidewalks being the latest to be released and the first one the band worked with an outside producer.

Sidewalks is full of the sugar and good feeling that is expected from Matt & Kim. But there is a deeper, more genuine sound to this album. The glee doesn't feel like a sugar rush but more like a glowing warmth that doesn't leave but carries the listener through the day. Are the songs catchy? They will be stuck in your head for weeks. Does that mean they are cheap excuses for music? Not at all.

"Cameras" is the first single off the album and for good reason. The catchy horn and xylophone background coupled with the steady drumbeat provided by Kim pushes the verses that are filled with witty lyrics sung by Matt. The chorus is a more open feeling experience; the drumming and the vocals become more open and allow the melody to carry through to the next verse.

An even more bubbly hit is "AM/FM Sound." This song will make a listener feeling like they are skipping along without a care in the world. With upbeat synths and a quick beat the song rushes the listener through an exhausting journey full of shuffle and bustle. The bridge that leads into the chorus is a genuine treat because it is a quick escape from the excitement of the song before the listener is shoved back into the fray.

On to a more epic sounding song, "Silver Tiles." This song features much more exposed vocals through out, the synths and drums only providing back up to the vocal melody. This might sound like the usual formula but most Matt & Kim songs intertwine the vocals with the instrumentals and it isn't till the second chorus that this begins to happen as the song builds to its climax. Once the song reaches its climax the song soars there, until it suddenly ends.

Then there is the erie song, "Northeast." A ballad of sorts, this song is piano, sleigh bells, and Matt's voice for most of the song. The beauty of the song is found in its simplicity, with all the electronics basically stripped away Matt's voice shines. Toward the end it feels like the light peaks into the erie space this song occupies and the listener is treated with a light synth melody that carries them to the end.

All in all Sidewalks is a great record. It provides the upbeat musical experience listeners have come to expect from Matt & Kim. At the same time the album shows improvement as a musical group as a whole and is a step in a bigger direction. Depression beware, Matt & Kim have come to end your moping and start you dancing like an idiot.

Always Listening

Nick

Your Favorite Weapon

2010-12-09T13:02:00.000-08:00

Back in the days of high school there were certain bands that could touch every emotion you felt. From crushes and parties to heartbreak and betrayal, these bands knew how to take exactly what you were feeling and write them into lyrics with a melody. Certain bands became dull after a while, but there are a rare few that still hold up on their own. These albums are hard to come by, with most people looking back at their Simple Plan collection with disappointed eyes. Among the rare gems people don't regret sits Your Favorite Weapon, an ode to the angst filled teen in everyone that still holds a strange taste of familiarity.

Written by the ever redefining alternative group known as Brand New, Your Favorite Weapon came out in 2001. The band is from Long Island, New York and this album is the first in their four album discography. Brand New has continually evolved in musical styles through out the years, so all their albums are worth checking out.

Your Favorite Weapon is in essence the life of a teen boy, filled with break up angst and parties. The album feels like some parts were taken right out of angry phone conversations and other parts feel like they were whispered to empty bottles at three in the morning.

The only single to ever hit the radios from this album was "Jude Law and a Semester Abroad." This song seeps of the fresh wounds of a break up. It is also one of the better examples of the layered verses Brand New does. At the end of the song the chorus comes in over the bridge melody and a secondary melody. Most bands wouldn't balance these elements well but Brand New does it with style.

Second up is the smooth regret filled "Last Chance to Lose Your Keys." The song is relatively simple in structure, with quick verses and a slow chorus, but it is in these moments that the vocals come through. The bridge hits the listener with layered vocals like I mentioned earlier. It might pay to mention that it isn't just the lead singer singing, its all the members of the band contributing.

Of all the angry songs on this album "Seventy Times Seven" is by far the angriest and most angst filled. The lyrics are more shouted than sung, lending to the feeling of anger and betrayal the song carries. Everything goes along until the bottom falls out for the bridge, which contains only a bass line, vocals, and a sparse rift from the guitar. Then as if there is an explosion, all the raw emotion comes flooding out and flows through the remainder of the song.

The final song on the album is something completely different, "Soco Amaretto Lime" is simply acoustic guitar and vocals. Sounding like everyones Senior year anthem, this song is epic for an entire different reason. The simple guitar melody accompanies smooth vocals that carries the album out in a haunting way. There is no need for drums or electric guitars, only emotion and chords.

The feeling of nostalgia this album gives most listeners is one felt through all demographics. Who doesn't remember staying up late, being heart broken, or having a crush on that one hot teacher. Everyone can relate to those feelings but few bands can take all the emotions and put them into one album. So in short, go give Your Favorite Weapon a listen to.

Always Listening

Nick

We Don't Stand A Chance

2010-09-11T08:37:00.000-07:00

Satellite radio is an amazing gift to music lovers. Yes it has its gross pop stations but it also has the amazing Alt Nation. It is through this station that I have found out about bands I would have not known about and get to be blessed with their excellent music, this is the case with AM Taxi. I heard one of their songs on the radio and was interested but didn't think much of it. An hour later I found myself humming the melody to the song I had heard. After hearing the song again I found the chorus stuck in my head. Through the next couple of weeks I began to understand why people have satellite radio, discovery of great bands is made so easy.

The Chicago based band formed about two years ago. With an old school punk vibe, the band is a rough throw back to days when music was about telling stories. The band mixes old school ideas with new age thoughts and makes an amazing album, We Don't Stand A Chance.

The album in itself is very good, taking the listener from bar bashing jigs to reflective choruses. A kind of flourish, We Don't Stand A Chance shows off everything the band does right. It is an refreshing throw back and an amazing escape.

"Fed Up" is the song that got me hooked on this band. Be it the catchy guitar or the driving bass, this song is energy. Each chorus screams of freedom and each verse pushes you to it. The bridge, in which things back down only to explode, is something memorable that will stick with you for a couple hours after you hear it. The background vocals are an amazing touch, adding a layer that you might not catch since it is there, but you would miss if it wasn't.

A song that slows things down and flexes the lyrical muscle of the band is "Tanner Boyle vs. The 7th Grade." A much more melodic song, it feels like the theme to the return journey of a forgotten son. The song is a strong anthem, with airy verses and full choruses. The explosion of sound that leads into the final chorus is an unexpected gift of raw emotion that gives the song its final push to the end.

A throw back to the simpler days of punk, "Shake, Rattle, and Roll" is a refreshing song. The song is driven by a strong bass line and an energetic guitar. The addition of the piano during the second verse is a nice touch that adds just enough new to the song. The drop out in the bridge, with everything dropping out except the vocals and the guitar, makes for a nice lead into a full final chorus.

Finally there is the ballad "Champagne Toast." A slow, sober song that reflects on past regrets, it is a vast change from the rest of the album. The song centers around the strong vocal power of the singer which is surrounded by light percussion and melodic guitars. The entire song doesn't ever get to a giant explosion but instead swells and subsides.

This entire album is a refreshing reminder of the old days. Listening to it is like running into your old high school friends and everything being just as fun as it was four years ago. Anyone who enjoys old punk should get this album and anyone who likes good alternative should also give this album a try, it is worth it.

Always Listening,

Nick

Zombies EP

2010-09-03T11:36:00.000-07:00

I don't care what you say about vampires, zombies are the what take the cake for me. I mean they are brain eating mounds of rotting flesh that you have to kill by destroying their brain. The zombie apocalypse is something that is more looked forward to than feared and lets face it, we as a race will have our work cut out for us. A zombie swarm descending on a town would be a violent out cry of gun fire and screams, and what better band to put this mayhem to music than The Devil Wears Prada in their new EP Zombies.

I've already talked about this band once so for a background on them you should read the post on With Roots Above and Branches Below. I will say that since writing that blog I went and saw them live and I don't think any live act can top them.

The EP is made up of five brutal songs all with their own theme. Each song carries the horror and desperation found in a zombie onslaught and each song delivers the excellence that the world has come to expect from TDWP.

First up is "Outnumbered." Opening with a fake radio broadcast claiming the zombie out break has left the human race decimated, the entire song feels like the cry of a race overwhelmed. The mixture of screams and clean vocals in the choruses is a definite highlight. The expert drumming though out the track helps keep the song together and moving forward. The guitar run that keeps reappearing throughout the song is expertly played and adds to the mayhem amazingly.

"Escape" is the second track up. The first song on the EP, this song is all about running. If you don't believe me listen to the first minute. The constant sixteenth notes in the kick drum combined with the ever moving guitar makes for a sense of desperation and terror. When the singing comes in later in the song it is like breaking out of a dark woods into an open field, only to find your adversaries are still behind you.

Third up is "Revive." This song screams of giving up. The war is lost and there is no hope of winning the battle. This song is a last stand against the horde. But through all the build up there is a lack of hope. The random synth runs and background choir singing adds to the texture bringing this song to a soaring climax. Toward the end of the song everything falls away and all that is left is a fading singing voice and a piano.

Fourth on the list is "Anatomy." This song is arguably the most intense song on the record, never letting the listener rest but brutalizing their ear drums instead. The song pushes forward and brings the heavy, but never to the point where it looses itself in the noise. The introduction of the singing close to the end of the song is the last element needed to push the song through to the end.

Finally we have "Survivor." This song is full of regret and anger, regret for leaving loved ones behind and anger and the creatures who took everything away. This song is significantly slower than the other tracks, but that does not make it less amazing. It pulls back on the guitars for most of the song and has synths and vocals at the front. The guitars and drums move back up in the second part of the song to bring the heavy to the end of the record.

I was pleasantly surprised by this record. I expected The Devil Wears Prada to level off after that last record and just ride its coat tails for a while. Instead they have released another record that again sets the bar even higher for hardcore bands to reach. This band is in their prime right now and this record is proof that there is more excellence to come.

Always Listening,

Nick

Crossing the Rubicon

2010-08-28T14:12:00.000-07:00

There are albums that will take the listener to a place in their mind. If the artists did their job right the album will take the listener to a different place, helping them escape reality for a few moments. Some albums will make you feel like you're in a field or at sea, while others make you feel like you just walked into a pub, I'm looking at you Flogging Molly. Then there are albums that put you into the heart of a busy city, with all its noises and emotions. The Sounds album, Crossing the Rubicon, does just that, placing you in a metropolis of music and sound.

This Swedish alternative rock outfit comes at you with music that will make you think of Blondie and The Cars. The band formed back in 1998 and has three albums out of which Crossing the Rubicon is the latest.

The Sounds stepped out on their own for this album, leaving their producers behind to do it themselves. This step is risky and most band fumble and drop the ball when making the change, this is not the case with The Sounds. The album comes across as a well polished work, lacking little and offering a lot.

First up is "No One Sleeps While I'm Awake." Remember how I talked about this album taking you to a city, this track is the late night anthem of New York. The bass line is the traffic, the drums are the metro, the guitar and keyboards are the noise filtering out of the clubs, and the vocals are the lights left on at two in the morning, bright and clear. This song keeps pushing forward to the bridge where it lifts you in to a melodic guitar solo. The outro to the final chorus gives the song the final push to get it stuck in your head.

"Dorchester Hotel" is the second track to look at. The one thing that will stick out to you instantly is the end of the verses with the bare vocals calling out like voices in the night. This song is an ever moving machine, constantly moving and building till the end of each verse where there is a slight break and the listener is left with only the voices. The constant guitar rift in the back gives this song a haunting feel through out.

The third song up is "Underground." An anthem to the youth of the city, this song urges forward motion. Much more open than the last two mentioned, the song leaves room for the vocals to shine and they do once you get to the chorus. The entire sound lies open and does not try to fill itself with useless noise, which serves it amazingly well.

Finally there is "The Only Ones." Opening with a simple piano melody, the song feels almost like a tribute. The vocals and the piano are the only voices speaking for the first verse, as the chorus starts in the other voices add. The entire song is a slow process of growth, with each phrase adding more energy. The entire process climaxes around the end of the second chorus, with the bridge taking all the elements out except the piano and vocals again.

Crossing the Rubicon is and excellent album. From front to back it contains energy and more importantly purpose. Though it might seem a bit popish at times, all in all it makes for a great listen. It has been a while since this album came out so here is hoping the next album The Sounds puts out is even better.

Always Listening,

Nick

Crash Love

2010-08-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

Evolution in music is a funny topic. While we would all love for our artists to stay the same way they were when they first hit the scene; we all know deep down we would get bored with them after a while. Change is not a bad thing when done right, please note that there are some bands that did it horribly wrong. Completely reinventing yourself for a new album is a horrible idea and you as a band will loose a lot of credibility if you go from being a punk band to a dance band. If a band grows over time, taking new risks each album to keep it interesting, that is evolution done right. For a good example please note AFI's new album Crash Love.

AFI is an alternative band from California that formed in 1991. The band has released eight albums over the past eighteen years, the last three being the most notable. The band has had a solid lineup since 1998 and has grown to be a force to be considered and honored.

This band shows what musical evolution done right sounds like. The band never completely changed their sound, though each album in their long discography is not exactly like the one before it or the one after it. Crash Love is the latest entry in AFI's ever growing list of excellence and the album has a lot of hype to live up to.

"Medicate" is the lead off single from the album, and for good reason. The song is like an overture, showing off everything the band does right. The guitar melody and the bass are prevalent but do not overpower the vocals which are strong and moving. The backup vocals provide the extra punch to the build up to the chorus that takes the song to the next level. The bridge is a melodic break that takes the listener to a slower, spookier place. The song finishes strong with a relapse into the chorus and a guitar solo to take the listener out of the fury.

Up next is "End Transmission." This song has a more storytelling, slow build feel to it. The verses are very open, with the guitar laying out completely and the bass and drums pushing forward with the vocals carrying the melody. The song then explodes into a melodic chorus with the guitar returning to back the vocals with some light flourishes. The bottom drops out for the bridge, leaving the listener suspended for a second, only to be picked back up and thrust head first back through the chorus. The song dies out with just the vocals and the drums leading out at the last second.

On a different note is the slow "Darling I Want To Destroy You." This song is a break from the fury to slow things down and show off the vocal and melodic strength of the band. The choruses have soaring vocals and guitar swells, with the verses having moving rifts and low, somber vocals. It is a nice way for the band to show that they can ease up and still create good music.

Finally is the song "Beautiful Thieves." A moving piece of music, the song's verses are eery points with the guitar rifts and bass line both providing the undertone for the vocals to tell the story. The choruses are a chance for the band to let loose and show off their group vocals and for the lead line to shine. The bridge is a quick trip and musical build that leads back into a strong chorus.

Crash Love has more to offer than these few songs. The entire album is a strong chapter in the ever growing book that is AFI's success. The album might hurt some fan's feelings since it is a change from Decemberunderground, but they should remember that it was a change from Sing The Sorrows. I would recommend you go pick this up, be you a long time fan of AFI or be you a fan of good music.

Always Listening,

Nick

Plastic Beach

2010-06-28T18:02:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you buy an album for no reason. You are on iTunes or in a record store and you are like, hey that looks nifty, and you buy it. Most times the first time you plug in said album you instantly regret buying it and, if you are me, throw it out your car window or delete it from your iTunes library forever to hide the shame of purchasing said album. It was with that mentality that I bought Plastic Beach by the amazing band, Gorillaz. Needless to say I was pleasantly surprised by the symphony that came flooding through my head phones. If the pure originality of this album doesn't catch your eye, maybe the guest list will. With Snoop Dogg, Mos Def, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, Gruff Rhys, and De La Soul, among others, this album brings originality and musical muscle and does not disappoint.

If you don't know who they are, Gorillaz is a band made up of four fictional characters whose stories are told through their albums. The back story and the actual members are little easter eggs that you can go find out for yourself. The band tours with a plethora of talent and sells out every show. This is the bands third album.

Now this album is different from most albums I have reviewed. This album is significantly more chilled out and mellow, think recuperation instead of onslaught. The album fits well as back ground to a social gathering but can also be enjoyed alone in a car. That being said I will also admit that I don't think this album is for everyone. The experimental, alternative sound is not for everyone.

The first song I want to mention is "Stylo." This track is very constant. The same back beat and drum pattern sit lightly in the back the whole time as small flourishes of melody enter and exit the mixture. The vocals done by 2D, Mos Def, and Bobby Womack are the main highlight of the song. Womack's bluesy vocals and Mos Def's verses help bring the melodic concoction to boil and cause it to create an amazing product.

Next up is the trippy "Rhinestone Eyes." This song is a more techno groove than the past song. With a synthesizer hook into the chorus that will get stuck in your head and verses that continue to build through out the song, you can't help but to groove with the song. This song is all Gorillaz with no guest vocals and proves that the group does not need their famous help to make a great track.

Third up will be track "White Flag." This song opens up with The National Orchestra For Arabic Music playing what sounds like an exert from a classical piece. This fades into the rappers Bashy and Kano trading verses back and forth over a poppy back beat. The verses clever and could be dull but do a good job about staying fresh. The song peaks when the orchestra comes back in behind the beat to drive the song to the end.

The last song I want to touch on is "Melancholy Hill." This song is extremely laid back and contains an amazing amount of feel good. The song is much more a ballad than anything else but the layers of melody make it great. The continues piano phrase that continues through out the choruses and is accompanied by choral vocals and other synth parts. During the verses 2D sings hauntingly over just the basic drum beat and a stripped back synth part.

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with this album and continue to enjoy it more and more with each listen. I would not recommend it to the average metal listener but I would say that if you enjoy good music and creativity you should give it a listen. You may find yourself sailing away to check out what goodies lie scattered over the plastic beach.

Always Listening,

Nick

Homesick

2010-06-19T18:24:00.000-07:00

Everyone needs an album they can cut loose to. An album that you can crank up in your car and just rock out to as your driving down the road. Not necessarily a metal album but an album that hits hard and makes you want to flail your arms in the fashion of those kids at the shows, you know the ones that almost punched you while they were doing windmills with their hands. One said album is Homesick by A Day To Remember, the wonderful post-hardcore band from Florida. This album hits you fast and hard and keeps you banging your head till the end.

A Day To Remember formed in 2003 and has turned out three albums, Homesick being the latest in the discography. The band's pop punk mesh with hardcore has set them apart in the music industry so far.

This album is brutal. As I stated earlier the album is nonstop energy till the end. The listener will have a hard time holding still to this music, I have gotten a couple of wonderful looks from people in the next car over while driving down the road. Though there are some songs that seem redundant and sound very similar, I find the need to blast this record to spread its amazing around the world.

First off the bench is the song "The Downfall Of Us All." This song turns on the hardcore then switches it off again for a well balanced mesh. The verses and the choruses sound very punk popish, but the second the chorus is over you get hit with this blast of gut wrenching power. The vocals flow very smoothly from screams to singing, the usual short fall of bands that switch styles like this. This song is amazing,I mean they start this song out with vocal beats, enough said.

Next up is "I'm Made Of Wax Larry, What Are You Made Of?" Much heavier than "The Downfall Of Us All," this song hits hard and hits often. The chorus is sang while the verses are screamed with ferocity. The bridge is the deal sealer. After an epic build up all bets are off as Mike Hranica of The Devil Wears Prada joins the group for a guest appearance on the album. The blending of voices takes the song to the next level and leads it into the chorus one last time.

The song that also lends its name to the album is also worth mentioning. Not quite as hard as the other two songs I mentioned, "Homesick" is much more pop punky but still worth mentioning. The song pushes the entire verse, sort of rushing the listener into the chorus. The chorus is much more open and melodic. This entire song feels like a chance for the band to show off their melodic side. Gone are the clashing tones and here are the melodic rifts. This is the most obvious in the bridge where everything backs out and the band leaves the listener with drums, vocals, and spacious guitar. The song could loose energy and become stereotypical after the bridge but instead maintains and builds till the end of the song.

"Another Song For The Weekend," is the last song that I will mention. A song that feels like it should be blaring out your stereo as you drive down the interstate to some far away location. The entire song has an anthem feel about it. You never feel like the song is going to give you time to rest, the verses build up into the choruses and the choruses lead right back into the verses. Then on into the bridge which is like a soft break down, if that makes any sense. Following the bridge is a build consisting of the chorus sung with just drums, the chorus sung while the band plays the background in half time, and finally the chorus sees you down the road.

Though this album might have its weak points at times, I find it outstanding. True some of the harder songs sound similar in both construction and structure, but they are all good songs in their own rights. The album should be purchased if you like punk or hardcore, or if you like bands that take risks in sound.

Always Listening,

Nick

This Is War

2010-06-02T18:47:00.000-07:00

I have heard it said that one voice shouting at a concert is annoying, but that a thousand people yelling at a concert is one of the most beautiful sounds you will ever hear. If you have ever been to a concert and heard the crowd sing the song along you know what I mean. The sound of hundreds of untrained voices singing their hearts out puts most professional choirs to shame in my book. 30 Seconds to Mars seem to have a similar belief with their album This Is War, which features hundreds of fans singing background vocals on most of the songs. Taking fan interaction to a new level, this long awaited album is a new experiment for the band.

30 Seconds to Mars is the baby of brothers Shannon(drums) and Jared(vocals/guitar) Leto, yes Jared Leto the Hollywood actor. But do not think this band is some side project that the actor does every now and again, this band seems to be more of Leto's life than his acting career. The band formed in 1998 and has three albums out to date. This is War is the newest album coming out in December of 2009.

This album has been a long time coming. The bands last album came out in 2005, that makes it forever in the music scene of today's terms for a band to come out with a new album. That being said a lot of people went into This is War with a bad taste in their mouth, a taste that was quickly forgotten and replaced with the taste of chocolate marble cake.

"This is War" is the first song I'm going to talk about. This is the song that shows the listener how much vocal interaction went into the record. The crescendo at the beginning is nothing but fans. This leads into a driving verse that leads to a very open chorus. This pushes to a bridge that feels like the band is marching toward something, the explosion that leads the listener free falling back into the chorus. The outro is Leto singing with the background vocals handled by a crowd of people accompanied by an open guitar and loose drums.

Second on the list is the song "Kings and Queens." This is the first single off the record and provides a huge slap in the face to anyone that doubted this band. This song feels epic, that is the only word I can think to describe it. The verses are cleverly put together and each one climaxes uniquely into the chorus. Leto's voice in the bridge is something to pay very close attention to, it is left out in the open for him to shine and he shines amazingly. The group vocals at the end of the song will send chills down your spine.

Up next is "Vox Populi." This song is another great example of the group vocals contained on the album. The song opens with them singing the chorus with no help from Leto or anyone else in the band. Through out the song they are featured in interesting flourishes and in each chorus. The entire song feels like the anthem song of the album, ever pushing toward a goal and sounding celestial and uplifting. The refrain after the bridge is the group vocals singing the chorus with the band playing in the background. This leads to probably the biggest climax of the album, think spaceship braking into space.

The last song I'm going to talk about is "Hurricane." Vastly different from the rest of the album, this song is dark and foreboding. It feels like a soul searching, making the listener think and listen as the singer talks about failure and regret. But it is the vast difference, the doubt in triumph, that makes this song stand out in my mind.

I will admit that when I first picked up this album I was skeptical. I am openly not a huge fan of this band and wanted this album to be a bust. I was quickly proven wrong when I listened to this album, it was a new push and a new experience. Though it took longer to make than I would have liked, the album was worth the wait.

Always Listening,

Nick

Day & Age

2010-05-26T17:58:00.000-07:00

There is something to be said for consistency. Most bands will put out good albums followed by mediocre or horrible albums, not pointing any fingers Weezer. Most bands take the success of a previous album and ride it into their next one, never taking risks but staying the same and writing an album that is only known because it had that one single on it. Most bands don't write albums that are interesting from beginning to end but instead die off about four tracks in. That is most bands, The Killers are not most bands. They prove this in their fourth album, Day & Age, as they continue to create a discography that every other band should be jealous of.

The Las Vegas rockers started strutting their 80's influenced chops in 2002 and have been going strong ever sense. The band still contains the same line up: Brandon Flowers, Dane Keuning, Mark Stoermer, and Ronnie Vannucci Jr.

Day & Age is an album that you can just exist with. Every song is melodious and enjoyable in its own right. An album that you can just drive to, Day & Age is a must if you are going on a long road trip this summer. The album peaks and drops like the waves of the Pacific, building into beautiful peaks and lowering down into deep, soulful moments.

Stop one is obvious, the hit single "Human." I challenge you to drive on the freeway listening to this song and not speed, or to sit still while listening to it, you can't do it. This song has an essence of movement in it, be it the steady gallop of the drums or the ever moving guitars, I am not sure. Flower's vocals are always there to provide the frame work of the melody and his voice could melt all the sorrows in your heart if you let him.

Song two is the marvelous "Spaceman" This song has quite a few hidden treats if you listen for them, the keys and glockenspiel in the background adding the extra layer that helps this song to soar. Then there is the bridge, a complete strip down to just Flower's voice coupled with the bass and a constant beat. Oh and did I mention how catchy this song is, seriously be careful, you might find yourself singing the background vocals while walking down the street. Then you have to explain to the hobos why they are the crazy ones, not you.

Onward to song three, an 80's infused song that would make my dad feel like he is back in college, "This Is Your Life." This song catches the listener by the ear from the beginning and keeps them going. From the chorus singing a melody that reminds me of a western, to the enjoyable guitar flourishes, to the march style of the drums, this song just keeps going. After the string filled bridge comes an epic build up back into the original melody that will catch your ears at just the right moment.

The final song I will mention is the song "Neon Tiger." This song may appear much more simplistic than some of the other songs on the album but it is in this simplicity that the song blossoms. The song feels slower than most of the tracks on the record but it is Flower's vocals that pulls this song and makes it memorable. The most notable section of this song is its bridge, it is a giant build that reminds me of a show tune from a musical that explodes into a refrain that takes the audience by surprise. The gang vocals in the chorus also serve to further push the song.

This entire album is great. It is not something that is a complete change from The Killer's formula but is more of an evolution of their sound. They do not leave much to be desired by the end of this album and they even give the listener a little extra. I would say that if you enjoyed The Killer's past albums you should go out and get this now if you do not already own it. If you have never heard of are skeptical of The Killers I would still recommend this album to you, it will grow on you I promise.

Always Listening

Nick

Mean Everything to Nothing

2010-05-19T18:43:00.000-07:00

Ever have that album you hear and it becomes your summer playlist. It isn't because it is upbeat or catchy, though this album is both these, it is because you find yourself liking the music and the vibe you feel from the record. Such is the case with Mean Everything to Nothing, the sophomore album by Manchester Orchestra. I'm not entirely sure if it is the gritty guitar, the hummable melodies, or the amazing vocal power, but this album sticks with you.

Manchester Orchestra hails from good old Atlanta, Georgia. Formed in 2005, the band has taken the indie scene by storm. They have toured with Thrice and have preformed at the esteemed Lollapalooza festival multiple times.

They are the kings of indie music right now for all the right reasons. Their music is both complex and accessible with its intricate chords and it's bluesy sound. Their singer, Andy Hull, has a raspy, thick voice that not only complements the instrumental tracks, it adds a whole new layer to the songs. The indie feel to this whole album makes it a great listen through out. Though the album does have its low points there are some obvious amazing points.

The first track I will mention is "Tony the Tiger." The main melody in this song will get stuck in your head and you will find yourself humming it a week later not knowing. Hull's vocals are both contained and eerie in the first half of the song. It is the second half that will catch a listener's ear. Adding a choir behind the main vocal line to give it almost a victory parade feel. Think about those parts in movies where the hero realizes he has won. The music that is playing in the back ground, the second half of this song is what i hear in that moment. Through out the whole song the drums hold everything together, providing a forward push that keeps the song moving on to victory.

Second on the list is "The Only One." This song opens the record and will instantly drag someone in by the ear drums. Sounding like the music you might hear as you walk into a barn bash, this song is one of the most upbeat on the record. The song feels so bluesy you might expect to be in New Orleans when you hear it, that's a good thing. The entire thing feels like a confession and you find yourself understanding and relating to the storyteller. And just when you think the song is going to continue into oblivion it stops.

The third song on this list picks up exactly where the last one left off. "Shake It Out" picks up the ball as soon as "The Only One" sets it down and goes the distance and then some. This song is meat and potatoes gritty, bluesy music. The song has this entire intense feeling to it, culminating in an open guitar solo during which Hull's chops shine bright. The song dies down almost out of no where and just rests and grooves. Dying down to just Hull's voice and some light guitar, the song slowly builds back into the frenzy it was at.

Fourth on the list is the smoothest song on the record, "I Can Feel a Hot One." This song shows the bands strengths in a whole different light. Soft and melodic, the song is a ballad of sorts that pulls at heartstrings as bows run over cello strings. The entire song is light on drums and the guitar only plays a light chord progression accompanied by strings and piano. The vocals in this song carry it forward, but not in a showy way. The entire song is a soft escape from the noise, but in the escape the listener's soul gets exposed and you find yourself being reflective about, well, everything.

This record has so much more to show than what I have mentioned. There is a reason to love every song on it. I was expecting Hull's voice to wear on me, but I have listen through the entire record multiple times and I find myself loving his voice. You really should go buy this album, if only for the bluesy feel that makes driving more bearable.

Always Listening,

Nick

5 guilty pleasure bands

2010-05-13T19:49:00.000-07:00

So I vented about my least favorite artists and genres in the world. I now have a confession, I have some guilty pleasures in music. These are artists that I know I should not like but I can't help myself. Please do not judge me too much...

5. 3OH!3

There is nothing like a little club bumping fun every now and again. This band is more catchy than mono and stays with you just as long. I know they are over produced and they never really rap about anything meaningful but you can dance and groove to them. Sometimes that is all you need.

4. Kanye West

Ok look...Ima let you finish but...that needs to be forgotten about. Kanye is a good rapper and really creative. His songs are creative and easy to listen to. I mean this guy has taken a lot of hate recently and I'm going to say it, he is the reason Taylor Swift is as big as she is.

3. T-Pain

AUTOTUNE! Oh the debate over autotune, are they really artists, or are they suckers with a computer friend. T-Pain is the king of autotune, and for good reason. He brings the party with him everywhere he goes. His music will turn your frown upside down in two seconds flat and have to dropping and locking it like never before. Oh and then there is Freaknik, the musical he stars in that is hilarious. T-Pain equals party, no question about it.

2. Jay-z

This man is king of the rap game now. His flow can not be matched by any artist out there right now. I mean his last album was about how amazing he is and it is insane and progressive.

1. Lady Gaga

Ok so what had happened was I was sitting in a car and this song came on and then next thing I knew I owned both of her albums and knew every word to every song. That may be an exaggeration, maybe. Lady Gaga just has this energy to her sound that I really can not put into words, it feels like she puts her very being into her music and does not settle for less. Her image is another thing entirely that I do not have the authority or the knowledge to comment on it. To sum it up, the woman is the Madonna of my generation.

LOVE

2010-05-06T13:56:00.000-07:00

If I had a nickel for every time I have been told an album was going to change my life, I would not be taking out loans or selling a kidney to stay in school. Everyone talks about how so and so's new album will change your outlook on X. I tend to get excited when told about said album and rush out and buy it, only to be disappointed by an album that sounds just like everything else being put out at the time. Then my cousin told me about the new Angels & Airwaves album, LOVE. To hear him talk about it you could have sworn he had discovered a new religion. Already being a fan of the band I thought I would go out to buy it, only to find out you can't buy it. Turns out the band is giving away this full length album for free on their website. Now this threw the whole album in a different category, a free album had to be short and utterly disappointing, right? Well the album is almost an hour long and is, to put it mildly,amazing.

Angels & Airwaves formed back in 2005 when Blink 182 guitarist Tom DeLounge parted ways with the band. DeLounge then proceeded to form an alternative super group of sorts, recruiting David Kennedy of Over My Dead Body, Adam Willard of the Offspring, and Matt Wachter of 30 Seconds To Mars. LOVE is the third album by the group.

First thing you need to do after you download this album is listen to it front to back. The tracks are made to flow together and you miss a lot if you skip around. They are planning to turn this into a movie or so the rumors go so that should be interesting. Since I always analyze albums though, here are some highlights.

Hallucinations was the first single off the album and rightfully so. This song is a show and tell of sorts for the album. There are high flying guitar rifts, heavenly sounding keyboards, and that ever identifiable voice of DeLounge's. This song sticks out to because of the bridge. It creates this forward motion that never stops and then builds till it explodes in a flurry of keys. Listen for the drum tag at the end, it feels like a throw back to classic punk.

Young London has to be my second favorite song off this album. A kind of weekend anthem, the song always presses forward. Don't get thrown by the intro, remember what I said about things flowing together. This song is carried through the verses by the vocals and it isn't till later that things really develop, but the vocal melody is astounding and carries the song well. The end of the song is actually the beginning of the next song, that's why it sounds different.

Epic Holiday is the call to arms of this album. A very spacey sounding number, this song will brighten even the lousiest days. The versus drive excellently into the chorus, which peaks and settles back down. After the second chorus the band hits a bridge that leaves the listener suspended in air and then catches them just before they start to fall. Beyond all this, just listen to the words.

My favorite track off this album is Letters to God, Part II. A continuation of a Box Car Racer song, this song is, simply put, epic. Like Epic Holiday, you just need to listen to the vocals to understand why they are so good. The focus of this song is the vocal melody so most of the song everyone else is laying low. This being said do not ignore the instruments, they play a vital role in creating a masterpiece.

Even if you are a skeptic when it comes to Angels & Airwaves remember this, this album is free. So go download it and give it a try. Who knows, you may find yourself humming the rifts of the songs. This album will change you in someway. I know that sounds cliche but I would not say it if I did not mean it.

Always Listening,

Nick

My Top 10 Artists to Avoid

2010-05-03T16:18:00.000-07:00

Let's be honest for a second, currently there is a lot of music out there that has a huge number of fans that is just horrible. I know some people have their special tastes in music, trust me I have my fair share, but there is some music I just cannot stand. These are my top ten musical groups to avoid.

10. Norma Jean

This band is intense, don't get me wrong. They perform amazingly and they are very fun to watch. My problem with this band is all they sound like is pure noise and dissonance. I know that in hardcore it is encouraged, but there has to be a point where something resolves, or for that case develops. I honestly think that to write some of their songs they threw a guitar in a dryer and waited for the weirdest sound to come out, and used that to write the song.

9. Fall Out Boy (New)

This ain't a scene... FALSE. Fall Out Boy had a lot going for them after From Under The Cork Tree. Then they came out with one of the most over produced albums they could have made. I know that sometimes it is good to start moving forward with your music, but taking things that worked so well in your previous albums and throwing them out the window, like the pop punk feel to your music cause that was what you were, a pop punk band, is a bad idea. I guess I am saying all this for no reason, the band did break up, to albums too late.

8. Country Music

Ok now this might be obvious, I don't not like country music. It is rap with twang. That is all I have to say.

7. Chris Brown

So this is the dance hall sensation that beat the crap out of Rihhana, and now his career is in the toilet. This guy had a lot going for him, before he decided to be a scum bag. Now that he is making music again it all sounds bland. He was a singer, now he is trying to rap and it is not working.

6. Nickelback

I feel like this is too easy. Nickelback is so cookie cutter it is sad. They decide if they are going to write a slow or fast song. Depending on which they pick they take one of two chord progressions and write the song. It will be about sex, a scared past, or love lost. Rinse, wash, repeat.

5. Justin Bieber

This kid is freaking creepy. He is like what, 14 maybe. All he sings about is wanting to make girls fall in love with him and marrying them. He is not old enough to even know everything about love. But I mean the moment his voice changes he will be gone. Puberty is going to kill his career, you just wait.

4. The Jonas Brothers

The Jonas Brothers give a new definition to over hyped. The guys are three brothers, hence the most original band name ever, who yes are musically talented. The problem with them is that they have become actors and have kinda sold their collective soul to Mickey Mouse. Their music is simple chord progression after predictable cadence and they try to make up for it with gaudy pathetic shows. A live show should be a passionate performance, not something that is so rehearsed that you know exactly when the light is going to pan over the crowd every time.

3. Miley Cyrus

If the Jonas Brothers sold their souls to Mickey Mouse, I don't even want to think about what Miley Cyrus did. The child of the mullet king Billy Ray Cyrus made her original name on a show for Disney. Then someone decided to convince her to do pop and now she is the biggest thing since auto tune. She is everywhere too. I mean from clothing to television I can't get away from her.

2. Brokencyde

Screamers should do screamo, not rap. That is a simple truth. Write good music and be passionate. Don't write about calling a girl at 4 in the morning for sex and then scream on the track. Also, don't try to go toe to toe with bands that actually write good music, we are all going to just laugh at you.

1. Ke$ha

This is over production at its worse. This girl does not sing, she talks and they auto tune the crap out of her voice. Her songs might be the worse exercise in song writing to date. She never hits a note live and she is a mess of a person. If you were to strip out the filters on her music you would actually hear cats fighting in the background and angry drunk guys yelling at her to stop singing because she's is ruining their buzz. If this type of music is the future, kill me now.

Fortress

2010-04-27T10:47:00.000-07:00

All killer no filler, that is the simplest way to describe the ear splitting, face melting, mind blowing musical genius that is Protest The Hero and their album Fortress.

This Canadian mathcore group, it's a genre look it up, formed in 1999 when the members were only 14 years old. This might explain why the group is as amazing live as they are on their albums and why every one of their songs is intricate in its own complicated way. The group released Fortress in 2008 through Vagrant records.

First off, if you get this album listen to it all the way through. The songs meld almost flawlessly together. It also helps the listener to catch the little interludes that are hard to pick up on if you are skipping around. The random piano interlude before Sequoia Throne makes the song so much more colossal but it is found on the tail end of the song before. This can be said about the majority of the songs on the album, each having an intro in the song prior.

Because I know some people will want to skip around I will give you a quick highlight reel.

First up, Bloodmeat. This is the album opener and for good reason. The song, drawing upon the fury of Genghis Khan, sends the listener into a frenzy. The syncopated guitar drum hits meld excellently with the vocals, neither taking attention from the other. The vocals are excellent, a mixture of screaming and vocals that are both melodious and percussive in nature. In the bridge listen for the bassist double tapping. Also, be ready for the end, it will take you and shake you to your bones.

Second one has to be Sequoia Throne. I already mentioned the piano intro hidden in the track before it, this leads to an all out shred session by the guitarists. The song jumps seamlessly from hard hitting to melodious in a second. Pay attention to the vocals in the middle session, and listen for the bluesy guitar right before a huge build that takes you up then drops you into a melodious paradise.

Third on the list is Limb for Limb. This song is a four and a half minute shred fest. The song just never lets up. When you think it is going to ease up it continues to hammer harder. Though they hit hard the whole song the band does so in excellent fashion. The song never gets repetitive or boring. Oh and did I mention the solo, think Mega Man.

Fourth is the longest track on the album, Bone Marrow. This song is the longest one on the album, coming in at just over five and a half minutes. This song stands out for one amazing reason and that is the blues section. It occurs near the end of the song and does not last very long, but it comes out of no where and makes the song unique. This is the song with the piano interlude at the end to allow your ears a chance to rest.

There is something about every song on this album that makes it amazing. Needless to say you should go out right now and buy it. Everyone needs that amazingly complex metal record and this is that record. To say I'm excited to see what this band does next is an understatement.

Always Listening,

Nick

So I have some explaining to do....

2010-04-26T18:43:00.000-07:00

So I have been gone from this for way too long. I got tired of writing and took a break and I regret it immensely. So I'm relaunching this thing later this week, with a couple new posts and a promise to update once a week. I mean it. So check back soon, I promise good music and good reviews.

The Resistance

2009-10-27T16:06:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-11T10:06:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-26T18:33:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-29T14:47:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-21T17:10:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-07T09:50:00.000-07:00

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

The Veer Union

2009-03-20T08:06:00.000-07:00

I love going to concerts. To me they are the life blood of the music scene. You can spend hours in the studio digitally re-mastering everything, but at a concert you have one shot to wow the crowd. Live shows are where I discover bands that I want to start getting into. Last night I stumbled upon an up and coming band, The Veer Union.

So as I said in my last post, I went to a show Thursday night. The show was at Juanita's, a restaurant in Little Rock. The venue was packed and you could feel the energy in the crowd.

The opening band was a group called Sore Eyes and they did well, they have the potential to be a great band. The show's head liner, Framing Hanley, also did incredibly well. They are the reason I went to the show in the first place and I would highly recommend checking them out.

Then there was The Veer Union. The Canadians put everything they had into their music and the result was out standing. The band does not have an official release with a record label yet that I know about, though they do have a CD that they are selling at shows. They just got signed by Universal Motown and have just release a single, Seasons.

I would like to say that this band is going somewhere fast. They have everything going for them at this moment and are on their way to becoming a great band. I'm interested to hear what their CD sounds like and will probably do a post on it when it comes out.

Till next time.

Always Listening

NIck

I Get Wet

2009-03-16T14:23:00.000-07:00

I will never forget the day I stumbled across Andrew W. K. The musical force brought on by this man is insane. Not only did he write some outstanding tunes, but he also created a feel good mindset in every moment of this record.

Andrew W. K. was born in 1979 in California. He started taking classic piano at the age of four and was in his first band by age 13. he joined up with Island Def Jam in 2001. Andrew writes every part of his music, from the drums to the vocals. This makes his music that much crazier, because he knows where he wants each song to go, and he is the one who takes the music to new heights.

I Get Wet was released in 2001. It listens like a hard rock symphony, taking the listener through movements and swells, there are even reoccurring themes. The opening track, Time To Party, serves as an intro to the first big song, Party Hard. This song will leave you ready for the next one with its hard hitting rifts and gut shacking drums. Girls Own Love is the next track, it is not as heavy hitting as the prior track but it is still worth noting. Get Ready To Die, She Is Beautiful, Fun Night, and the title track I Get Wet are also very note worthy tracks.

Probably my favorite out of all these tracks is the song She Is Beautiful. The song is positioned in the middle of the album and serves in my mind as the climax of the musical piece. The songs recognizable opening rift drives the song into a frenzy early on. coupled with the piano melody and the sound of Andrew's voice, this song takes the listener away to a whole to realm of musical enjoyment.

I would highly recommend buying this album. Even if you are not into metal that much, you should highly consider this gem.

I'm going to a concert on Thursday. So be expecting a post on the group I'm going to see.

Always Listening

Nick

In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3

2009-02-26T19:11:00.000-08:00

Hello Apollo, where should I begin? With those words, the New York based band Coheed and Cambria launch the listener down a road of epic melodic proportion with their sophomore album, In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth:3.

For those of you not familiar with Coheed and Cambria here is a little back story. Started in 2001, the band was formed by guitarist and singer Claudio Sanchez, guitarist Travis Stever, Josh Eppard on drums, and bassist Michael Todd. Their albums are written around a concept based on a story by Sanchez called "Armory Wars." In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3 is the second album the band put out, released in 2003, and it serves as a testimony to the truly unique sound the band has.

The album hits the listener hard from the beginning with the song In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3. I'm usually not a fan of title tracts; they feel rushed and they are rarely memorable, this song is not the case. In Keeping Secrets takes the listener down a slow melodic road with a low guitar and a light drum beat. The song quickly shifts into a hard hitting intro that trows the listener into a frenzy and doesn't stop until almost the end of the song, where the opening theme comes back and leads to a huge finale with a choir singing backup to Sanchez's vocals.

From there the album keeps the listener pumped up and wanting more. Songs of note include: Cuts Marked in the March of Men, Blood Red Summer, and A Flavor House Atlantic. These songs are the top songs in my opinion, though the entire disc is good and rarely has down points. If there are any they would be the screams that take away from the very melodic vocal lines. Sanchez's voice can come across as whinny at times, but the listener quickly discovers that it is his voice that brings the music together.

All in all this is album is a must have for anyone who likes progressive rock or for anyone who wants to listen to an amazing album. You should be warned that some of the songs will leave you scratching your head but you must remember; these songs are telling a part of a story that spans four albums.

With Coheed and Cambria you rarely can go wrong though. I saw them live at Warped Tour two years ago and they rocked the stage. Sanchez's vocals held up to the test and the band put on a top notch show

Coheed and Cambria are about to release a live dvd called, "The Neverender" which documents their performance of all four albums in order, telling the now complete story of "Armory Wars." This dvd is due in stores March 26.

So I'm going to label this album a must own. You should go out and get it, listen to it, and form your own opinion of this amazing album put out by an amazing band.

Till next time.

Always Listening

Nick

Welcome to My Experience

2009-02-24T21:49:00.000-08:00

So this is the skinny. I'm Nick, I'm in college, and I love music. I'm currently listening to Thrice as I write this, the Alchemy Index to be exact. I'm not going to limit my music tastes to just them though; I like a variety of music, except rap and country.

Im going to review albums on this blog, and that is where you the reader comes in. I need suggestions. I would appreciate suggestions on albums and bands to critique. If you are in a local band, email me your demo. I will review things as I get them and I will also review some of the albums in my collection. I welcome your criticism, your love, and your hate. Just leave me a comment.

Always listening

Nick