Album Review: The Antlers - Burst Apart

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It is always good to see the little band without label support make good. NYC's The Antlers had been plugging away in relative obscurity before their 2009 LP Hospice. The moving opus concerning a dying cancer patient and their caregiver is rife with drama and pathos as the buried vocals scratch and claw from under the sudden blasts of beautiful noise. On their follow-up out now on Frenchkiss Records, Burst Apart sheds the melancholy that made Hospice such a success, in favor of a composition that is lithe and sensual rather than oppressive. Ably venturing forth with "I Don't Want Love", The Antlers lead with their more accessible track. Featuring Peter Silberman's acrobatic falsetto and a solemn organ, this ode to combative lovers benefits from the band's new clarity and confidence. They continue their assuredness on "Parentheses" referencing the paranoid klaxon wails of OK Computer-era Radiohead while Silberman's suggestive lyrics seduce. On "Rolled Together" The Antlers prove that they can keep it simple with a lush, trance-inducing groove and an afflicted chant that floats into space. They even pull off an up tempo number in "Every Night My Teeth Are Falling Out" that still stays sultry while building into a rocking coda. The only criticism of Burst Apart is that it runs out of steam on the last songs, often abandoning the seductive groove they fostered and meandering off track instead of commanding attention. Still, The Antlers primary goal was to shed the weight of Hospice and prove they have more to offer than one dramatic concept album. In fact, Burst Apart not only exceeds these goals but resets any preconceived views of what The Antlers are.

Purchase Burst Apart: CD | Vinyl | mp3

Bonus: Check out the video from an in-studio performance of "I Don't Want Love" The Antlers did for Bowlegs Music.

I Don't Want Love


Parentheses (Download)


Every Night My Teeth Are Falling Out (Download)

Mixtapes For The Holiday Weekend

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I am looking forward to the holiday weekend in a big way. Hopefully the weather where you reside will be cooperative. In any case, here are some possible soundtrack options for your weekend exploits. Grab the arrows on the widgets below when applicable for a free download.

DFA Records has been releasing a Radio Mixtape series every couple of months or so for free download. The most recent effort is from Gabriel Andruzzi of dance-punk outfit The Rapture who have an album due out this year. In the meantime, dig this house/disco grooves. Grab the rest of the mixes for free here.



Greek Gods dropped this a few months ago blending some of my favorite artists. Four Tet, Gold Panda and Hercules & Love Affair can all be found here.



Nguzunguzu is a party team out of LA that recently received much love from Pitchfork for their recent soul-packed mixtape The Perfect Lullaby. (Download the whole thing for free here.) However, I came across this interesting nugget in my searches for information. The guys source an indelible sample from 80's electronic godfathers Art of Noise and take it out for a walk. Shame it is not a freebie. Enjoy anyways.

Discovery: Galleries

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Scotland's indie pedigree has been flourishing with the recent recognition of The Twilight Sad and Frightened Rabbit and the consistent presence of Mogwai. The latest inclusion is Galleries who follow the well-worn Scottish path of soaring Brit-based pop with an urgent rock foundation. The quartet had self released an EP's back in January and dropped the latest single "Rocket Science" on May 11. Both are available for free download below. Give a listen to a sampler of their music as well. Here's tae ye!

Download the "Rocket Science" single here.

Download the Galleries self-titled EP here.

Galleries

Album Review: Wild Beasts - Smother

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English foursome Wild Beasts have made the topic of sex their milieu. The lyrical theatrics, both in content and delivery, are obvious in their epicene eroticism. On their third album Smother the instrumentation shares equal billing with the vocal acrobatics of Hayden Thorpe. Aching rhythms, playful guitar and opaque keys drift through the mix like a cloud, caressing the listener into a sleepy lull as Thorpe's falsetto embraces tightly and breathes right in your ear. The soaring drama of "Lion's Share" initiates Smother on a dark path, speaking of unredeemed sin and predatory intimacy. The laziness of "Deeper" loosens the reins a bit with a passionate croon and causal piano. The overtures get aggressively seductive on "Plaything" as the percussion intertwines with Thorpe's coos making pure bedroom fodder.

Wild Beasts are at their mightiest on "Loop The Loop" when the guitar finds that playful, circular groove setting a trap one would not want to escape. "Reach A Bit Further" extends that riff, as Thorpe's apologies for his stated indiscretions also encourage limits to be stretched. The aptly titled "End Come Too Soon" finishes out the album like daybreak, a Shakespearean ode to a carnal experience that is equally grateful for the memories and lamenting that all things must end. Ultimately Smother is a detailed exploration that is not for the faint of heart. Vocals featuring such poetic pornography and unabashed androgyny can be a bit unsettling. Glimpses into such private moments often are.

Bonus: Stream selections from Smother and watch the video for "Albatross" below.

Purchase Smother here: CD | Vinyl | mp3

Albatross (Download)


Plaything


Loop the Loop


Reach A Bit Further

Bon Iver Gives Away New Song, Album Out June 21

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The story behind the transformation from everyday Wisconsinite Justin Vernon to indie folk powerhouse Bon Iver is well told. His self-imposed isolation in a cabin one winter following the dual breakup of his band and his girlfriend resulted in the haunting debut album For Emma, Forever Ago. The tastemakers immediately swooned and the public soon followed. His now bursting fan populace included Kanye West, who decided to add him to a couple of songs on his magnum opus My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. His self-titled followup is set for release June 21 on Jagjagawar but the first listen is available below.

The new track "Calgary" is a fresh take on the Bon Iver sound. His fragile falsetto is intact, but the addition of moody synth summates his established folk sound and annexes into a comfortable cross-genre. Also involved here is a satisfyingly emotive squall midway through, revealing a new confidence in song structure. Grab the track below with an email submission or just grab it for free here.

Pre-order Bon Iver here: CD | Vinyl | Deluxe Packages

Memory Tapes Releases Second Teaser Track, Album Out July 5

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The most interesting thing about chillwave in 2011 is how the genre's top artists have deftly moved past it. Dayve Hawk (aka Memory Tapes) seems to have followed the footsteps of Toro Y Moi  by releasing a cleaner, sophomore followup to a breakthrough effort. The new tracks feature a less phased and pitch-bent sound in favor of lighter, carefree and confident reflection on their earlier efforts. Of course, Memory Tapes never quite had the thick studio effects of more 'chilly' artists, but he definitely loved the reverb. Player Piano is due out around Independence Day on Carpark Records, but you can get a sample of the stylistic shift below.

"Wait in the Dark" is definitely a sunny day compared to the hazy feel of Memory Tapes' first full length Seek Magic. It gushes with a cathederal of keys over an open field but also progresses with an open ended theme, signifying a good fit in an album setting. Also included is last month's release of an early mix of another album cut "Today is Our Life". It is a burst of light after a cloudy intro with an undeniable joyous tempo and a (dare I say) rockin' guitar solo. Listen to and download both below.

Wait In The Dark (Download)


Today Is Our Life (Download)


Bonus: Stream the entire 2009 Memory Tapes LP Seek Magic below.

The Fiery Furnaces Go Solo, Come Together Live In Chicago May 10 & 11

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To enjoy The Fiery Furnaces, one must enjoy music without reservation or pretense. Seems simple enough, but what rings out from the capable hands and mouths of Chicago's own sibling combo Matt and Eleanor Friedberger defines modern music by defying convention. Over their bountiful eight year career, they have presented eight albums and a smattering of EP's and singles with no common sound or theme connecting them except the joys of life itself. Over 2011, the Friedbergers have gone their separate ways to work on their own concepts while keep The Fiery Furnaces intact for another day.

Matt Friedberger's latest work centers around Solos, an eight album series available on Fiery Furnaces label Thrill Jockey where each recording centers on Matt using only one instrument and his voice. The first LP Naploeonette utilizing piano was released in January and Meet Me in Miramas showcasing the guitar hit the streets in March. Next up for release this week is Old Regimes where the only instrument is a century-old harp. Next up in the series are drums, organ and the double bass with the last two albums are available as a bonus to finish the series featuring guest artists. Of course, the Solos series is already sold out, but individual albums are available here.

Eleanor Friedberger's new album Last Summer is due out on Merge Records July 12 with new single "My Mistakes" already available as a teaser. A rolling acoustic guitar and piano rhythm sparkles on this more pop-centered expression with Eleanor's sturdy vocals and, despite the precursor of rock music's past mistakes, a finishing saxophone solo.

The Friedbergers have come back together as The Fiery Furnaces for a stripped down mini tour without a backing rhythm section. They will be in Chicago May 10 and 11 at Schuba's. As of post time, tickets are still available here.

Matthew Friedberger - Shirley (Download)


Matthew Friedberger - Meet Me in Miramas (Download)


Eleanor Friedberger - My Mistakes (Download)

The Twilight Sad Give Away Digital EP, New Album Out Later This Year

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Fiery Glasgow quartet The Twilight Sad have been making anthemic indie since '03 that trembles with dark fury, guitar clatter and a pained Scottish brogue that coats the entire concoction with a bitter glaze. The third album is expected out on Fat Cat Records later this year, but fans will be sated with a free EP of acoustic tracks. The eight tracks include music from their 2009 LP Forget The Night Ahead, last year's 12" The Wrong Car and a cover of from The Wedding Present's 1991 album Seamonsters. Download the whole mess below with the entry of your email in the widget below.

Bonus: Stream the originals of two Twilight Sad tracks and watch a video from the acoustic sessions below.

The Twilight Sad - I Became A Prostitute


The Twilight Sad - The Wrong Car

Jenn Wasner Begins Side Project Flock Of Dimes

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Jenn Wasner of Wye Oak is quickly making the best of 2011. Their release Civilian is the early front runner for my Best Albums of the Year list. (Read my review here.) They will grab a lot of attention this summer with a spot on the Lollapalooza bill. Continuing her hot streak she began, in her words, the solo "vanity project" Flock of Dimes. New track "Prison Bride" is available for a listen courtesy of Friends Records in Baltimore and will be featured on an upcoming label complication. The dissonant guitar work on "Prison Bride" is insistent on keeping your attention, but gives away to moments of electric throb that recalls some supernatural interference with a broadcast signal. According to an article on BMore Musically Informed, there are more songs being cultivated for a future release...hopefully sooner rather than later.

Flock of Dimes - Prison Bride

Discovery: D33J

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Now that my blog is starting to get some attention and steady readership, I am getting the always welcome unsigned artist emails. It is a welcome reminder that we live in the 21st century where some inspired musical wunderkind in Germany can read my writings half a world away and send me his homemade EP and press kit with the click of a button. Djavan Santos (aka D33J) is a Cali-based electronic music producer studying in Hamburg on an art school residency. Using his DR-202 drum machine, some odd software patches, spoken word samples and his self-described "shitty Squire mini-guitar", D33J is making music that challenges, toying with tempo and timbre and feels surprisingly warm while speaking volumes without uttering a single word. Influences range all across the electronic spectrum and sources some sunny chillwave grooves as well. His first EP Tide Songs can be found on Bandcamp and downloaded for free below.

Download Tide Songs here.

D33J - Drowning Pools

Brian Eno Teases With New Track, Album Out July 5

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Godfather of all music electronic Brian Eno reminded the 21st century of his greatness last year with his solid LP Small Craft On A Milk Sea. Not letting the new found love slow him down, a new single is now available for stream below. "Glitch" is one of 15 songs from his upcoming release on Warp Records Drums Between The Bells. The hefty track sports an insistent pulse that is almost clubworthy and a synthesized reading of works from the poet Rick Holland. According to Eno's website, Drums Between The Bells features much of Holland's work, picking up a collaboration that was left off in 2003. The album is available for pre-order at the Brian Eno website.

Brian Eno/Rick Holland - Glitch

Album Review: The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - Belong

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Indie rock's love affair with adoring homages to the past and recycling retro sounds is still going strong. NYC's The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart have constructed their sound by slathering their pop nuggets with huge helpings of Brit-based shoegaze and 90's alt-rock. Their 2009 self-titled debut on Slumberland Records had the right balance with catchy songs, obscured vocals, hazy feedback and a lively tempo to get lots of attention. Two years later brings Belong featuring a squeaky clean production and a clarity that gives the band a bit of confidence to turn down the fuzz, switch up their cadence and try new methods of delivery.

The Pains put their best foot forward on Belong by lining up the hit singles right at the beginning. "Belong" is a rolling jam sourcing Smashing Pumpkins so accurately all that is missing is Billy Corgan's nasally squeal. The rockers "Heaven's Gonna Happen Now" and "Heart In Your Heartbreak" bring the goods with power chords and synth fills buoyed by the precious lead vocals. However, the rest of the album is a middling effort with each song lacking a distinct identity and most having forgettable and flimsy lyrics. One redeemable track is the surf fuzz of "Girl Of 1,000 Dreams" where they quickly make their case as serious guitar heroes but could do for a little more attitude. Ultimately, it is the super slick production that actually hinders Belong where a bit of raw energy and inspired imperfection might actually give these recordings a little more heart.

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart will be playing two shows on May 27 and 28 with Twin Shadow and Weakness at Lincoln Hall in Chicago. At press time, tickets were still available for tonight's show here.

Bonus: Stream the entire album and watch the video for "Heart In Your Heartbreak" below.

Purchase Belong here: CD | Vinyl | mp3

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - Belong (full album)

Album Review: Low - C'mon

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It seems suitable that the champions of the slowcore movement to be from a region where the winter months can be longer that the other three seasons combined and where its bitter cold and quiet isolation is simply part of life. Duluth Minnesota outfit Low has been crafting their unique brand of achingly mesmerizing music for almost 20 years. In the beginning, Low albums were an exercise in caustic and somber restraint. Each plaintive guitar strum or strike of the snare drum was like a knife to the heart as their verses were exhaled as withering final breaths. Around the turn of the millennium, the band began to peel away the sobering, furrowed nature of their music in remix EP's and exploring a more emphatic sound on their later albums. Their latest effort out on Sub Pop explores another new frontier as some of the ten songs on C'mon make a cautious move toward positivity.

The lullaby opening of "Try To Sleep" stands in contrast to their previous stark and deliberate expressions. Still delicate, Low chooses tenderness over melancholy here with lovely percussion and a resonating sweetness. This edict continues as the first half of C'mon adopts an elevated and uplifting musical dialogue. The instruments and words of drummer/vocalist Mimi Parker synchronize on "You See Everything" making a compelling and uplifting hymn. Her good work continues on "Especially Me" as her potent thumps and somnambulistic chant glow with hypnotic beauty. They even rock out on "Witches" as Alan Sparhawk works through track like a sermon, preaching his lyrics and sending a guitar laden message drenched in reverberation.

C'mon's latter half travels through the more familiar territory of Low's nineties output. "Majesty/Magic" is sparse and wounded, building into a tempest from a simple raincloud. The angry lyrics on "$20" are spit out as the subtle movements fill the empty space then end with abrupt chagrin. The epic "Nothing But Heart" finally rolls out vitriol, repeating the chorus as an affirmation that swells to assertion as the slide guitar hums out the clamoring feedback until the bitter end.

Until the four year wait for C'mon, Low was incredibly prolific, releasing LP's, EP's, singles and a 3 disc compilation of non-album tracks at the rate of once every nine months since 1994. It seems unusual that their longest hiatus brought such comparatively lively music to their repertoire. Perhaps it was actually difficult for them to find inspiration somewhere other than pain. It is a comfort that Low is never complacent, always challenging themselves to explore new boundaries for their unparalleled sound.

Bonus: Check out the new video for "Try To Sleep" below.

Purchase C'mon here. CD | Vinyl | mp3

Try To Sleep (Download)


You See Everything


Especially Me (Download)

Radiohead Release Free Digital Single for Album Buyers

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When Radiohead stops releasing quality music, I will stop finding space to write about them so frequently.

The band released a vinyl single for Record Store Day on June 16. The two tracks "Supercollider" and "The Butcher" were outtakes from The King Of Limbs sessions, putting to bed the rumors that there is a companion album waiting in the wings. Now that the RSD excitement has calmed down, both tracks are an added bonus to those who purchased the new album through the website. If you didn't, you can give the songs a listen below. They both lean to the Kid A style of Radiohead. Heavy on the synths and paranoia, Thom Yorke's vocals drift through the mix and give them true value.

Radiohead - Supercollider


Radiohead - The Butcher

Album Review: Eleventh Dream Day - Riot Now!

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Every city has that talented band that should have been bigger than what it was and only gathered a fraction of the attention and love nationally that their hometown fans willingly give. In Chicago, there are no better candidates for this title than Eleventh Dream Day. For almost three decades, the core members of Rick Rizzo, Douglas McCombs and Janet Beveridge Bean have been exploring the boundaries of rock and roll at its most sincere. Their humble beginnings are the stuff of legend starting with the blistering microlabel breakthrough Prairie School Freakout that garnered a major label contract on Atlantic. Three albums of brilliant, yet ignored muscular music tinged with punk brought an unceremonious contractual release and the next, independent phase of Eleventh Dream Day's tenure. One album on jazz/experimental label Atavistic led to a comfortable home on Thrill Jockey where finally this battle tested trio of well traveled virtuosos gets the appropriate support and respect they deserve. For their tenth LP, and their first in five years, Eleventh Dream Day have decided to go back to their untamed roots for Riot Now! with essentially positive results.

Eleventh Dream Day are all in from the jump, reeling off three bare-boned barn burners that would make any new indie band blush with jealousy. "Damned Tree" creaks and moans from heft like a old building well past capacity. All instruments including Rizzo and Bean's confrontational duet are raw and unfiltered allowing the live energy to burst from the performance. The burning guitar work spills into the lively stomp on "Cold Steel Grey" squealing under the practiced hands of Rizzo while the dependable bass of McCombs is the concrete that holds it all together. Finishing the opening trilogy is "Satellite" that gets that extra boost from the new addition of Mark Greenberg. His storm cloud effects under the rhythm section burst like Mother Nature and punctuate the album's missive.

The rest of Riot Now! vacillates through the Eleventh Dream Day catalog like a well-eared collection of an author's best work. "That's What's Coming" and "Away With Words" are lovely expressions not unlike the lengthiest songs from Eighth, beginning with flecks of feedback that burst into Rizzo's howling riffs. The hearty Americana rock of Lived To Tell is referenced in "Divining For Water" and "Sonic Reactor" where Rizzo does his best Neil Young homage while the rest of the band stoke the fury. Although this is an Eleventh Dream Day album, Riot Now! is a Rick Rizzo showcase burning with the guitar work and guileless lyrics that made this band so beloved for a quarter of a century.

The record release party for Riot Now! is on Friday, April 22 at Lincoln Hall in Chicago with Eleventh Dream headlining the show. Tickets are still available here.

Purchase Riot Now! here.

Eleventh Dream Day - Satellite (Download)


Eleventh Dream Day - Sonic Reactor


Bonus: Eleventh Dream Day recently released a couple extra, non-album tracks for free. Give them a listen below.

Eleventh Dream Day - I'll Come Running (Brian Eno cover) (Download)


Eleventh Dream Day - Isolation (Live - Joy Division cover) (Download)

Album Review: The Feelies - Here Before

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To be a fan of The Feelies, patience is a manifest prerequisite. Since their first album in 1980, the band has managed to release five full lengths in just over three decades. The act of listening to their meticulous music also takes a deliberate ear. The Feelies are much more than awkward elder statesmen of what was originally called Modern Rock. They share a direct lineage with The Velvet Underground whose monumental influence was propagated from simple mantras. Keep it simple. Take your time. Work within set boundaries. Deliver it effortlessly. 20 years after their last recording, The Feelies decide that the time is now for a new album. Even more surprising is how time has been suspended on Here Before, accurately representing the band through their more fertile years. It is the quality shines through despite the fact that The Feelies buttoned-up, yet earnest brand of music seems so unfashionable in the 21st century.

Kicking off Here Before is "Nobody Knows" where they lyrically express disbelief that they are even in the studio in 2011. The opening lines "Is it too late/To do it again/Or should we wait/another ten?" are self-aware but pinpoint accurate as they have a chuckle with their long waiting followers. The wistful lyrics throughout Here Before couple well with the branded Feelies guitar jangle, rubbery bass and crisp, purposeful percussion. "Should Be Gone" follows that lead adding some backing vocal harmony and a muted solo that could have been lifted from any of the previous works in their catalog. Continuing down memory lane are uptempo numbers "Time Is Right" and "When You Know" that remind of the high point rockers from 1988's Only Life without overextending themselves.

That jangle is what is instantly recognizable about the Feelies, but true beauty is found in their exercises in repetition and minutiae. The elemental nature of tracks such as "Later On" and "On and On" initially seem forgettable, but stick around as the infectious nature as the cyclic riff finds its place. The Feelies almost get emotional on "Morning Comes" stepping out from lyrical ambiguity and actually gritting their teeth with each annoyed pluck. "Change Your Mind" continues this trend, slowly building from restraint to a rockout coda that finishes with vitality and spark.

The concept throughout Here Before is whether or not one should move on from the past. Even the pastoral album cover looks like a idyllic place for the retirement that The Feelies left behind. Unlike the countless aged bands who are on nostalgia tours or half-assing new music just to cash-in, The Feelies did themselves a service by making a respectable and thought-out album that still works within the band's mission. They made a lot of committed and patient fans very happy as well.

Right-click to download "Should Be Gone" for free.

Purchase Here Before at Insound.

Three tracks from Here Before.


Way Down

The Antlers Make Two Songs Available For Early Download, Album Out May 10

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Brooklyn based trio The Antlers drew a lot of notice in 2009 with their conceptual piece Hospice that addressed the relationship between a dying cancer patient and her caregiver. It is heartbreaking prose as well as contemplative music and spurned attention from all critical arenas as well as an extended worldwide tour. The follow-up album to such an emotional and inspired work is always difficult. On May 10 via Frenchkiss Records we will find out the complete results when Burst Apart hits the streets. Based on the two free tracks available below, The Antlers have found a successful formula that builds on and breaks away from the heavy nature of Hospice.

"Parentheses" crackles with an eerie falsetto and sways with pulsing keys and sensual bass that impresses more with each listen. Comparatively upbeat despite the title "Every Night My Teeth Are Falling Out", the mandolin plucks accent the atmospheric swirl that cries out for attention. There are a lot of comparisons that can be heard on these new samples from the vocal work of Wild Beasts to the arena-sized bursts that Radiohead often delivers. If the rest of Burst Apart plays like these offerings, it is undeniable that The Antlers have effectively moved past their previous success and made another inspired and obsessively listenable album.

Preorder Burst Apart here.

Parentheses (Download)


Every Night My Teeth Are Falling Out (Download)

2011: (Quite Possibly) The Year Of Fucked Up

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Yes, I am aware of the bold statement I made with the title of this post. Allow me to explain.

This six-piece out of Toronto is one of the last great hopes for punk music and all it once represented. Fucked Up forges its path based on their D.I.Y. aesthetic, musicians who choose intensity first with technique running neck and neck and thoughtful, challenging lyrics delivered as a confrontational, passionate scream. Their first two full lengths Hidden World and The Chemistry of Common Life are epic and sprawling, a punch in the gut while it messes with your preconceived notions about music. It would have been already noteworthy to report on Fucked Up's forthcoming album. It appears the band has even grander plans than just a simple album release.

The 18-track LP David Comes To Life is due for a June 7 street date on Matador. The album's sprawling concept will center on a man in a fictional British town in the late seventies. To further flesh out this "rock opera", Fucked Up will be recording music for fake bands from that era to be included in another album. This faux compilation entitled David's Town will have a physical release on Record Store Day April 16. Give a listen to one of the made-up bands Animal Men and the song "Do You Feed?" below.

The first taste of Fucked Up's actual music from David Comes To Life came a couple of weeks back in the form of a free download. "The Other Shoe" features lovely female vocals juxtaposing frontman Damon Abraham's "signature" voice styling. This is the first of four teaser tracks trickling out until the lead up to the album release.

The second track was released today culminating in a free live performance/release party tonight in Palm Springs that coincides with this weekend's Coachella Festival. "A Little Death" is a true punk anthem on fire. The layers of guitars hit shoulder to shoulder with Abraham's chant for inspiration against all odds. The next two releases "Ship of Fools" and "One More Night" are due out April 26 and May 3 respectively. Who knows what publicity stunts will occur for those unveilings.

If that was not enough, after looking over the album's website it seems that there is a lot more coming including characters, prose and possible plot twists. Consider me enthralled. If they manage to pull off this grand feat, then consider 2011 as The Year of Fucked Up.

Bonus: Watch a video of Fucked Up playing live at the Viaduct Theater back in February of 2010. I wrote a review of the show that you can read here. Check out the audience participation referenced in the review at 3:55.

Fucked Up - A Little Death (Download)


Fucked Up - The Other Shoe (Download)


Animal Man (Fucked Up) - Do You Feed (Download)

The Sea And Cake Give Away Track From New LP

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Local gents The Sea and Cake have always been consistent in their efforts. Since their inception back in 1993, they have never changed record labels, never gone long without releasing new material and never needed to change or stray too far from their signature sound. When you hear a Sea and Cake track, you know it. Elements of jazz and indie intertwine into a chilled, cerebral flow of melodic guitar and snappy keys that perfectly supports the whispering vocals of Sam Prekop. Just as you were wondering where the band had gone, there is an announcement of a six song album(?) entitled The Moonlight Butterfly that will be out May 10 on Thrill Jockey. "Up On The North Shore" is the first taste and you can give it a listen below. The upbeat, airy feel on this track holds no surprises again but definitely simulates that breezy lakeside cruise along LSD. Grab the track for free by clicking on the arrow on the widget below.

Pre-order The Moonlight Butterfly here.

Up on the North Shore

Album Review: Wye Oak - Civilian

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Wye Oak are a duo out of Baltimore made up of Andy Stack and Jenn Wasner. Since 2006, their tenure has produced three albums, as well as last year's EP My Neighbor/My Creator, of stark and brooding music that relied heavily on the well-worn indie rock sensibility of LOUDquietLOUD. Lots of bands have built their nesteggs on that bedrock. The ones that breakthrough and leave their indelible mark on music do so with that extra intangible that keeps listeners coming back. For Wye Oak, that moment of truth comes on Civilian where they have never have to lean too heavily on harsh bluster. Instead their latest focuses on well crafted, tuneful music that moves mountains with the gentlest whispers.

The opening track of Civilian begins with the ambiance of a crowded theater setting up the anticipation of an event. Yet "Two Small Deaths" does not come off strong or heavy-handed. The simple guitar and ethereal vocals are a gentle push, building from subtlety. "The Alter" continues on this path, building momentum with a swelling tempo and throbbing organ while using the wordplay in the title to encourage the album's tangential religious theme. The first shakedown comes on "Holy Holy" where Wasner's guitar channels Sister-era Sonic Youth blasts of noise that never disturb her deadpan vocals. However, the song truly accomplishes its goal by muting the dissonance in favor of satisfying pop finish bursting to fruition. The Sonic Youth reference continues with the clatter of "Dogs Eyes" if only to prove that they can deftly traverse the avenues between harmony and discord.

The title track continues Civilian's streak of affected, anxious music with a pleasing outcome. The slow build is haunting yet ultimately alluring with outlaw riffs propelled by an insistent galloping beat from Stack. "Fish" has an ebb and flow that etches out a moment of lovely without losing any energy. It is merely the set-up before the uppercut of "Plains", where the unexpected sound blasts are stunning, but never distract from the woozy mood. By the time the awkward, lonely guitar of "Doubt" finishes Civilian, it is welcome and fitting for an album that is thick with the efforts of a band realizing their desired intention.

There is a lot of studied consideration on Civilian. The evidence can be seen in each song, perhaps an influence referenced, a vocal inflection utilized or an earnest melody found, that makes each song memorable. The ten songs are thoughtfully plotted like the elements of a treasure map where the general direction is sketched but the details are discovered during the journey. It is this kind of marked achievement that is not easily forgotten and should bring Wye Oak the attention and accolades they richly deserve.

Bonus: Check out the new video for "Fish" below.

Purchase Civilian here.

Civilian


Fish