Wednesday 1 May 2013

Michael Salamone - Heros and Villains

Michael Salamone

Heros And Villains

Review By Brando Albers

Michael Salamone has constructed an album that explores both his willingness to experiment and ability to pull all that inspiration together creating a truly original effort. Its titled “Heros And Villains”. The song writing and structure is quirky in a pleasantly confident way. He seems to pull together all these unique pieces in a way that makes them resonate with the warmest of sensations. Michael weaves together wonderful guitar melodies backed by reverberated chording that binds the music making it feel tight and clean. The vocals drift softly along with the captivating instrumentation with ease.

Michael Salamone has such a powerful presence, with each song he pulls you in deeper. Sharp pianos flutter on top of acoustic guitars. A mixture I love for sure. I wouldn’t use the word predictable in terms of his song writing, I’d more so use telepathy. He knows what works well together and delivers exactly what you would want to hear next. Songs evolve without any discomfort. My top three favourite songs are:

1, Pickled Eggs:
This song was a very good song to finish the album with. It is equally strange as it is beautiful. I also want to point out the very luring sound of Michael's voice on this track. Its so captivating, his voice growls with a raspy edge. A truly pleasant and unique song.

2, Denver Is A Good Place To Die:
This song is commanded by the very prominent plinky toy piano sounding melody. I also think Michaels vocals on this track of very good. This song is out of the ordinary and I think that is what I like most about it!

3, Huxleys Revelation:
This song is very catchy. It creates a very attractive atmosphere which I can slip into very easily. Michaels vocals quietly guide you along but are never overpowered. I also love the bouncy bass line in the chorus. A solid song and a favourite of mine.

Michael Salamone really deserves your time, set aside a good hour to really digest his album. Heros And Villians is not just another album you can toss on when you’re doing the laundry or whatever. This album goes best with headphones and whatever mellows you out. Get ready for a ride! I rate this album 8/10. Great Effort hands down.

Check out Michaels Salamone's website at: http://michaelsalamone.com

You can also buy this album at:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CIMF72Y/ref=dm_sp_alb

Saturday 20 April 2013

Crowe - Self-Titled



Crowe
Self-titled
Review By Brando Albers
Crowe has put together a masterful album. Grungy guitars, in your face bass riffs lead by demanding vocals. This album exudes the very essence of summer. The song writing is tight which goes very well with their organic sound. There is nothing more pure then a band that lays down their tracks with honesty and passion. Crowe has this wonderful knack of giving you exactly what you want to hear. Forever coming back for more.

Crowe features 8 tracks which offer a great deal of flexibility while showcasing the bands versatility and skill. But dont think that their stuck within any comfort zone, Crowe took full advantage of their sound exploring the limits while keeping the sensation uniform and precise. When I listen carefully to their music I notice similarities to "The Pixies". The vocals as well as the grungy-garage-ish type feel. My top three favourite songs are:

1, Skin and Bone
This song is the one that resonates the most in terms of the "Pixies" reference. A solid song that keeps me coming back for more. A true hit!

2, Undone
This song is very easy to relate to. An anthem for those who have undergone heartbreak and tragedy. The chorus is what really grabs me. Such strong emotion, convincing and honest.

3, Troubadour 
This song is crammed full of hooks and slick guitars. This song flows with ease. Clearly Crowe puts a lot of tender care into the song writing process.

To sum this album up, I'd have to say this album was full of pleasant surprises around each corner. Each track was pumped full of purpose and likability. It is obvious that Crowe is onto something important and meaningful! Such a great work in total. I rate this album 8/10. A solid effort and great summer album.
To get this album go to: crowetunes.bandcamp.com

Saturday 13 April 2013

SynchDub - Cool As Backside

SynchDub

Cool As Backside

Review By Brando Albers


SynchDub has brought together a very strong and fulfilling effort. "Cool As Backside" is a mind blowing album that isn't afraid to get in your face. Glitchy anxious arrangements keep you on the edge of your seat as the pounding bass sinks you deep within. A strong warm sensation builds within your spine and explodes like fireworks in your mind. With each and every song, new and vivid imagery is implanted into your mind. A true adventure filled with lush sounds and the constant element of satisfying surprise.

I cannot stop listening to this album. Each time I hit play I find more and more aspects of the music that engage me. The songs evolve and grow which makes the music interesting to listen to numerous times over. A great album to melt into your chair listening to, especially at night with big headphones on. But, this album can also be the ultimate compliment to that wild party your planning this weekend. One thing I really love about this album is how it connects perfectly with the electronic music I listened to as a teen. While at the same time, bringing something ground shakingly fresh and excitingly new to the table. My Top three favourite songs are:

1, Crystal Of A Dream:

This song has a crunchy tight lounge-ish feel to it. Plenty of room to stretch which SynchDub takes full advantage of. Often times musicians put too much variation into one song... But SynchDub knows exactly how to mesh all the parts together effortlessly. You drift around through SynchDub's universe of delicate frequencies with ease. This song showcases exactly that, which makes it my favourite no doubt. I want to remix it!

2, Overactive Imagination:

A great song which I reviewed as a single not that long ago. I fell in love with this song the first time I heard it. So when I was given the album to review I was pretty excited. The album lived up to and far beyond my expectations! This song is a hit no doubt!

3, Like A Dreadful Rushed Wind:

This song is not only catchy and easy on the ears, it also brings back interesting memories. This song is almost like a wonderful revamp of the electronic music often featured in old space and geographic documentaries from the 70's and 80's. I remember those videos being the best part of geography. Psychedelic and adventurous. Good combo indeed.

All in all this album truly expands the single and demonstrates SynchDub's true potential. Plenty of imagination and fearless experimentation seems to be the recipe here. Its always a pleasure hearing music by SynchDub and I can hardly wait to hear whats next. I rate this album 8/10!

If you want to get your hands on this kick-arse album click the link below... NOW!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/cool-as-backside/id616111406

Tuesday 2 April 2013

Synchdub - Overactive Imagination


Synchdub

Overactive Imagination (SINGLE)

Review By Brando Albers



Synchdub's single "overactive imagination" is a tune packed full of alluring elements that grab you by the collar and pull you into the bliss. Swelling bass lines erupt around you as twitchy percussions pulse along that cause a sublime chill. The songs energy courses through your veins giving you an overwhelming high.

As the song evolves the industrial boldness simmers and transforms into a smooth melody driven rage. I can be certain that this track has been the soundtrack for memorable nights out for many. Something sexy, meeting someone in a club as everything around you pulses with the bass. Bodies rubbing, slow and lustful. Lights blaring as the buzz pulls you in. That high moment where you know you couldn't stop smiling even if you tried. Absolute perfection.

The song craft seems so direct that it comes off as a perfectly honest, natural track. Its great when you hear music by an artist that is within their element, they are without fear. They create what they feel inside which is translated seamlessly into their music. This artist is totally within their element! It takes a great deal of raw talent to achieve this. Thats what makes this track so wonderful!

I rate this song 9/10. A kick ass track to play at any party, sure to get a rise out of the audience. This song is going into my list of favourites no doubt!

Monday 1 April 2013

From Sir to Count - Psychological Antidotes and Soul Prescriptions

From Sir to Count

Psychological Antidotes and Soul Prescriptions

Review By Brando Albers


This album sheds light on the inner struggles one may face. A personality that is fighting its way out from underneath your own skin. Often times this album dwells within darker realms. Occasionally brightening up to uplift you with gentle words of positivity and reinforcement. This album is largely a poetic, spoken word style album backed by catchy beats and psychedelic instrumentation. The vocalist whispers his truths and presents them as one would while acting in a play. Full of character and individual direction.

This album appears to be a concept album because it seems to document his own introspective understandings in way that grows track by track. He emulates these disturbed characters that remind me of "Rob Zombie" at times. The artist is digging deep into himself and openly laying it out on a canvas for everyone to see. My top three songs for this album are:

1, To The Ocean 
"Let the wrong words leave you, let the mind be at peace. Clean away all your worries to the ocean, let them free." This song has a very strong positive message which is uplifting. A good song to toss into the mix. It truly gives the album more space to breathe. His voice is calm as the ambient bliss compliments his tone. Soothing and cleansing. By far my favourite song on the album.

2, Never Loved You (Half Moon Remix) 
This defiantly reminds me of "Rob Zombie" or even the artist "Wet Cat". This song is punchy and grabs your attention. His voice quietly growls "I never loved you!" Strong hooks and great songwriting on this track for sure. Sad, but not in a way that brings you down. For example, perfect song for getting over a messy relationship.

3, To The Moon 
This song is both mellow and psychedelic as it is direct and meaningful. "You can take a rocket ship to mars, remember darling. The feeling lives in you." A struggle many of us under go. We run from problems within. No matter how far we go or how hard we try, we are still host to the original problem. It festers deep into our bowels until maybe one day we can forgive ourselves and set it free.

This album is uplifting because I can clearly see forward motion, but the struggle has not concluded. The artist is deep within the thick of it but is climbing his way out of the twisted wreckage he depicts in his songs. If you find yourself in a similar situation then this album is perfect for you. Give it a listen!

Tuesday 19 March 2013

Life Jackets - Hoodies



Life Jackets

Hoodies

Review By Brando Albers

            The album opens with dual voices asking you to "wake up". Something about the way the voices go together send chills through my skin. Its equally uncomfortable as it is enjoyable. The album starts off chill but that changes very quickly. It suddenly transforms into a down-tempo reverberated sort of sound. This album has a lot of strong points but their direction or idea for this work is not always completely clear.

            They have a lot of talent and have some very good songs. But it seems like they are still trying to find their sound. Their album features alternative rock-ish songs, down-tempo electronic, club-dance and dub-step. But not all at once. I personally don't mind because I like variation and interesting music, but for example the general listener may hear a song and think I'll download this. But then realize that none of the other songs are similar to the original sound that won them over. I guess it all depends. My top three songs are:

1, Erry Time I Die
This song resonates with me, I'm not normally for this style music. But this song appeals to me. I like how it seems like a typical club song at first but then it blasts into this very distorted, grungy dub-step chorus. I think its pretty damn catchy.

2, This Kid I Know
I like how mellow it starts off with lush acoustic rhythms. Suddenly a snarling, reverberated guitar pipes in accompanied by his very suitable vocals. This song is more alternative rock-ish which seems to fit them very well.

3, OMG
Yet another extreme change from the previous two songs I mentioned. They now take on a sound similar to "Faded Paper Figures" or "The Postal Service". I'm always a sucker for synth based tracks. I love electronic, it tastes great.

            All in all this album is great, just all over the place. So if you like being pleasantly surprised by a wide variation of sounds on one single album then this is for you. If your a stickler for consistency, this may be a bit harder for you to digest. But in the end, good music is still good music. I give this album 6/10

            Download it from bandcamp.com!

Chrome Sparks - Sparks EP



Chrome Sparks

Sparks EP

Review By Brando Albers

            Chrome Sparks has delivered to the world an astounding EP which is fulfilling and rich. A good thing since the EP only features six tracks. The album art really jumped out at me with its simple but alluring concept. Chrome Sparks remind me of a more chilled out jazzy version of "Tycho" with hints of "Crystal Castles". Electrifying!

            This artists music explores a very large variety of samples and sounds. Its one of those EP's that grow in depth with every listen. I can just imagine sitting in some downtown cafe chatting with friends as this album swoons in the background. I'd also suggest it for more intimate situations. There is something really sexy about their music. The beat and melody drive deeply into our souls urging us back off and calm down. Its a silent sort of motivation. In other words, On the surface I am motionless and in a trance. But inside I feel as if I am undergoing some sort of transformation that has strong personal value. My top three songs on this EP are:

1, Send The Pain On
This song starts of with a bitter sweet melody which is then accompanied by a full, vibrant melody. The melody grabs hold of your soul as if it were a beach stone and hurdles it towards the sunset. You feel the warmth and bask in the light, and you are also strangely comfortable with the inevitable decent into the depths where you may never see the light of day again. I truly enjoy the way this song wraps itself around you.

2, Cosmic Claps Of Love
This is the track I was referring to earlier, the one that would be great for a cafe soundtrack. And it truly would. It is funky and light, sort of like what "Zero 7" does except with a revitalized electronic feel to it. Its also good driving music, at night obviously.

3, Your Planet
This is a very relaxing song and is one that finds its way into my playlists frequently. During times of crass behavior and misled thoughts, nothing soothes better. Its hard to unwind from our daily stresses. This song pulls me away from all worries and aggravations. Truly chill.

            To conclude this review, I truly want you to track this EP down and give it a good listen. You will not regret it. I rate this EP 8/10. A strong set of songs indeed.

            Download it free at bandcamp.com

Saturday 9 March 2013

Golden Sun - Self-Titled EP

Golden Sun

Self-Titled EP

Review By Brando Albers


            A grungy hissing EP of pure pleasure. I am so pleased to be reviewing Golden Sun. The EP starts off strong and confident both instrumentally and vocally. I am a sucker for lo-fi so when I heard this album I melted into a bashful mess. The vocals in terms of equalizing remind me of "The Strokes" or even "The Hives". But the music itself feels more lush and full of variation, although the previous two bands that I mentioned failed to tap into that.

            The guitar demands your attention in a very powerful way but it never seems to over power the vocals. Some bands seem to have over powering members or sounds, but from the way this band sounds to me they have it all figured out. I am glad this band came together and recorded this EP because my life would be bland without it. I don't mind EP's but even if I love every song on it (Which I do) I always crave more. But either way this effort has gained my respect and acknowledgement. My top three songs for this album are:

1, Strangers
Unlike the rest of the EP with its intense melodies that demand your attention, this song is gentle and gives me chills. This song is one to listen to late at night in the dark with headphones. The guitar reminds me of "Radiohead" all the while the vocals give the song its own vibe. The vocals in this song put me in a trance. Beautiful, honest and currently on repeat.

2, Bonneville
This song would be the one I'd make a music video for if I were in the band. This song holds their music sensibility close but also provides a sound that is digestible for those with more mainstream tastes. I could easily see this song being the vehicle for their success. A wonderful tune indeed.

3, Kings Cup
The song starts with a catchy reverberated guitar riff that grabs hold of me and pulls me along. The music lulls as the vocals climb through the haze. Memorizing and sexy. Something about his voice truly holds some sort of interest. I wouldn't mind if he narrated "BBC's Life". Aside from those wanderings I truly feel this band has it all.

            I can hardly wait to see what this band does next. Sometimes it can be scary liking an EP this much because if the following release does not match or exceed, it can leave an awful taste in my mouth for days. Similar to eating a clove of garlic just because your brother dared you. Either way this EP was splendid and will be added to my music collection for sure! I rate this EP 9/10.

            This EP is available on bandcamp.com Get it NOW!

Faunts - High Expectation / Low Results



Faunts

High Expectations / Low Results

Review By Brando Albers

            The intro is a very spacious chill that fades off with the sound of night critters. All the sudden, like a storm in the middle of a hot summer night, the drums and guitar rush over me as the vocals nervously whisper in the background. Reminds me of "The Verve – Neon Wilderness" except with anxious tones, and the need to express them. Even though some of their songs are filled with fuzzy mind altering psychedelic bits, I can always feel the structure and the intent. Controlled madness works for me.

            As the album progresses it sticks to the nervous vocals, but the music itself mellows. They have the gentle fragile sound of "Wild Nothing" or even hints of "Washed Out". As the album swells into an intense barrage of sounds it suddenly relaxes and stretches out for a dream. This album has weather or very independent moods. That is a comfortable way to describe it. Or it could represent ones life cycle or more obviously, the birth and death of love once shared. Either way I feel this album is very important and should be listened to straight through because its a beautiful detailed story. My top three songs for this album are:

1, Parlier De La Pluie Et Du Beau Temps
This song is instrumental but it speaks directly to me. I get an "Air" vibe from this song but not in the sense that its lost its originality. The emotions that this song evokes within me are so strong. Like a movie, I visualize. "I attempt to blend into the population one night, a social suicide as it all explodes in my face. She left me the night before. I find the closest door and rush through it. I am then walking home down unfamiliar streets mauling the night over in my mind. Questioning purpose and potential of my future. Anxiety sets in which injects fear into my soul as my mind spirals downward. Four minutes and thirteen seconds into the song I fall apart and begin running. Buildings blur as a strong sickness grows within the depths of my bowels. I am wrenched to the ground and I grasp at my skin trying to mend the pain. The sick bitter taste of heartbreak slowly claws its way up my throat and coats my tongue with its bitter sting. I lay lifelessly on the sidewalk alone for all to see and ignore." But then again, that's just how this song speaks to me.

2, Gone With The Day
This song reminds me of "Chris Isaac". It is such a beautiful song, the song is so good infact that when it ends and you put it on a second time. By the end of it you realize that about 26 minutes had gone by, but your ok with that. Hell, third times the charm.

3, Instantly Loved
The aggression and distortion is delicious. This song is powerful with its whirring guitars and fluttering frequencies. The vocal melodies grab you and never let go. A pleasant vacation for the eardrums.

            I would recommend this album to everyone and would as suggest that you play it during a rain storm at night as you drive aimlessly trying to clear your head.