7 items found for your search. If no results were found please broaden your search.
(08/30/15 6:57pm)
Rating: 6/7
Date Released: 8/21/2015
In the day and age of modern pop and artists that make you feel good with simplistic hooks, Nathaniel Rateliff’s debut, self-titled album with the Night Sweats is a breath of fresh air. It sets back the clocks to the days where soul dominated the airwaves and musicians sang with heart and passion. A time when emotion was real and you could feel it in every note.
Rateliff has been a touring artist since 2005 gaining a loyal following particularly in Denver, Colorado. Once dubbed a Denver local folk hero by the New York Times, Rateliff has recorded under many different names with many different members. He gained the most support while he toured under his own name with the likes of the Lumineers (another Denver band), Mumford & Sons, and Dr. Dog.
In this latest release under the name Nathaniel Ratliff & the Night Sweats, he showcases his rugged image with tracks that inspire you to buy a jean jacket and a bottle Jack Daniels. This album reminds me a lot of the gospel singing in the South while the use of hand percussion, humming, and shouting captured me to sing along. It is a masterpiece of soul that is showcased in Rateliff’s voice. His voice carries prominently over the blues inspired guitar and drums. There are no gimmicks here just attitude, emotion and confidence from the working class-hero band.
Nathaniel Ratliff & the Night Sweats are a band to lookout for and this album is an amazing debut that showcases what they are all about. No bullshit just good music that comes from the heart.
My Favorites: “Howling At Nothing”, “Look It Here”, and “S.O.B”
<iframe src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify%3Aalbum%3A2UCyiayMoJOwBilPLQPQvK" width="300" height="380" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true"></iframe>
(04/15/15 3:58pm)
“There is three things I have realized in the 15 years we have been on tour. One, this is f***ing awesome. Two, we are really old. Three, this is f***ing awesome” proclaimed lead singer Ryan Key after completing the first four songs of the set. That pretty much summed up the night. It was obvious that Yellowcard could still captivate a crowd after all these years, and they still brought an intensity to their old hits that led the crowd to believe in 15 more years.
When I first heard I had the opportunity to go see Yellowcard in Indianapolis I immediately went back and listened to all the hits I came to love years ago. The anticipation of screaming out the lyrics of “Ocean Avenue” had overwhelmed me and consumed my whole day. This was a band I grew up with, spent my years of teenage angst with, and last night I was able to spend my night with.
Having released Lift a Sail in October of last year, Yellowcard was still on tour promoting this album and unleashing a new sound on loyal fans. Described as alternative rock album when Yellowcard is typically in the pop punk genre, Lift a Sail was still able to bring large hooks and choruses we come to love in Yellowcard’s early years. Implementing this album in the 17 song set provided for an interesting break from the fast paced songs on earlier albums. At one point in the concert all of the members had left the stage and the only things left on the stage were Ryan Key with his piano. All the emotion and heartbreak that went in their songs finally built up and came out when he performed California on a pitch black stage. There were few crowd members that actually knew the lyrics, but mid-way through the song I was compelled to sing along with them.
After this solo performance, he left the stage and the disappointment consumed me. Are they really not going to play Ocean Avenue? They had played other crowd favorites such as “Only One” and “Light Up the Sky”, but they were missing the one song that made a nation fall in love with them.
This disappointment was short lived as they came out for a three song encore and of course the last song they belted out was Ocean Avenue. For a moment I was taken back to seventh grade, when I had first discovered the song, and I felt like the whole world was mine for the taking. “We could leave this town and run forever.” That one line captivated me as every person, young or old, in the entire building sang along for the last hoorah.
At the end they thanked the fans for being so loyal over the years. Twenty years are a long time for a pop-punk band and they continue to put on an amazing show. They are still around for a reason and that is because they make every audience member feel like they are a part of the experience, no just there to watch it. No, thank you guys.
(02/03/15 10:31pm)
Released: 1/27/2015
Stars: 6/7
Great Britain had a slew of dominating artists last year and they are starting off this year no differently. George Ezra, the singer-songwriter from the U.K, released his debut album Wanted on Voyage in the U.S about a week ago, about seven months after he released it in his home country.
In the U.K., he was able to sell 600+ thousand copies of his debut and in seven other countries it topped the charts. It’s time for the good ol’ red, white and blue to realize the talent of this soulful singer.
Ezra’s ability to bounce around between musical styles is what makes him an artist to look for in 2015. Whether it is folk similar to Mumford in “Budapest” or 80’s New Wave in “Stand by Your Gun,” he able to blow listeners away with his bass-booming voice. He credits Lead Belly for his singing style and it shows in his music. His blues inspired singing along with his bare-bones guitar playing brings character to his music that can sometimes be absent in popular music.
His ability to shift music styles keeps audiences on their feet while his lyrical content sweeps them of his feet. Songs like “Budapest” truly compel the listener to sympathize with him. We have all been in the position in which we are trying to win someone’s love, but they won’t pay attention. This album is just a rollercoaster and Ezra wants to take you along for the ride.
Take a voyage with George Ezra while his seamlessly transitions from folk to 80’s alternative back to country. He takes every genre and puts his own twist on it with ease. Wanted on Voyage is easily my favorite album of the year and an album to keep in mind later in the year.
Favorite Songs: “Budapest”, “Stand by Your Gun”, “Blame It on Me”
http://youtu.be/VHrLPs3_1Fs
(01/23/15 8:05pm)
Released: 1/20/15
Rating: 4/7
Chicago is so twelve years ago. Let’s take a quick trip back to 2003 when the “Emo” subgenre of punk music was alive and well, and Fall Out Boy just released their debut album Take This To Your Grave. About thirty minutes away from where I grew up, Fall Out Boy was making a name from themselves in the greater Chicago area. They would eventually sign on to the Warped Tour while “Saturday” was getting some major air time on local radio stations. And the rest is history.
Twelve years later, Fall Out Boy has survived one breakup, five album releases, and the complete evaporation of their “Emo” music scene while continuing to top the charts as of recent. Riding off the success of 2013’s Save Rock and Roll, Fall Out Boy is continuing to reinvent themselves with this year’s new release American Beauty / American Psycho. In an interview with Billboard, Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy’s posterboy) described this album as “A hip/hop album with rock influences.” While I don’t quite agree with that description, I do agree that this is truly a new Fall Out Boy.
American Beauty / American Psycho showcases just how dynamic this band can be. Fall Out Boy returns with the same polished rock approach as the last release, but with new sounds and sampling. Alongside Stump’s vocals are sounds of Asian influence and robotic recordings. To be able to successfully sample The Munsters (a 60’s TV show) in “Uma Thurman” and Motley Crue in “American Beauty / American Psycho” is a feat in its one entirety. This new sounding Fall Out Boy is obviously directed toward the arena setting and its massive pop fan base. This album is worlds apart from the “Dance Dance” Fall Out Boy everyone fell in love with in 2005, but the real question is can you blame them? They were irrelevant for about a two year time period when only a handful of loyal fans still listened to their work. They had to reinvent themselves in order to sell records and whether or not some fans like this new band is up for debate.
But don’t get me wrong this a good album with a handful of awesome tracks, but it obvious that they are trying to be too poppy. With simple choruses that sound eerily familiar to each other and too much noise drowning out the hard hitting drums and bass, American Beauty / American Psycho is album that shines best when keeping it simple. Songs like “Novocaine” and “American Beauty / American Psycho” are the ones that stand out the most because they drew from their punk music influences and added a new dynamic to it.
With back to back chart topping albums, Fall Out Boy has proven they can adapt to what the people want and show they are here to stay. While they are no longer the mascara-wearing punk stars they were before their hiatus, they are putting out high quality music that continues to sell. Some songs are forgettable on this record, some songs will be over played on the radio, but some songs are underrated gems and are worth taking a listen to.
My favorite tracks:
“Novocaine” – A hard-hitting song that gets me pumped every time I turn it on.
“Irresistible” – A perfect example of the “new” Fall Out Boy sound.
“American Beauty / American Psycho” – A song that stays true to their punk past.
(01/15/15 9:37pm)
Released: 1/13/2015
Stars: 6/7
The first studio album, Everything’s Coming Up Roses by the Alt Rock duo from our neighbors to the North, Night Terrors of 1927, was released earlier this week shortly following recent EP releases in 2014. This album combines two of the main EPs released by the duo, the Guilty Pleasures EP and Anything to Anyone EP, along with newly written songs and duos with the likes of alternative rockers Tegan & Sara. Longtime cult followers of Night Terrors of 1927 have been waiting close to three years for this album, and with their continued support the duo finally released it to start off the New Year.
This Canadian duo is the birth child of singer Jarrod Gorbel, former front man of the Honorary Title, and Blake Sennetto of the band Rilo Kiley embarking on journey to experiment with their music. Back in 2013, the duo had released their first EP, the Guilty Pleasures EP, with the hit “Dust and Bones” leading the way to underground success. They were then signed to Atlantic Records and toured with another alternative duo Capital Cities all while building up a loyal fan base. This underground success along with a large social media following led the band to announce their first full length project, Everything’s Coming Up Roses, in early 2014. Personally I had heard “Dust and Bones” a couple years ago while on a road trip, and knew this band was going to be something special instantly.
This album leads with the underground hit, “Dust and Bones” and never lets up. To start off with such a memorable song seems a little risky but it is just one highlight in an album filled with high notes and risks that seem to pay off. Gorbel’s vocals remind me of a young David Gahan, the Depeche Mode front man, with the way his voice is able to resonate over the rhythm and create an ominous tone in an otherwise cheerful song. There is something so hauntingly beautiful about Gorbel’s voice. Songs created to have an upbeat mood still have an edge created by his ability to exhume emotion in his singing.
New Wave beats, simplistic guitar riffs, and beautiful harmonies compile most of this album while songs like “When You Were Mine (feat. Tegan & Sara)” stand out as refreshingly different. Tegan & Sara are able to provide the other perspective throughout the song, and prove how dynamic the lyrical content can be. “The hottest love has the coldest end.” These two contrasting ideas fit perfectly with the album’s tendencies to go from upbeat and optimistic to loathing and regretful.
Overall, the Night Terrors of 1927 have much to look forward to in this upcoming year with performances at Coachella Music Festival, headlining for Bleachers on a countrywide tour, and upcoming debuts on late night with Jimmy Kimmel. They are starting this year off strong with their debut album and hopefully they can ride this momentum to continued success, which I look forward tracking the whole way through. This album definitely earns a listen through for Alt Rock junkies, and anyone looking for something to belt out to.
Favorite tracks:
“Dust and Bones”- Easily my favorite song on the album. Comes together quite beautifully.
“When You Were Mine (feat. Tegan & Sara)” – Both duos contrast off of each other with magnificent results.
“Novocaine” – One song that stands out from its dark undertones and haunting vocals.
“Always Take You Back” – A beautiful love song that tells the story of someone destroyed by a past relationship. We all can relate.
(12/07/14 6:35pm)
Released: 12/2/2014
Stars 4/7
Dust off those purple spandex, find that fanny pack, and get ready to dance your way back to the 80’s with the new release from Walk the Moon, Talking Is Hard. Coming off the highly successful self-titled debut album, Walk the Moon got back in the studio earlier this year to see if they could possibly overcome the sophomore slump.
Sadly, this album falls a little short.
Deciding to go with Tim Pagnotta, former front man of Sugarcult, definitely impacted their sound and gave it a pop feel. Tim has worked with other artists such as Neon Trees and this album meshes those sounds together in one big synth pop dance fest. Synth solos and drum machine beats will give you a little look at back at the golden age of New Wave-Alternative, and leave one to question the awesomeness of a synthesizer solo.
Half the time while listening to this album I just wanted to “Shut Up and Dance” (ironically), but the other half of the time I felt myself questioning their lyrical content. While Walk the Moon is known for the randomness in their lyrics, this album had three main themes. Money, dancing, and a shallow relationship. The content at times just got so cheesy especially in “Spend Your $$$.” The songs that stand out are typically focused in their lyrical approach.
Some of the highlights are what I came to expect from a Walk the Moon album: fast tempos, huge beats, and a solid rhythm bass were evident throughout the entire album. Some songs just simply didn’t capture me and were bland. There is definitely good in this album though. It is a pop record and there wasn’t much room to expand from that. It’s not as good as there last album, but this one will make you dance just like your parents did back in the day.
My Favorite Songs:
“Shut Up and Dance” – The title speaks for itself.
“Avalanche” – This sounds like a typical Walk the Moon, and is a perfect blend of pop and alternative.
“Aqua man” – Slower, and showcases the vocals.
(11/20/14 4:06am)
Released: 11/18/2014.
6/7 stars
Is it possible to strike gold twice? For Manchester Orchestra it is.
No strangers to successful album releases, Manchester Orchestra returns with their new album Hope in the last quarter of the year. After bursting on the scene from Atlanta, this alt-indie band has had nothing but positive feedback on previous albums. Sticking to guitar-driven melodies, and highlighting Andy Hull’s emotional singing with beautifully constructed harmonies, this band continues to stay in stride.
In April of this year, they released the highly praised album Cope. Fans indulged in this grunge era sound-a-like with hits such as “Top Notch” and “Every Stone” leading the way in alternative charts. The lyrical content of this album fits a 90’s grunge band with topics such as death and emotionally scaring relationship problems (looks like someone has trust issues). After an overwhelmingly positive response from fans to an acoustic performance of “Top Notch,” Andy Hull decided to strip down this album and create Hope.
Digitally released in early September, Hope is the band's attempt to recreate their sound. In this newest release, they were able to capture their darkly intimate lyrics and truly express the emotion behind Hull’s voice in a completely different way. “We know that dad drew the map but he's a graveyard away,” the first verse of “The Mansion” struck me as a piano played softly in the background accompanied with the crying of a violin. This emotional buildup is prevalent in most of the songs on this album and gives the album a 3rd dimension.
With a title like Hope and the lyrics fit for a funeral, it seems as if they picked a title completely opposite of the mood in which the album sets, Hope. A word that comes to mind when thinking about this band’s future. The album establishes Manchester Orchestra as a force to be reckoned with. They were able to abandon the formula that made them so successful and release a work of art that is just as emotionally powerful as previous works. Sadly it fell somewhat short of a perfect album in the sense that some songs just didn’t transfer just right acoustically. It is obvious at times they miss the presence of an amplifier and highly energetic guitar riffs, but where the guitar isn’t present Hull’s voice makes up for it.
Whether you are a Manchester Orchestra fan or not, I recommend you listen to both Cope and Hope because I’m sure one of them will fit your tastes. They are both well written albums and it will be exciting to see which path they take while in the studio next time around.
My favorite songs of the album: “Girl Harbor,” “The Mansion,” “All I Really Wanted,” and “Cope”