Washed Out - "Paracosm" Review

Artist: Washed Out

Album: Paracosm

Label: Sub Pop Records

Release Date: August 13^th, 2013

Review by: Sean Kayden

“Paracosm” is the sophomore album from solo artist Ernest Greene who performs under the moniker, Washed Out. His 2010 album, “Within and Without,” received generally favorable reviews as it made him a well-known figure in the rising chillwave scene. While I was never a fan of his earlier work, it wasn’t until this release that I found myself completely enthralled by his latest material. The songs off the debut record never impressed as they merely played as background tunes. Nothing jumped out and I was quite underwhelmed by the project. As for now, Greene has written and crafted songs that are more free, open and expansive. The nine ornate tracks off “Paracosm” possess more texture than his previous outing. A deeper resonance is at play with “Paracosm” without the artist compromising his initial sound. If anything, Greene has artistically grown and ventured out rather than simply being pigeonholed as a one-note chillwave performer. “Paracosm,” true to its meaning, places you on a fantasy island to run freely and wildly.

Ultimately, “Paracosm” is a peaceful and serene record. The delicate and somewhat psychedelic arrangements unfurl slowly on many of the songs, particularly on the title track. The song “Paracosm” really has a way of mending one who’s feeling down and out. Lyrically speaking, it’s pretty straightforward. When listening to Washed Out, it’s more of a feeling one gets with the multilayered sounds that drives the songs rather than the lyrics. The experience from listening to “Paracosm” is definitely a memorable one. The tranquility at hand is blissful and escapism permeates throughout. Danceable tunes are still present within this album, but it’s on a different playing field from before. More idyllic than ever, “Paracosm” has Greene at his best—a place where he accentuates his strengths and dips into a much broader soundscape.

The record’s carefree vibe is soothing and satisfying. With the abundant amount of instruments at his helm, Greene isn’t tied down to just synthesizers. He flourishes with the layered sounds that make for an effervescent aura. “Don’t Give Up” is quite the jam. One of the more upbeat tracks, “Don’t Give Up,” segues into R&B territory. No doubt about it, the song will put you in a trance. Ultimately you wish it never comes to an end. In conclusion, the nine (more like 8 complete) songs won’t change you in anyway, but perhaps become the soundtrack to the moments in your life that seek you out rather then you seeking them out. “Paracosm” is a fully layered, escapism record that demonstrates a musician growing creatively. The world created here is definitely a place we’d all like to be, even if the trip is short-lived.

Grade: 8.3 out of 10

Key Tracks: ”Don’t Give Up,” ”Weightless,” ”Great Escape,” “Paracosm”

Published by Mountain Views News on August 24th, 2013
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v07/htm/n34/p14.htm

THE SPECTACULAR NOW - Review

Directed by: Jason Ponsoldt

Written by: Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber
Based on the novel by Tim Tharp

Released Date: August 2^nd, 2013

Review by: Sean Kayden

As we’ve endured a plentiful amount of effects-laden blockbusters this summer season, it’s utterly refreshing to come across a small film that possesses real special effects, beautiful acting and superb storytelling. In the film, “The Spectacular Now,” writers Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber crafted a joyously heartfelt, wryly humorous, endearingly sweet coming of age tale that embodies the teenage human spirit. Director James Ponsoldt, who’s coming off his critically acclaimed 2012 Sundance hit “Smashed,” once again brings a deep sensitivity to the film. “The Spectacular Now” on the surface appears to be another coming of age, puppy love story, but it’s so much deeper than merely just that. In fact, it tackles a considerably darker theme that enfolds greatly in the third act. The film is a rare depiction on screen of two 18 year-old high school seniors that look and feel like real human beings. Sutter and Aimee’s relationship doesn’t seem manufactured. The mistakes they make feel authentic and they’re hell of a lot more confident on the outside than on the inside.

The charming and self-possessed Sutter Keely (Miles Teller) lives in the now. He’s the life of every party and rarely takes anything seriously. This also may contribute to the fact that he’s always loaded. Sutter’s either drinking out of his flask or a big gulp cup mixed with hard alcohol. He isn’t a mean alcoholic, but a guy always looking to have a good time. When his girlfriend, Cassidy (the luminous Brie Larson) breaks things off, Sutter gets wasted and wakes up the following morning in the front yard of Aimee Finecky’s (the effervescent Shailene Woodley) house. Aimee is a typical nice girl. She’s intelligent, innocent, and different. Aimee has grand dreams of the future, and Sutter lives in a delusional fantasy known as the spectacular now. However, somehow, they’re drawn together. As their relationship begins to bloom, at first as a deep friendship than more so as it continues on, Aimee falls hard for Sutter. When we get into the third act, Sutter seeks out his estranged father played by the terrific Kyle Chandler. Sutter sees a spitting image of himself within his dad. This realization greatly haunts him. Without getting to deep in rehashing the story, I must say that both the writing and acting are top notch. Miles Teller is a star in the making. This breakout performance is one of the best of the year. Shailene Woodley is equally as good. Both actors are destined for a bright future.

“The Spectacular Now” just does everything right. The characters in the movie feel like people you and I would know. There are no false moves here. Nothing seems forced or modified. The story unfolds naturally and there’s so much beauty on display. It doesn’t rely on nostalgia or any artificial beats. This is a truly stunning portrait of what it’s like to be the youngest you’ll ever be. When you’re on the cusp of a new chapter in life, filled with both promise and uncertainty. “The Spectacular Now” will have you remembering what it was like to be young, free, and carrying much needed momentum. It also reassures you that all that can be gone in a heartbeat. Wherever you are in life, don’t forget that living in the now will prepare you in living for tomorrow, for better or worse that is.

Grade: 5 out of 5

Published by Mountain Views News on August 17th, 2013
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v07/htm/n33/p15.htm

Minks - "Tides End" Review

Artist: Minks

Album: Tides End

Label: Captured Tracks
Release Date: August 6, 2013

Review By: Sean Kayden

Minks, which once started as an indie-synth pop band, is now a one-man act fronted by Shaun "Sonny" Kilfoyle. Debut album “By The Hedge” was a collection of dark-pop tracks that channeled new wave bands of the 80s. The vocals were indiscernible at times and the arrangements quite ethereal. With “Tides End,” Minks’ sophomore album delves into brighter pop territory. It may be running on chart topping 80s fumes, but the record still has plenty of gas left over to burn. Regardless of the similarities, Minks second full-length endeavor sheds both beauty and nostalgia. It’s not perfect, but “Tides End” evokes a summer feeling for those seemingly restless and searching for something not quite apparent. 

“Doomed and Cool,” while boasting some trite lyrics has New Order written all over it. It’s a fine pop tune, but it’s quite expendable. “Ark of Life,” one of the better tracks off the album is silky smooth. With the combination of jangly guitars, darkly romantic lyrics, and Kilfoyle’s dreamy vocals, “Ark of Life” is superb. The closing title track, “Tides End,” is a breath of fresh air. It’s the ideal song to conclude the record.  It’s as calm as ocean waters while carrying you away to nirvana. A definite highlight to a record filled with solid tracks. “Weekenders” starts off like a Radio Dept. song, but quickly finds it’s own footing as a Minks’ original. The track displays cool vibes, laidback arrangements, and simplistic lyrics. Perhaps the best song here is “Painted Indian,” the single released a few months ago. This effervescent tune is the most upbeat song on “Tides End.” It simply has this don’t care disposition about it that makes it feel edgy and dangerous. It induces a sort of chaotic feeling that allows for the song to be both utterly addictive and fresh. Opening track “Romans” is almost too bright and cheery. If one track could be thrown out for me this would be it. It’s unfortunate that it kicks off the album because if you get through this one, you’re in for an excellent journey of 80s persuasion tunes.

“Tides End” may not have the sharpest or most thought-provoking lyrics. However, Kilfoyle’s vocals are magic. He can turn an ordinary line (and there are quite a few here) into something memorable. While his music ventures into crowded terrain, his voice is one of the few that truly stands out from the rest. After two years and eight months, Minks’ second album is a clear winner. They may be one of the lesser-known acts on the Captured Tracks (Wild Nothing, DIIV, Beach Fossils) label, but they are equally as good as any other band on their growing roster. “Tides End” exemplifies warm vibes, intoxicating beauty, and a feeling you rather not shake loose. With a well balance of fast and slow tempo songs, “Tides End” is one of the most complete records of the year. It may not hit the mark 100% of the time, but when it does, there’s not a lot out there that can match up with it. 

Grade: 8.5 out of 10

Key Tracks: “Margot,” Painted Indian,” “Ark of Life,” “Tides End”

Published by Mountain Views News on August 10th, 2013
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v07/htm/n32/p15.htm

FRUITVALE STATION - Review

Written and Directed by: Ryan Coogler

Rated R for some violence, language throughout and some drug use

Release Date: July 12^th, 2013 (limited); July 26^th, 2013 (wide)

Review by: Sean Kayden

On Jan 1^st, 2009, in the wee hours of the night, tragedy struck Oakland that would forever change a city. Oscar Grant, 22 year-old African American, was shamelessly shot and killed by a transit police officer at the BART train station.  “Fruitvale Station” is the film based on the last day of Grant’s life. You already know the outcome, but “Fruitvale Station’s" retelling of an ordinary man trying to do well will move you and ultimately, leave you shattered.

Actor Michael B. Jordan, best known for TV roles in both “Friday Night Lights” and “The Wire” as well as last year’s superhero film “Chronicle,” gives a subtle yet stirring performance as Oscar. The film follows Grant as he tries to navigate through his laborious day.  We know he’s strayed away from girlfriend (Melonie Diaz) and got caught. However, he loves her dearly and tries to convince her it will never happen again. He lost his job at the supermarket for being late and comes up empty trying to get rehired. His rent is due and he could sell marijuana (something he was busted and charged for a few years prior), but decides he doesn’t want to go down that destructive path again. Grant wants to be there for his young daughter. She’s what drives him to become a better person. The scenes between the two of them are flawless and poignant. But everyone who comes across Oscar’s radiant personality is somehow, some way moved by him. He isn’t a thug. He isn’t a bad human being. He’s made mistakes that he’s paid the price for. Still, Oscar is genuinely trying to improve himself for those who continually lift him up.

Writer-director Ryan Coogler’s debut film is simply stunning. His plan of dramatizing the last day of Oscar’s life is straightforward, but severely affecting. Coogler’s portrait of Oscar as a troubled young man is distressing at times. The style of filmmaking is very raw and never does Coogler glorify the man. It’s a heartbreaking tale that never should have happen. It’s deeply upsetting to see trigger-happy police officers behave in such a despicable way. “Fruitvale Station” never tries to play the race card, but lays it out all for the audience to consider what happened as an accident or something that could have been avoided entirely.  By the time the shooting occurs, we are fully invested in this man’s life. While “Fruitvale Station” started off a bit slow, it quickly turns into a powerful, imperative story that will resonate with one long after the credits. It will make you angry, sad, touched by the turn of events. “Fruitvale Station” is an undeniably small movie that tells a larger story of a man’s life unexpectedly coming to an end for really no good reason other than the misguided intentions of particular police officers’ definition of “protect and serve.”

Since the audience is already aware of what happens in the end, the results are a little less painful, but nonetheless heartrending. While the movie surely isn’t for everyone and doesn’t scream typical summer escapism, “Fruitvale Station” stands tall as the most important film this summer and possibly of all 2013.

Grade: 4.5 out of 5

Published by Mountain Views News on August 3rd, 2013
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v07/htm/n31/p15.htm

Hebronix - "Unreal" Review

Artist: Hebronix

Album: Unreal

Label: ATP Recordings

Release Date: July 9^th, 2013

Review by: Sean Kayden

Hebronix is the latest project from Daniel Blumberg.  He recently departed from his critically acclaimed band Yuck (who are continuing without him) to pursue his solo endeavor. “Unreal” marks Blumberg’s fourth debut record under different names/bands. He was the singer/songwriter for Yuck, had a solo side project in 2011 under the moniker, Oupa and his first band was Cajun Dance Party several years before that. However, with Hebronix, Blumberg has the freedom to do whatever he wants and he surely does just that. With only six songs on the album, it spans over 45 minutes, while most songs averaging over seven minutes in length. For most of the duration something truly reflective and deeply heartfelt is present. With a sudden burst of guitars and keyboards come together for some of the songs, there’s simply something utterly intoxicating and refreshing about Blumberg’s style. The longer song structure and more complex arrangements is a big difference than Yuck’s debut album. With Hebronix, Blumberg is distancing himself from the 90s alternative sound and delving into something more unique, more his own.

No doubt about it, Blumberg has grown as both a songwriter and composer. He’s experimental with much a deeper soundscape that touches upon sounds that are very moving and melodic. Many of the songs here have a rise-and-fall type of sound. There’s a lot dynamic throughout the album that sadly only reaches six tracks. “Viral” one of the singles starts off very slow before it explodes in this swirling yet utterly soothing piece of music. The songs here put you in a dream state, which I’d recommend listening to this lying on your bed. It gets you thinking as it opens up your mind and soul. Often beautiful, if not repetitive, Hebronix almost connects with each and every song. The one I just didn’t care for was the title track, “Unreal.” It kind of reminded me of Yuck or at least one of their weaker tracks that is. Something about “Unreal” didn’t resonate with me. It merely had me zoning out rather than be entirely engaged by it. As for the rest of the songs, they’re all incredible. With the combination of guitars, pianos, snyths, flutes and string instruments, makes for some dreamy, warm, and sleepy music.

The closing track, “The Plan,” wanders on for a little too long. It feels like a song written to say goodbye to Yuck. The line, “I can’t just sit around and hold your little hand…I’ve got some things to do.” Indeed Blumberg definitely has things to do and his ideas simply don’t mesh with the direction Yuck was apparently heading. I must admit, I was disappointed to see him depart, but once I heard this album, I’m more than okay with it now. “Unreal” minus the title track is a tender, dream-induced record that will get inside your head. The multifaceted arrangements along with the sheer beauty encompassing these songs are more than I ever imagined. This may be Blumberg’s best debut record from any band he’s been involved with, but I hope he’s just getting started with Hebronix. I definitely like the direction he’s heading and perhaps his fourth debut album, he’s finally found his own way. One could only hope, this marks the last debut for Blumberg.

Key Tracks: “Unliving,” “Viral,” “Garden”
Grade: 8.5 out of 10

Published by Mountain Views News on July 27th, 2013
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v07/htm/n30/p15.htm

"PACIFIC RIM" - Review

Directed by: Guillermo del Toro

Written by: Travis Beacham and Guillermo del Toro

Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence throughout, and brief language

Release Date: July 12^th, 2013

Review by: Sean Kayden

Pacific Rim is big, bold, and incredibly fun to watch. It has an inherently light and airy feel to it as opposed to other summer blockbusters that have been dark, brooding, and cynical. It takes place in the not-so-distant future when Earth is under attack by Kaiju, enormous sea monsters which have emerged from a portal on the ocean floor. To battle the monsters, humanity unites to create the Jaegers, which are gigantic humanoid mechas. Two pilots, whose minds are joined by a neural bridge, control each mecha. One pilot takes over the left hemisphere of the brain and the other pilot, the right hemisphere. The film focuses on Raleigh Becket (Charlie Hunnam) a has-been Jaeger pilot called out of retirement and teamed with rookie pilot Mako Mori in a last resort attempt to defeat the Kaiju. What truly works in Pacific Rim is that it’s a very contained film with one true purpose. Unlike big blockbusters this summer that feel like one part of a trilogy, Pacific Rim is completely stand alone and ultimately a truly satisfying experience. Pacific Rim’s non-super serious approach unlike other summer duds is very refreshing to say the least.

The film begins with everything actively going on with the Kaijus for quite some time. Earth was struck by numerous attacks until they banded together to create the mechas to fight off the monsters. While causalities are inevitable, the robots are still our greatest chance of survival. Charlie Hunnam’s character Becket is one of the best pilots of his time. What attributes to his super abilities is the fact he’s teamed up with his brother. Since the two siblings are minds are joined together to control to the robot, we know they have what is known as “drift compatibility.” This allow for each pilot to link up with the other’s mind. In this process, however, they get to see the other’s memories. When Becket is brought back several years after his botched mission by his commanding officer played by Idris Elba, he must reconnect with another pilot for the first time. However, the other pilot played by Rinko Kikuchi has her own demons to contend with. Now without going too much into a summary of the movie, not only is the film profoundly epic, but deeply human as well. It’s not just about robots and monsters going at it. Inside the robots are humans, just like you and me. And because of that, you feel the urge to cheer them on. The film, in my opinion, is more fascinating when we discover small things about each character. There’s not a whole lot of back-story, but you get a sense for each character as their memories are molded together when they link up with one another. There are a few scenes that are quite moving without being so heavy handed. Great human stories easily triumph pure action and chaos that’s displayed on screen just because it simply looks cool. While Pacific Rim doesn’t get delve too deep and occasionally touches upon cheesiness, it’s still wildly entertaining from start to finish.

Director Guillermo del Toro and co-writer Travis Beacham have created this massive motion picture that not only serves as a entertaining sci-fi action film, but a movie where the humans, no matter who they are, where they come from, unite to take down a common enemy. In a way, Pacific Rim is kind of uplifting and shows that with teamwork, a common goal, and a purpose to accomplish something seemingly out of reach, human beings can achieve great things. With the combination of huge action sequences, a richly told narrative, and the better-than-your-average robot plot, Pacific Rim is a clear winner for summer’s best blockbuster.

Grade: 4 out of 5
Published by Mountain Views News on July 20th, 2013 

http://mtnviewsnews.com/v07/htm/n29/p12.htm