Volcano Choir- Repave

Sorry this is so late everybody! I would have just waited to publish this review in October if it weren't for Dennis's incessant text messages full of all caps and exclamation points, like this:

Fine Dennis, here you go.

I'm a huge Bon Iver fan. I've listed to Bon Iver so many times my Spotify just plays it automatically now when I sign in. It's like my home base album, it centers me and calms me and makes me feel warm and safe. So when I heard about Justin's side project Volcano Choir, I ran to my computer to listen to the latest album, Repave, right away. 

Volcano Choir is like Bon Iver's smoother, sexier, more sophisticated older brother. Just as weird, but more put together, more polished. Also somehow more relaxed at the same time. Repave feels like Justin Vernon (along with members of Collections of Colonies of Bees and All Tiny Creatures) having fun. Hard to imagine, sort of. 

Each song on the album starts off quiet, but never stays that way for long. The crescendos are so crazy- I feel transported to a deserted beach somewhere in Winter time, hearing a wave build and build and then crash, fog in the air and seagulls taking flight. It's a beautiful thing, and these guys did it exactly right. 

This album is full of Vernon's version of a power ballad. Strong and bold, so much emotion and power behind each tune. While Bon Iver feels right at home in a small old theatre, Volcano Choir could fill a stadium. Justin's vocals are definitely the focus on Repave. It's really too bad I can only make out like 3 lines in the entire album. Ya'll know I love a good falsetto, and Justin doesn't disappoint. 

One other thing to note about this album is that it's overtly sexual in it's tone and feeling. Bon Iver is sexy, definitely, but in a subdued, slow and sensual sort of way. Repave puts it all out there; it's romantic and seductive in a way that you can't resist. Pretty hot. To see what I mean, check out "Alaskans". Justin puts away the falsetto and takes on a lower register for this one. It's sultry and haunting, and gets under your skin and stuck in your head before it even begins.

Take a listen y'all.

AK

Bronze Radio Return - Up, On & Over

Soulful and passionate are the themes I get from the third album of this sextet from Hartford, Connecticut. Its like they finally grew into that extra large worn denim jacket they've been wearing for their first two albums. The songs are sharp and polished, catchy but not too pop. This is a very easy album to listen to, no obscure time signatures or minor chords just straight forward sunshine revival rock. Roll down the windows and listen to the album in its entirety because most of its treasures are hidden.

Enjoy,

Ryan O'Hagan

Typhoon - White Lighter

Typhoon White Lighter  

Aug 20, 2013

Thank NPR for this one. Thank me as well. You’re welcome.

I listened to this album in early August via NPR’s First Listen and it hooked me really quickly. These guys rubbed me right, happy ending and all. Or as they called it “fie dolla, yes?”.

Seriously, this album has been wrapping me up for a month now. This guy Kyle Morton has a pretty intense back-story that he touches on in this interview: http://www.npr.org/2013/08/31/216898673/typhoon-songs-for-a-lost-childhood. He was a Lyme diseased little boy whose early life of physical hardship still fuels his artistic endeavors and continues effect his day to day life. In fact, the tracks were composed during a time in which he was uncertain whether he’d be around much longer. You’ll notice most of his lyrical themes are about his larger life questions that have gone unanswered. It makes for refreshingly sincere content.

I know I know, I’ve given you enough reason to dive into this one but then there’s the music! The music is good. It’s really good. Typhoon calls itself a musical collective consisting of twelve to seventeen dirty flannel wearing, mustache sporting, puffy nylon vest donning Portlandians. They orchestrate it all together very tastefully, putting silence to use frequently. And in the cockpit steering that seventeen passenger van are consistently rhythmic vocal melodies. Couple hey’s couple ho’s but thankfully no hey-ho’s.

I’ll only get into one particular song. Prosthetic Love. Mainly because of the zingers but also because it’s my jam. He explains his experience to love, namely the role his physical condition plays and so his constant relationship with death. After accepting that love in his life will not be like ‘the actors he sees on television’ or as a bird whose song he recognizes. It will rather be a gamble and perhaps the stone better left unturned. Goes so far as to compare himself to Job except that at least Job was able to experience having everything.

As heavy as all this sounds, it will sit much lighter on your ears. It’ll pick up your heart. It’ll put down your certainty. And if you let it, it’ll wrap you up. 

Dennis

Alabama Shakes - Boys & Girls

Alabama Shakes

“Boys & Girls”

“Bless my heart, Bless my soul.”  Damn you Athens…Alabama.  Alabama Shakes began in a high school Psychology class in Athens, AL.  When I first heard the rave reviews of their live shows I assumed they were from the neighboring Georgia’s Classic City.  The opening track, “Hold On” is bound to be the breakthrough hit for this band.  It is now getting play on top 40 radio which would typically make me cringe for the loss of a truly original band with a solid freshman effort. 

            What is not to love about a rock band with a female lead singer who demands attention with her powerful, soulful voice?  If you were unfamiliar with this band you might think they are a Jack White side project.  Brittany Howard is a real talent as evidenced by her multiple guest appearances with the likes of My Morning Jacket and Drive By Truckers to name a few.  The album itself is not as rocking as the opening track but the soul of Alabama is on full display throughout the eleven tracks.  One can listen to the album and think the band would hail from the noted soul city of Muscle Shoals.  To get a good idea of what this band will sound like for years to come, check out “You Ain’t Alone.”  My God, Brittany, you have soul!  As the song builds, so does Brittany’s strong vocal range.  It goes down well with the mean guitar hooks and a good cup of coffee. 

            Alabama Shakes recorded “Boys & Girls” with little money but loads of fanfare.  The end result is an great first album from a band destined for stardom.  Some may think they are already there.  If you watched the band on SNL you will be able to make your own decision.  What say you?  Rock on kids.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keDbUJPWWHQ

Brian Killips

Har Mar Superstar - Bye Bye 17

Bye Bye 17 – Har Mar Superstar

 NOTE: Above photo is not Ron Jeremy.  Sorry, ladies. 

Enter Sean Tillman, make that three Sean Tillman’s, as Har Mar Superstar- R&B, pop, and soul heavyweight.   

Bye Bye 17 had me at “Lady, You Shot Me”, the opening track to this soulful masterpiece.  Jumping straight into the hook, the song explodes with horns, keyboards, and guitars all tuned to the key of 1973.  But this is not a typical throwback album.  

For me, throwbacks often leave the aftertaste of that Alabama Shakes album-  good at first, but loses its flavor upon realizing that all these guys have cell phones. 

Har Mar Superstar holds the classic, soulful, R&B sound hostage throughout this 10-song experience while still keeping it 2013.   The warmth of rich horns, soft organs, and carefully placed electric guitars create a lush sonic bed for Har Mar’s voice to rest upon throughout Bye Bye 17, cutting through the music like a rusty switch blade.  Eat your heart out, Pitchfork. Oh, I can do ratings too. I give this an 8.6 (whatever that means).  

It’s the end of summer and I can’t do downer albums right now.  I need sunshine and good, good, good, good vibrations.  And this album is a great way to bid adieu to the season.  And when winter rolls around I will dish out the saddest, most heart wrenchingly beautiful singer/songwriter albums I can dig up.  But until then, it’s all happy shit.

I’ll leave you with a little background on Sean Tillman… The man’s written songs for Jennifer Lopez, The Cheetah Girls, and Kelly Osbourne.  He’s pretty well known in the UK, has toured with friends The Strokes, Tenacious D, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and appears mostly naked throughout his performances while using a ton of inappropriate language.  Dude is everything I’ve ever wanted to be. 

Cheers,

John S. Krueger

9/15/13

  

Shakey Graves - Roll the Bones

Artist: Shakey Graves
Album: Roll the Bones
Released: January 2011

This is an interactive review. I'm going to take you on a journey of how this guy came to be my pick for September. Your first adventure: Watch the live recording below. Do not continue reading without doing so. If you continue reading without watching this video, you have failed. (additional instructions for expert level: put your headphones on, click through to YouTube, and full screen this bitch. Around 2:40 and beyond is where shit.gets.real.)

The first time I heard Shakey Graves (aka Alejandro Rose-Garcia) was the song "Proper Fence" on an 8tracks mix. Didn't pay much attention, added it to the song list I keep if I think an artist is good for future exploration. While preparing for the September music choice, I chose him by random.  He'd been on the list long enough (wasn't that impressed by Proper Fence), it was time.  Then I watched his Audiotree live recording of "Roll the Bones" and thought, "Hm...now I'm curious." The above video was my second choice view, and I was just blown away by it.  I thought "WHAT THE FUCK AM I LISTENING TO, WHY DID I JUST NOW FIND THIS."  I hope you felt similarly ("Gonna kiss you so good you go weak in the knees" Like, COME ON).  His 2011 album Roll the Bones is streaming for free (follow me this way!) and you can buy the album via the name-your-price route. How perfect is that?   

He has a ton of live recordings, all of which are marvelous (I suggest starting with all of the Audiotree recordings...there are, I think, four of them?).  Now, his recorded album is just as lovely but a different beast entirely.  More laid back but tactful.  He makes it sound minimal but full at the same time, if you know what I mean.  It's like Devendra Banhart but waaaaaay catchier. You'll see.

Fun fact: He is currently on the road this month with Shovels & Rope.  How about that? I would love to see that show.  

Let me know what you guys think

Cassidy N. Thigpen

Sivu - Bodies EP

Forgive my naughtiness for reviewing an EP. I couldn't resist the temptation. Sivu swept me off my feet and I can assure you, it will have the same delightful affect on you.
British based artist Sivu (James Page) has been teasing the UK with the single release of Better Man Than He and his EP Bodies. His sweet, quivering voice has been compared to the likes of Wild Beasts, Antony and the Johnsons and the new Gotye - if that's possible. His songs are sweeping and subtle all at once. His confessions throughout Bodies are portrayed through religious undertones. However, Sivu, as a self proclaimed non-believer, seems to believe in something bigger than himself - love and his seemingly inevitable failures with it.
The EP's title track Bodies is stirring and questions the purpose of partnership. He croons "We find flaws in each of our heartbeats". As the song builds his questions become deeper and the "current" he sings about whirls while his sniveling voice is accompanied by violins. The religious nuances are hinted at with the line "I watch the animals walking two by two" and segways over into God Speaks in Tongues.  
In God Speaks In Tongues he asks his lover to take him to "the great receiver" since he feels that he just isn't good enough. He sounds as though he is weeping during this track. As sad it is, God Speaks in Tongues still maintains the saccharine sounds the Sivu is slowly trademarking.

Sleep begins with a single, sparce strum of a guitar and Sivu's voice creeps in to sing a gorgeous, murmuring melody. He declares his shortcomings and sarcastic successes as if you are his diary.The track takes its time then bursts into a succulent, subdued rock ballad filled with all of the drama of a waning man.
Dimmer Down (live) is an intimate track as he asks you to "close your eyes as I confide in you." His range goes from a falsetto plea to a stern sentence in the matter of seconds.

Sivu's musical capabilities have attracted the likes of many. A village of incredible artists are raising and nurturing his young and timid music. Managed by Nick Cave, Sivu is touring with the buzz-worthiest little British groups; the smoldering London Grammar and Fryars.
Sivu, sharing the same producer as Alt-J, has a comparable sound to them. Thom from Alt-J even went so far as to 'remix' Sivu's first single Better Man Than He. I wouldn't use the term 'remix' to describe this track, but more along the lines of an 'alternate approach'. For other approaches, visit Sivu's soundcloud page.
Sivu's most recent single Over and Over is the emotional centerpiece of anything he has released thus far. This track is gut wrenching as Sivu illustrates the efforts he takes to make his relationship work; "We're just waiting for something real."
If Over and Over is the next step towards a full length album from Sivu, then what is ahead will be influential, breathtaking, and will hopefully have him working out his relationships on a more positive note.