Freddie Bourne is an artist from New Jersey. He was in a couple of bands in high school, created a popular Youtube channel and released an album. His most recent release Vulnerable Commercialism (Live) is a stripped back live show displaying some of his songs.
This release reminded me of the VH1 storyteller’s series they used to air. Bourne gives some preamble to what the songs are about before playing them. The first song is “Summers in Jaxson (Live)”. I have to admit the story made me laugh. Bourne mentions it's about a first love that he had which isn’t particularly funny but the part that made me chuckle is when he mentioned that he was in middle school and about twelve. I’m thirty-eight now but still remember that age. I don’t think I remember anyone at that age who was even interested in the opposite sex, let alone in a relationship. I was too busy wrestling with my friends, running around town and just getting into trouble - maybe times have changed. The song is a sentimental piano pop ballad. It’s covered in melancholy and nostalgia and reflects on those old childhood days in a clear and concise way. He goes on to poetically lament about the relationship. The songs seem to unfold like a timeline. Bourne sings about passing notes in a yearbook and then gets to her moving. It felt like a performance you might hear on one of those shows like The Voice where the guy or gal stops and one of the judges is in tears. Up next is “Rx” which has an interesting tale. He talks about battling with anxiety, going on medication and wondering how it was going on to affect the creative process. Bourne claims it didn’t affect the creative process which I actually think would be a very hard thing to figure out. At any rate, the song is more about the “fear” of what it would do. The mood is very melancholy and dramatic. It’s very much in a similar mood to the first song but even pushed further. The explanation of “Maybe We Can Get Some Coffee Instead?” was a little vague and broad. It dances on themes of observation and intent. Bourne choses to play another song that is again very dramatic and melancholy. In fact, the closer “A Girl” which is about sexual assault hits almost the same exact emotional residue. My only critique with this particular release is I wanted some more emotional variety. I like a good tearjerker on an album but after four in a row I felt emotionally exhausted. Suffice it to say even just one song that felt upbeat, or jazzy or anything besides sentimental melancholy could have broken the mood slightly and provide just enough levity but I do understand he may have just wanted to play into one emotion. Let me be known that Bourne has many different shades of musical talent. On this release however he shows his talent as a pianist and singer which is exceptional. I’m sure there were more than a few people crying that night. Take a listen.
0 Comments
Froggy Prinze (an excellent band name) hails from Sydney, Australia and brings with them a surfy indie rock sound. Their latest EP is a lo-fi triumph that asks the questions Is This Supposed To Be Happening?. Excellent question, one I ask often. "The Ghost Of John Ball" is the opener here and it starts out plucky enough with a little piano. This is an opener full of quirks and an interesting narrative. The lyrics are pointing in a specific direction, but it takes some unraveling. Great indie folk rock sound. It's a little gloomy but very charming. It also builds up to a very psychedelic crescendo that gets all sorts of trippy and fun. Number two is "Elbows In Fights." Gotta admit, this is not the tune I would expect to hear with a title like that, and certainly not in this genre. I like this one though; a little more alt rock on this one. There's a an expected sweetness to it. An illustration of naive hopes and very real situations. There's youth to it as well that rings so true to one's younger and more reckless years. Great lyrics here, this is the one that has that big commercial radio appeal, but in the best way. I'm not mad if this one gets stuck in my head and rattles a round for a bit. Holding up the third spot is "Drop A Penny" and right away you're in a much more airy, surfy, breezy sort of mood. Fun harmony here, great drum work. The band may be from Sydney, but this song in particular really paints a coast of a whole other animal. In particular I can't help but see myself listening to this on the Pacific Coast Highway in California. Again, strong lyrics, the narrative here speaks of exodus and taking a chance elsewhere. Pretty damn motivating too, hell why I am I writing this review?! Speaking of coasts is "East Coast Low." Funny, I'm on the east coast of my own right now. Currently looking at the Atlantic Ocean from Pine Knoll shores in North Carolina. This song brings down the tone a bit and speaks to introspection and connection. It fits perfectly with my surroundings, I could call it fate or luck. Could just be this is a damn good song that can feel good in a variety of situations? I love the nostalgia and love for one's familiar grounds in this song. Last song is "Suggestion Box." I dunno how I feel about it. It's not bad, but I did notice some production choices that were a little different from the other songs, especially with the vocal treatment. Don't know if it's my favorite, but I appreciate their willingness to experiment. I think this EP is a delightful success. I think this group is blessed with truly talented writing and great instincts. They have a strong and distinctive voice and I think it’s one that can take them places.
Become A Fan
Shut the front door! Here I am making the rounds in North Carolina to visit family and I am suddenly afforded the pleasure of reviewing Here Comes The Post New Wave. This is a fresh new album from Dai Cheri, an alt-electro pop band hailing from Winston Salem, North Carolina. I literally just drove through there today. I'll admit, when I come out this way I have very little time to take in the local music scene, but this sound in particular is wildly unexpected. Winston Salem is beautiful, lush greenery everywhere you look, charming old southern houses, mouth watering comfort food. Somehow, out of this backdrop I get this album dripping with heavy synth and drama.
Now obviously you will have heard synth samples of this kind before, but the man behind Dai Cheri, Eric Haynes Swaim, knows how to accessorize. He has strong skills in terms of composition; he's a mood builder unafraid of lavish layering. Often you'll find some of his percussive elements border on something that resembles jungle. Lots of unexpected surprises in the samples. Every synth sound is distinctive and almost used like auxiliary voices. These synth sounds were hand picked, plucked with purpose and wielded in expert fashion. Let's not forget the drama aspect of this album that I mentioned earlier. The drama is all is Swaim's pen. These are pointy, cheeky, mischievous lyrics. I can relate to these lyrics so deeply. Swaim has a ripe sense of humor and irony tucked away in here as well. There is a lot of fun factor. There is also a lot of living breathing performance energy popping out from Swaim and his vocal work. This didn't come as a shock considering he has fronted many bands in his past. Even through such a heavily electronic album, his performance shines through. It seems to be like second nature to him. The performance style is effortless, never contrived. There is something so decadent about the production on this album. Swaim handled the recording and mixing himself and reached outward for mastering. I can't stress enough the glossy level polish this album is coated with. He took the time to examine every detail with a magnifying glass and make sure all of his fabulous textures and tones are heard AND acknowledged. The production alone presents a sort of elevated attitude. This album is very focused on what feels like a very specific channel in Swaim's mind. I love the level of cohesion on this album. There are lots of flavors and moods at work here but they all complement one another. Nothing is out of place. As an artist Swaim is just so expressive and thought provoking. I'd put some money on this race horse. I think there is so much more to come, and a bigger audience will inevitably find him. Check out Here Comes The Post New Wave when you need to listen to someone who knows what they're talking about and whose confidence is contagious.
I have the pleasure of welcoming Vegetables At Last back to Divide & Conquer for their latest album Mini Album. The group categorizes itself as a collective, and their current roster is scattered across the globe. Based on logistics alone, it is impressive that this album came together. The album may be mini in name, but it's actually quite mighty with ten whole tracks jam packed with emotional exploration.
This album gets pretty dark in terms of subject matter. It's bitter, frustrated, self-loathing, essentially my typical Wednesday. There is an interesting dynamic between the music and the lyrics. The lyrics are prickly and covered with salt to boot. Very blunt, sometimes cheeky, sometimes downright brutal. On terms of thematic narratives, I really appreciate how ugly they are willing to get. They're not afraid to show off their pettiness or envy. I love that they have no shame and are secure enough to put these things on display. ALL of the vocal talent on this album is fantastic. Diverse talents on here all pulling on the threads that stitch this album together in delivering the razor sharp lyrics. Considering the very cohesive nature of the album from a musical sense, it's good to get a vocal shake up. There are certain moments with certain performances where the vocals felt a little contrived. It's not that the vocalist couldn't hit the note, just that his delivery and inflection was a bit much at times. Musically, the album is based around a modern set of indie rock guitar skills. The music is dreamy, surfy, ironic. It almost has the characteristics of a feel good album and I love the dichotomy. There were a few tracks the bled a little too easily into one another making certain songs fade into the background. That would be my only complaint. However I can respect their laser focus on this particular mood that they explored so deeply and thoroughly. The production process was a homespun operation within the group. Just being able to get everyone in a room in Nice, France is probably the biggest production hurdle there was. The album sounds good. There were a few vocal treatment choices I was not fond of, but beyond that, I was fine. For an album, there is a lot of stage presence here. There is the essence of a live show which I always find to be an asset for any album as it works as motivation for people to buy tickets. If I had the money to make a trip across the pond, I would certainly be tempted. So many of their influences are bands I adore and I can say with certainty that the group has exquisite taste. So yes, they have nailed me on both emotional and taste sensibilities. Obviously that means Mini Album is a winner for me, and I have a feeling I am not alone. I want to congratulate Vegetables At Least on this album and should they come back to Divide & Conquer for another round, I would be delighted.
Mark Engebretson (vocals/percussion), Eric Pierson (guitars/vocals), Steve Olson (bass/vocals) and Jerry Johnson (drums/vocals) are The Silverteens. The band has been in local bands for a long time and very much like myself can’t seem to stop playing music. Their release The 3 for 3 EP is a no frills style rock that is fun, catchy and has a good amount of attitude.
The songs are short and to the point like punk intended. There is no extra fat on these songs starting with “Drive On.” The title really tells the whole vibe of the song. It's a driving song (no pun intended) that just keeps the energy up and exciting the whole time. There aren’t many lyrics to the song besides the actual title itself but I’m all for brevity and enjoy the anthemic qualities that you might compare to The Who. Up next is “Do Ya Wanna” which is the longest song at about three minutes. The song is certified garage rock. There is more than a hint of punk rock bands including The Clash and The Ramones. I loved the vocal harmonies on this song. They close with “Outside Chance” which might be the highlight. It’s just an infectious and catchy song that has a whole lot of vibrant energy. Speaking of energy these young chaps have more energy in their music than most bands in their twenties. I think their show would be a blast. The 3 for 3 EP isn’t an EP that is reinventing the wheel nor do I think for a second that it is even attempting to do so. It seems that the main objective is for the band members themselves to have a good time and in doing so hope the listeners feel the same way. I can say that was certainly the case for myself.
Become A Fan
Back in 2010, Mental Fracture was founded in Rishon LeZion, Israel. Growing up they were inspired by bands such as Dream Theater, Opeth and Porcupine Tree which lead them to write progressive rock music. For a few years Mental Fracture wrote music but it wasn’t until 2019 that they recorded some by themselves. The band took it a step further by showing actual recording footage for “The Mind’s Desire” and “Genesis” on their YouTube channel.
The album opens up with the titled track “The Mind’s Desire.” Right away we’re introduced to dark, gritty lyrics - “Beyond the tears of sad hazel eyes lay the truth I’ve always looked for. Already searched between dozen of lies, only to find out the answer is not there anymore.” It’s about wanting to break free from the depressing routine of life. It’s not all doom and gloom once the realization that something must change is represented by beautiful guitar riffs well worth listening to. Finally breaking free, the ending is loud and rhythmic. “Genesis” is a hard-hitting instrumental that has some Middle Eastern vibes before changing into a more metal setting with some harmonic-minor scales. It perfectly blends into the following track “In The Eye Of The Creator.” It does have a heavier philosophical aspect when it comes to the lyrics and shares some of the same riffs from “Genesis.” However what makes the song unique is the changing of genres. It begins with soft vocals before it breaks down into a funk jam then back to a rock song. It’s just simply fantastic. “Poetic Hate” has a much angrier tone to it with good measure too as it tackles the subject of plagiarism - “That you can barely see the starts / And you’re just sitting there and think that / Quoting scripts is what you need to tell the world / It’s what in your heart.” As a writer, I identify with this song and have been jamming to it all week. The final track of the album is “Bucolic.” It’s a lovely instrumental that features plenty of percussions and bells making it the song with the most Middle Eastern vibe present. For their first album, Mental Fracture did wonderfully with The Mind’s Desire. It takes on the concept of creation, and the mind wanting to break free so that it may leave an everlasting mark on this world. They do a nice job of providing rock tracks but also proudly represent their heritage.
Brother Guy is an eclectic and funky collective based in Somerville, Massachusetts. Up and coming since 2018 they are a seven-piece funk rock and jam band that creates a good time no matter what their piece. Recently, they mixed and mastered their new Drawer Daze EP. This album is a great listen, especially as a chill summer soundtrack.
"Crazy" is reminiscent of hot summer days, festivals and a funky background of just letting go and letting loose. Despite the lyrics being darker - “going crazy inside my head, I need a coffin I wish I was a dead" - the music feels like a validation of the theme of just needing a break from the seriousness of life. For a negative theme, it is one funky and multilayered groovy scene. Moving through Drawer Daze EP, we transition to longer rhythms and repeating beats and featured guitar solos in "Chris's Jawn." The storytelling in the lyrics evolve into a very relatable way with "I had to laugh or cry and that was by design" and "I said I'm not the coolest for the thousandth time." Like a funky defeated punch in the gut. However, things turn up in "Natural." A complete surrender, "barefoot in the snow," the comparisons of squirrels, clams and the moose. A full on letting go and breath of fresh air that really feels different from the whole album. It reminds me just a tad like the UK band Chameleon Circuit, but natural, with a bit of crunch. Quicker in tempo, and a very different mood with the vocals. "Reflections" is the completion and final song. This is where the band allows more focus on the string instruments, especially the violin which I love. It felt relaxed and I believe the most representative of the soul of this album. The funk and grooviness is not present in this composition as much. Yet, it still has an excellent background percussion that gives it a grounded jazz quality. All in all this band has a great funky vibe. They are not shy about their lyrics and they master the contrast of upbeat with profundity in a way that wants to make me dance, and that is no small feat. The album comes together as an emotional story and does not leave you hanging or incomplete. However their lyrics are open enough to interpretation that it can be incorporated to fit a variety of moods. Keeping it groovy, funky, and so eclectic.
Joseph Dugan is a yoga teacher and also a musician. This fact grabbed my attention before even listening to his release Swaha. As a musician myself and just by observing other musicians, it’s evident that songs are often a reflection or an interpretation of our emotional states. The tortured artist might write melancholy songs to fill that empty space with meaning; the man who found love now writes a beautiful love song for his soon to be bride. I started to think about how Dugan would write music. Is he able to take a step back being a meditation teacher and observe these patterns of energy (we often call emotion) in a different way than most? Is he then good enough of a musician to convey this with melody, harmony, dissonance and all the other things that go into making a song.
Dugan appreciates bands like Animal Collective, Sufjan Steven and Sigur Rós. I think this comes across in his music. Dugan isn’t making cliched, new age music that you might think would come from an album called meditative beat vol. 3. It’s also not playing into predictable areas of simple serene and tranquil soundscapes. The opener ‘Washing My Colored Mind” effortlessly mixes saxophone, oscillating sine waves, crystal like effects and vocals. It’s ongoing and ever changing as if there is no beginning or end. In my opinion this kind of endless feeling that artists like Brian Eno and Stars of the Lid capture is an integral part of ambient music. The emotions are subtle and bubble to the surface. Although these songs have an endless quality there are peaks. “Home Inside” for instance unwraps and has multiple crescendos. There are some moments which sound close to what you might think being enlightened sounds like but there is also this quantum energy that feels like you're listening to subatomic particles. I was reminded of Playthroughs by Keith Fullerton Whitman. There are more percussive heavy moments on songs like “My Children Are The Sounds Of The Sun” and “Desireless Non-Desire” where you can hear the influence from Animal Collective. “Miniature Painting” seems to explore the very depths of consciousness with some impressive sound design. Minimalism and even free jazz seems to be an influence on “Call Off The Search.” He closes with “Sit In The Center Watching And Forget That You're There” which is perhaps the most cosmic and vast sounding soundscape. One thing this album does benefit from is having a still mind when listening. If I was a teacher myself I would advise the listener to find a comfortable place to sit, bust out your best pair of headphones and clear your mind so you can really listen.
Raygun! Raygun! is based in Canton, Ohio and was born out of a spontaneous recording session in the summer of 2018. The band’s two members, Clay Reid and Michael Bastas, found out that they had a knack for writing quick witted, goofy pop/art rock tunes that had unique flair. Their debut album, Welcome to the Greengate Hotel was recorded in Bastas’ basement and it draws on the duo’s shared interest in artists like Frank Zappa and bands like Ween, Ariel Pink, The Idle Race, The Beatles and The Beach Boys.
Conceptually, the album as the band states is “about a hotel in the middle of nowhere that is occupied by the strangest grouping of people and things imaginable. Subject matter includes everything from tacky jungle themed restaurants and stolen lamps to paranormal volunteers and John Carradine (who is definitely not dead) singing at his favorite karaoke bar.” The album title track “Welcome to the Greengate Hotel” opens with light and playful piano and lofty, dream-like singing sandwiched between lyrics about John Carradine and his recollections about being a Prisoner of Shark Island. From here on out, I was thinking – yep, this will most definitely be a highly entertaining album. Next up you’ll hear a conversation between a couple of old farts who bark and holler about the “good ‘ol days” and how “kids these days” disrespect their elders and on and on. A circus-like organ can be heard too in this short number with a really long title – “Boy, This Elevator Really Smells Like Potpourri and Moth Balls.” I was kind of hoping that the next song “Jungle Room” was about an actual room by the same name at Elvis Presley’s Graceland Mansion in Memphis, but no mention of it here. The duos’ creative use of the wooden xylophone sounds fantastic here, or are they marimbas? Oddly, this one reminds me of a cross between Harry Belafonte’s “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” or “Jump In The Line” and Harry Nilsson’s “Coconut.” Overall, the arrangement and production were really damn good and fun to listen to. Next, is a short melody that could pass for a TV commercial jingle in “We’ve Got Breakfast.” The band gave this one a vintage ’50-‘60s feel - cleverly done guys! “Pillow Mint Ghost” starts with harpsichord sounding keys, (which I feel is a poorly underrepresented instrument these days), in this song about a ghost who shares mints with guests he or she haunts. Their job is taxing and tedious as the lyrics suggest, but those mints must be very potent because “they freshen up your breath even after death.” “Room Service” is well, about just that. The words are pretty simple and quite funny – “If you think you need room service, just pick up the phone” and while you’re at it, call for extra shaving cream for “YOUR HAIRY BACK!!” “What’s My Thing?” is a light, pop number with definitely a Beatles influence. But also, it had that extra something about it which reminded me of Jim Henson’s The Muppets Show.“Bob Lemonschonce” is another one of the band’s cleverly written jingles, advertising the Greengate Hotel with its “fully functioning gym” and “health center” – all to promote “HEALTHY LIVING.” “Growin’” features a MIDI electric beat and low, brooding singing. Part of this one felt Zappa-like, but also, if you’re familiar with Devo’s lesser known songs, the electronic music was reminiscent of their style, too. Lastly, “Goodbye from the Greengate” features a feel-good pop vibe and more hilarious words of advice and farewell – “We still have your credit card information / We won’t refrain to add a charge if you took something / Like our lamps…. we’re serious.” In the end, this is truly a concept album with cohesion throughout, make no mistake. Sometimes concept albums can get a little too serious and “way out there” for some listeners. But this is not one of them. For me, it was pure joy to listen to this two-man band from Ohio who write fun songs and catchy melodies inside creatively written arrangements. Music need not be traditional structures of well-worn guitar chords and familiar rock n’ roll rhythms. Raygun! Raygun! proves that on Greengate Hotel.
The Bloom is an American rock band from Pensacola, Florida that formed in 2017, consisting of James Groce (vocals/guitar), Wolf Raynsford (drums), Andrew Besanco (bass) and Stephen Ales (guitar). They recently released their self-titled album The Bloom.
They have a sound I think will appeal to a lot of people. I was reminded of bands like Band of Horses and Fleet Foxes that mix elements of Americana in their indie rock. There is also a hint of jam bands when it comes to some of the instrumental aspects. The band starts with “Coma Dream“ and you can hear the “jam band” aesthetics that may be mixed with a little Modest Mouse and funk. There was something about the song that made me think of an outdoor festival and people dancing to it. The song isn’t only dance worthy, it’s catchy. “Have Mercy” is a tad more emotionally resonant and pensive but still you can tell the band is building a foundation to their music. I thought the vocals were soulful and sung with a lot of passion. “Black Dress” is another solid song. The band sure knows how to create a good groove. ”Best Day” could be the highlight of the batch. It at the very least felt like the most single worthy. It’s positive and the melodies are memorable from both the guitar and vocals. “Follow Me” is a cathartic song where the band rocks quite hard making a pretty beautiful wall of sound at points. “Manhattan Project” has its moments as well. The band closes strong with “King of the Mountain” which ends with a strong crescendo. The band seems to making all the right moves in my opinion. The album was cohesive and really showcases a signature sound that the band has been forming. It also didn’t stretch on too long. I usually advise up and coming bands to lean towards brevity. The seven songs here felt like the perfect amount to get acquainted with their sound. I predict good things for this band and look forward to hearing more. Take a listen.
|
Critique/insightWe are dedicated to informing the public about the different types of independent music that is available for your listening pleasure as well as giving the artist a professional critique from a seasoned music geek. We critique a wide variety of niche genres like experimental, IDM, electronic, ambient, shoegaze and much more.
Are you one of our faithful visitors who enjoys our website? Like us on Facebook
Archives
April 2024
|