Dinosaur then....
There is no timid opening note to Dino J’s new album, Farm. With the first strum and beat comes power and energy that some may not expect from the 9th studio album of a band that has been around for 24 years, mind you missing the bassist for 18 of them. At their last show at the Higher Ground a friend made the comment: “They are the fastest aging band…” (See picture example). This is true judging by their looks, but they’re only getting tighter. Though the members of Dinosaur play slack-rock, they are one of the hardest working bands I can think of, which has earned them a longevity that most bands these days just do not have.
The songs are epic, questioning and challenging. They don’t slow down, they all rock hard. The emotion is consistent from all three members. Of course, J’s singing and shredding go back in fourth dominating parts of the song, but they both sound just as good as they did 20 years ago- so turn it up loud! They surprisingly ended the album with a Lou song. His writing style is usually a lot more experimental and angry than gentle J’s, but this one seems to be the most in tune with the classic Dinosaur sound so far. I like it as the ending, the lyrics are positive and end the album on a high note: “We want to leave behind/ what can’t be held”. At this rate, Dinosaur is going to be around for a good long time.
Dinosaur Jr. now....
With the instrumentation of “mosquito”, “wizard wind”, “zoner”, and “gnarl” right beside your standard guitar, keyboard, and drums, how could this album be anything short of magical? The sound may be a little raw to those used to a lot of production, but if experimental noise-rock is your groove then here is another album for you! In Magik Markers latest album, Balf Quarry, seemingly clashing noise blends together into bewitching, eerie ballads. Sometimes the minimal range of notes conjures up the feeling of hearing music underwater, until an occasional thrashing jump knocks you right back on land.
I typically hate comparisons in album reviews, but sometimes they are necessary in creating a sound for the reader. I cannot hear Balf Quarry without thinking that (depending on the track) Elisa, the main vocalist, sounds like a sped up or slow motion Kim Gordon. The lyrics are dark and dreary, alluding to the past as they question themselves. They speak of luck and loss, jerks and friends, and shameful experience in America. Though the lyrics are overall despairing and gloomy, when combined with the message of the instrumentation, there is a distant beauty that will take you through an enchanting musical experience at a basement show.
The end of the album really tied together the artistry of the listening process for me. The last song, Shells is the perfect close to the album. It is nearly 10 minutes of a folky ballad (as “folky” as abstract-grungy-noise-punk can be) that really completes the allure of Magik Markers’ sound. Balf Quarry is entirely satisfying and definately worth a listen or two.
Karin Dreijer Andersson of the Knife goes solo, and the result is nothing short of fabulous. Press play, and a deep, emotional, sound swirls around you creating the feeling of dancing through a misty, magical forest. The hopeful and catchy beats float from the speakers while traditional instruments (steel drums and congas) spin the modern electronics towards a grounded musical experience. The image provoking lyrics, sometimes more like chants, reminisce childhood. The ghostly voices bounce between tracks, some high, some low, some sweet, and some scary.
Check out this spooky video of their song “If I Had A Heart”
This album is a daydream, opening a mind filled with stories told through synth-pop sound. Though the tracks stand beautifully alone, it should be listened to in it’s entirety. Fever Ray is a wonderfully haunting masterpiece that brings you on a journey, solid from start to finish, and leaves you wanting more. I’ve got a fever…ray…!
Welcome to the newly painted fiery pit of Pure Pop! I have some personal recommendations to share… Currently I’ve been on a Tom Waits and Clash kick, but as for new music, The Fleet Foxes are blowing my mind. Check out one of their videos (I am just posting a link for now because I can’t figure out computer language):
Another new release to look out for is The Lines “Flood Bank”. This is a combination of the two LP’s from a late 70′s post-punk band out of London. It is filled with eerie, deep and distant layers of beautiful noise, I can’t get enough of it! Come check it out on the listening station this month!
As far as local music goes, last night I went to the Radiator benefit and unfortunately missed the Fatal Flaws, but I was able to catch the Cave Bees, In Memory of Pluto, and Nose Bleed Island. I must say, all stellar performances! The Cave Bees were rawkin, lots of dancing, lots of fun. In Memory of Pluto is one of my favorite local bands to see (we have their brand new CD “Cutting Open The Fiction” in stock here!). Last night their performance was tight, energetic, and exciting with a couple of thrilling, dark, and dank new tunes! Nose Bleed Island was a grand sight to see as usual. If you are into performance art, this is the local performance for you to see! So come on down and pick up their albums here at Pure Pop!
