Released yesterday, Lonely Avenue is a new album showcasing the lyrics of Nick Hornby alongside music by Ben Folds. Though not the most exciting of albums, the diversity of the sound makes it an interesting listen, with some songs thoughtful and gentle and others upbeat and kooky- almost in a videogame-like-way. On a whole, this album is a bit of end of Summer fun, though not the groundbreaking or exciting work that such a collaboration should be. Nick Hornby’s lyrics are witty and for the most part, well complimented by Folds’ making this an ideal album only for pop extremists.
Virtuosos in Connecticut’s experimental scene, Fugue incorporates heavy influences of math rock, post-rock, progressive, and jazz fusion creating an impressive sound. Much like their puzzling genre (or lack thereof), Fugue’s tentative classification coincides with their elaborate, indescribable sound. Siblings, their newest EP, released in August by Rive Records, exemplifies this perfectly. While this EP is unique in more ways than one, I, personally, found it to be most notable for its concentration simply on music, rather than lyrics. While it’s definitely different from the music indie rock fans are accustomed to listening to, I found the absence of lyrics allowed me to focus my attention solely on the genius of the instrumentals. Each and every chord rings with mystifying harmonies, which is a rarity in latter day music. Powerful and inspiring, Fugue’s music defies the standards that epitomize the mainstream. This three song EP’s melodic sound furnishes the illusion of an orchestral escape, comprised of jazzy tunes and complex arpeggios.
MP3: Fugue – ‘Sirens’
The Lightning Bug Situation’s album, Call, is all that defines calm, cool, and collected. Call’s tranquil sound provides a euphoria- an uncommon, but reassuring, musical encounter. Brian Miller’s whispering vocals will haunt your speakers with peaceful echoes and romantic lyrics. This album is the perfect soundtrack for a relaxing autumn day, as the rightfully simplistic song titles, such as Groundhog, Fall, and December, suggest. Call dually exhibits balance and composure and is a record I found both thoroughly enjoyable and lulling.
MP3: The Lightning Bug Situation – ‘Fall’
Following in the footsteps of Yeasayer, Neon Trees, and Animal Collective, Parenthetical Girls has taken on experimental pop in a unique way. Their new EP, “Privilege pt. II: The Past, Imperfect,” doesn’t serve as a record you can simply listen to, but rather, one you must experience. “Privilege” is made up of four songs, each very different, but equally striking. As the record goes on, the tone of the songs ranges from dramatic to more of a dancier sound, but underlying each are impressive, poetic lyrics. My favorite, in ‘Weakness’: “Can’t we be weak for one more second?/ I’d reckon this is tought to justify/ But I’ve never done one pure thing in my life/ Oh nevermind, just guide these hallowed hips of mine inside those equine thighs.”
Click through to read the rest of the review and an mp3… (Read the article)
