"The Alchemy Index" by Thrice

This entry is going to be a little different than my previous posts, namely because of one thing: this album lends itself to reviewing sections more than individual songs. That album is "The Alchemy Index" by Thrice (another band originally from Irvine, thank you very much). The album was released in two installments and contains for sections: fire, water, air, and earth. The music in each section emulates the feel of each respective elements. It's an extremely artistic cd, and it's executed really well. The album art is simple but effective. It makes you feel as though you are about to hear something ancient, something that has been in the works for generations. And with that, here we go!

"Fire" - Been dumped recently and pissed about it? Gotten a bad grade and pissed about it? Found out that you are out of ice cream and feel as though the world is out to get you? Look no further for musical therapy than this section of "The Alchemy Index." Fury courses through the veins of the six songs that make up the fire section. Harsh vocals and furious guitars mirror the uncontrollable power and fury of flames. The section explores what fire is used for and the damage it can do. The final song of the section is written in the form of a sonnet, from the point of view of the element (this is also true for each of the subsequent sections of the album). "The Flame Deluge" is fire's lament that man has misused it. It feels as though he could be so much more than simply a destroyer: "My curse, this awful power to unmake." The melody of this song mirrors this mourning; the beginning of the song opens like a lament, then kicks into frustration and anger. It's a powerful end to quite the power packed six song set.

"Water" - From fire, we move on to water, a more subdued section of the album. The water section of the album feels as though it is performed underwater, with the songs having a sort of murky quality. Still, all the songs in this set have a sort of quiet intensity. They can be both calm and powerful, just like the ocean. Don't underestimate this section, because it packs quite the emotional punch at times. For example, in "The Whaler," a daughter cries out to her father, "Father where do you go, so far out upon the sea, when are you coming home to me?" We never know if he does. The sonnet from water to man, entitled "Kings Upon the Main," offers a chilling possible conclusion to the whaler's story. It cautions man to respect it and not to let their own pride take over. Water warns, "When kings upon the main have clung to pride and held themselves as masters of the sea, I've held them down beneath the crushing tide til they have learned that no one masters me." Beautiful and chilling at the same time, this song sticks with you.

"Air" - Probably my favorite section on the album. The air section of the album sounds like, well, just that. The songs in the set are light (but not happy), almost unsubstantial, as if you must listen to them while you can before the wind sweeps them away. The songs are beautiful, and lyrics are extremely strong (though, that tends to be true of just about every single Thrice song thanks to Dustin Kensrue). "Daedalus," for example, is a retelling of a Greek myth. A father encourages his son, Icarus, to fly to the mainland. The song ends in tragedy, however, when Icarus flies to close to the sun, leaving the father to lament his own cruel fate. The sonnet from air to man entitled "Silver Wings" is also my favorite sonnet on the album. Air speaks of how it tries to do nothing but help man: "I drew the poison from summer's sting, and eased the fire out of your fevered skin." The song ends with my favorite lyrics of any song that I have ever heard, because of the sheer emotion and sadness that they are delivered with. Air wonders helplessly: "And after all of this, I am amazed that I am cursed for more than I am praised." That line never fails to get me. I can't even explain it.

"Earth" - Earth is the roughest sounding of the sections of this album, as well it should be. Raw acoustic guitar is the primary instrument of choice in this section. The section speaks of how the Earth knows much in terms of what has happened on it and what people are like, but it professes that "I don't know the first thing about love." Piano also makes a mark on this section, especially in "Digging My Own Grave," which tells the man who, through bad habits such as drinking, is digging his own grave. He pleads: "Someone please save myself from me." Overall, this section flows with a sort of plodding patience, because the earth isn't going anywhere. The sonnet that concludes this section, entitled "Child of Dust," is yet another beautiful piece of lyric-writing to conclude the album. The Earth, taking a sort of Mother Earth role, speaks of how it has tried to raise man: "And though I only ever gave you love, like every child you've chosen to rebel" by, in my opinion, treating the earth terribly (pollution, war, etc.) The album closes with the end of man's existence. Mother Earth beckons for the now dead human race to come back to her for eternal rest. The powerful last lines of the album close things out with a subdued finality: "Now safe beneath their wisdom and their feet, here I will teach you truly how to sleep."

I can't say enough about the lyrical excellence of this album. It makes it the absolute emotional rollercoaster that it is. In my opinion, it is best-written set of songs that I have ever heard. I return to it often, and I always finish the last song with the same sense of wonder that I did the first time this music was introduced to me. For anyone who is looking to lay back for an hour and a half and absorb a complete musical experience, this is the album to do it with.

Here is a link to their Myspace

http://www.myspace.com/thrice

Until next time, enjoy :)

"Omni" by Minus the Bear

So, I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts, ESPN Fantasy Focus: Football (why yes I do play fantasy football, thank you very much), and Minus the Bear was mentioned as the podcast's official indie band in what became a long term conversation on the show. I had only heard of Minus the Bear in the context of them touring with Young the Giant (they may have still been The Jakes at that point, I'm not entirely sure). So I gave them a listen and I liked them a lot! So here we go with my review of their newest album entitled "Omni."

1. "My Time"- The opening track on the album opens up with a super happy synthesizer melody. In fact, the use of synth throughout the whole song makes it feel almost as though the song could be made into an animated scene. The song is about - without getting too blunt - a romantic rendezvous, which I found interesting combined with the synth. There is a synth solo (how many times have you ever heard that) about two thirds of the way through the song that just makes you smile. A great song and a fun, catchy way to start off the CD.

2. "Summer Angel" - In this song, the narrator is taking a walk through a garden with a girl that he is obviously infatuated with. He describes her beauty in various ways, my favorite being that he clipped a rose that had jealously "stole[n] a thread from her skirted thigh." The guitar and drum work in this song made me think of exactly what the song is about - walking through a garden on a warm, summer night. It's a great song, with lyrics and melodies combining forces to make a tightly knit and well-written song.

3. "Secret Country" - The secret country of the song's name is, from what I can tell, a secret place that is only the narrator's and his lady friend's. He is lost in her, and he feels as though he is straying from reality when he is with her, almost as if a dream: "As I float out to you, I dream of your caress." Once again, instrumentation sets the scene well with an energetic set of melodies that are both intense and dreamlike.

4. "Hold Me Down" - Our narrator feels as though he's flying all around, not in control of where he's going. He says: "I am going to let me take it where it may." However, he also hopes that his romantic interest will hold him down, get him out of the wind, and give him some comfort and stability. This song has chordy and guitary goodness that makes it a simple and enjoyable song (if not groundbreaking in its melodies).

5. "Excuses" - Perhaps my favorite song on the album. I loved the guitar melody at the beginning of the song (and all the way through the song, for that matter), as well as the message of the lyrics. The main theme appears to be that two people have feelings for each other that they can no longer hide: "Running out of excuses when we know what the truth is." It's a beautiful, almost reflective song with a theme that I'm sure many of us can relate to.

6. "The Thief" - One of my least favorite songs on the album. The lyrics are well written about a young man without much financial means who wants to steal a girl (not literally obviously) who is, financially at least, out of his league. It's got it's great music moments (especially in the chorus), but I wasn't a fan of the music in the verses. That's just me, though.

7. "Into the Mirror" - I loved this song. Like "Excuses," the melody at the beginning of the song hooked me immediately with its catchy synth and guitar work. The lyrics are also clever; it is a description of a the nightlife in what is probably a less-than-reputable lounge/bar, and the music mirrors the smokey, dark atmosphere perfectly. MTB gets everything right on this song, which included a refreshing female vocal appearance and an awesome instrumentals-only section. Ranks up there as one of my favorite songs on the album.

8. "Animal Backwards" - This song sounds like a cool music video out of a techno movie, like Tron. I love the synth riffs that make their way through the song. The lyrics are clever, as well, I especially like the line: "She is a wolf looking through my window."

9. "Daylight Vista Rd." - This is another of my favorite songs on the album. I absolutely love the guitar work that runs through the first part of the song. The entire song has an epic feel to it. It really does feel like you're standing on a vista, looking out at the ocean or a majestic valley. A great song to just lay back and absorb.

10. "Fooled by the Night" - A beautiful song to end the album. The vocals are delivered really well, and the melody sets up a blank, atmospheric base that the vocalist builds upon. The song builds in intensity periodically over the course of its 7 and a half minutes. Overall, a semi-quiet, semi-epic, and 100% well done way to finish the album.

I'm so glad I decided to give this album a listen. Almost every song is well constructed and flows really well. The vocals are well-delivered, melodies beautifully executed, and lyrics well-written. A great album to listen to for anyone who is looking for a sold indie rock band.

Here's the link to their myspace if you'd like to give "Omni" a listen.

http://www.myspace.com/minusthebear

Until next time, enjoy :)

"Tidal Eyes" by The Queen Killing Kings

Where to start on this next album? I guess the most important thing to say at the start is that I doubt you've ever heard a set of songs that sounds like this. It's hard to describe what it even sounds like. There are funky piano rhythms and dark lyrics delivered wonderfully, often in an almost upbeat way. There is no guitar on the album, which brings the piano out even more as one of the defining characteristics of the music. There's even some organ mixed in. It is one of my all time, top 5 favorite albums. The album artwork is just ridiculously cool, as well. A mailman is delivering mail (surprise) to a house nestled into the branch of a tree. To be completely honest, it's half the reason I bought the album in the first place. Now to write about the other 11 reasons I love this album.

1. "Dark Hearts" - The song begins with a sort of marching bass and drum beat, with piano jumping in around the chorus with lyrics that sum up the joyful, dark feel of the entire set of songs: "We came to wake the dead with thunder in our breath, with fire in our hands we'll make the world our prisoner." The song concludes with piano and bass taking it away into what we can only assume is a night just dark enough for these "dark hearts" to do their work.

2. "Into the Woods" - This song starts off fairly slowly, almost thoughtfully. The narrator of the song has a dark secret that he only wants to show one person. We are never told outright EXACTLY what he has hidden; all he tells us is that "out in the woods is a place you can bury your dead." Stick with me here, yes it sounds odd, but the lyrics are so well written and so well-delivered by a vocalist with a stand-out voice that you'll find yourself singing along in spite of yourself.

3. "Reinventing Language" -  Piano sets the scene of this song with what I like to describe as a sort of demented waltz melody. It draws you in immediately. Great vocal harmonies interplay with this funky rhythm (aided by organ) to create an extremely catchy song about surrendering to dark urges ("when you dance with the devil...").

4. "Like Lions" - One of my favorite songs on the album. Drums open the song sounding as if they are underwater, with almost mournful piano joining in shortly after. The narrator of the song is singing about a sinking ship and his fear that few will survive. It is indeed a bit morbid, but there is an element of heartbreak and love in this song as well. After the band switches things up to a counter melody (something I always love when a band does it), the narrator sings out to a love he won't see again, ensuring her that "I won't return though I told you I would; just know that I tried hard with all that I could; I wanted you to know, I wanted you to know; Like lions we fought in the face of this storm; Like giants we stood when our ship wouldn't float; I wanted you to know, I wanted you to know." Lone piano ends the song as the ship finally slips underwater.

5. "Ivory" - This song is as conventional a love song as you will find on this album. Ivory, the object of the narrator's love in this song, is a gypsy. He is debating running away with Ivory to New Orleans. The chorus of this song is one of my favorites; the vocals shine through with the aid of the instrumentation that makes this music so catchy and easy to dance around to.

6. "Strangers in Love" - This song opens with organ and the narrator talking of a secret affair. Low-pitched, foreboding piano enters as the narrator tells his lover: "Don't tell a soul the things we've done." From then on, piano and vocals (including some outstanding harmonies) carry the day in a song that makes me think of two lovers heading different directions, stealing quickly back home in the night.

7. "Naked in the Rain" - Another of my favorites. The song features my favorite piano melody on the album. It's an amazing combination of funky and darkness. It's just about impossible not to move along with this music; the piano doesn't let you just sit there. The chorus also features primal vocal echoes and clapping. All in all, a solid song. I suggested that a dance ensemble dance to this (yes, I know, not exactly the feel of a dance concert, but I'm still convinced it would have been cool).

8. "Birds with Iron Wings" - From what I can interpret, this song is a dirty message to virginity. It is essentially stating that young women who don't have sex are birds with iron wings, in that they don't have the opportunity to fly into... well how bout I just give you a couple lines of lyrics and you use your imagination from there. "Birds with iron wings won't try to leave the ground and touch the sky; In chastity, she never gets to fly."

9. "Warden" - One of the darkest songs on this album, and it's by far my favorite. The song is from the perspective of a prison inmate who has gone insane. He killed his wife and kids, but he still pleads for someone to tell them that he's not a criminal. He doesn't know how long he's been in prison and he questions his own sanity. Organ and piano sets the scene of this man's twisted mind. The song ends with the inmate being killed in a gas chamber, though he doesn't know what's happening. "And the guards are taking me to a chamber, a room full of strangers, what could this mean?;  Everyone was looking round, they watched the clock counting down, what could this be?; Suddenly, I start to choke, the room is filling up with smoke, what could this mean." The piano ends, leaving a monotone, atonal sound that I can only assume is the man's vitals flat-lining. It's a dark song, yes, but it's haunting and even beautiful.

10. "The Streets" - This song opens up with a piano melody that is almost jazzy. The narrator is a member of some sort of community that has had to hide and escape people all their lives. The instrumentation in the chorus sounds like they are marching on and on. The song is good, but it is one of my least favorite on the album. Still, when it comes to this CD, that's like saying carrot cake is your least favorite type of cake-- it's still cake.)

11. "This Night" - This song is a great ending to the album. The narrator confesses to someone in the song (I almost think he is confessing to the listener) that he has a "closet full of bones." He talks about a sort of dark passenger that he carries in him always. It is a sort of characterization of the album, in general, saying that the set of songs is a sort of musical dark passenger, a lurking entity hiding in the shadows, but always there.

I honestly can't say enough about The Queen Killing Queens and their album. I can't wait until they come out with the next one, and I hope they get the attention they deserve, because I can't think of any band like them. The pianos are outstanding, the lyrics dark and well-written, and the vocals well-delivered in a way that is at the same time strong and smokey. I promise that if you give this album a chance, you'll never regret it.

Here's a link to their myspace for you to listen to their stuff!

http://www.myspace.com/thequeenkillingkings

Until next time, enjoy :)

"Young the Giant" by Young the Giant

Four long years ago, when I first walked onto the campus of Irvine High School, I was a confused freshman. I had no idea what was going on. I quickly learned one thing about IHS. We were home to several members of one of the coolest up and coming Orange County Bands: The Jakes. Eventually, all the members of The Jakes moved on, but we kept tabs on our resident claim to coolness. Now, a few short years, a name change, and some lineup changes later, Young the Giant has released their self-titled debut album. Remarkably, they have retained the same basic personality that made them the band we all loved back then, with the polished sound that a studio provides. It's a fun listen, and they definitely deserve attention as a very unique and skilled new band. The album artwork doesn't necessarily say a whole lot about the album, since it's just a brightly colored, very indie-esque mountain scene. It's cool, though! And so, here we go!

1. "Apartment" - In my opinion, this is a great opening look at the album, because it represents Young the Giant's sound well. Strong guitar harmonies and smooth, almost jazzy vocals are featured here. The song shows off Sameer Gadhia's vocal range well, too. Overall, it's a catchy song that gets the album going on the right foot.

2. "My Body" - This song starts things off with a beat that encourages an immediate trip to a surface you can dance around on (no dancing skill required, thankfully). The song isn't a one-trick pony, though. Guitar and bass work is strong here, as is a "quieter" (used loosely) section featuring a gang vocal feel. The lyrics aren't exactly groundbreaking, especially in the chorus: "My body tells me no, but I won't quit 'cause I want more." That's okay though, because the song is so fun to listen to that we want more, too.

3. "I Got" - I loved this song because it reminded me of "Shake My Hand," an EP the group released while still called The Jakes. I'm no blues expert, but this song feels a little bluesy to me with its great vocal echoes and overall feel throughout. Great guitar work in this song (at times almost sounding as though it is coming from underwater; a cool effect), as well as well-written lyrics. It's another strong song.

4. "Cough Syrup" - A new, polished version of the most popular song off of "Shake My Hand." The same guitar riff and clever lyrics are still here ("These fishes in the sear, they're staring at me"). One thing I especially liked was the new prominence of the cello in the beginning and very end of the song--what can I say, I'm a sucker for the cello. The instrumental section around the middle of the song is also improved in my pinion (more melodic electric guitar plus an increased presence of acoustic guitar). It was a great song a couple of years ago and it's an even better song now.

5. "God Made Men" - This song goes from a quiet, somewhat meandering tune to an energetic, turn-up-the-volume song. Not one of my favorite songs, but still strong as Gadhia once again shows off his vocal skills.

6. "12 Fingers" - The bass beat at the beginning of this song encourages head bobbing. Things amp up with the aid of guitars and vocals, leading to one of my favorite choruses on the album with its spectacular use of vocal harmony.

7. "Strings" - My favorite song on the album, hands down. Listening to this song, you feel like you're sitting on a beach. This is due to some great guitar melodies that you'd just have to hear, as well as some great vocal harmonies. Young the Giant makes it all seem effortless, however. They may as well be playing for fun around a bonfire.

8. "Your Side" - I liked this song a lot as well; it started out with a riff that sounded a bit like Kings of Leon, before transitioning sharply back into the relaxed and fun sound that makes people love YTG's music.

9. "Garands" - Another new and improved version of a song off of "Shake My Hand." Originally called "Garands At Normandie," the new version has upped the ante in terms of melodic complexity and a more polished sound. Still, the basic melody is the same and the lyrics are still just as well-written as they've ever been.

10. "St. Walker" - This song is probably my least favorite on the album because I thought it was a bit of a departure from the sound I loved from the band. Most jarring for me was the sound effect on the guitar during the majority of the song - it has an edge to it that I just didn't feel fit with the rest of the songs on the album. It's a good song, yes, and it still contains some traditional YTG elements, but I'm not sure if it belongs with many of the other songs on the album.

11. "Islands" - This song also stands apart from the rest of the album, but this time in a very good way. It starts off sounding almost as if in between being asleep and being awake, with subtle instrumentation creating the feel of a sort of dreamscape. Gadhia's vocal prowess is on full display here, and the song shines as a result. After about the halfway point of the song, it picks up the pace before slowing down once again. An extremely strong song: mature, restrained, and extremely well-executed.

12. "Guns Out" - A great song to end the album. All the aspects of a great Young the Giant song are here: varied melodies, strong guitar and bass work, and nice vocals. At the same time, it concludes the album with a sort of subtle confidence instead of a loud, bombastic finale. I personally respected the album as a whole even more because of the maturity of the album and the band in general.

Irvine natives have been waiting a while for this album to come out. Not only should they all be pleased, but the rest of the music-listening population should be pleased as well. Young the Giant is a breath of fresh air in a musical environment filled with far too much heavy bass and autotune and not enough creative, well-written songs. The men of Young the Giant did great work on this album. Gadhia's vocals, as well as guitar work, carry the day, but all aspects of the album are generally rock solid.

Here's a link to their Facebook page, where you can listen to the album before deciding to buy it (as I did, though it didn't take me much more than 4 minutes to click the "buy album" button on iTunes).

http://www.facebook.com/youngthegiant

Until next time, enjoy :)

"The First Days of Spring" by Noah and the Whale

Prepare yourself for the most epic breakup album of all time. Despite the obviously sad theme of this album, it is one of the most well-written musical stories I've heard. The album artwork is simple: the members of the band standing in a field with one man holding a camera. I believe this is related to the 45 minute music video that accompanies the CD (at least when I purchased it on iTunes). Watching it along with listening it is a cool experience in addition to just listening. And, with that public service announcement, here's my song by song review of "The First Days of Spring" by Noah the Whale. Enjoy :)

1. "The First Days of Spring" - The album opens up with an extremely powerful instrumental opening that lets you know you're in for an emotional rollercoaster. Interestingly enough, the album appears to begin with some hope for the girl in question to return, though the narrator says he is starting his life anew. Violins proceed to do some major heart-string tugging.

2. "Our Window" - Mournful piano and strings begin this piece, and we get a glimpse into the last night of the relationship of this album. The song chronicles the end of a relationship. It is a hard break up. "...we both know that it's over, but we're both not ready." There is confusion and regret coursing through this song's veins, and the song's sparse instrumentation and focus on lyrics really make the us feel the same emotions as the narrator.

3. "I Have Nothing" - The title of this song essentially previews the feel of it. The narrator doesn't quite know what to do. "I need your light in my life." The young man is now alone, "a new baby weeping," and afraid he will fade away without his love. Occasionally off-pitch vocals actually add to this song. They make it more human, and you get the impression that our protagonist's voice is on the verge of breaking.

4. "My Broken Heart" - Violin makes another strong performance in this song, which sees our young man beginning to come to grips with his situation, though he comes to an unhappy conclusion. He determines that, yes, he will be lonely, but he'll make it through life on his own. Trumpets enter to affirm his decision, in another instance of how well instruments mirror the emotions of this album.

5. "Instrumental I" - Orchestra nerds like me rejoice. This song opens with the tuning of an orchestra, as if to signal that our guy is ready to live his life! After a brass fanfare, strings and woodwinds enter with a joyous melody that brings a smile to my face every time I listen. Enjoy :)

6. "The Love of an Orchestra" - This sung is a fun one to listen to. Our protagonist believes he will be fine as long as he has music in his heart. "Give me the love of an orchestra," he exults! The whole song is happy, as joyous and bouncy instrumental lines as well as choir segments flying about every which way. Am I weird for dancing around my room and conducting to this song? Perhaps, but I do it almost every time :D

7. "Instrumental II" - Reality has once again set in. This song features a subdued guitar melody, plucked and strummed perfectly. Our protagonist, and listeners for that matter, aren't out of the woods yet.

8. "Stranger" - One of the best songs on the album, in my opinion. It describes a rebound, and the immense regret that the narrator feels at what he's done: "I don't believe my conscience will ever be clear again." Making the song more potent is the fact that the narrator sings to his former love in this song: "Tonight, I slept with a stranger for the first time since you left." He still feels alone and abandoned. However, there is still hope, with guitars entering in the last minute and a half of the song to a repeated belief that things will be better in a year. Our protagonist is down, but he's not out.

9. "Blue Skies" - The narrator tries once again to move on, this time with much more determination. He knows things will be difficult, but is confident that "blue skies are coming." In fact, he goes on to state: "This is the last song that I write while still in love with you." He appears ready to move on, but if the story of this relationship has taught us anything, it's that this situation is a tad complicated. Still, it's good to hear the hope for a brighter future. Instrumentation reinforces this as well, as guitars, shakers, trumpets, and tamborines make you imagine our young man walking down a long path with his head held high.

10. "Snow Glass" - This song opens with an almost happy guitar riff (but not quite). It is more like a riff of reflection, and that is what the narrator is doing this song. He is looking back at this whole ordeal, and he determines that he wasn't seeing things clearly as he is now: "... I've been looking through slow glass." He finally feels as if he is seeing things clearly, and the drums pulsing throughout the song make me think of our guy marching on. However, sneaking in at the end of the song is a melancholy choir-like entrance, making sure we know there is one last trick up this album's sleeve.

11. "My Door is Always Open" - The final stage of this album is a sort of reconciliation. The narrator now appears to be happy that he is "free from all your [the girl's] pain", but that his door is always open to her. Their romantic relationship is over yes, but that doesn't mean our guy won't be there for his former love if she needs it. The album finishes with a repeated chant about how his heart is now his to give to someone else, with guitar strumming picking in volume and being joined by wonderful vocal finish.

This album packs quite the emotional punch. It cannot be described as a light listen, but, in my opinion, it's one of the most rewarding albums to listen to in my entire library. Featuring raw vocals, amazing lyrics, and beautiful, creative instrumentation, "The First Days of Spring" is a beautiful story about one man's emotional torment and final triumph.

As always, here's the link to their myspace. A note, however, they seem to have closed up shop in Myspace land until they release their new album in March of 2011. Who's excited? That would be me.

Til next time, enjoy :)

http://www.myspace.com/noahandthewhale