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Short, Sweet Reviews by Ethan

The Upsidedown – The Town with Bad Wiring

Alternative Rock – With the exception of a few tracks, most of this album can be described as spacey and ambient. There really is no define, outstanding instrumental parts and most of the lyrics are indiscernible (or just plain silly), which really is the character of the album. Really good to listen to if you just want to mellow out and bob your head.

Tracks #1, 3, 5 are recommended and are the most straight forward rock songs on the album. Personally I recommend #2 “Your Sister’s Cool”, a 7 minute long ambient, space rock epic.

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Cancer Killing Gemini- It only Hurts to Breathe

Industrial rock – For those looking to listen to some new industrial rock should check this out. Track one, “Christcontrol”, is definitely NIN inspired, while track two (and most of the album), “Should I Tell You That You’re Pretty”, is more pop.  

Recommended tracks #1, 3, 6.

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Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan – Hawk

Mellow Rock – This album is mostly mellow, acoustic rock (tracks 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 11, and 12). With more upbeat, classic rock tracks thrown in (tracks  6 and 8). A very eccentric album but worth looking into.

Personally recommended tracks # 3,4 and 7.

We got some good stuff this week, here’s my thoughts:

Pick of the Week: Robyn Dell’Unto I’m Here Every Night
- I’m a sucker for good female vocals, and Robyn Dell’Unto’s soft croon caught my attention. She’s got the sound of your classic indie chick and the quirk to compliment it. I really dug the adorable “Just a Bird” and “Be My”

Dot Dot Dot- II- I like this album because it seems to bridge the gap between modern rock and indie rock. The songs are catchy and upbeat. I recommend “Walking in a Straight Line” and “Stay”

The Hush Now- Shiver Me Starships- Indie pop isn’t really an original concept, but The Hush Now manages to put out a few good tracks such as “Daedalus Bound” and my personal favorite, “Vietnam Giraffe”.

Chromeo- Business Casual- If you liked Fancy Footwork, you will definitely enjoy the funky fresh tracks on this album. If you’re not familiar with their previous stuff, note that it’s high-quality “electrofunk” and make sure to check out the single “Night by Night” , “I’m Not Contagious” and “When the Night Falls”

Amusement Parks on Fire- Road Eyes- I put in this album and immediately wondered if Siversun Pickups had started a side project. The vocals on this album are nearly identical to the Pickups but certain tracks are much more ambient and ethereal. Worth giving a listen, especially “Road Eyes.”

Underworld- Barking- This group’s been around for around 30 years and still manage to put out a modern electro sound.  “Always Loved a Film” makes you feel like you’re in the middle of a club scene.

Aaron Thompson- Aaron Thompson- To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much but I was pleasantly surprised with this album. Thompson puts an emphasis on the music by using subtle vocals and maintains a good balance between acoustics and electronic components. It made me feel relaxed and although it has a folksy sound on certain tracks (which everyone seems to be doing these days), it doesn’t seem forced. Check out “Bethany Lane” and “Solitude”

So guys, what do you think? Send me a review of some new music and as I’ve mentioned before, I’ll reward you at the next station meeting.

Love,

Soda

Quick Reviews By Ethan

Superchunk – Majesty Shredding

Pop-punk. Indie Rock. Very upbeat, high tempo rock. I’m not a fan of this genre, but anyone looking to put some new pop-punk into their personal library should look into this album. Check out the first track called “Digging for Something”.

Lazerbeak – Legend Recognize Legend

Electro-rock/electropop. The first two tracks of this album speaks volumes (ha… get it?) about this album. While both are on the abstract side the first track “Dream Team” is upbeat but the second track “Land’s End” is darker and slower (reminds me of some of Skinny Puppy’s work) and the album continues to be very diverse in this way until the end.  Recommended tracks #1, 3, 4, 6, 8.

Riyl: Doomtree, Passion Pit, Plastic Constellation.

Alrighty guys, here’s my thoughts for this week’s new music:

My album of the week is Electric Sunset. If you’re a fan of Neon Indian or vocals from the Bravery, check this guy out. He’s got a good mix of synth and guitar riffs. Track recommendation: “Soda”

Black Mountain- Wilderness Heart- In an age where everyone tries to be edgy, Black Mountain focuses more on improving the concept of rock. You’ll catch inspiration from 80’s punk, 70’s classic, and modern-day rock that blends together nicely. Recommended track: “Radiant Hearts”

Breakbot-Baby I’m Yours Single- Never mind the hipster-looking man behind it. The disco sound of this track (or tracks, I guess, there are five versions of it) is extremely danceable and brings back the concept of funk. An amateur funk enthusiast myself, I found this track to be refreshing.

Margot and the Nuclear So and So’s- Buzzard- A melodic yet slow set of songs, Buzzard shows wit and a talent for choruses. I like “Tiny Vampire Robot” but watch for indecencies. The lyrics are hard to find, so you might want to preview tracks before playing them on air.

Other albums to note:

Dan Mangan: Good indie-folk rock that’s easy to listen to. Track Recommendation: “The Indie Queens Are Waiting”

Buxter Hoot’n- If you like folk or country music, give it a listen. These guys know how to use actual stringed instruments (awesome, I know) for a melodic country feel.

The Either/Orchestra- Mood Music for Time Travellers- They’ve been together a while, but they still know how to put out a good jazzy jam. I liked “The (one of a kind) Shimmy.” Good album to play during studying/homework.

The Graduate-Only Every Time- Warped Tour attendees and fans of Circa Survive will probably enjoy this rock album. It’s not for the indie kids, but I wasn’t against the rock sound of this group that’s touring with my guilty pleasure band (make fun of me all you want), Ludo.

HEY GUYS! I COULD USE YOUR INPUT! SEND ME AN EMAIL AT music@kmnr.org OF YOUR THOUGHTS ON SOME NEW MUSIC AND RECEIVE COMPENSATION (not monetary, sorry, I ain’t Daddy Warbucks) AT THE NEXT STATION MEETING.

Thanks y’all,

Soda

Like Folk Music?

Check out Neptune’s Car. Acoustic folk/country. Very smooth. I recommend “Strawberry Moon.”

A Few Recommendations from Ethan

We Know Mason – Tread Carefully

Generic Rock. Definitely influenced by classic rock and older acoustic rock. The vocalist has a very mick jagger feel on some of the louder songs and at times reminds me of Dylan on the softer, acoustic tunes. Personally I like tracks 1, 7, and 9.

Various – Jerry Jams for Rex (Various bands playing Grateful Dead songs live)

Anyone that is a fan of the Grateful Dead can pick this album up and enjoy it. For those not familiar with the work of The Dead or Jerry Garcia, you will be greeted with a wide variety of textures and sounds. There is a good chance that you can learn to enjoy at least a few songs off this album. The two songs that stood out the most for me were The String Cheese Incident with their 13-minute jazz, folk, rock fusion version on “Eyes of the World” and Widespread Panic’s version of “Cream Puff War”.