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 

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