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

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.

The Unsparing Sea - Diamond Caverns

The Unsparing Sea

Diamond Caverns

A Review By Brando Albers

            The unsparing sea has a very organic and natural energy. They fully utilize their unique sound creating a wonderfully pure experience. Hints of folk and an energetic shoe-gaze, mentality seem to blend effortlessly as the music plays on. Meaning this album can easily transform from entertainment into the soundtrack of your here and now.

            The vocals are what really set this band apart from all of these other folk-rock musicians. But its obvious that I can taste hints of "fleet foxes", "Midlake" and even a tinge of "boy and bear". But after it all has been said and done, this band really took the concept, shook it out and gently urged it back to life. The variety of instrumentation is by far one of the albums best points. I love the harp and violin combination on the track "sandpaper/sadpaper". If I was asked to list my top three favourite songs on this strong album I would have to put it this way:

1, Diamond Caverns

This song starts off with a decent amount of energy backed by his more laid back vocals. But when the chorus hits I feel like pressing my headphones tightly against my ears because I want this song to make love to my brain. Oh yes.

2, Held In The Light

The banjo is to die for. I also truly appreciate the use of the saw as it quietly cries in the background. I've heard a lot of bands ruin the saw, but this band knows exactly how much and when. Aside from the instruments I feel the vocals are absolutely solid mixing well with the country-ish feel. Delicious.

3, Only Armor

Totally impossible not to tap your foot to this song. Overflowing with energy. The country-ish vibe is still strong but they have tossed in a great indie-rock sensation. The chorus is wonderful and bursting with my "god this song completes me".

            This CD will forever remain on my mp3 player and in my car stereo because this album is most certainly one I will play when I go camping this summer. I can just imagine as the suns dizzy buzz washes over me as I sit watching the lake with this album playing from my car. Good times coming soon! I would not consider it a perfect album, but its not a bad album either. Really looking forward to what they do next. No pressure. I rate this Album7/10.

            The album is completely free to download from bandcamp although they also accept a payment of your choice if your feeling generous. Show them some love!