Snowmine - "Laminate Pet Animal"

Artist: Snowmine
Record: Laminate Pet Animal
Label: Self-released
Release Date: May 3rd, 2011
Review by: Sean Kayden

There are thousands upon thousands of bands in the world. Obviously, it’s an impossible feat to hear them all. However once in awhile you come across a band or an album that hits you like a ton of bricks. Snowmine’s debut record, “Laminate Pet Animal” is one of those bands. A psychedelic-indie group that is a far cry from other performing acts in this modern age of rock music. While comparisons can be drawn from other well-established acts such as My Morning Jacket, Death Cab For Cutie and Fleet Foxes, I feel that Snowmine is composed of the best elements of what those bands offer and then some. Ironically, the aforementioned bands have released new records this year, but none of them come close capturing the magic and essence of Snowmine. What makes this even more of a surprise is how Laminate Pet Animal is merely Snowmine’s first album, while the other bands, with maybe the exception of Fleet Foxes, are considered veteran musicians. The rookie here definitely outshines the seasoned pros in multiple aspects.

“Laminate Pet Animal” is immersed with beautifully composed arrangements, soaring string sections and painstakingly gorgeous vocals. An often spacey and magical soundscape places the listener on an expedition of music wonderment. It is a very rate site to find one’s self not skipping tracks on albums these days. That’s the case here since every song feels just as important as the last. The album permeates into your mind and forms an imaginary world. A world you’re not too familiar with, but love the uncertainty it brings. It’s the kind of album you have to deeply get into. I don’t see that to be much of a challenge since the composition does much of the work for you. The sum of its parts is not greater than its whole though. To enjoy the record to its fullest, one must listen and listen thoroughly to each consecutive track. The journey is relatively short, but the experience is everlasting. Snowmine have crafted a superlatively debut album that may be mistaken for an album from a band deep into their career. I’m not sure what’s more fascinating, the fact this album is undeniably great or the potential of where Snowmine can go next.

Grayson Sanders showcases his soulful side on the track “This One”, where he sings “Let’s fade away and make time for another day.” I can tell you this; you will not want this feeling to ever fade away anytime soon. The vocals for “Hologram”, the closing track on LPA, reminds me much of Jim James of My Morning Jacket. The arrangement is something from Fleet Foxes’ latest endeavor. However, unlike MMJ of the past few years, Snowmine’s music is more focused and less concerned with reinventing themselves with every single song they perform. A little more half way into the slow tempo “Hologram” is where it really picks up. It concludes the rather melancholy album on an upbeat note. Just like this song, the entire record is very well balanced while distinctively going back and forth from a moody atmosphere to jovial beats, such as the ones found on “The Hill” and “Danger in the Snow!” “LPA” is a whirlwind that is comprised of small jolts and hasty collisions. No matter the impact, the songs always leave a lasting impression on the listener. To be moved greatly is an understatement and to be unaffected is clearly unlikely.

Grade 9.2 out of 10
Best Tracks: "Beast in Air, Beast In Water", "The Hill", "Trial and Error", "This One"

Published on November 26th, 2011 by Mountain Views News
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The Devil's Double Review

“The Devil’s Double”

Directed by: Lee Tamahori

Written by: Michael Thomas (based on the novel by Latif Yahia)

Theatrical Release Date: July 29, 2011

DVD/Blu-ray Release Date: November 22, 2011

Rated: R for strong brutal bloody violence and torture, sexual content, graphic nudity, drug use and pervasive language

Review by: Sean Kayden

“The Devil’s Double,” based on the novel by Latif Yahia, is the disturbing true story of a man who is forced to become the double to Saddam Hussein’s sadistic son. While it didn’t do too much damage at the box office this past summer, you’ll get another opportunity to catch this hidden gem as it’s hitting DVD/Blu-ray on November 22. In all honesty, I really had no idea what to expect from “The Devil’s Double”. I went into blindly and came out completely enthralled by the very essence of it. Make no mistake, the film isn’t all that deep or intricate, but the electrifying, career-making performance by Dominic Cooper is worth the price of admission and then some. Cooper takes on the dual roles of Latif Yahia, an Iraqi soldier from an upper class family and the unpredictably insane Uday Hussein. Cooper, a supporting character in this summer’s mega blockbuster, “Captain America” has officially entered leading man status. In the film, Latif is strong-armed into becoming Uday’s double because of the potential threat of an assassination on him (just like his father). Latif, feeling nothing but dead, doesn’t always comply with Uday’s orders. This becomes a problem for Uday, but he knows that he created Latif and owns him. Latif finds himself in a physical relationship with one of Uday’s women and that raises a major problem in act three. While initially it’s a risky move by Latif, the every idea of it becomes a bit under-cooked, especially in the final stages of the film. Regardless, Cooper’s dual performance elevates the movie from being pretty good to being borderline great.

Despite the indelible acting presentation, the movie has it share of flaws and demonstrates slight repetitiveness with all the sex and violence. However, don’t get me wrong, it’s an absolute blast to take in. “The Devil’s Double” is one of the coolest, sexiest, and most violent films of the year. While not for everyone, those who enjoy a departure from mundane boring life will be undoubtedly glued to the screen while watching it. The plot is fairly loose, which is a series of events that occur leading up to Latif making a run for it. Whatever shortcomings there are in the script are almost completely forgivable because Cooper is simply brilliant in his dual portrayals. I really can’t say enough about this Oscar level performance that sadly won’t even be on the minds of Academy voters early next year.

Across the board, everything from the beautiful set design, to the killer 80s soundtrack, to the polished and stunning cinematography, to the ultra slick direction were top notch. Director Lee Tamahori (“Die Another Day”, “The Edge”) shaped a very sleek and tight thriller with “The Devil’s Double” that provided unsettling chills on more than one occasion. It’s devastating that the movie only received a super limited release because if it had better marketing and advertising, then just maybe it could have found its footing in a rather stale summer movie season. All I can say is shame on you, Lionsgate. At any rate, I found “The Devil’s Double” to be absolutely engrossing, outrageously entertaining and bat-shit crazy. This movie ranks among my favorites of the year. Not to mention, be on the lookout for Dominic Cooper because the guy is the next big thing for all the right reasons.

Grade: 4 out of 5

Published on November 19th, 2011 by Mountain Views News
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v05/htm/n47/p11.htm

NEW MUST HEAR MUSIC

By: Sean Kayden

M83 – “New Map” – Anthony Gonzalez, the brainchild of M83, has recently released his sixth studio album, “Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming”. The versatile musician has always demonstrated a strong affinity for shoegaze, pop, reverb effects and soft vocals over loud instrumentals. “New Map” is no different as it’s a glorious, dreamy, and explosive song that journeys to the unknown. The unknown, in this case, is wherever this song takes you (the listener) personally. It’s a special song that comes off a double album which the central theme is dreams; the ones you have as a kid, teenager and adult. To hear this song is to love this song. That’s a personal guarantee of mine.

M83 - New Map by Drugs and Mirrors

Girl In A Coma – “Smart” – The all female rock band hailing from San Antonio, Texas have just put out their fourth LP, “Exits and All The Rest” for Black Heart Records. Their latest sound is a slight departure from previous efforts. More poppy, catchy, and new wave-ish, these girls may just rise to the next level with this new record. “Smart” is the radio-friendly single that borrows right from The Smiths’ back catalogue (where the band’s name is originated from). Despite the heavy influence, this tune stands toe-to-toe with the best pop songs of the year. With distressingly intended vocals that are both stunning and delicate, “Smart” is a throwback to the 80s, but also a song that compliments this band as being potential rising rockstars for this day and age.

Girl in a Coma - Smart by Here Comes The Flood

A Classic Education – “Can You Feel The Backwash” - This brand new song is off the debut album, “Call It Blazing” from the three-piece alternative rock band, A Classic Education. These young men hail from Italy, but their sound is a mixture between The Beach Boys and Band Of Horses. However, the resemblance doesn’t stop there. You can definitely hear the influences from 50s and 60s rock. This hidden treasure is one of the stronger tracks off their new LP and really differentiates itself from other indie rock acts. A Classic Education may not be poised for total world domination just yet, but their presence should be known because this record is a warm embrace that’s gentle, gracious and tender. It’s hard to find a beating heart in music these days, but this one feels everlasting.

A Classic Education - Can You Feel The Backwash by MOORWORKS

Keepaway – “Cake” – Keepaway will finally be releasing their long awaited debut LP, Black Flute this January. They’ve just dropped “Cake”, a glimmering, multi-vocal, electronic drenched pop song that shouldn’t be mistaken for Animal Collective revisited. Honestly, this band fell off my radar after their mid 2010 EP, “Baby Style”. Over a year later, I can proudly say I’m so pumped for their full length. This new song feels more structured than anything they’ve put out in the past. . They’re definitely sporting more lyrics/singing this time around and it just adds to the wonderment that this song truly is. Ranging from R&B influences, conversational type singing, and beats that are as hot as girls rocking skirts in the summer, “Cake” is a lavishly and glistening tune that’s sure to give you some heat during this cold wintertime.

Cake - Keepaway by GREEDHEADMUSIC

Weird Dreams – “Joan” – East London lads show off their sensitive side on their new song, “Joan”. Apparently, this awesomely hazy gem is not making the cut for their debut record hitting the digital world in February. While it’s easy to dismiss the cluster of guitar-pop bands in the indie-sphere, there are a few that deserve a deeper look. Based on this tune alone, Weird Dreams rank among those worthy of your time. “Joan”, while wistful and soothing three-fourths of the way into the song, picks up momentum in its final stages. What starts out sounding good, ends up being magnificent upon completion. Be on the lookout early next year for Weird Dreams first full length album.

joan // weird dreams by sexmusic

Published on November 12th, 2011 by Mountain Views News
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v05/htm/n46/p11.htm

"The Son Of No One" Review

“The Son Of No One”

Directed by: Dito Montiel

Written by: Dito Montiel

Rated: R for violence, pervasive language and brief disturbing sexual content

Release Date: November 4^th, 2011 (limited)

Review by: Sean Kayden

Dito Montiel’s latest outing, a NYC police drama starring Channing Tatum is about as useless as a Christian Slater television show. Respectively speaking, the film does have an interesting concept, but the navigation of the plot is both tedious and not very compelling in the slightest bit. Montiel broke out in the scene a few years ago with his Sundance movie, “A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints”. He then directed the studio picture, “Fighting”. Both films feature Channing Tatum, who seems to be Montiel’s go-to-guy. I don’t really have a problem with Tatum as an actor, but the guy isn’t someone who has the capacity of drawing me in. He doesn’t have the strongest screen presence either. However, I’ll give the guy a fair shot if the material is worthy enough. Unfortunately, once again, Tatum is only as good as the script in front of him and the screenplay for “The Son Of No One” is as soulless as they come by.

Tatum plays a young NYC police officer assigned to a precinct in the Queens neighborhood where he grew up. He continues to stay on the right track by providing for his wife and daughter, but a haunting secret from his past is back in the forefront. His life is threatened when news starts surfacing about an unsolved double murder by two boys and the possible police cover up that took place 16 years ago. With little to go on, Tatum must stop a tough female journalist from revealing this potentially damaging clandestine past. Al Pacino pops in for a quick paycheck as Tatum’s father’s old police partner and his godfather (revealed later on). He’s mostly seen in flashback scenes when Tatum’s character was merely just a boy. Ray Liotta, another actor slumming it, plays the police captain who’s trying to protect all the boys in blue. Katie Holmes, who portrays Tatum’s wife, is absolutely wasted of any talents she may have. Lastly, Tracy Morgan takes on the persona of Vinnie, Tatum’s old childhood friend that is schizophrenic and now gay. He quickly becomes the prime culprit of who may be leaking this vital information to the journalist. After Pacino, Liotta, and Tatum have a sit down conversation on how things are going to go down, it’s clear that Pacino and Liotta are trying to protect themselves more so than Tatum. Since Tatum is one of their own, they’re not going to throw him under the bus. Toward the end, things unravel on the rooftop of Tatum’s old apartment complex with Pacino, Liotta, Morgan, another cop and Tatum appearing in the heat of the action. Let’s just say, the events that take place are simply ridiculous and ludicrous. The movie will leave you undeniably empty with the motivation to ask one self, “Did I really just spend 90 minutes sitting through this garbage?”

In the end, you discover who’s really behind the leaked information, but by that time, you really don’t give a damn. In retrospect, there’s very little to care about at all pertaining to the story itself. I doubt anyone will show any regard about the murders that occur. There’s nothing insightful or intriguing about what’s going on and frankly, the film is just lackluster. “The Son Of No One” closed out the 2011 Sundance festival to an array of walkouts and negative reception by critics. Anchor Bay took the liberty of “cutting” and “tightening” some sequences, but the finish result is an utter mess. The major notable change has to do with that rooftop scene I mentioned. However, the tweaked conclusion is still deeply unsatisfying. I have deep reservations that the original cut provided anything remotely significant to the abysmal plot, anyway. The hope that a Queens native such as Montiel could offer an unique perspective on the old police drama story is quickly dashed and abandoned soon after the movie is underway. “The Son Of No One” is only getting a very limited theatrical release and that alone is more than generous.

Grade: 1 out of 5

Published on November 5th, 2011 by Mountain Views News

http://mtnviewsnews.com/v05/htm/n45/p11.htm

Real Estate - "Days"

Artist: Real Estate

Album: Days

Label: Domino Records

Release Date: October 18, 2011

Review by: Sean Kayden

Real Estate’s latest effort, “Days” is breezy, tight, sharp and laid back. It’s a bit more upbeat than their previous eponymous record back in 2009. This time around, the band finds themselves on a bigger label (Domino Records) with higher production values to boot. However, they don’t always fully utilize the higher production sound and often revert back to their lo-fi sonic landscape. One thing is certain; Real Estate has a very unique sound, even if it’s simplistic. There is both a cool and collective vibe to their disposition. The songs here are wistful, 60s inspired (Beach Boys style) and guitar-driven. From track to track, the record has this strange ability to lift you from your bed (where you’ll be when enjoying this kind of album) and have you floating aimlessly in mid air. “Days” is more comprehensive than Real Estate’s first record. However, more times than not, the songs here seem interchangeable to those on their debut. While not a terrible thing, it shows Real Estate displaying smaller growth than previously anticipated.

The biggest problem I have here is that while the record is ten tracks, two of the tracks actually debuted well over a year ago. What we’re left here is eight brand new songs. Given the nature of Real Estate’s arrangements (and sometimes repetitious sound) the record flies by. I mean, of course none of this matters if this is your first introduction to the band. By the end of the album, Real Estate sort of staggers to the finish line. “Younger Than Yesterday”, which made its first appearance on a previous EP record, feels a bit limp. It drags and easily the one track you’ll skip over. The final track, “All The Same” goes on for over seven minutes and the last four are purely dreamy and atmospheric, but rather anticlimactic. If it were only shorter in duration or separated into two songs then maybe it could work. Sadly, the payoff isn’t worth the wait. Before you know it, the album ends and it ends on a whimper. Despite the knock, there are a multitude of fine, well-crafted moments to be heard. Your best bet is to play this album on shuffle and hope to avoid the aforementioned song.

“Out of Tune”, which debuted last year, is a different story. Even a year later, this may be the best Real Estate song in their personal repertoire. Not surprisingly, the two stronger tracks off “Days” are the ones under three minutes. “It’s Real” and “Wonder Years” are the songs why you’re a fan and true believer of this band in the first place. Real Estate was built for quick, chill, 3-minute plus tunes. In the end, “Days” is no groundbreaking affair, but it’s ingrained with wistfulness, warmth and a soul. Airy, light, and reflective, the surf-pop/garage-pop resonance surprisingly works better in the brisk fall season than it would have in the glory days of summer. It may not grasp new listeners, but certainly please the ears of previous fans.

Key Tracks: “It’s Real”, “Out Of Tune”, “Municipality” and “Wonder Years”

Grade: 7.4 out of 10

Published on October 29th, 2011 by Mountain Views News

http://mtnviewsnews.com/v05/htm/n44/p11.htm

Future Islands - "On The Water"

Artist: Future Islands

Album: On The Water

Label: Thrill Jockey

Release Date: October 11, 2011

Review by: Sean Kayden

It was only a year and half ago when Baltimore natives, Future Islands released their sophomore album (first from independent record label Thrill Jockey), “In Evening Air”. Heavy on synths with a dash of dreamy and pop, Future Islands’ promising reintroduction earned them the much-deserved attention from critics and pending fans. There was something inconceivable about “In Evening Air” that somehow revealed Future Islands as a band hopefully pioneering the future of modern rock music. It was a scary notion to begin with, but after listening to “In Evening Air” everything pointed in that direction. As heartbreaking as it was earnest, the music that was being created simply had meaning. To those who listened and found higher purpose, I can tell you that it wasn’t a fluke because Future Islands are the real deal. Let me proudly introduce to you, “On The Water”, the successor to “In Evening Air” and one of the more inspiring albums of 2011.

Future Islands return with their third LP, “On The Water”, a carefully crafted and slow burning album that exudes love, lost, and life. Exploring these common themes may evidently be cliché in rock music, however make no mistake, Future Islands are everything, but ordinary. There is something mythical ingrained on this compilation. “On The Water” probes for the wonders of life’s mysteries by beginning with the past and looking into the future. There is so much beauty to be found if you let the album seep inside of you. It will carry you to another time and place, but remind you that the only way of moving forward is looking onward. Granted nostalgia has become a repetitious subject explored in today’s indie rock music, Future Islands still find a way to tug at your heart. You may have to warm up a bit to Samuel T. Herring’s crooning, Dracula type vocals. In time, I’m sure you will and when that happens, you’ll see the light. This is the same light that will guide you on your path of dreams, hopes, and desires. “On The Water”, “The Great Fire”, “Where I Found You” and “Give Us The Wind” drive the album into masterpiece territory. Dreamy, passionate, and perceptive, these songs will pull you in and frankly, never let you go. A rare and majestic feeling that shouldn’t be missed by anyone that’s a fan of this music persuasion.

There’s little not to admire about this stellar and grandiose effort Future Islands have pulled off. It’s shocking and truly not fair that a band of this magnitude will go undetected to the masses. The embracing of “On The Water” feels like a spiritual awakening in the process. It’s a deeply satisfying experience that will affect you as if you were starting all over. The album carries its heart on its sleeve and this heart is warm, compassionate and giving. The conquest over both life and love bleed through the veins of “On The Water”. Instead of saying life is merely nothing, it reminds you that life is something after all. It’s simply how you accept it that makes all the difference in the end. Deeply personal and heavily emotional, “On The Water” reminds us just how powerful music can be. While it will impact any listener in numerously different ways, one thing is for certain, you’ll be surprised of how deep it sinks into your mind, body, and most of all, soul. Future Islands also proves that mind, body, and soul are all super-connected. If you think otherwise, you haven’t listened to “On The Water”.

Key Tracks: “On The Water”, “The Great Fire”, “Where I Found You”, “Give Us The Wind”

Grade: 9 out of 10

Published on October 22nd, 2011 by Mountain Views News
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The Fall Mix

By: Sean Kayden

Family of the Year – “St. Croix”

“St. Croix” is the perfect jam for this fall season. Warm and upbeat, there’s no denying the magic. This is the ideal song to transition from the summer season into the autumn season. Songs like this make me believe how cool indie rock really just is. I can’t get enough of this joyous and indelible tune that is so light and breezy, it’d be a crime not to find it appealing in some way. “St. Croix”, which appears on Family of the Year’s latest EP album with the same name, is an ebullient tune that you really can’t go wrong with this fall season. Your ears will thank you and yes, you’re welcome.

St. Croix by Family of the Year

Heavenly Beat – “Desire”

“Desire” is the first song from bassist John Peña of the group, Beach Fossils. “Desire” is slightly reminiscent of the classic Beach Fossils sound, but much more polished and rhythmic. Despite its short duration (2:18), the song goes through a number of tempo changes. Silky smooth vocals, infectious drum beats and a delicate arrangement, “Desire” is the latest hidden gem of the season. It’s hard to imagine something more eloquent, pristine, and striking as this subtle and pensive tune is.

Heavenly Beat - Desire by lauralasmane

Weekend – “Hazel”

“Hazel” is a new song off Weekend’s EP album, “Red”. It’s the follow-up from their debut record, “Sports”. Hazel provides all the goodies—gush bass chords, clamorous guitar hooks and a flawless melody that would have most pop bands foaming at the mouth. This track is wall-to-wall reverb central that supplies the ideal amount of aggression, abrasiveness and boisterous sound to make it a must hear. Heavy on tempo, dark undertones and just all around badass, “Hazel” will have you hooked faster than heroin. The same euphoric feeling, but with none of the side effects. So, what are you waiting for?

Weekend - Hazel by Slumberland Records

Surfer Blood – “I’m Not Ready”

The aforementioned track comes off Surfer Blood’s upcoming EP, “Tarot Classics”. It’s undeniably catchy is a ridiculous understatement. This is a well-crafted tune that follows in the footsteps of Surfer Blood’s debut album, but far more laid-back. The 90s inspired indie rock act seems to be in top form with “I’m Not Ready”. It’s definitely an indication Surfer Blood is continuing down the right path. “I’m Not Ready” is a heavily guitar driven tune that’s as piercing as it is zealous. The song may be called “I’m Not Ready”, but I’m absolutely ready for some more Surfer Blood.

Surfer Blood - I'm Not Ready (Live from DC) by theaudioperv

Big Troubles – “You’ll Be Laughing”

This retro-pop treasure comes off the Big Troubles recent sophomore album, “Romantic Comedy”. Light on comedy, heavy on romantics, “You’ll Be Laughing” is a dreamy, 80s inspired tune that’s polished and divine. It will move you, tantalize all your senses and put you in a state of utter bliss. Saturated with autumn vibrations and flourishing, swooping hooks, “You’ll Be Laughing” is the cure to your post-summer blues. If you fall in love with this track, just wait until you hear the entire album.

Big Troubles, You'll Be Laughing by danceyrselfclean28

Published on October 15th, 2011 by Mountain Views News
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v05/htm/n42/p11.htm