Posts Tagged: the alchemy index


24
Mar 09

The Fierce and the Longing (2008) by Audrey

The Fierce and the Longing by Audrey

Audrey
The Fierce and the Longing

2008, A Tenderversion Recording
indie pop
4

I’m not very familiar with shoe-gaze, but I’m pretty sure that Audrey is as close as I’m going to get to it. This [country] band is all-female and all suave femininity. Interestingly, all four women in the band share vocal duty equally, which is quite rare.

Their smoky voices and coffeeshop-esque post grunge is refreshing at first but gets old quickly. Why? Because there is nothing happy about this album, lyrically or sonically. It’s so moody that it’s difficult to get through this in one sitting, let alone on multiple repeats. But its beautiful depression makes it all worth it by the end.

“Big Ships,” “Horses are Honest,” “Northern Lights.”
myspace, FREE DOWNLOAD @ last.fm
Stephanie Dosen’s A Lily For The Spectre, Thrice’s The Alchemy Index, Vol. 3

  • Share/Bookmark

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*

  • Share/Bookmark

26
Jan 09

The Earth Is Not… (2003) by Explosions in the Sky

The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place by Explosions in the Sky

Explosions in the Sky
The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place

2003, Temporary Residence Limited
post-rock, experimental
5

It’s amazing that this is my first review for Explosions in the Sky, considering how obsessed I’ve been with this band of late. I’ve chosen their third album as the first I reviewed because it is the only one, in my opinion, that is actually cohesive enough to be called an ‘album.’ It’s amazing how many chords are repeated throughout the five songs on this album.

Clearly I’m getting ahead of myself. If you don’t know who Explosions in the Sky is, think back to the movie (not the television show) Friday Night Lights. If you haven’t seen it I have to wonder what rock you’ve been living under, but if you have seen it then you’ll recognize EITS from the soundtrack.

No, EITS doesn’t include lyrics in their music. Yes, The Earth Is Not a Cold Dark Place contains only five ‘songs,’ all of which are at least 8 minutes in length. As one would expect from these details, EITS has a very canny sense of the dramatic. But almost in spite of the drama, the pathos of their music is absolutely pitch perfect. Any song of theirs could be considered both happy and sad, and I believe this album exemplifies that quality perfectly. This is a definite must-have from a band that has just started to hit its stride.

“Your Hand In Mine,” “First Breath After Coma.”
myspace, last.fm
The Receiving End of Sirens’s The Earth Sings Mi Fa Mi, Thrice’s The Alchemy Index, Vol. 2: Water

  • Share/Bookmark