Real Estate - "Days"

Artist: Real Estate

Album: Days

Label: Domino Records

Release Date: October 18, 2011

Review by: Sean Kayden

Real Estate’s latest effort, “Days” is breezy, tight, sharp and laid back. It’s a bit more upbeat than their previous eponymous record back in 2009. This time around, the band finds themselves on a bigger label (Domino Records) with higher production values to boot. However, they don’t always fully utilize the higher production sound and often revert back to their lo-fi sonic landscape. One thing is certain; Real Estate has a very unique sound, even if it’s simplistic. There is both a cool and collective vibe to their disposition. The songs here are wistful, 60s inspired (Beach Boys style) and guitar-driven. From track to track, the record has this strange ability to lift you from your bed (where you’ll be when enjoying this kind of album) and have you floating aimlessly in mid air. “Days” is more comprehensive than Real Estate’s first record. However, more times than not, the songs here seem interchangeable to those on their debut. While not a terrible thing, it shows Real Estate displaying smaller growth than previously anticipated.

The biggest problem I have here is that while the record is ten tracks, two of the tracks actually debuted well over a year ago. What we’re left here is eight brand new songs. Given the nature of Real Estate’s arrangements (and sometimes repetitious sound) the record flies by. I mean, of course none of this matters if this is your first introduction to the band. By the end of the album, Real Estate sort of staggers to the finish line. “Younger Than Yesterday”, which made its first appearance on a previous EP record, feels a bit limp. It drags and easily the one track you’ll skip over. The final track, “All The Same” goes on for over seven minutes and the last four are purely dreamy and atmospheric, but rather anticlimactic. If it were only shorter in duration or separated into two songs then maybe it could work. Sadly, the payoff isn’t worth the wait. Before you know it, the album ends and it ends on a whimper. Despite the knock, there are a multitude of fine, well-crafted moments to be heard. Your best bet is to play this album on shuffle and hope to avoid the aforementioned song.

“Out of Tune”, which debuted last year, is a different story. Even a year later, this may be the best Real Estate song in their personal repertoire. Not surprisingly, the two stronger tracks off “Days” are the ones under three minutes. “It’s Real” and “Wonder Years” are the songs why you’re a fan and true believer of this band in the first place. Real Estate was built for quick, chill, 3-minute plus tunes. In the end, “Days” is no groundbreaking affair, but it’s ingrained with wistfulness, warmth and a soul. Airy, light, and reflective, the surf-pop/garage-pop resonance surprisingly works better in the brisk fall season than it would have in the glory days of summer. It may not grasp new listeners, but certainly please the ears of previous fans.

Key Tracks: “It’s Real”, “Out Of Tune”, “Municipality” and “Wonder Years”

Grade: 7.4 out of 10

Published on October 29th, 2011 by Mountain Views News

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Future Islands - "On The Water"

Artist: Future Islands

Album: On The Water

Label: Thrill Jockey

Release Date: October 11, 2011

Review by: Sean Kayden

It was only a year and half ago when Baltimore natives, Future Islands released their sophomore album (first from independent record label Thrill Jockey), “In Evening Air”. Heavy on synths with a dash of dreamy and pop, Future Islands’ promising reintroduction earned them the much-deserved attention from critics and pending fans. There was something inconceivable about “In Evening Air” that somehow revealed Future Islands as a band hopefully pioneering the future of modern rock music. It was a scary notion to begin with, but after listening to “In Evening Air” everything pointed in that direction. As heartbreaking as it was earnest, the music that was being created simply had meaning. To those who listened and found higher purpose, I can tell you that it wasn’t a fluke because Future Islands are the real deal. Let me proudly introduce to you, “On The Water”, the successor to “In Evening Air” and one of the more inspiring albums of 2011.

Future Islands return with their third LP, “On The Water”, a carefully crafted and slow burning album that exudes love, lost, and life. Exploring these common themes may evidently be cliché in rock music, however make no mistake, Future Islands are everything, but ordinary. There is something mythical ingrained on this compilation. “On The Water” probes for the wonders of life’s mysteries by beginning with the past and looking into the future. There is so much beauty to be found if you let the album seep inside of you. It will carry you to another time and place, but remind you that the only way of moving forward is looking onward. Granted nostalgia has become a repetitious subject explored in today’s indie rock music, Future Islands still find a way to tug at your heart. You may have to warm up a bit to Samuel T. Herring’s crooning, Dracula type vocals. In time, I’m sure you will and when that happens, you’ll see the light. This is the same light that will guide you on your path of dreams, hopes, and desires. “On The Water”, “The Great Fire”, “Where I Found You” and “Give Us The Wind” drive the album into masterpiece territory. Dreamy, passionate, and perceptive, these songs will pull you in and frankly, never let you go. A rare and majestic feeling that shouldn’t be missed by anyone that’s a fan of this music persuasion.

There’s little not to admire about this stellar and grandiose effort Future Islands have pulled off. It’s shocking and truly not fair that a band of this magnitude will go undetected to the masses. The embracing of “On The Water” feels like a spiritual awakening in the process. It’s a deeply satisfying experience that will affect you as if you were starting all over. The album carries its heart on its sleeve and this heart is warm, compassionate and giving. The conquest over both life and love bleed through the veins of “On The Water”. Instead of saying life is merely nothing, it reminds you that life is something after all. It’s simply how you accept it that makes all the difference in the end. Deeply personal and heavily emotional, “On The Water” reminds us just how powerful music can be. While it will impact any listener in numerously different ways, one thing is for certain, you’ll be surprised of how deep it sinks into your mind, body, and most of all, soul. Future Islands also proves that mind, body, and soul are all super-connected. If you think otherwise, you haven’t listened to “On The Water”.

Key Tracks: “On The Water”, “The Great Fire”, “Where I Found You”, “Give Us The Wind”

Grade: 9 out of 10

Published on October 22nd, 2011 by Mountain Views News
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v05/htm/n43/p11.htm

The Fall Mix

By: Sean Kayden

Family of the Year – “St. Croix”

“St. Croix” is the perfect jam for this fall season. Warm and upbeat, there’s no denying the magic. This is the ideal song to transition from the summer season into the autumn season. Songs like this make me believe how cool indie rock really just is. I can’t get enough of this joyous and indelible tune that is so light and breezy, it’d be a crime not to find it appealing in some way. “St. Croix”, which appears on Family of the Year’s latest EP album with the same name, is an ebullient tune that you really can’t go wrong with this fall season. Your ears will thank you and yes, you’re welcome.

St. Croix by Family of the Year

Heavenly Beat – “Desire”

“Desire” is the first song from bassist John Peña of the group, Beach Fossils. “Desire” is slightly reminiscent of the classic Beach Fossils sound, but much more polished and rhythmic. Despite its short duration (2:18), the song goes through a number of tempo changes. Silky smooth vocals, infectious drum beats and a delicate arrangement, “Desire” is the latest hidden gem of the season. It’s hard to imagine something more eloquent, pristine, and striking as this subtle and pensive tune is.

Heavenly Beat - Desire by lauralasmane

Weekend – “Hazel”

“Hazel” is a new song off Weekend’s EP album, “Red”. It’s the follow-up from their debut record, “Sports”. Hazel provides all the goodies—gush bass chords, clamorous guitar hooks and a flawless melody that would have most pop bands foaming at the mouth. This track is wall-to-wall reverb central that supplies the ideal amount of aggression, abrasiveness and boisterous sound to make it a must hear. Heavy on tempo, dark undertones and just all around badass, “Hazel” will have you hooked faster than heroin. The same euphoric feeling, but with none of the side effects. So, what are you waiting for?

Weekend - Hazel by Slumberland Records

Surfer Blood – “I’m Not Ready”

The aforementioned track comes off Surfer Blood’s upcoming EP, “Tarot Classics”. It’s undeniably catchy is a ridiculous understatement. This is a well-crafted tune that follows in the footsteps of Surfer Blood’s debut album, but far more laid-back. The 90s inspired indie rock act seems to be in top form with “I’m Not Ready”. It’s definitely an indication Surfer Blood is continuing down the right path. “I’m Not Ready” is a heavily guitar driven tune that’s as piercing as it is zealous. The song may be called “I’m Not Ready”, but I’m absolutely ready for some more Surfer Blood.

Surfer Blood - I'm Not Ready (Live from DC) by theaudioperv

Big Troubles – “You’ll Be Laughing”

This retro-pop treasure comes off the Big Troubles recent sophomore album, “Romantic Comedy”. Light on comedy, heavy on romantics, “You’ll Be Laughing” is a dreamy, 80s inspired tune that’s polished and divine. It will move you, tantalize all your senses and put you in a state of utter bliss. Saturated with autumn vibrations and flourishing, swooping hooks, “You’ll Be Laughing” is the cure to your post-summer blues. If you fall in love with this track, just wait until you hear the entire album.

Big Troubles, You'll Be Laughing by danceyrselfclean28

Published on October 15th, 2011 by Mountain Views News
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50/50 Review

"50/50"
Release Date: September 30, 2011
Directed by: Jonathan Levine
Screenplay by: Will Reiser
Rated R for language throughout, sexual content and some drug use
Review by: Sean Kayden

"50/50" is the story of an affable 27-year-old guy that becomes diagnosed with a rare form of spinal cancer and the events that take place afterward. Now you’re probably thinking a movie about cancer, how depressing. While it certainly has those moments, the movie is quite upbeat. It’s safe to say you can now abandoned any trepidation you may have had and devote your time to a truly special film. With strong performances from its key players, "50/50" is both endearing and good-hearted. Never is it cloying or heavy handed in its presentation of cancer. Will Reiser took his own real life experiences and adapted them into an incredibly strong screenplay. The third act of this movie will surely test your emotions while never feeling inauthentic, but remarkably honest. "50/50" is one of those rare films that can jungle both comedy and drama in perfect synchronicity. While it may not completely stick with you after it’s all said and done, odds are you’ll find something to like about 50/50 within its 99 minutes duration.

Joseph Gordon Levitt plays Adam, an amicable guy that works in radio. He’s currently have intimacy issues with his girlfriend, but other than that, life seems to be going fairly copasetic. Seth Rogen, (who’s undoubtedly way better as a supporting character than a leading man) plays Kyle, Adam’s perpetually horny best friend. Rogen is actually quite great here playing the comedic relief character. He’s never overbearing nor does he try to steal the show. A rather low key and restrained performance by a guy who can be either really funny or just plan annoying in movies. Levitt, on the other hand, plays the character with sharp precision and a great amount of self-awareness of the disease. Bryce Dallas Howard, portrays Rachel, Adam’s girlfriend who seems reluctant to care for him to the fullest. This leads to a few poor decisions on her part, which inevitably leads Adam not being able to deal with it anymore. Howard is great in her subtle performance, but there’s not much to like about her character (or the things her character ends up doing). She claims this cancer thing is too much for her to handle, but really, it’s the person diagnosed with it that has a hell of a lot harder time coping with it than any of the spectators. Anna Kendrick effortlessly slips into the character of Katherine, Adam’s super young therapist. You can get a sense that Katherine starts to show an affinity toward Adam, but knows that it’s unprofessional to do anything about it besides help him with his condition. If the movie takes any misguided steps, it’s the very “Hollywood”-esque outcome to what occurs between them. However, I can’t say that it doesn’t work. It’s what you’ll want in the end even if it feels a bit cliché.

Surprisingly, the movie is more about how others close to the person with the disease react rather than the one actually diagnosed with it. Adam finds himself breaking down in the third act of the movie when everything is on the line. He feels alone, scared, anxious and confused. Everything you could imagine about dealing with such a horrible (and unjust) disease. Despite these moments, "50/50" still remains rather optimistic. It carefully knows when to strike with flashes of sadness and positivity. "50/50" doesn’t hit you over the head with the idea of cancer and all it’s dreadful baggage, but shows you that the best medicine is both the love and support of the people close to you. The relationships and friendships of those in your life will ultimately prove to be the greatest healer of all.

Director Jonathan Levine has progressed further along in his filmmaking abilities.
Levine has a perennial future in Hollywood, that’s for sure. While "50/50" may not be his best film ("The Wackness" is undeniably a superbly underrated film), it is however one of the best of the year. Despite a few minor issues with the romantic aspects of the film, there’s little to knock about it as a whole. Honest, sincere, emotional when needed and genuine all around, "50/50" is simply just a great film. The odds are definitely stacked in your favor that you’ll come out of the theater feeling like a winner. What is it that you won you may ask? That really just depends on how much you’ve invested into the movie.

Grade: 4.5 out of 5

Published on October 8th, 2011 by Mountain Views News
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v05/htm/n41/p10.htm

Mini Album Reviews

Review by: Sean Kayden



The Drums sophomore album, “Portamento” is a dark, jangly pop record that excels to the utmost degree. While it feels like a retread of their debut album, the surf pop outfit has drifted more into a melancholy sound reminiscent of The Smiths (and so many earlier 80s acts). Jonathan Pierce remains a hopeless romantic on “Portamento”. However, even with the simplicity of lyrics such as “And I believe, that when we die, we die/so let me love you tonight, let me love you tonight”, The Drums are infectiously catchy. Within minutes, you’ll be singing along to nearly every gem on this album as well dancing your little heart off. One thing is for certain, a lot of personal memories and ominous undertones lie embedded within the record. Happy go lucky and let’s go surfing type of lyrics have been replaced by the thought of ex-girlfriends, ex-bandmates and the feeling of “right now”. The Drums have grown wiser, albeit not quite to the extent of reinventing their sound, but still expanding on a resonance that simply works, most of the time. “Portamento” was released on September 6th, 2011 on Universal Island Records. Score: 8.3 out of 10.



Cymbals Eat Guitars have such a ferocious sound. With so many new acts these days using electronics, it’s quite refreshing (and seemingly old-fashioned) to hear raw, guitar-driven, augmented tunes. Audacious, strong writing, and an amalgamation of garage rock, pure noise rock, and haunting melodies, sophomore record “Lenses Alien” is deeply penetrating to your senses. While the theme of the album feels a bit scattered, each song works near flawlessly its own right. Cymbals Eat Guitars is a band to watch out for and one that both mainstream rock acts and hard rock bands should be not only envy of, but jealous of their stunning conclusions to their songs. “Lenses Alien” was released on August 30th, 2011 on Barsuk Records. Score: 8.1 out of 10.



NewVillager’s sound is pure experimental. Their self-titled debut album has it all—crazy arrangements, pop and R&B influences, but still falls into the elusive indie rock universe. Definitely a sound that defines “alternative”, NewVillager may be onto something. They are taking the best parts of each genre and blending them together. At the end of the day, what you end up with is something truly impressive, inventive and awesome. The record has a grand sound, with excellent production values. The record truly hits the mark. NewVillager’s sound is different and almost groundbreaking. They may not be creating entirely new soundscape, but the pastiche of tunes is allowing them to separate themselves from nearly everyone else. NewVillager has the ability to become leaders with their mesmeric sound. They are pushing the envelope in unthinkable ways, but I hope they have the staying power to continue along this path. As long they don’t succumb on being merely followers with subsequent releases, the future of NewVillager appears to be unpredictable in the best kind of way. The self-titled album was released on June 20th, 2011 on IAMSOUND Records. Score: 8 out of 10.

Published on October 1st, 2011 by Mountain Views News
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v05/htm/n40/p10.htm