March 4th, 2008 New Releases
March 3rd, 2008
New albums from Flogging Molly, Bauhaus and more.
Flogging Molly - Float (CD and LP)
"Float" delivers another iteration of the band's sonic evolution. More mature yet retaining the immediacy that marks all their work, "Float" may find the widest audience acceptance of any Flogging Molly album. Hard charging tunes give way to more sober ruminations. The overall effect is a symphonic layering of sound that possesses a unique rhythmic flow from boisterous to bereaved and back again.
Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks - Real Emotional Trash (CD and LP)
As the frontman and primary songwriter of Pavement, Steve Malkmus crafted lazy, supremely catchy art-pop that defined the slacker/indie genre. As a solo artist, Malkmus hasn't exactly tightened up, but his music emerges from grander, more expansive sonic terrain. REAL EMOTIONAL TRASH, Malkmus's fourth solo album, kicks off with "Dragonfly Pie" and immediately finds him in guitar-hero mode, slashing out disjointed riffs and shreds. Elsewhere, SM's classic rock fixation is on full display, channeling George Harrison via the guitar solo on "Hopscotch," while the album's centerpiece, the 10-minute-plus title track, has the feel of Richard Thompson and Fairport Convention at their most epic (think "A Sailor's Life"). Malkmus certainly remains on his own languid trip, but as this album proves, his music has grown far too complex and cerebral for him to be called a slacker anymore.
Bauhaus - Going Away White (LP forthcoming)
Nearly 25 years after its previous album, BURNING FROM THE INSIDE, the legendary U.K. goth-rock ensemble Bauhaus returned with its purported swan song, GO AWAY WHITE. While the famously brooding band splintered into various acts over the decades--most notably Love and Rockets, Tones on Tail, and frontman Peter Murphy solo--WHITE finds the group sounding remarkably cohesive, and, at times, disarmingly lighthearted.
For better or worse, Bauhaus actually seems to be having fun on the slinky "Too Much 21st Century," the fierce "Adrenalin," and the tongue-in-cheek "Endless Summer of the Damned," all of which feature Murphy gleefully indulging in his 1970s-Bowie-isms, and Daniel Ash casting out barbed guitar lines. Of course, the iconic quartet can't resist a partial return to truly sinister form, as best evinced on "The Dog's a Vapour," a moody track that points to Bauhaus's avant-garde leanings. Though it appears that WHITE won't be a new beginning for the beloved black-clad crew, it does serve as a fine, if unexpected, end.
Murder By Death - Red of Tooth and Claw (LP forthcoming)
Latest from band that plays a blend of rocking Americana noir and dramatic post punk is their most accomplished to date. Cinematic storytelling backed by jaw-dropping performances.
Cadence Weapon - Afterparty Babies (LP forthcoming)
ollie Pemberton, a.k.a. Cadence Weapon, is back, firmly establishing his legacy as a pioneer in a passionate crusade to push the envelopes of rap and electronic music. This ANTI debut delves into the friends and feelings, crews and club nights, hometowns and heroes, media and fashion, generated by Cadence's precocious career to date, all surrounded by punishing electronic dance jams. Cadence has played shows with Spank Rock, Lady Sovereign, Jurassic 5, TTC, New Pornographers, Final Fantasy, and De La Soul. RIYL: Aesop Rock, LCD Soundsystem, Daft Punk, Busdriver.
Oceana - The Tide
"The Tide" was produced and mixed by James Paul Wisner (Dashboard Confessional, New Found Glory and Paramore) and Cameron Mizell. They successfully captured the band in their finest hour. With atmospheric guitars and dramatic song writing, Oceana delivers an amazing debut record.
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