Domino

Bitte Orca

admin — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:07:00 +0000

At times the catchy melodies and ironically jarring harmonies found on Dirty Projectors’ latest album, Bitte Orca, seem surprising, and at other times, perfectly in place. From the very first listen the Dirty Projectors certainly project something interesting. It’s the sort of sound that makes you ask, “Do you know who this is?” And for the first time in months you genuinely consider paying for the music that has somehow found its way into your head.

Bitte Orca is yet another disc from the collective’s leader, Dave Longstreth, who formerly put together an alt-rock version of Black Flag’s famed Damaged EP. Longstreth is known for masterfully grinding pleasant chords into more experimental songs, and this album is no exception. Equal parts fresh, glowing pop and adult musical genius, Bitte Orca fits well in the ringleader’s reservoir of music.

While the members of Dirty Projectors are in a state of flux from record to record, Bitte Orca was put together by a spectacular cluster of musicians in addition to the single constant member, Longstreth: Amber Coffman (guitar and vocals), Angel Deradoorian (bass and vocals), and Brian McComber (drums). Sometimes sing-songy, sometimes haunting, and just as frequently introspective, the group’s collaboration has resulted in an album easily described as a success. The two women (Coffman and Deradoorian) who support the music with their wistful voices also act as the cover of the album for the new release. Longstreth poses solo on the back.

Currently on tour, Dirty Projectors are playing the last of their sold out shows around the US and moving on to Europe through September. If given the opportunity to catch the band live, you might want to jump at it. Or, if you just want to see what you might be missing out on, give the band a listen on their Myspace page.

As a whole Bitte Orca seems fitting for a warm day with a light breeze—nothing too heavy, and though there’s no promise you’ll dance, there’s a very good chance you’ll feel good about what you’re listening to.

Written by: Tatiana Ryckman, September 9th 2009

Merriweather Post Pavilion

admin — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 11:19:00 +0000

By Animal Collective

Domino

There are precious moments that stand out in a life of indie glory. They are countless or few, mostly depending on your memory. There were two times when, temporarily paralyzed, I couldn’t get out of my car until the song on the radio ended; I know the tracks well to this day. Other events were as striking, like the time a college friend (whose brother had previously lived next door to the bizarre, mostly unknown Animal Collective foursome) stuck Sung Tongs into my stereo and said, “Just sit here.” We sat, staring at one another, and it would have been an unremarkable day were the rumblings of freak folk to come not matching the beats of my heart.

Animal Collective is the most ingenious band of the new millennium or the one you find most obnoxious. The woodsy quartet has only improved in the last few years, which is any fan’s praise but also a serious statement about moving from making under-the-radar releases and beyond critical acclaim into a comfortably innovative career. Despite the fact that Deakin (Josh Dibb) is absent from this album, the boys sound more in sync than ever, if that’s even possible. Their cohesion sounds particularly ripe with springtime on the way. Named for a Maryland venue, Merriweather Post Pavilion makes me mentally gear up for outdoor festivals.

The album’s second single ("Brother Sport" was technically first, with live recordings leaked onto the Internet in early 2008) is the rambunctious "My Girls," on which Panda Bear (nee Noah Lennox) sings, "I don’t mean to seem like I care about material things, like a social status/I just want four walls and adobe slabs for my girls." While I may not generally be into the patriarchal caretaker role, the last thing this album brings to mind is overzealous consumption, and really, all the Panda wants is a nice cozy home for the family—spouse and daughter. At least he’s not a deadbeat, right? Who doesn’t want a snug home base, especially when you tour as much as these guys?

"Summertime Clothes," an equally exuberant dance-worthy, drum-heavy number, sounds as though it could have been a Grass b-side, only to be shelved and reworked for Merriweather. Compared to its most recent predecessor, the Water Curses EP, which sounded as though it was recorded underwater, Merriweather seems to have emerged to dry off in the jungle, the band performing among a range of organic tweets and screeches.

If you have the opportunity—because that’s exactly what it is—go watch Avery Tare (David Portner) and Panda Bear dance manically around the stage, Geologist (Brian Weitz) bouncing side to side with that caving lamp on his forehead, as if expecting to discover precious metals on his keyboard. He may not show you what he finds, but you'll sure hear it when inspiration strikes.

Written by: Brittany Shoot, February 23rd 2009

The Devil, You + Me

admin — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 11:05:00 +0000

By The Notwist

Domino

I think The Notwist are a fun, synthy explosion of goodness, and I loved and lived with their 2002 album, Neon Golden, since its release. In the interim, the band members have been keeping busy with projects 13 & God and Ms. John Soda, both excellent acts in their own right. The Notwist’s sixth album, The Devil, You + Me, is a somber, catchy record that shows a lot of progress without losing the band’s original vision.

The Devil, You + Me doesn’t feel as single-driven as Neon Golden. It instead becomes that background album for a rainy day. At times almost foreboding, the tracks were much more grounded, less poppy, a bit melancholy. In the past, I’d loved understated Notwist tracks for balancing woe and upbeat rhythms, and this time around, I felt a little more dismal and empty after listening. This isn’t a criticism; it’s just a departure from the sad but generally more upbeat songs I previously relied on. Bright spots include the title track, "Gravity," and "Boneless," but I’d still recommend their preceding record for a more diverse sampling of their talent.

Not unlike a lot of popular, mellow synth bands currently finding success, The Notwist will be fine, and in many ways, they’re synced up with their contemporaries, even ones for whom they paved the way. Everyone—The Notwist and their peers—have learned a lot since 2002. I’m just not as excited about it as I once was.

Written by: Brittany Shoot, July 12th 2008

Homesongs

admin — Tue, 26 Dec 2006 15:39:00 +0000

By Adem

Domino

Whether Fridge remains together or not I don't know, but by listening to Adem's Homesongs, and having been so impressed with Four Tet's two wondrous CDs, the work of Kieran Hebden—the first member of Fridge to record on his own—it is clear that their imaginative and diverse brand of post-rock will continue to yield gems through its members. Adem is a different path for Hebden. Where Four Tet has stretched and morphed prior electronica boundaries, bringing cinematic quality to melancholia and a expanded sonic palette, Adem moves closer to folk, a hushed and intimate vision of what he sees and expects. Now, to call folk "hushed and intimate" is hardly an insight, yet Adem's brand of it manages to accomplish something personal and extremely worthwhile. Simplicity is key here, yet simplicity that cannot be confused with timidity nor the absence of emotional depth. Also, there are enough subtle and spare hints of electronica to make this album fairly original. There are no duds here, yet certain songs are remarkable enough to be singled out. "Ringing in My Ear, "Gone Away," "Cut" and "These Are Your Friends" are astounding examples of why Homesongs may end up mentioned as one of the best things that came out that year. "These Are Your Friends," particularly, shows that this guy is no fluke. Listen to how the song unpretentiously develops into a chant as the chorus grows in passion repeating "everybody needs some help sometime,” and seamlessly returns to its soft-sung beginning. This is a tender and wise-beyond-his-years work. You will be moved by it.

Written by: Juan Mobili, December 26th 2006