Tanlines - "Mixed Emotions"

Artist: Tanlines
Album: Mixed Emotions
Label: True Panther Sounds
Release Date: March 20, 2012
Review by: Sean Kayden

Jesse Cohen and Eric Emm, the dynamic duo behind Tanlines, have already been on the scene for a couple years. However, it’s not until now that the boys from Brooklyn have released their debut LP, “Mixed Emotions.” The influences range from pop, indie, dance and even world music. The aptly titled record is exactly what the record feels like—a collection of mixed emotions developed into one of the most vivacious sounding records thus far this year. On the lyrical forefront, it’s a fairly conventional outing. Despite the customary lyrics, the real attraction is the band’s overall sound and how Emm’s sprightly vocals oscillate with each line. The music absolutely brings the listener to a completely new emotional elevation. The bending of genres is both brilliant and utterly alluring. There is something naturally genial about “Mixed Emotions.” The songs are constructed in such an effervescent, expressive, and earnest manner. When Tanlines feel like slowing things down a bit, in songs such as, “Abby,” “Rain Delay,” and “Cactus” the transition from a lively paced sound palette to a more ethereal soundscape is done so smoothly. “Mixed Emotions” was appropriately released on the first day of spring because this is the record to uplift your mood from the grimness of a dead winter to the exuberance of a fresh start as the new season becomes underway.

The first single, “Brothers,” is positively addicting. It’s as a cool as a spring breeze with the synths mimicking the wash of an ocean tide. “Mixed Emotions” starts off indisputably strong, but does it hold that grasp the entire time? Track number two, “All Of Me,” is a pure, unadulterated dance-pop tune. You’ll shimmy and grove to the infectious beats and high-tempo energy it puts on. Third time is certainly the charm when you get to “Green Grass.” It’s money and hands down the most fun song off the record. It’s absolutely striking with an unusual hint of a Bruce Springsteen covered behind a synthesizer. Tanlines make no fallacious moves nor do they ever appear to be facetious. Their sound is thoroughly distinctive yet you can hear the influences and sense the inspirations that made this record possible. For fans of their earlier work, this full-length album was worth every bit of wait.

I’m not sure if another album this year will be filled with so much raw passion, vitality, and ebullience. It’s considerably amazing how everything feels perfectly executed. Tanlines have composed a record with songs that will either have your feet moving to the beats, your mind contemplating whatever troubles you, or your heart finding much needed relief. Even if you don’t deeply connect with the lyrics, you’ll discover something to become attached with in each and every song. The Brooklyn natives go above and beyond with “Mixed Emotions,” making it a truly incredible debut presentation. Given all the superfluous bands that put on a façade in the similar realm of Tanlines, what makes this particular effort inexplicably impressive is how it’ll resonate with you well after completion. It’s an outstanding achievement on any playing field, not just the one Tanlines are currently participating in.

Key Tracks: “Brothers”, “Green Grass”, “Abby”, “Lost Somewhere”, “Cactus”
Grade: 9 out of 10

Published by Mountain Views News on March 20th, 2012
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v06/htm/n12/p11.htm

Jonquil - "Point of Go"

Artist: Jonquil
Album: Point of Go
Label: Dovecote Records
Release Date: February 22, 2012
Review by: Sean Kayden

After the release of two under-the-radar EPs, the UK quartet, Jonquil, look stronger than ever with their new oeuvre, “Point of Go." Floating on beautiful melodies, demonstrating a truly unique modern sound, and displaying mellifluous vocals make for a completely enjoyable album to kick off the spring season. The group feels more comfortable this time around exploring their wall of sound to the fullest. While it may not be regarded as something groundbreaking, Jonquil have composed a terrific and original “pop” record in the midst of flat and dull mainstream acts overtaking the radio airwaves. The band seemingly knew exactly what they wanted to set out to do and have accomplished just that—a superb record that reflects upon their earlier influences of 70s/80s pop rock, but also remains faithful to originality, creativity, and a refreshing grasp on contemporary pop.

“Point of Go” starts off with “Swells," a song that entirely exposes Jonquil for what they are—a group with the aptitude of crafting music that soars from beginning to end. It offers so much in three and a half minutes that you may raise concern if the rest of the record can keep up and well the answer is yes, without a doubt. “Getaway” follows with a quick tempo providing the background for a soft and delicate vocal arrangement. The single, “It’s My Part,” is indelible. With a tropical-induced rhythm and utterly appealing guitar work, it’s the ultimate spring song. “Run," the best song off the album is wholeheartedly captivating right from the start and easily rivals any and all other releases in the pop realm. “This Innocent” slows the record down a bit, but no complaints here. The dreamy backdrop is a pleasant change of pace. The second to last track, “History of Headaches” is peaceful and tranquil. Jonquil is content on being the outsiders and everything they do is outside the box in terms of delivering something new and untarnished.

The eleven-track compilation is sharp and smooth. Never does it meander from the course it’s traveling down. It’s pure beach pop throughout, but the band is able to offer a special take on it than other groups in the same spectrum. Jonquil offers ten truly glistening tracks that impress beyond any expectations. This is simply fun music that is both cheery and memorable. The UK lads don’t exchange substance for style, but provide both without ever compromising their artistic choices. “Point of Go” effortlessly establishes itself as not only a stellar addition to the indie territory, but also the expansion to all realms of music.

Grade: 8.3 out of 10
Key Tracks: “Swells”, “It’s My Part”, “Run”, “History of Headaches”

Published by Mountain Views News on March 17, 2012
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v06/htm/n11/p15.htm

Soft Swells - "Soft Swells"

Artist: Soft Swells
Album: Soft Swells
Label: Modern Outsider Records
Release Date: February 29, 2012
Review by: Sean Kayden

Newbies Soft Swells pour their sorrowed heart and soul into a summer induced album in the midst of a winter season. The poppy rock duo evokes youthfulness that’s becoming more and more ubiquitous with today’s emerging indie acts. Tim Williams and Matt Welsh have a proclivity for creating laidback, pleasing to the ears, accessible tunes. However, their self-titled debut record offers little differences to comparable acts. While the songs here are all relatively sweet and simple, the pot of gold you may be looking for at the end of the rainbow has already been looted. In other words, the cutesy approach of Soft Swells wears out its welcome a bit too quick. The package here is perfectly put together, but the gift inside is something you’ll either have little use for or already own.

Maybe I’ve become slightly jaded over time because if Soft Swells released this album years ago, I may have more love for it. Unfortunately, that’s not the case because the band sounds like “Foster The People” meets “Young The Giant.” Sure, those are two successful bands of the past year, but an album such as this one merely feels trapped within the shadows of those now heavy hitters. Lately, debut records such as this one feel like a dime a dozen. Despite the glaring familiarity, Soft Swells do assemble a few commendable songs. “Say It Like You Mean It” (an incredibly overused title for songs) offers a chilled out melody with contagious guitar riffs. It’s a fun, but a harmless track. Nothing special to report here that hasn’t already been said before on such a tune. “Don’t Cut It Off”, both lyrically and musically, reminds me of “Taking Back Sunday” circa 2009. While I enjoyed the song to a certain degree, it did appear considerably dated. I was purely captivated by what the song reminded me of rather than what it was trying to aim for in 2012. “Never Leave Home” is sung in such a plaintive manner. It easily becomes the sole highlight of a record that has a mixed bag of expendable treats. When Soft Swells show off their soft side, it’s actually quite satisfying. More of these songs are found in the later half of the record. If it’s any consolation, the second half of Soft Swells’ debut is fairly better than the first half. In a rare case, I almost wish Soft Swells released an EP with the last few songs rather an LP with too much filler in the beginning.

The closing song, “Decisions” shows an empathetic side to the duo that’s both endearing and welcoming. If the direction of the album’s sound palette were more like this song, then maybe Soft Swells would be worthy of a closer look. Regrettably it’s not. It leads us to deciding or not if our time should be invested in such an album that has some strong points, but the derivative style is difficult to ignore. It really boils down to a toss up. Maybe fans of the pop-rock sound mixed with considerable earnestness will find something I didn’t. All I know is, Soft Swells takes bits and pieces from other bands I already support and attempt to make an album all of their own. They come up short, but there is still a chance that Soft Swells can head down a road less traveled next time around.

Key Tracks: “Never Leave Home”, “Make It Go Away”, “Decisions”
Grade: 6.7 out of 10

Published on March 10th, 2012 by Mountain Views News
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v06/htm/n10/p13.htm

Sleigh Bells - "Reign of Terror"

Artist: Sleigh Bells
Album: Reign of Terror
Label: Mom + Pop and Sony Music
Release Date: February 21, 2012
Review by: Sean Kayden

Noise-pop aficionados, Sleigh Bells, grandly return with “Reign of Terror,” the follow-up to their critically praised opus, “Teats.” Guitarist/producer Derek Edward Miller and vocalist Alexis Krauss burst onto the scene over two years ago and got the attention of the artist M.I.A. Soon after, their awareness became known and a record contract was set. The Brooklyn duo’s sound was appealing, electrifying, and frankly, all over the place. For this outing, Sleigh Bells set their sights on crafting a good album rather than a body of work to stand the test of time. “Reign Of Terror” is loud and vehemently ferocious. It’s in your face and packs a strong punch with its intensity and digitally hardcore approach. Sleigh Bells rely heavily on electronics to deepen their previously reputable panache. However, at the end of the day, you must take in consideration if Sleigh Bells are more concerned with image, pompous style, and popularity than originality, freshness, and leading a crowded pack rather than just flowing side by side with it. The scattered pleasures found on “Reign of Terror” are irrefutably wonderful. But when Sleigh Bells merely settle for trendiness, red flags are raised, which makes one think, is this band the real deal or simply just MTV-bound?

I find it increasingly difficult to really compare the band’s two albums. The problem is that they’re really not all that different from one another. Therefore, is Sleigh Bells trying to capture upon the success of their first record with a retreaded sound? After listening to the album all the way through, I realized their sound has become less aggressive. Personally, I prefer it because I enjoy the consistency within the songs more so than the frenzy approach the former record had to offer. When you reach the fourth track, “End Of The Line,” you’ll be listening to the finest song off the album. It’s a genuinely personal track that displays an 80s ballad driven pop sound. It’s definitely one of the more somber tunes off the record. “You Lost Me” is another ineffaceable tune. It leads one to believe that when Sleigh Bells want to be good, they can be truly great. Unfortunately, the path from track one to track eleven is at times problematic. Sometimes you’ll enjoy the sights and sounds in one area and other times, find yourself apprehensively waiting for the next frontier.

Sleigh Bells have immense potential even if it wasn’t on display here to its fullest. They can sparkle and dazzle when they feel like it, but also fall into their own depths of derivativeness. “Reign of Terror” is not a great album. However, it’s a collection of songs to demonstrate how Sleigh Bells are good at what they set out to do. Now if only the listener knew exactly what their motives were, they could devote a little more to their cause, whatever it may be for. Hopefully, it’s less for glory and fame and more for stepping out of the box and exploring the unexplored.

Grade: 7.1 out of 10
Key Tracks: “End of the Line”, “You Lost Me”, “Leader of The Pack”

Published by Mountain Views News on March 3rd, 2012
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v06/htm/n09/p15.htm