Envy On The Coast - Lucy Gray

Band: Envy On The Coast
Album: Lucy Gray
Release Date: August 7, 2007
Label: Photo Finish Records



Three Word Review: Earnest, Fragmented, Promising

Favorite Track: “Vultures”
Why? There is a lot to like about this track. The opening bass line (which, thankfully, recurs), the varied vocal styles, duo vocals which showcase Sal’s vocals, and the song’s air of urgency. The opening track “Sugar Skulls” is up there on this list as well.

Least Favorite Track: “If God Smokes Cheap Cigars”
Why? The song just drops off. With about a minute and a half left the intensity of the song disappears. This actually mirrors the album. This track marks the beginning of the end, after this all the intensity is gone, the remaining songs are all slow and soft. There’s nothing wrong with slow, but they kill the album’s flow in its end. “Lapse” is also fairly bad, it feels incomplete and very rough near its extremely drawn-out end.

My Thoughts:
I like it, I don’t love it. I’m happy to say that I’ve seen Envy On The Coast springboard into [semi-]popularity. They first appeared on my radar when they were the opening act for an acoustic Anthony Green set at the North Star Bar in Philadelphia. They only had their Self-Titled EP then, and it was just on a CD-R, but they were good. I bought it that night, and still love it.

However, there have been some changes made along the way from now until then. “Lucy Gray” is a lot harder during the bulk of the album. It would be a misrepresentation to say that it is hard rock, but the ebb and flow of the EPs intensity is all shoved in the end of this release. However, the musicianship is here. Envy On The Coast has what it takes, and I don’t doubt for one second that they’re going to blowup sometime soon.

“Lucy Gray” is a solid album, but it doesn’t exactly bleed originality, nor does it boast many genre-defining qualities. However, it is very listen-able. Also, what it may lack in originality the band makes up in live performance. They’re full of energy and very genuine.

Why You May or May Not Like It:
One thing to make or break Envy On The Coast for many people is Ryan’s vocal style. It’s not particularly abrasive, but it can be a tipping point. Also, for fans of the EP, some of that sound is lost hear. Some of my favorites by the group are on that album. The likes of “Green Eyes Don’t Lie” and “You Won’t Hear This” are sadly lacking this time through. What is most interesting about “You Won’t Hear This” is that Sal takes over lead vocals. He’s got an excellent voice and it is mostly missing on “Lucy Gray.” I’m not sure why they made the decision to tack all the slow songs on the end of the album, but I think it was a poor choice. If you were looking for more tracks in the same vein of “Suckerpunch” this is a very strong showing in the first half.

Final Say:
As I’ve said, a very solid release. The talent is here, and so is the energy. This young band has lots of potential and it is not lost on this album. They’re touring extensively, as they have been for a while. If they play by you I suggest you make it a point to see them! They’re coming to my college in a week and I’m sure excited to see them. Definitely give this album a listen and lend them some support!

Circa Survive – On Letting Go

Band: Circa Survive
Album: On Letting Go
Release Date: May 29, 2007
Label: Equal Vision

So it’s been two years since Juturna. What could possibly be expected from Anthony Green and Circa Survive? Your feelings about On Letting Go, will probably be shaped by what you were hoping for. If you wanted more of what you loved two years ago, well then you’re going to absolutely love this release. Conversely, if you were hoping that within the past two years their sound had matured and that On Letting Go would mark a change, you’re going to feel a lot different this time around.

Personally I fall into the latter category, but after numerous listens it’s starting to grow on me. After getting past my initial hopes that what I’d be listening to would be jump forward from Juturna it has been easy for me to remember just why I loved Juturna and why I’m starting to love On Letting Go. That is, Circa Survive has some amazing musicians and brilliant direction, even if it feels two years old. As is to be expected Anthony Green is on the top of his game with bone-chillingly honest vocals. His style is unlike any other and it’s clear that he’s simply the best around. And luckily for him, and for us, he’s surrounded by a stellar band.

I once read someone remark that “All Circa Survive songs sound exactly the same, new and old.” While I don’t exactly agree, part of me knows exactly the basis for the comment. When listening to On Letting Go, it almost seems as though the entire album is one amorphous blob. While the songs are clearly different when you really get down to it, during a casual listen it can be hard to tell where one song ends and another begins. There aren’t very many standout songs on the album, at all. In fact, I feel like the only song that really has a unique sound is the final track “Your Friends Are Gone.” While it too falls into the Juturna B-Side category, it’s intro easily stands out from the pack. With it’s initial electronic sound and varying motions throughout it offers the most diverse content, musically.

Early on the album “In the Morning and Amazing” offers a progressive sound. It shows off the band’s talent with some intense guitar work and a solid driving drum beat. “The Difference Between Medicine and Poison is in the Dose” offers up a more ambient and languid pacing creating a more mainstream sound. “Semi Constructive Criticism” further reiterates the sound of Juturna along with others like “Living Together” and “Close Your Eyes to See” that seem to be struck from the same vein.

Overall, I’ve begun to enjoy the album. While I was initially turned off because On Letting Go is essentially Juturna 2.0, Juturna Redux, or Juturna B-Sides, I’m appreciating it a lot more. If I gave a numerical score I’d certainly knock off a few points because after two years, there’s no innovation to be seen. However, musically there’s a lot here. Circa Survive, as a band, is stellar. The instrumentation on the album is tight and the skill of each member is clear. Further, they’ve got arguably the best vocalist in the scene. Anthony Green’s vocals are amazing and his voice can easily be dubbed mesmerizing. If you were a fan of their 2005 release, you’re sure to find plenty to like here. All the ingredients of a great album are present, and this is just another reminder why Circa Survive is a great band.

Radio Moscow and Bobby Conn

This past week there wasn’t too much that I was really interested in reviewing. So, instead I decided to give a listen to two random CDs and see what I thought of them. I chose Radio Moscow’s self-titled debut and King for a Day from Bobby Conn. Both are very different from each other, style-wise, and also different from what I generally listen to. However, I found that I enjoyed aspects of both.


Band: Radio Moscow
Album: Radio Moscow
Release Date: February 27, 2007
Label: Alive Records

Radio Moscow offers up a slew of guitar heavy rock. They carry a sound that is somewhat reminiscent of the southern blues-rock of yester-year. Some of the riffs and lead guitar definitely reminded me of sounds familiar to The Allman Brothers Band. Early on, the track “Lucky Dutch” gives a definite feeling of “Black Betty” from Ram Jam. However, their sound isn’t merely a direct adaptation of music from the rock gods of yore.

Headed by Parker Griggs, Radio Moscow showcases a fusion of sound, all their own. The group has worked to incorporate a variety of styles into their project, ranging from moaning blues slide guitar to a heavily distorted rock sound. This release, however, is not going to be the bread and butter of every music listener out there. Their style seems like they were plucked right out of the rock scene of the 60’s and 70’s, but with a grittier garage twist. The album provided me with a few interesting listens, and got me all nostalgic for the good old rock jams that seem lacking in music these days.


Band: Bobby Conn
Album: King for a Day
Release Date: February 27, 2007
Label: Thrill Jockey

King for a Day also provides a wide variety of musical styling. Bobby Conn is no stranger to the bizarre and his music proves it. It seems as though he’s been know to go a little wild, once proclaiming to be the Anti-Christ. This album, however, brings with it a wide variety of genre hopping. The first track, “Vanitas” is a perfect example. It starts with the sound of a gong and leads in with a variety of chimes and other ambient sounds. However, the song doesn’t keep at it for too long, the strings begin to pick up and the drama of keys provides a building effect. Soon comes the introduction of quiet chants, quite typical of Sufjan Stevens. However, the chants lead into a full on guitar attack that picks up the energy of the song. Soon, they fade away and an almost frantic offering of ambient noise returns.

As the rest of the CD ensues, so do a variety of song types. Lyrical contributions range from the overtly sexual to expression of the joy of life and love. The title song, “King For A Day” has a quality somewhere between a light samba and elevator music; however, it’s not boring for a second. One of the standout songs of the album, and my favorite, is “Love Let Me Down,” which provides a transition from a deliberate and brooding introduction to a chime-filled chorus.

Bobby Conn calls his music a mix of indie, experimental and showtunes. It seems like an odd combination, but I can certainly see how music from the stage has played a large part in his inspiration, and it works. For instance, the almost feverish beginning of “Anybody” reminds me a bit of the theme song to Broadway’s Rent.

At first I thought neither of these releases were much of my taste, but they’ve both grown on me a bit, because of the individuality and pure personality that is present in both. So, I’d suggest that if you like what you’ve read, that you give one a listen. In addition to that, I’d suggest giving them more than one listen, because neither are overtly catchy, but they both offer a genuinely unique experience.