Music
CD Reviews:
It’s only been a little over a month since 2013 has started and what a great start it is off to in the music industry. After three years of anticipation and after the loss of past violinist, Alexandra Lawn, Ra Ra Riot has released a new album entitled “Beta Love.” The group maintained their same upbeat vibe from their previous two albums, but successfully mix in a more electronic vibe. The single off of the album, also titled “Beta Love,” does a great representation for the entirity of the album. Still featuring the feel good vibes from the previous, with just an even more dance feel. Though a change of sound, the group still keeps a fun mood that’s transcribed through every track, and will leave a great impression of the group.
Definitely an oldie, but goodie group. While maintaining their usual works, I recommend giving a listen to their new release. It will not be on your list of regrets.
I haven’t ever really given Tegan & Sara, but after hearing their new album “Heartthrob” I am a little upset I just now gave them a listen. The group contains two sisters who have been writing music together since they were in high school. I haven’t had enough of a listen to their stuff to say “they have matured greatly over the years,” but this album is definitely a masterpiece. Combining powerful lyrics and enticing music, the duo provide a flawless album. Throughout the entirety of my listen I honestly envisioned myself listening to it at festivals (which got me really excited for festival season.) This has been one of the most anticipated albums of 2013 and there’s no question in my mind why. Tegan and Sara give a part of themselves to their work and it comes across beautifully.
If you’re like me and never gave the group a listen yet… do it. You will not regret, and this album is so well put together, produced, written, the works, and I really hope I get a chance to hear it live, because I imagine it’s even more phenomenal.
twenty|one|pilots: three songs
By: Claire Kelly
In a world of cookie cutter pop songs this band is on its way to making some real noise in the music industry. All it takes is three songs to understand what a profound effect Twenty One Pilots is about to have on alternative music. This dynamic duo, Joseph and Josh Dun, are becoming known for their insanely energetic performances and the authenticity of their music. They take synchronized piano pop to a whole new level with inspirational lyrics and a hip-hop influence. Personally, this music would not typically be the music I listen to, but I am in love with these guys. Twenty One Pilots has a refreshing take on music today and an energy that is unlike anything I have ever seen. Listen here to one of their live performances and make up your own mind:
twenty|one|pilots : Ode to Sleep (LIVE)
Tagged: music review twenty one pilots claire kelly music radio
By Noelle Searles,
As promised my C.D reviews, I didn’t post The Whigs one primarily because I am going to post about it another time, so stay tuned for that. I won’t have a show this week, but Bohemian Banter will return I promise!
The XX released their sophomore album earlier this month, the praise from their debut album leaves a big task for the group. From the success of their single “crystalized” in 2010. The group’s new album Coexistwas released on the 10th and since has received much appraise. The group maintains their usual simple arrangements and minimal music cacaphonies. Keeping to simple the femal to male vocals to balance the others and simple riffs and beats. Keeping the band with their usual sound. The tracks making charts as lead singles are the first two tracks “Angels” and “Chained,” but the rest of the album is definitely worth the listen, my favorite is “Fiction.” What you expect from this sophomore album, is definitely what you get and a little more.
-Playing at the Pabst October 21.
Dinosaur Jr.’s newest album I Bet on The Sky, which is a band I am not the most familiar with I’ve only heard a few things previously from their first album. On their new album, the transitions from front to end seem pretty jigsaw-puzzle pieced together. Song to song it transitions smoothly and made it an easy lovely listen. The tracks I recommend from the album, besides all of them (it is definitely worth a front to back listen), the intro track “Don’t Pretend You didn’t Know” along with the “Pierce the Morning Rain.” Dinosaur hasn’t released their upcoming tour dates for the new album, but I guarantee they will be up soon. If these guys do go on tour, I am going to try to make it to that. I would advise the same.
Ben Folds….. FIVE!!! Finally after 13 years.. 13 years!! The band’s back together. Their new album The Sound of the Life of the Mind released September 18th is finally here for our listening pleasure. I am an avid Ben Folds fan. I hadn’t known of Ben Folds Five when I was 7, but once I found out about my man Benjamin and then found his past band Ben Folds Five, with the realization they were on a hiatus lead to a sigh of sadness. Alas though, that day has ended the hiatus and not a sense of disapointment from the men of BF5. Although a biased review I honestly loved their new album with Ben’s solo project being phenomenal and all, the group as a whole just compliment each other so perfectly. With the singles already being the glue to the album, “Erase Me” and “Do it Anyway” the rest of the album fills in every gap for the glue… if you understand me. I honestly recommend if you like Ben Folds you will love the reunited album of Ben Folds Five, and try to listen to it as much as possible and pick a favorite track of your own, personally I favored “Sky High” and “Hold That Thought,” but that will probably change the more I listen. Anyways this was a not-even-slightly review of BF5.
-Were just at Summerfest over the summer
-In Chicago Sem. 30th at the Chicago Theatre.
By Vince McCann Assistant Music Director
Gossamer by Passion Pit simply gives more proof as to why they changed the face of indie music 5 years ago with “Sleepyhead”. Sticking to their roots, Passion Pit’s “Gossamer” provides the music world with 12 more good-feeling synthesized, high-pitched, party favorite songs. Starting with their single “I Take A Walk,” Passion Pit reinforces their credibility as a major force in music today. Overall, “Gossamer” gives the listener everything they want and more from a band like Passion Pit…fun and fist pumping beats with penetrating vocals. A+++
Hey Everyone, this is Vince McCann, Assistant Music Director of the station.
Here are a few reviews to catch you guys up on some of the best music thats been coming through the station through September!
CHECK EVERYDAY! MUCH MORE TO COME!
Artist: Van She
Album: Idea of Happiness
Genre: Alternative
If you are a fan of M83’s music this is a very good comparison band; heavy synthesized music with a skipping beachy feel. Even the names of their songs involve the beach (ie Jamaica, Coconuts, Ideas of Happiness). These guys have a consistent sound though. Although every song makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside, you can get a bit tired of the feel good side of it all. Don’t let it turn you off too much though, because these guys have got great talent. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve played “Jamaica” walking to class and down Wisconsin Ave in the last couple weeks. Give tracks 1, 3, and 6 a listen, and you’ll have a very good overall idea of what to expect from the band. Solid B territory.
Artist: Modoc
Album: Fortune and Fame
Genre: Rock
Look out Black Keys, you have some fierce competition! This bluesy southern Tennessee rock group is too good for words. There is not a single weak point in this album, from the intros, transitions, distortion, vocals, drumming…just hands down amazing. I honestly do not see how these guys are not headlining festivals and selling out sport arenas throughout the nation already. Check out EVERY SINGLE SONG ON THIS ALBUM. With the amount of music that we listen to everyday in the studio, it’s sometimes hard to find a band that sticks out like these guys. Jump on the wagon, because Modoc is the real deal. Play this album all day err’yday. A+++
Artist: Icky Blossoms
Album: Icky Blossoms
Genre: Electronic/Dance Pop
Let’s get this out of the way. They are NOT the ickiest of blossoms. I’ve seen worse in my neighbor’s garden. Icky Blossoms’ self-titled album shows great potential in their beats and heavy bass lines. Although much potential is shown, some songs leave you with something to be desired. Throughout the album, the sense of build is amazing, but as soon as you’re ready for an explosion of the sound, the song is over or the verse cycles through once more. The two or three tracks that do explode are great and complete songs though. The lyrics mainly portray a world of struggle between universally “good” principles and the want to fall into the desires of sex, drugs, and a rock-star way of living. It makes for a good combination between the song’s meaning and building rhythms. You can definitely hear the influence from TV on the Radio lying in many beats and vocal collaborations. Icky Blossoms also resemble a modernized Depeche Mode. Overall, a good mixture between dance and fist pumping electric crescendos makes this album fairly decent. Big potential is shown through track 1 “Heat Lightning,” Track 2 “I Am,” Track 8 “Temporary Freakout,” and track 10 “Perfect Vision.” B+
