Review by: Sean Kayden
Crystal Antlers –
“Pray” – Not too familiar with this California band until the release of
their third LP, “Nothing is Real.” This ferociously crafted tune is pure rock
with heavy emphasis on guitar, bass, and drums. The last part of the song
dazzles with crazy guitar riffs and the energy level throughout is beyond
comparison. With heavy rock, garage rock, and punk rock at the core of its
influence here, “Pray” feels entirely unique. As we get into a sleepy fall
season, Crystal Antlers will make certain you’re wide awake throughout. Listen
to this one with the volume turned all the way up.
Bear Hands – “Giants”
– Perhaps not the most innovative song the band’s come up with, but
“Giants” is explosively energetic. It’s an insanely catchy track that embodies
this vaguely hip-hop sound. It’s not until it breakouts into the chorus, where
we know this is a full-blown synth-pop song. In the lyrics department, there’s
not a whole lot to be deemed spectacular. However, it’s the arrangements that
make “Giants” a summer inspired tune that will liven up your cool autumn days.
Los Campesinos! – “As
Lucerne/The Low” – Los Campesinos! continues to make good albums over the
years. Their fifth LP, “No Blues” is no exception. One of the best records of
the year, Los Campesinos! truly make beautifully executed pop music. “As
Lucerne/The Low” starts off with the line “There is no blues that can sound
quite as heartfelt as mine.” However, frontman Gareth Campesinos never succumbs
to whiny, self-indulgence. While sarcastic, self-aware lyrics have always been
a staple for the band, “No Blues” feels much more mature. The band from Wales
is still having fun, but the record balances earnest lyrics and lighter
arrangements. “No Blues” is a display of band aging, but never losing their
whimsical youthfulness that makes them who they are and who they seemingly will
always be.
Motorama – “Winter At
Night” – Russian indie rock act, Motorama continues their trend of
incredible song making. “Winter At Night,” the light as a feather b-side to
their new seven inch single, “Eyes,” is an extraordinary gem. Motorama, topping
my best of 2012 list, are at it again with effervescent melodies and smooth
guitars. Influenced by New Order and The Radio Dept,, the dream-pop rockers craft
such an indelible sound that it is almost criminal how they’re not bigger in
the indie scene than they are. Motorama is one of the best bands out in today’s
music scene and yet in the US, they’re virtually unknown. Something just
doesn’t add up here.
Shine 2009 – “Running
Around” – “Running Around” is off Shine 2009’s latest sophomore record,
“Our Nation.” The Finnish duo’s recent track is snyth-infused that’s both
soulful and downtempo. Shine 2009 definitely have a distinct style of all their
own. They’re an unconventional synth-pop group that has plenty of flair and
poise to spare. “Running Around” is a very elegant tune that will put you in a hypotonic
state of mind. The duo’s beats
will utterly pull you in and have you become lost on the dance floor. Dreamy
and as smooth as any song released this year, Shine 2009 have positioned
themselves to which it would be inconceivably wrong if they don’t have a big
year in 2014.
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