Milo Greene - "Milo Greene" Review

 Artist: Milo Greene

Album: Milo Greene

Label: Chop Shop Records

Release Date: July 16^th, 2012

Review by: Sean Kayden

For fans of Mumford & Sons and Of Monsters and Men comes Milo Greene, a five-piece outfit that doesn’t have a single member named Milo Greene in the band. These Southern California natives trekked to a cabin located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains to record their luminous debut self-titled record. Influenced by 70s soft rock and contemporary indie pop, Milo Greene exhibits a deep catharsis while never mimicking those that have inspired them. The thirteen tracks, albeit reasonably short in duration, is an incredibly easy listening undertaking. Despite their inexperience, Milo Greene exemplifies a pastoral and rustic style that has them sounding like hardened veterans rather than unproven rookies.

Four out of the five members of the band share vocal duties, which leads to a completely uncommon scenario for the listener. The most notably voice is from the single female in the band, Marlana Sheetz. However, no matter who’s providing the primary singing, they all satisfy without hesitation. Milo Greene skillfully developed a record that’s filled with beautiful harmonies, hints of folk and bluegrass. It never appears overblown while everything feels simple, but divinely elaborate. Lyrically, it’s a rudimentary presentation, but the songs still feel poignant juxtaposed with the flourishing background music. While many tunes offer a similar tone, there really aren’t any surprises if you listen to the record in sequence order. Therefore, every song feels like a substantial piece to something much greater. With titles such as “What’s The Matter,” “Don’t Give Up On Me,” and “Cutty Love” and lyrics to boot, it’s difficult to ignore the comprehensive theme of vanished love and irrevocable heartbreak. However, the record goes even further as it is incessantly alarmed by the disappearance of youth.

There are four tracks that play out like intermission tracks. It’s as if they break the album into separate parts demonstrating different themes between each interlude-resembling track. Technically, you’re left with nine tradition songs that are more or less superb. The closing track is definitely the weakest link here. It’s more barebones, heavy on vocals, light on instrumental arrangement. As the album ends, you wish you were sent off with something a little more prevailing. In spite of that, Milo Greene has easily produced a sparkling and bittersweet album that is connected to not only their generation, but also previous ones. They may be young and time will only tell what they may ultimately become as a unit. For now, it’s difficult to deny their strong presence in the increasingly growing arena of indie rock.

Grade: 8.3 out of 10

Key Tracks: “Don’t Give Up On Me”, “Perfectly Aligned”, “Silent Way”, “1957”

Published by Mountain Views News on July 28th, 2012

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Passion Pit - "Gossamer"

Artist: Passion Pit

Album: Gossamer

Label: Columbia Records

Release Date: July 24, 2012

Review by: Sean Kayden

            Hailing from Cambridge, Massachusetts, electropop darlings Passion Pit find themselves bursting back onto the scene with “Gossamer,” the successor to their 2009 breakthrough album, “Manners”. For this go around, Passion Pit will have some catching up to do since within the three years between albums, a multitude of artists have come onto the playing field with similar identities. Fortunately, from what I can tell, the band has evolved in a substantial and remarkable sort of way. Simply put, “Gossamer” is pure awesomeness for the summer season. It’s glorious, beautiful, amazing in every aspect. It’s brighter and bubblier than their last outing, which is saying a whole lot if you’re already familiar with their previous material. Passion Pit mixes synthesizers, tweaked post-production vocals, funky beats, the occasional R&B vibe and an overall pop sound that is exceptionally revitalizing. “Gossamer” is a smashingly high-quality record that should cater to both indie and mainstream fans equally.

            The album kicks off with “Take A Walk”. After the initial twenty five seconds of a light, twinkle sort of arrangement, the song explodes into heart pounding drumbeats and an uplifting sound. It’s as if you’re feet are raised off the ground because the vibe is that much exhilarating. “I’ll Be Alright” starts off in similar fashion to songs off “Manners”—ultra fast squealing beats that resemblances the sound of a little kid trying to speak. Those shrieking beats are scattered throughout the song, but the majority of the duration provides something much more satisfying to the ears. This is the product that should be plastered on the radio, TV commercials, rom-com flicks or wherever else. It seriously has the potential of being a massive hit. The fun seriously never stops for its 48 minutes of length. While some people may mistake the album for being grandiloquent in nature, I absolutely love the overblown sound. The high flowing energy “Gossamer” brings to the table is not only mind-blowing, but also commendable on Passion Pit’s part. They slow down a bit in the R&B inspired tune, “Constant Conversations”. It’s a welcoming small departure that’s smooth, sexy, and is easily superior to anything that’s been released by artists who are confined to that genre as their dominant stomping ground.

            I’ve heard quite a few albums that start off strong and can’t keep up the momentum. Without any trepidation I can honestly say Passion Pit keeps their sophomore album with great impetus. Sure, the second half is noticeably more downbeat, softer, and heartfelt. It’s still a wonderful experience to be a part of and there aren’t any noticeable faults from Passion Pit. They’ve honestly crafted an indelible second album for any given genre. The closing track, “Where We Belong,” calms you down and creates this undeniable catharsis. It’s the deepest of cuts that’s affecting and reflective. It’s an appropriate end to what is an unexpectedly terrific album from beginning to end. Passion Pit has pulled off an outstanding feat with “Gossamer”. There’s no sophomore slump here, people. The illustrious crown is given rightfully so to Passion Pit for their tremendous efforts of not only expanding upon their artistic abilities, but pushing the envelope even further. The record outdoes its predecessor in every imaginative way possible and ends up being the closest thing to a pop masterpiece in quite sometime.

Grade: 9.0 out of 10

Key Tracks: “Take A Walk”, “I’ll Be Alright”, “Carried Away”, “Mirrored Sea” 

Published by Mountain Views News on July 21, 2012
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v06/htm/n29/p12.htm

           

           

Overlooked Albums of 2012

Review by: Sean Kayden

Thus far 2012 has been a rather surprising year for music on the indie side of things. “Bloom” from Beach House and “Mixed Emotions” from Tanlines are superb memorable records. Eight and a Half, Memoryhouse, Suckers, and DIIV all came out with solid albums from top to bottom. There are still a number of bands releasing records sometime this year that I’m truly excited about such as Band of Horses, Minus The Bear, Heavenly Beat, and Wild Nothing. However, there are a few compilations that I didn’t get the opportunity to review, but are very well worthy of checking out. I’ve composed three records that were better than maybe perceived by critics or really just became lost in the shuffle with bigger releases surrounding them. Nonetheless, we got a little bit of everything in musical style with the groups on this list.

Lemonade – “Diver “– Lemonade’s sound is indie electronic with a dash of R&B. This isn’t a mainstream R&B offering as seeing how Lemonade blows most well known artists in that realm out of the water. Slick vocals, dance-infused beats, and entirely contagious throughout, “Diver” is sleeper hit in need of being woken up by the masses. Lemonade brings the party in almost every track and there is just something simply amazing about the band’s overall artistry. With balancing slow 90s inspired jams with hints of 80s pop and modern day comparisons, Lemonade isn’t just here for the R&B lover, but those seeking a good time no matter what environment they may be in.

Zulu Winter – “Language” – The debut album from Arts & Crafts signed band, Zulu Winter is at times very good. It’s no surprise since Arts & Crafts have quite a few established artists on their roster. The London lads’ often beautifully arranged songs off “Language” are generally better than most of what you’ll find in the seemingly endless pursuit of English bands trying to make a splash stateside. While not always faultless, Zulu Winter performs multi-layered tracks that are spectacularly inventive and smashingly original. They demonstrate a great amount of creativity in a relatively small offering. The closing track, “People That You Must Remember” ranks high up as being one of the premier songs 2012 has graced us with. If that song could be a person, it would always be, no matter the situation, the coolest person in the room. That’s what that song embodies, a cool factor that’s beyond comprehension. Saying too cool for school wouldn’t even suffice. 

Vacationer – “Gone” – Laidback, wonderfully invigorating, and downright amiable, Vacationer has a sound that’s simply terrific. Their music has this sort of welcoming characteristic. If you give it a chance, it’ll sweep you off your feet. Vacationer is fronted by former pop-punk frontman Kenny Vasoil, from the band The Starting Line. He’s definitely changed up his style and has matured from his teen angst driven days.  One of the tracks off “Gone” entitled “Dreamlike” floats so fluently with its divine sound. It’s entirely easy listening music on any given day of the week. The indie-pop genre may have a lot of competition in the field, but Vacationer’s debut record has heart. A tremendous amount of heart is hard to come by these days, but when you find it in something such as this, don’t turn your back away from it because it truly deserves your utmost attention. I promise, if you give Vacationer your attention, your time will not be wasted by any means possible.  

Published by Mountain Views News on July 14, 2012 

http://mtnviewsnews.com/v06/htm/n28/p12.htm

THREE JULY MOVIES TO SEEK OUT

Review by: Sean Kayden

The month of June served as a great time at the movies. Personally, I think there were three standouts. Not one of them compared to the devastatingly disappointing dud known as “Prometheus.” The first film is the surprisingly engaging “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.” Despite the less than stellar box office performance and gimmicky title, the movie is an absolute blast. It’s not perfect by any means, but it’s an entirely satisfying summer movie experience. The second film is the unique and utterly charming indie sleeper, “Safety Not Guaranteed.” Funny, emotionally conscious, and spectacularly refreshing, “Safety Not Guaranteed” is the breakthrough film of the summer. Lastly, there’s the recently released “Ted.” The Mark Wahlberg/teddy bear endeavor was a better-than-expected outing that supplied some huge laughs and remained uproariously funny for most of its duration. While not a flawless experience, most notably some problems in the development of side stories, “Ted” will still satisfy the majority of moviegoers seeking much needed amusement. So as we put June in our rearview mirror, it’s time to look forward to July. Listed here are three movies I’ve been excited for quite some time. All three just happen to come out during the same month. From what Hollywood has to offer, July is evidently appearing to be the strongest month for the summer movie season.

SAVAGES – July 6^th, 2012 – Renowned director Oliver Stone returns with a bang this summer with his new film, Savages. Based on the best selling novel by Don Winslow, “Savages” is the tale of two Southern California buddies who run a lucrative homegrown business of developing the most premium type of marijuana known. When the Mexican drug cartel wants to team up with them, the guys decline and as expected, the cartel doesn’t take too kindly to rejection. Infuriated by their brash decision, the head of the cartel goes one step further by kidnapping their girlfriend (a girl that is linked romantically to the both of them) and things get, well, savage. Based on the trailers alone, the movie looks ultra violent and incredibly fast paced. It may very well be the adult themed movie we need midst a cluster of superhero characters. “Savages” stars Taylor Kitsch, Aaron Johnson, Blake Lively, Salma Hayek, Benicio del Toro, and John Travolta. 

THE DARK KNIGHT RISES – July 20^th, 2012 – Is an introduction really needed? The most anticipated summer film has also been declared the third and final chapter in the Christopher Nolan Batman saga. Taking place eight years after the events in “The Dark Knight,” Batman takes responsibility for Harvey Dent’s crimes, which leads him to be sought after by the Gotham City Police Department. Furthermore, a mysterious character immerges known by the name of Selina Kyle and Gotham City soon becomes under attack by a new, menacing villainous known as Bane. Sure to be not only a massive hit at the box office, but could easily be the best installment in the trilogy. July 20^th cannot come soon enough to conclude this epic series. “The Dark Knight Rises” stars Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman, Marion Cotillard, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. 

KILLER JOE – July 27^th, 2012 - While taking place in a small, rural town, a twenty-two year-old drug dealer desperate to come up with six thousand dollars or else he’s dead, hires a man known as Killer Joe to murder his mother so he can cash in on her life insurance policy. Things get completely awry when the young man can’t pay the detective (who moonlights as a hitman) up front, even though that’s Killer Joe’s policy. Until the man can come up with the payment for services, Joe bends his own rules under the condition that he takes man’s younger sister as sexual collateral. This under-the-radar film has an NC-17 rating. It should also be noted that the movie is being touted as utterly sick and twisted. Not to mention, Matthew McConaughey allegedly provides the movie with a dark, creepy, and out of his own element type of performance. With an ominous plot, a terrific supporting cast, and a killer (no pun intended) performance that could be talked about for years, Killer Joe seems the unlikeliest of summer films, which just makes it ever more alluring. “Killer Joe” stars Matthew McConaughey, Emile Hirsch, Juno Temple, Thomas Haden Church, and Gina Gershon.

Published by Mountain Views News on July 7th, 2012

http://mtnviewsnews.com/v06/htm/n27/p13.htm

The Summer Playlist You Need To Hear

Review by: Sean Kayden

Teepee – “Time Meant Nothing” – I recently discovered this new dream-inspired tune the other day.  It begins with a certain kind of fuzziness shrouded by echoes in the distance. Frontman Eric S. Laurent has created a song that transcends the parallels of reality and reverie. “Time Meant Nothing” is alleviating, fragile, and pure catharsis. This may not be the ideal summer jam, but it’ll mollify your body during the long summer nights. This single will be officially released on July 19 via the Revera Corporation. 

Lemonade – “Ice Water” – This sexy, utterly addictive, heavily doused in synths track is the premiere summer song. “Ice Water” comes straight off Lemonade’s recently released debut LP, “Diver.” 80s inspired vocals, highly effective dance beats, and just pure awesome all the way though, “Ice Water” will cool you off no matter the conditions. If this get-down-and-dirty indie cut isn’t playing at the clubs, there’s something seriously awry with the current state of electronic-pop. 

Echo Lake – “Last Song Of The Year” – Best described as Best Coast meets Beach House, Echo Lake is music for the nostalgic kind. The intoxicating vocals of Linda Jarvis separate Echo Lake from the overcrowded pack of shoegazer enthusiasts. This daydream number, which is off their debut full-length record “Wild Peace,” is enchanting, sublime, and sweet. There’s beauty to be found throughout the track, but it really shifts into another element when the guitar solo comes in. Tranquil as a forest, “Last Song Of The Year” may be the last song you hear as your adventurous day settles into a peaceful night. If isn’t, then it really should be. 

The Antlers – “Drift Dive” – The Antlers’ “Burst Apart” was one of my favorite albums of 2011. Over a year later, we are bestowed with the beauty that is “Drift Dive,” the first single off their forthcoming EP record. The Antlers are very meticulous musicians. Their music unravels slowly, but effectively. They may not always be perfect in their execution, but when they are, there’s truly nothing quite like it. “Drift Dive” is second-to-none and puts The Antlers right back where they left things during their previous outing. The song naturally percolates inside your body and permits you to transcend the limits of your own domain. Allow yourself to drift away from the outer distractions, even for just a little while, with “Drift Dive” being your navigational device.

DIIV – “Follow” – DIIV is the solo project from Zachary Cole Smith, a member of the chillwave outfit, Beach Fossils. On June 26, the band dropped their debut record called, “Oshin.” The dream-pop sensory experiment is unusually original and comforting. The song, “Follow,” that’s powered by just vocals, bass, guitar, and drums flows in such a deeply rhythmic flow. DIIV isn’t the band to connect with on a lyrical forefront, but their sonorous style will direct you to a superlative destination.   

Published By Mountain Views News on June 30th, 2012

http://mtnviewsnews.com/v06/htm/n26/p28.htm