Band: Daphne Loves Derby
Album: Good Night, Witness Light
Release Date: March 27, 2007
Label: Outlook Music
As enjoyable as young bands are, with their whit about broken relationships, there comes a time in the life of every band, when they are expected to mature. The real challenge for Daphne Loves Derby is to not only grow and mature their sound, but they having the daunting task of escaping the umbrella of Death Cab for Cutie, to whom they are often referenced. I might be ironic if I were to say that Good Night, Witness Light, marks the beginning of a mature era for this remarkably young band, but I believe in all honesty that this is an important step forward.
The opening track “Are Two Chords Enough, Dear?” has an interesting and slightly eerie sound to it. It’s intentional pacing and progression marks the first hint of maturity to be found on the album. It builds slowly, but fades prematurely and in comes “Stranger, You and I.” “Stranger” is immediately lovable as it showcases Kenny Choi’s soft and honest voice. The airy gentle rock creates an uplifting an encouraging sound, not only for the listener but also for the album.
The CD is, unfortunately, not without its flaws. “No One is Convinced” and “Miniature Christmas Tree” are the pop-rock black sheep of the album. While they are both enjoyable, essentially pop-rock done right, they represent a genre that is fading and stale. Together, they detract from the overall intelligent sound of the album, which is an important progression for Daphne Loves Derby.
While on the subject of sore thumbs, it would be regrettable to leave out “Marching Band Intro,” which is precisely what the title suggests. The song is merely a marching band cadence, which builds towards and runs perfectly into “That’s Our Hero Shot.” This song continues the marching band sound, adding in horns that you’ve probably heard at a high school football game. Soon, however, the marching band is whisked out of the stands and they are replaced by the true soul of “Hero Shot.” This conscientious tune, like many other tracks here tackles issues of change and progression, oddly representative of the CD.
“Cue the Sun” is a slow acoustic ballad that represents the softer side of the album. It is most reminiscent of their first EP. “Love and Mercy” showcases Jason Call’s skills on the bass as it opens with a driving bass line. “Hello Color Red” is overall very peppy and sunny and thus very endearing.
Finally “How’s It Going To End?” finishes the release on virtually the same pensive and meaningful note that “Are Two Chords Enough, Dear?” began it with. Good Night, Witness Light is certainly a worthwhile listen if you’ve been a fan of Daphne Loves Derby in the past or if you’ve been in search of some heartwarming melodic rock lately. They haven’t quite yet reached their full potential, but they’ve certainly got their foot in the door and I look forward to hearing more from them as they continue to mature and refine their sound.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
What to Expect this Week for 3/27 Releases
This week I plan on reviewing Daphne Loves Derby’s latest Good Night, Witness Light, which hit the shelves today. It’s been floating around the Internet for about a month now, but today is it’s official release date. As usual (well not quite as of late) you can expect the review to be posted by Friday. Also, feel free to head on over to Bêtise and check out my latest posts. Enjoy!
Friday, March 23, 2007
Antarctica Takes It! – The Penguin League
Band: Antarctica Takes It
Album: The Penguin League
Release Date: 2006
Label: None/DIY
Just reading the brief album stats (above) will give you a hint as to the nature of this release, if you can even call it that. This, however, doesn’t give the slightest hint about just how charming and invigorating the music from Antarctica Takes It! is. The album can’t be found at any retail outlets, in fact, as far as I can tell, mailing the band $6 in an envelope is the only way to get it. And it isn’t a professionally manufactured CD and case by any means; it is basically just a CD-R. The sound quality too, tells the story of a DIY band. The music is incredibly lo-fi, and the band even states on their myspace, that as they record their next CD “this time we're using a microphone.” I can’t be sure if this is an exaggeration or what, but it’s clear, though, that the production values here are not quite studio quality. I can say though, what this release lacks in audio quality, it makes up for in personality.
The CD is only ten tracks long, and clocks in at just less than 30 minutes. The longest track and perhaps one of the best is the second to last, “Antarctica,” and it is hardly more than 4 minutes. The album opens up with “I’m No Lover,” which, like the rest of the CD, is filled with lyrical gems, both clever and entertaining. The first words you’ll hear out of Dylan McKeever, the lead singer, are “I'm not a lover, I'm a fighter and I would burn your house down.” As the album progresses, there is no lack of this lyrical style, that is both humorous and meaningful.
While I don’t have a gripe with a single song on this album, I do have three favorites. The first, “Circuits” features harmonizing vocals, and interesting mix of instruments. The unique mix of chimes and harmonica create a light airy atmosphere for the song. My particular favorite, “Fog Song” has a slower, more brooding sound to it, but it is equally lovable and endearing. It has a distinctive marching pace, which is kept throughout by a combination of snare as well as piano and a variety of strings.
Finally, “Antarctica” makes it to my list of most memorable tracks. “Antarctica” is easily described as the album’s climax, while the somber “Goodbye” is more of a polite send off. “Antarctica” manages to cram into just 4:12 a variety of styles that make for a rich musical experience.
It seems as if the chief complaint about this release is the low quality of the recording. However, if you can set aside any instances of audiophilia, you will find a delightful and sincere release that is both interesting and easy to listen to. I am very excited to hear what is coming next from Antarctica Takes It!, and I hope after reading this, and hearing the album, that you are too.
Album: The Penguin League
Release Date: 2006
Label: None/DIY
Just reading the brief album stats (above) will give you a hint as to the nature of this release, if you can even call it that. This, however, doesn’t give the slightest hint about just how charming and invigorating the music from Antarctica Takes It! is. The album can’t be found at any retail outlets, in fact, as far as I can tell, mailing the band $6 in an envelope is the only way to get it. And it isn’t a professionally manufactured CD and case by any means; it is basically just a CD-R. The sound quality too, tells the story of a DIY band. The music is incredibly lo-fi, and the band even states on their myspace, that as they record their next CD “this time we're using a microphone.” I can’t be sure if this is an exaggeration or what, but it’s clear, though, that the production values here are not quite studio quality. I can say though, what this release lacks in audio quality, it makes up for in personality.
The CD is only ten tracks long, and clocks in at just less than 30 minutes. The longest track and perhaps one of the best is the second to last, “Antarctica,” and it is hardly more than 4 minutes. The album opens up with “I’m No Lover,” which, like the rest of the CD, is filled with lyrical gems, both clever and entertaining. The first words you’ll hear out of Dylan McKeever, the lead singer, are “I'm not a lover, I'm a fighter and I would burn your house down.” As the album progresses, there is no lack of this lyrical style, that is both humorous and meaningful.
While I don’t have a gripe with a single song on this album, I do have three favorites. The first, “Circuits” features harmonizing vocals, and interesting mix of instruments. The unique mix of chimes and harmonica create a light airy atmosphere for the song. My particular favorite, “Fog Song” has a slower, more brooding sound to it, but it is equally lovable and endearing. It has a distinctive marching pace, which is kept throughout by a combination of snare as well as piano and a variety of strings.
Finally, “Antarctica” makes it to my list of most memorable tracks. “Antarctica” is easily described as the album’s climax, while the somber “Goodbye” is more of a polite send off. “Antarctica” manages to cram into just 4:12 a variety of styles that make for a rich musical experience.
It seems as if the chief complaint about this release is the low quality of the recording. However, if you can set aside any instances of audiophilia, you will find a delightful and sincere release that is both interesting and easy to listen to. I am very excited to hear what is coming next from Antarctica Takes It!, and I hope after reading this, and hearing the album, that you are too.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Upcoming for Release Week 3/20
This week is basically slim-pickin’s for releases that I’m interested in. I saw Good Charlotte’s latest is out today, but I’m not even going to bother with that. I’ve given some thought to reviewing Person Pitch from Panda Bear, but after a first listen, I really don’t have too much to say about it. So, unless it grows on me at least to the point that I have something to say, I don’t suspect I’ll be reviewing that. Instead, I’ve been giving thought to doing my first back review. If I do, it’ll most likely be Antarctica Takes It! – The Penguin League, which I first discovered a few months ago, and have since grown to love it. So, if that’s the review I choose to do, you’ll get to hear exactly what I love about it.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Sherwood - A Different Light
Band: Sherwood
Album: A Different Light
Release Date: 3/12/07
Label: Myspace Records
Sherwood’s latest offering, A Different Light, their first on Myspace Records, is like their past efforts, catchy and fun. However, their sound has not matured, they’ve only opted for a more electronic sound, adding a keyboardist. It is nice to see, however, that they continue to put out music that is uplifting and enjoyable. Even when they lament about relationship troubles (and other typical pop-punk topics) they keep things happy and airy.
The CD starts off with “Song In My Head.” It begins slowly, but soon kicks off into an energized pop-punk ballad. This sets the stage for virtually the entire CD, only once does the pace slowdown. The next song, “The Best In Me” is electric infused power pop, chockfull of lovable hooks and rhymes. These songs, like the rest of the album, opt for extended fades and reverb. This is one of the few changes from their previous sound. In a way I might even say that Lou Giordano (the producer who has also worked with Sunny Day Real Estate) has almost over produced the album. It doesn’t stand solely on the musicianship of the band, but partially on a foundation of synthesizers.
The third track, “Middle of the Night” is a rerecord, originally found on the Summer EP, which was released digitally, at AP.net. This song has remained the same, except for the addition of about 10 seconds of crowd noise-like fluff tacked on in the beginning. This lack of change, however, is not a bad thing. The song is as it should be, energetic, and is certainly single material.
As the CD continues, there isn’t much change musically, at all. Almost all of the songs rely on the driving beat of drummer Joe Greenetz. His steady pace sets the stage for almost all of the songs. Just about the only slowdown on the disc some from the sixth song, “Ally Cat,” which to me sounds a lot like “Such Great Heights,” from The Postal Service, at times. It is, however, one of the more memorable and clever songs offered here.
The CD is certainly very enjoyable, but lacks any progression or change. All of the songs seem very similar to each other, and there is hardly any development. After only the first few tracks, I found it became hard to find new ways to describe songs. There is nothing wrong, with this consistent (if not monotonous) approach to creating music, but it just seems to lose its power. Like their previous works, A Different Light seems like it is best suited for summer listening. I anticipate that I’ll be listening to this album again, perhaps on a beach trip, flying down the highway with the windows down. Its energetic, vivacious sound of this release makes it perfect for listening to during the equally pleasant summer months.
Album: A Different Light
Release Date: 3/12/07
Label: Myspace Records
Sherwood’s latest offering, A Different Light, their first on Myspace Records, is like their past efforts, catchy and fun. However, their sound has not matured, they’ve only opted for a more electronic sound, adding a keyboardist. It is nice to see, however, that they continue to put out music that is uplifting and enjoyable. Even when they lament about relationship troubles (and other typical pop-punk topics) they keep things happy and airy.
The CD starts off with “Song In My Head.” It begins slowly, but soon kicks off into an energized pop-punk ballad. This sets the stage for virtually the entire CD, only once does the pace slowdown. The next song, “The Best In Me” is electric infused power pop, chockfull of lovable hooks and rhymes. These songs, like the rest of the album, opt for extended fades and reverb. This is one of the few changes from their previous sound. In a way I might even say that Lou Giordano (the producer who has also worked with Sunny Day Real Estate) has almost over produced the album. It doesn’t stand solely on the musicianship of the band, but partially on a foundation of synthesizers.
The third track, “Middle of the Night” is a rerecord, originally found on the Summer EP, which was released digitally, at AP.net. This song has remained the same, except for the addition of about 10 seconds of crowd noise-like fluff tacked on in the beginning. This lack of change, however, is not a bad thing. The song is as it should be, energetic, and is certainly single material.
As the CD continues, there isn’t much change musically, at all. Almost all of the songs rely on the driving beat of drummer Joe Greenetz. His steady pace sets the stage for almost all of the songs. Just about the only slowdown on the disc some from the sixth song, “Ally Cat,” which to me sounds a lot like “Such Great Heights,” from The Postal Service, at times. It is, however, one of the more memorable and clever songs offered here.
The CD is certainly very enjoyable, but lacks any progression or change. All of the songs seem very similar to each other, and there is hardly any development. After only the first few tracks, I found it became hard to find new ways to describe songs. There is nothing wrong, with this consistent (if not monotonous) approach to creating music, but it just seems to lose its power. Like their previous works, A Different Light seems like it is best suited for summer listening. I anticipate that I’ll be listening to this album again, perhaps on a beach trip, flying down the highway with the windows down. Its energetic, vivacious sound of this release makes it perfect for listening to during the equally pleasant summer months.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
TEN Hiatus, I’m Slacking
I’ve been putting off getting to work on reviewing “A Different Light” so far this week. I’ve listened to the album a few times already; I just don’t feel like sitting down to write out my reactions and to get it all formulated into a cohesive review. Instead, I’ve been listening a lot to The Early November. And, sadly, yesterday AP.net posted the band’s note to their fans, saying that they were going on an indefinite hiatus.
That was actually very disappointing news to me. Just recently, AP.net did an interview with the band, where they talked about all of the writing that Ace (the band’s front man and song writer) had been doing. They explained that he had enough material written for several full LP’s and of course, I was excited. But, unfortunately, now, they’re calling it quits. I have to say; I’ve been a fan for quite a while. I was really lured in by their emo sound way back on “For All of This,” and since then they’ve been maturing, and I’ve enjoyed just about everything that they’ve done. Especially, 2006’s “The Mother, The Mechanic, and The Path,” which was an epic three disc undertaking with 46 tracks. There was a ton of speculation that TEN would be spreading themselves too thin, but when I first got to listen, I couldn’t disagree more. While The Path, was a bit different, seeing as it was mostly narrated with alternating musical interludes, it was overall very enjoyable. The story that it told, directly, was also mirrored in the lyrics and musical styles of the preceding CDs, The Mother and The Mechanic.
The Mechanic, which opens the three disc set, is much more of a rock CD, as opposed to the slower more melodic style of The Mother. Both, however, showcase the musicianship of The Early November and the writing talents of Ace Enders. Both CDs, which have 11 tracks each, plus “5 Years” which was a bonus track for The Mechanic, just did not disappoint me. While I had favorites within the 23 tracks, I never find myself skipping over a single song.
So, what was supposed to just be a short entry explaining that I might be a little bit late with this weeks review, has turned into a pretty long lament about TEN. I’m hoping to get to see them on their last tour. I’d most likely try to go see them on April 12, when I’m back up at school; they’re playing at Toad’s Place in New Haven, CT. I just have to find someone else who wants to go, and who can drive. I’m also planning on seeing Circa Survive with As Tall As Lions, Envy on the Coast, and Cute Is What We Aim For, when they play in West Hartford. Also, hopefully, if I get to these shows, I’ll do a short write-up on my feelings about the show as a whole and the individual sets.
I expect that once I’m back up at school, I’ll get down to work and write the Sherwood review, and pick out what I’ll be doing for next week.
That was actually very disappointing news to me. Just recently, AP.net did an interview with the band, where they talked about all of the writing that Ace (the band’s front man and song writer) had been doing. They explained that he had enough material written for several full LP’s and of course, I was excited. But, unfortunately, now, they’re calling it quits. I have to say; I’ve been a fan for quite a while. I was really lured in by their emo sound way back on “For All of This,” and since then they’ve been maturing, and I’ve enjoyed just about everything that they’ve done. Especially, 2006’s “The Mother, The Mechanic, and The Path,” which was an epic three disc undertaking with 46 tracks. There was a ton of speculation that TEN would be spreading themselves too thin, but when I first got to listen, I couldn’t disagree more. While The Path, was a bit different, seeing as it was mostly narrated with alternating musical interludes, it was overall very enjoyable. The story that it told, directly, was also mirrored in the lyrics and musical styles of the preceding CDs, The Mother and The Mechanic.
The Mechanic, which opens the three disc set, is much more of a rock CD, as opposed to the slower more melodic style of The Mother. Both, however, showcase the musicianship of The Early November and the writing talents of Ace Enders. Both CDs, which have 11 tracks each, plus “5 Years” which was a bonus track for The Mechanic, just did not disappoint me. While I had favorites within the 23 tracks, I never find myself skipping over a single song.
So, what was supposed to just be a short entry explaining that I might be a little bit late with this weeks review, has turned into a pretty long lament about TEN. I’m hoping to get to see them on their last tour. I’d most likely try to go see them on April 12, when I’m back up at school; they’re playing at Toad’s Place in New Haven, CT. I just have to find someone else who wants to go, and who can drive. I’m also planning on seeing Circa Survive with As Tall As Lions, Envy on the Coast, and Cute Is What We Aim For, when they play in West Hartford. Also, hopefully, if I get to these shows, I’ll do a short write-up on my feelings about the show as a whole and the individual sets.
I expect that once I’m back up at school, I’ll get down to work and write the Sherwood review, and pick out what I’ll be doing for next week.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Upcoming for Release Week 3/13
This week you can expect to see a review for “A Different Light” by Sherwood, which will be hitting stores this Tuesday, March 13. The review will be up no later than Friday, but you can expect it to be posted before that. As always I hope you’ve been enjoying the write-ups I’ve been doing. Check out the past few from Relient K, Bright Eyes, and The Higher. Also, please head over to Bêtise, which should be updating on a near-daily basis.
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