Recent Digs

Like I said, it's been quite some time since I posted, so I'm going to remedy that with some double post action! Here's just a rundown of some new bands/albums I've been listening to a lot lately.

1. Thrice - Vheissu

It's pretty obvious Thrice have fast become 

one of my favorite bands, which is a worthy accomplishment for any artist, as I change my mind more than you're girlfriend changes clothes when getting ready for a date.  I may have liked Thrice upon first listen, but something about Dustin's voice grated on my nerves. Now, looking back, the affection has grown ten fold and I can't believe how long it took me to really get into the post-hardcore 4 piece from California. I love (...!) Dustin's voice and his always interesting vocal melodies, Teppei's tasteful and measured guitar playing (and keyboard as well, in this case), Riley's groovy flashes of brilliance and Eddie's driving rhythms. To me, Vheissu is Thrice's 'Morning View' - when compared to the other records in their catalogue, this record stands out with its underlying idea of the ocean as a prevalent theme, with more laid back and soothing instrumentation, and in general songs that imprint a soothing air on the listeners mind. One thing that I really enjoy about Thrice are Dustin's positive messages he hurls at the listeners ears; it's always refreshing to know that there is hope, no matter how bleak the situation may seem.

2.Thrice - The Artist in the Ambulance

I know I seem obsessive (I'll give you one guess to figure out what band is at #3) but this album is really good! With stand out tracks like Stare at the Sun and All That's Left, this high octane release from the quartet gets my blood going. At the moment 'Hoods on Peregrine'  is a track that I'm really digging at the moment (Teppei's riffing is tasty). A lot of people rank this as their favorite album, and while not personally my top Thrice album, I can easily see why. Appealing to fans of hardcore, melodic punk, rock and metal, The Artist in the Ambulance won me over with its aggressive riffing, soaring melodies and insanely catchy songs.

3. Thrice - The Illusion of Safety

I know, I know, enough drooling over Thrice. But I only recently started on my Thrice binge, and only really recently got into them. I also only recently got the album the boys released in 2002, The Illusion of Safety. Aggressive, in your face, and raw, this showcase of hardcore tinged with punk release has Teppei showcasing his chops on guitar. Songs are short and sweet, and listening to it doesn't make me look back and think, 'Wow, these guys have improved so much' (which arguably, they have) What I think I'm trying to say is that The Illusion of Safety isn't a record on which Thrice should look back on and be embarrassed. On the contrary, it should be seen as an important part of their past - a contextual gauge on how masterfully they have evolved and changed their sound over their duration as THE perennial genre-traipsing Californian band. 

* on a side note, it would be almost impossible for me to rank the Thrice albums, from what i think to be their best, to their worst. actually, that's a lie. as of now, Vheissu edges out The Alchemy Index, then it would be The Artist in the Ambulance and finally The Illusion of Safety. That was a lot easier then i thought it would be, but i doubt these rankings will stand (also, these are the only Thrice records i have) *

4. Have a Nice Life - Deathconsciousness

This album is a bit of a wild card for me; quoted on the band's website as the most depressing album of the year (or something along those lines :p), this record sounds like something I would not enjoy, as my personality is so contrasting to the records 'claim to fame'. I picked it up anyway, (and almost with some reluctance), put the album on while I turned off the lights and waited for sleep to take over. And I waited. And I listened. And I waited, and I listened, and I listened, and I listened...I listened to the album all the way through, a rare feat for someone who can fall asleep before the lights go out. After the ambient, spacey intro, the second track, with its grand, enormous sound (you'll understand), with the bass chugging away and the distorted guitar lacing its way through the bass's unshakeable groove; I was captivated. I kept thinking at the time, its so simple, but so beautiful! Looking back, I don't think thats correct as Have a Nice Life's music isn't complicated. It's powerful and... efficient? It has to be experienced to really appreciate it - no explanation would do it justice. The sound surrounds you when listening with (good) headphones and for me, made me experience what I like to call a musical epiphany - when the music feels so good it stirs a sense of euphoria, like it all makes sense, and leaves you in almost a heightened state of musical awareness. I know that sounds pretentious and down right stupid to some, but for those who have had music evoke such raw emotions in them will surely know what I'm talking about. I can't recommend this release enough. Give it a shot.

5. The National - Boxer

It seems that my musical tastes have shifted. Head-banging to down-tuned riffs that chug away and that Gothenburg brand of Scandinavian metal (they do it so well, those Scandinavians!) that I loved so much just sometimes can't keep my interest. Before getting The National's latest release, I had heard many good things, particularly from an awesome website called sputnik music (a site which I often frequent, and where I learn about great new music). At this website, there are a quite a bit of music enthusiasts that seem to really know their stuff, and normally when they rave over an album, it seems to be to overwhelming, and wouldn't be something I would normally like (ex. Have a Nice Life). I'd like to listen to all the releases they rave about, but sometimes I would get scared that if i don't like what they think is awesome,and that maybe I didn't have 'good taste' (which is a ridiculous notion, as all musical taste is subjective) Needless to say, now I always take other's peoples opinions on board regarding music, with an open mind, which has helped me broaden my taste. I always remember that I will like what I like, and I don't need to impress anyone by forcing myself to like this record or that artist. This album has secured it's way in my collection of favorites because it made me realize all of the above, as well as making me realize that I had been sorely missing out on great music before I encountered the Brooklyn based group from Cincinnati (not sure about that)!. Heart felt and well written lyrics adorn every The National song, and the instrumentation is awesome by an indie band's standards. The vocals are deep and almost gravelly, but compel you to keep listening, so as to unravel the character behind the crooning voice. Laid back and slick guitar work (like the riffs found on Green Gloves), and a slight hint of rock impressed me beyond my expectations. When I listen to this album it makes me repeat in my head, like a mantra "This is soooo good" (it's retarded, but I actually do think that).

I think I'll leave it at that. I'll try and keep the updates more regular from now on, but that's probably not likely. 

Much love