Three Overlooked Records of 2013

Review by: Sean Kayden

Bear Ceuse – “Don Domestique” - Bear Ceuse is a four-piece indie rock act from NYC. Lead singer Cameron Matthews, originally from St. Louis, provides raspy but attractive vocals along side the whimsical and cacophonous guitar work of Chicago native Adam Horne. There’s definitely a 90s undertone presented on the tracks found on the album “Don Domestique.” The music bears a resemblance to acts like Dinosaur Jr. and Pavement. While Bear Ceuse’s resonance may echo the likes of alternative 90s rock, their signature sound for this decade is revitalizing.  The songs on the band’s debut album are quite disparate. Bear Ceuse is a multi-faceted band that can slow things down and turn it up in a blink of an eye. While they may be virtually unknown in a sea of indie rock bands today, their debut record brims with heartfelt lyrics and sweet melodies. The experience will captivate any listener with a deep uncertainty in the world around them.

Ski Lodge – “Big Heart” - Ski Lodge’s incredibly upbeat approach is simply indelible. With dark lyrics and sugary hooks, the combination is nearly faultless. Andrew Marr from NYC is a multi-instrumentalist. His affinity toward The Smiths is visibly noticeable. His debut record, “Big Heart” is aptly titled. Marr has his heart on his sleeve with his full time project. With lyrics that evoke the pains of isolation, strained father-son dynamics, and love, Ski Lodge is perfectly tender and warm. There is a dichotomy here as some tracks are utterly reflective and others are danceable. Marr is able to pull you in tight with his sensitive vocals, entrancing arrangements, and a deep sense of balance between the likes of sweetness and darkness. No matter which way you lean toward, there’s something here for you.

Young Man – “Beyond Was All Around Me” – The solo project of Chicago’s Colin Caulfield is known as Young Man. After receiving much acclaim a few years back with a plethora of covers of modern indie rock acts and classic rockers, he set forth on creating a trilogy of records. His latest endeavor and finest one to date, “Beyond Was All Around Me,” is dreamy bedroom rock heaven. It’s very ambient driven and his method in attempting to achieve perfection is commendable. While it’s far from the best album of the year, it’s definitely a strong demonstration of an artist evolving. There is an incredible amount of emotion and passion perched on Caulfield’s third record. “In Time” floats on into Pink Floyd territory half way though. It puts you in a complete trance, for better or worse. “Beyond Was All Around Me” is devastatingly personal and completely soulful. Caulfield may be a young man, but he sings and plays music like a hardened veteran.