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New School The Decemberists – Picaresque The Decemberists are a five-piece outfit that have a pop sound similar to Neutral Milk Hotel and Belle&Sebastien. Colin, Rachel, Ezra, Nate and Jenny released their first album on Hush Records in 2002, they released a five-song EP shortly before that. Their full length debut, Castaways and Cutouts, was re-released that same year on the label Kill Rock Stars, and that’s when they started to develop a serious fan base. The year 2003 brought another album, Her Majesty, that was as similar in its theatrical indie pop as their previous albums. The following year they re-released part epic EP the Tain, based on the 8th century poem of the same name, which was then followed by their third, and most recent, full-length album, Picaresque. ‘The Infanta’, the opening track on this album comes in like a breath of fresh air and the rest of the album keeps you there. The smart production and lyrics are what keeps their old fans coming back for more, and their new fans intrigued by what the band has to offer. Songs about child monarchs and mythology goes as testimony to just how inspired this group is as musicians and it can never be said that they take a stoic approach to their writing. Picaresque is upbeat and more approachable then their prior work, and that’s part of the appeal. An amazing album, something you won’t put down once you start listening. DeathDigsDisco – DeathDigsDisco DeathDigsDisco is a male and female music duo that hails from the energy charged streets of Fort Lauderdale Florida. While they started as a publicity stunt they have slowly morphed into an act that we must all keep an eye on. In the early months of 2004 Yoko teamed up with EJ iBoot to create a style of music that is a mix of artcore, electronica, and grindcore. And while their music is a force to be reckoned with their performace is just as impressive. While I won’t give everything away I will say this: they have regular “shake dat ass” contests. That alone makes them worry of mention. The self-titled promotional EP that I received from EJ iBoot (in a restaurant no less) was something I didn’t expect to enjoy as much as I ultimately did. The raw production beats are impressive and well-executed. From the first track ‘Splatter’ on it’s nothing but a roller coaster ride of electronica music that resembles nothing I have ever heard. Trust that you won’t be disappointed. Old School The Queers – Everything’s O.K. EP Sometimes they’re mistaken for a queercore band but rest assured that’s a giant misconception. Some of their music has been labeled sexist and homophobic but they do it with such charm it makes you think of it as being good-natured and done with only well-meaning jokes at your expense. Formed back in 1982, these guys went through the decade putting out a few singles and compilations out on the way. The consistent group of Joe, B-Face, and Hugh were formed before they made their first album, Grow Up. They continued to make music and tour for their devoted fans until Hugh’s untimely death due to brain cancer. Then the band went on with a different line-up. While it can be said that Love Songs for the Retarded was their best album to date, this EP isn’t anything to scoff at. The original line-up was replaced with Joe being the only original member and two teens being his back-up band. The album album is very feiry and wants to reflect what they used to be but it never comes that close. The tracks on the album are fast paced and full of the usuals fare we have come to expect. If you are new to this band, start with their breakout Love Songs for the Retarded. If you’re a long time fan, this is an album that needs to be added to your catalogue. Radiogram – Unbetween Unbetween is one of those records you put on from start to finish and let play, for it’s that good. The album is charming and melodic with its acoustic guitars and violins. Summers spent at the beach and good whiskey are what this album inspires the listener to embrace. And while the tracks tend to be a little similar after a while you never get the sense that that’s the best and worst of them and what they have to offer us. This is an album that is a stepping stone and I’m sure that there is much Radiogram has in store for our listening ears. The CD has a lot of tracks that are worthy of a stand-out mention but my favourite is ‘Lost in the Park’. It’s on repeat on my CD player everytime this album is on and it’s quite possibly the best track this album has to offer. If you have the urge to listen to something that takes you to those times where life is simple and that well-worn dance floor could use another spin this album is just the thing for you. XXX |
