2005

2005 / 5 stars / imogen heap / reviews — No Comments
4
Feb 09

Speak For Yourself (2005) by Imogen Heap

Speak For Yourself by Imogen Heap

Imogen Heap
Speak For Yourself
2005, Megaphonic/RCA Victor/Sony BMG
electronic, alternative pop
5

In this sophomore album, Heap has opened an entirely new auditory world to her listeners. Speak for Yourself features songs that are as elegant as they are sprawling, and as controlled as they are rebellious. Her use of multi-layered effects, one of which is her slightly imperfect but distinctive voice, immerses you until you can’t focus on anything but what you hear.

Heap’s lyrics are just as imperfect as her voice. In fact, they remind me of poetry. At first or second (or infinite) listens, they sound almost nonsensical and disjointed, but everything fits together perfectly. From the haunting acapella of “Hide and Seek” to the sweeping “Closing In,” this one album and one artist you will never forget.

“Hide And Seek,” “Headlock,” “Clear The Area.”
myspace, last.fm
Thrice’s The Alchemy Index, Vol. 2, Radiohead’s In Rainbows*

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2005 / 3 stars / director / reviews — No Comments
12
Dec 08

We Thrive on Big Cities (2005) by Director

Director
We Thrive on Big Cities
2005, Atlantic Records
pop, alt rock

In this debut, Director manages to bore instead of inspire. By imitating the oft-imitated Strokes and other ‘in’ bands, it’s a miracle people still remember who this band is. Then again, since this album was released in 2006, they probably created the craze of what most bands sound like these days.

Honestly, I wouldn’t be so harsh on these guys if they had some decent lyrics, but since they fail at that I’ll have to leave my review at three stars. Even then, my review is high considering that I only liked (and saw promise in) “Reconnect,” which is an excellent single that you should buy on iTunes ASAP. After downloading, look up a more interesting band like Snowden or Boy Kill Boy.

“Reconnect,” “Big Cities,” “Easy To Me.”
myspace, cdworld.ie
Boy Kill Boy’s Civilian, Snowden’s Anti-Anti

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2005 / 2008 / 4 stars / boris smile / reviews / site news — No Comments
11
Dec 08

Beartooth EP (2008) by Boris Smile

Genre: indie pop, rock
Rating:
“Beartooth (spooky version)” and “Program Me To Love.”
myspace, garageband.com
Boris Smile’s artistpreview, The Pierce’s Thirteen Tales of Love and Revenge

This newest by Boris Smile features the same low-fi California dream pop of their previous releases, but tinged a little darker than usual. Thankfully, all of that darkness is pretty much contained in “Beartooth (spooky version).” The seriousness continues through the next four songs, but the arrangements prevent the band and the listener from getting too bogged down. Lead singer Wes Chung’s voice is as matter-of-fact and jarring as ever, which can be annoying on repeated listens. But for all that, the lyrics are as honest enough to lure you back again.

While this EP shows some maturation in arrangement and general coherency, it still screams the easy pop that you’d expect from Boris Smile. Honestly, my only complaint is that this EP is far too short with five songs. Buy it and show your support for this ‘undiscovered’ band.

Disclosure: Free sample of this EP was provided by lead singer Wes Chung. Please see my review policy for more details.

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