The Antlers - "Burst Apart"

Artist: The Antlers
Record: Burst Apart
Label: Frenchkiss Records
Release Date: May 10th, 2011
Review by: Sean Kayden

The Antlers made huge waves in 2009 with their concept album, Hospice. It told the narrative of an emotionally disparage relationship, expressed through the analogy of a hospice worker and fatally ill patient. That record was on an array of best of the year lists from different publications. At the time of its release, I didn’t immediately dive head first into the compilation. I’m not objecting to the overwhelming praise Hospice received, but I can’t honestly say I agree either. Given my lack of knowledge of the band’s most profound material to date, I went into their follow-up album, Burst Apart with an open and uninfluenced mindset. While the ambition may not have been quite as high this time around, Burst Apart is an often subtle, perceptive, and emotive display of music. The record isn’t perfect, but The Antlers easily deliver some of the most personal, compelling, and heartbreaking songs of the year.

Founder/vocalist behind The Antlers, Peter Silberman’s voice is as soothing as they come by these days. It’s the kind of tone that can mend a broken heart. He sings in a crooning manner that floats on top of the delicacy and intimacy of the often times majestic arrangements. It is very easy to get immersed into the incontestable beauty of the songs. Tracks like “No Widows” and “Corsicana” will leave on the brink of tears. “No Widows” delves into the territory of solitude and death, while “Corsicana” speaks about two people trapped inside a room on fire. However, it’s Silberman’s tender voice that will shake you up and the overall aesthetics of these tunes that will have you recalling repressed memories. Where the album takes a few missteps is with songs like “Parentheses” and “Rolled Together”. The songs out of sync presence and/or possible resemblance to tracks off Hospice have them interrupting the incredibly fluid flow of the record. It’s an unfortunate scenario since Burst Apart could have been deemed an equal masterpiece to their previous landmark opus. Overall, there is too much good stuff here to wallow in slight disappointment over some misguided tunes.

“Putting The Dog To Sleep” is the ideal fitting cap to a record that will deeply affect you in more ways than initially imagined. The final track showcases Silberman’s reflective understanding of the parallels of life and death spoken with such clarity and of the likes of an old, wise soul. That’s saying a lot for a guy that’s still in his twenties. There is a very special feeling you’ll experience while listening to Burst Apart. It will effortlessly tug on the strings of your heart and gently guide you back to previous moments in life. My biggest problem though is that this elated sensation is short-lived due to the album clocking in at 41 minutes over the span of ten tracks (two tracks being ill-fitted for the record). Despite that minor imperfection, The Antlers’ forth record (second as a full band) is quite the unparalleled achievement in not only indie rock, but also all music across the board. Burst Apart will lift those heavy eyelids, alleviate that tiresome mind, and facilitate a wounded heart. If you’re in need of all or any of the aforementioned, do yourself a solid and pick up this amazing record.

Key Tracks: “I Don’t Want Love”, “No Widows”, “Corsicana”, “Putting The Dog To Sleep”
Grade: 8.9 out of 10

Published on May 28, 2011 by Mountain Views News
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Wild Beasts - "Smother"

Artist: Wild Beasts
Album: Smother
Label: Domino Recording Company
Release Date: May 10, 2011
Review by: Sean Kayden

Wild Beasts make their ceremonious return with, Smother; the band’s third and most accomplish work to date. On their previous record, “Two Dancers”, the band demonstrated their buoyant, unorthodox, and sexually idiosyncrasy side. This time around, Wild Beasts present a much mellower, focused approach to their unconventional elegance. Instead of simply attempting to recapture the magic of past efforts, the UK quartet dive head first into an ocean of uncharted musical territory. Smother is dazzling, vividly trenched with imagery and transcendental. This is a monumental achievement for a relatively under-the-radar band that continues to push the envelope with each record. Their undeniably boundless talents are once again exhibited in such a stellar, uncompromising, and poignant way.

With Smother, washed away is both their old quirkiness and outrageousness leading to a more mature, austere demeanor. One cannot help, but sense that their overall soundscape has become so divined, graceful, and endearing. Wild Beasts features two singers, Hayden Thorpe, who parades such seductive intonations and bassist Tom Fleming, whose voice is much deeper and masculine than his counterpart. Despite the contrast, their vocals blend seamlessly well together. In the standout track, “Invisible”, Fleming’s vocals are on full display. “The things I thought I'd want/They vanish one by one” is sung in a painstakingly wailing sort of manner. It’s not foolishly sentimental, but deeply affecting and presented reflectively. With the other gem, “Reach A Bit Further”, Thorpe and Fleming share the center stage, dishing out gorgeous vocal arrangements back and forth with the end results being irrefutably superb.

Smother is tightly produced, atmospheric and a grand showcase of utter originality and creativity beyond the means of anything currently polluting the airwaves. Such brilliance and bravado are soaked within the confines of this record. The album will speak volumes to you in ways most compilations could only imagine to ever do. The heart and pulse of Smother beats methodically, gently, and cautiously. However, there is always a sense of impending doom on the horizon. A feeling of something imploding feels very close on the verge. To listen to the album in its entirety (the way it should be experienced) will place you on a voyage of awe and wonder. It unravels slowly, but what becomes fleshed out is something persuasively beautiful, terrifyingly imaginative, and artistically innovative. Wild Beasts are simply more than just a band to watch out for. This is an ensemble that continually cultivates inventive music with such significance and intrepidness. Not only does it set them apart from the others, but also clearly puts them ahead by leaps and bounds.

Key Tracks: “Invisible”, “Reach A Bit Further”, “Burning”, and “End Come Too Soon”
Grade: 9.2 out of 10

Published on May 21, 2011 by Mountain Views News
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v05/htm/n21/p09.htm

Okkervil River - "I Am Very Far"

Artist: Okkervil River
Album: I Am Very Far
Label: Jagjaguwar
Release Date: May 10, 2011
Review by: Sean Kayden

Only until recently, I wasn’t all that familiar with the indie rock outfit, OKKERVIL RIVER. All I knew about them was that they were continually releasing critically acclaimed records dating back to 2002. Their sound and stories have always embodied pure Americana. Okkervil River’s sixth album, “I Am Very Far” strays away a bit from the band’s antecedent sound and in doing so they’ve crafted an entirely new facet to their progressively intrepid resonance. The recording process for the album differed from many other acts in today’s music. They initially recorded to tape, hired a room full of guitarists, two drummers, and provided a copious amount of strings, horns and other orchestra sections. When all was said and done, “I Am Very Far” proved to be a truly haunting, restrained, cold, despairing and magnificent work of artistry by a group that’s never followed the rules. As we all know, only the coolest of cool have the audacity to break away from the uninspiring norm.

The intensely affecting vocals of Will Sheff are a musical device all their own. Sheff is a veteran storyteller with the capacity of constructing a profound aura through his deep-rooted vernacular. “The Valley” kicks off the album with such vehemence. After listening to the opener, you may have an idea where the album is heading, but you’re going to be greatly mistaken. The follow-up track, “Piratess” is provocative and ominous. The grand finale track, “The Rise” (which differs a lot from the other songs) is a marvelous, sensitively elevated, and deeply harrowing piece of music that is the perfect fitting cap to one of the strongest albums of the year. While some tracks have a more vibrant tone, the true gems are the ones that are deliberately paced that place you on an emotional rollercoaster unlike anything you’ve experienced. You’ll quickly learn that Okkervil River is not your cookie-cutter indie band of the week. There is nothing generic or derivative about their expanding, poignant, and passionate sound.

Although violence is at the forefront of their lyrical imagery, there is still tenderness in the nature of their music. Ambiguity and elusiveness hover above the stories being told and everything you hear on the album is a breath of fresh air in a music society rapidly becoming stale and stagnant. “I Am Very Far” is a journey you should not hesitate embarking on. It may seem to appear a tricky one to navigate through at first glimpse, but once you let yourself take that leap of faith, you’ll end up realizing just how incredible it all was once you come to your destination. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself yearning to take another trip immediately afterward.

Key Tracks: “Piratess”, “Hanging From A Hit”, “Your Past Life As A Blast”, “The Rise”
Grade: 8.6 out of 10

Published on May 14, 2011 by Mountain Views News
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v05/htm/n20/p09.htm

Wild Palms - "Until Spring"

Artist: Wild Palms
Album: Until Spring
Label: One Little Indian Records
Release Date: April 12, 2011
Review by: Sean Kayden

In 2009, WILD PALMS’ first single, “Over Time” was a grungy, post-punk, sharp-edged tune with an indescribable aura of thrill, pizzazz, and restlessness. After the release of a couple of singles over the past two years, the London quartet has finally graced us with their debut album, “Until Spring”. They traded their too-cool-for-school attitude for U2-inspired arena rock anthems. It’s somewhat of an uneven record that suffers from being influenced by too many bands before them. However, as you journey through the peaks and valleys of “Until Spring”, you’ll discover that familiarity isn’t always a bad thing. Fans of recent indie groups, We Were Promised Jetpacks, Bombay Bicycle Club, and Wild Beasts will hear the resemblances in sound arrangements. Other generations will discover lead singer Lou Hill’s vocals to share similarities to 80s groups like Tears For Fears and New Order. It’s not entirely clear what Wild Palms were seeking out to accomplish with their debut album. I’m not completely sold with every track on the record, but even in uncertainty I’m still bizarrely mesmerized by a few of their more potent songs. Some may call Wild Palms’ earnest effort a complete misfire. However, whatever their intentions may have been, “Until Spring” is a pleasing, amiable, if not conventional, gloomy pop record. While the execution may have been slightly off, Wild Palms’ shortcomings still prove that their artistry and future endeavors are just some things to take into deep consideration.

Many first time listeners of Wild Palms from 2009 will be somewhat bewildered by their new undertaking of an entirely different and expansive soundscape. Expectations will get the best of you because Wild Palms circa 2009 is not the band you may have wanted to embrace in this year. Personally, if I had heard their original song that provided drone-like sounding vocals two years ago, they wouldn’t have even been on my radar. Since they’ve conformed to a more distinctive and recognizable style, I was more willing to seek them out. Now there really isn’t anything to be annoyed or irritated by with “Until Spring” unless you loathe the idea of a band implementing their influential roots into their debut presentation rather than determining their own personal, defining signature. Despite all that, you’re still left with an album with superior production values, an utterly infectious sound and better-than-average vocals. At the same token, lyrically you may not become enthralled and your emotions might never be put on the line. The album itself feels a bit of a contradiction. Wonderfully flawed best describes this rapture. In the end, Wild Palms is the kind of band you first discover at a music festival and tell all your friends about how an obscure band that sounds like better-known bands changed your life. Eventually you’ll realize the same feeling you had with thousands of people by your side in the moment you hailed the best time of your life doesn’t even come to close to being recaptured in the privacy of your bedroom while listening to the same band’s recorded album.

Key Tracks: “Draw In Light”, “Delight In Temptation”, “Swirling Shades”
Grade: 7.2 out of 10.

Published on May 7, 2011 by Mountain Views News
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v05/htm/n19/p10.htm

Five Under The Radar Summer Movies

By: Sean Kayden

Back in 2008, “The Black List” declared Kyle Killen’s script, THE BEAVER the number one unproduced screenplay. In early May it will be unleashed to audiences. It stars Mel Gibson as a distressed husband who finds a beaver hand puppet, which seemingly becomes his only means of communication. Directed and co-starring Jodie Foster, “The Beaver” premiered last month at the SXSW Film Festival with mixed-to-positive reactions. Despite any notable flaws with the movie, the buzz is strong on the acting performances, especially with Mel Gibson’s portrayal. It is apparent that he desperately needs “The Beaver” to be a moderate hit or his career as an actor may become a thing of the past. Regardless, “The Beaver” looks like a poignant family drama that will be filled with small, intimate moments about love, life, and the road to self-discovery no matter what age you are. Look for “The Beaver” in limited released on May 6th and opening wider on May 20th.



HESHER is directed and co-written by newcomer, Spencer Susser. It first was featured at Sundance in 2010. The film stars the always-superlative Joseph Gordon Levitt (500 Days Of Summer, Inception) as the titular character who’s radical, an arsonist and a loner. Hesher soon becomes the mentor and tormentor of T.J. (introducing Devin Brochu), a 13 year-old boy who moves in at his grandmother’s house with his despondent father after the accidental death of T.J.’s mother. Hesher ends up moving in as well to shake up the household. T.J.’s father Paul (Rainn Wilson), still grief stricken, doesn’t have the verbal fight in him to kick out Hesher. However, Hesher’s anarchy ironically pulls the family out of their anguish and aids them in embracing life once again. This one also co-stars Natalie Portman as a supermarket cashier that tries to protect TJ, whom he quickly becomes smitten with. “Hesher” was picked up by independent studio, Newmarket films last year and it will finally see the light of day on May 13th. From the looks it, “Hesher” has cult status written all over it and may just become a sleeper hit.



BEAUTIFUL BOY is an untraditional love story that explores the journey of a married couple on the brink of separation, who must live with inconceivable heartache after their 18 year-old son commits a mass shooting at his college, then subsequently ending his own life. Maria Bello (A History Of Violence, The Cooler) and Michael Sheen (Frost/Nixon, The Queen) star in this sentimental drama that debuted last year at the Toronto Film Festival. Shawn Ku is making his feature directorial debut with a script he co-wrote with Michael Armbruster. From the trailer and premise, “Beautiful Boy” obviously appears to be a heavy heart laden drama. I’m expecting a few (and for others, plenty of) tears. “Beautiful Boy” is either going to be a deeply moving, heart gripping tale or come off as pretentious, sappy, and maudlin. Whatever the case may be, I’ll definitely be checking out this hopefully fulfilling drama. “Beautiful Boy” will be in select theaters on May 20th.



Like “Hesher”, SKATELAND premiered at Sundance in 2010 and will arrive in limited theaters on May 13th, courtesy of Freelstyle Releasing. “Skateland” is the quintessential coming-of-age tale about a 19 year-old skating ring manager (Shiloh Fernandez) living in small town Texas in the 80s and on the cusp of figuring out his future. Ashlee Greene, from “Twilight” fame also co-stars. The movie appears to dip into familiar terrain, but I’ve always been a sucker for these types of stories. It’s about growing up, discovering who you want to become and what’s exactly important to you. I remain rather optimistic that first time director, Anthony Burns has skillfully crafted a charming and profoundly affecting film about small town adolescents with big dreams.



2010 Sundance Special Jury Prize winner, SYMPATHY FOR DELICIOUS, tells the story of a recently paralyzed DJ (Christopher Thornton) struggling with every day life. Things rapidly begin to change when he mysteriously discovers to posses healing powers to cure the sick – although not himself. The DJ receives more than he anticipated when he sets his sights on cashing in on his mystical gift in exchange for his rock n’ roll ambitions. The superbly talented actor, Mark Ruffalo finds himself behind the camera this time around as he makes his directorial debut. “Sympathy for Delicious” is fueled with a solid group of well-known actors including Ruffalo himself, Juliette Lewis, Orlando Bloom, Laura Linney, and John Carroll Lynch. First time writer and real life paraplegic, Christopher Thornton stars as the lead character, “Delicious” Dean O’Dwyer. I’ve heard mixed responses toward the film, but those who enjoyed it found it to be very effective. The delicate subject matter of faith may turn off a few people, but if you’re an open-minded filmgoer, “Sympathy For Delicious” might be an appropriate and hopefully rewarding substitute to seek out during a bloated summer movie season. You can find “Sympathy For Delicious” arriving in select theaters on April 29th and VOD May 5th.



Published on April 30, 2011 by Mountain Views News
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v05/htm/n18/p10.htm