Disc Reviews
by Max Ink Staff Writers
Krown Vega - Dream All Everyday
Krown Vega
Album title: Dream All Everyday
By Emily Genco
Posted: Nov 2011
Label:
(2607) Page Views
On their debut album, Dream All Everyday Krown Vega blends the pensiveness of Radiohead with powerful guitars in a throwback to the musical eras Led Zepplin and Pink Floyd. Songs explore themes from living fully to pop culture.
At times, the Minneapolis foursome uses vocal distortion and dark guitar lines to amplify the message behind each lyric. The album features songs traditional in structure but also comparatively instrumental tracks like “The Natural.” Vocals are introduced at the four-minute mark of the eastern-influenced sonic statement 12 minutes in length.
Eli Lieb - Eli Lieb
Eli Lieb
Album title: Eli Lieb
By Emily Genco
Posted: Oct 2011
Label: Eli Lieb
(2548) Page Views
Eli Lieb’s debut album succeeds where many fail. It allows the listener to assume an alternate persona – that of an everyday soldier. Lieb’s music helps audiences experience the quiet solemnity that accompanies coming to terms with life’s daily battles.
Lieb released his self-titled and self-produced album on October 25. On it he explores a variety of topics including desire, invisibility, disconnection and betrayal rendering it a highly accessible work for listeners. Lieb’s work straddles the intersection between orchestral instrumentation, club beats and pop vocals. Some tracks feature extended instrumentation. On “Red”, vocals are introduced 20 seconds into the song.
Fans of the pop genre will note many vocal similarities between Lieb and Isaac Slade, lead vocalist for The Fray. Though Lieb’s vocal style places him squarely in the pop genre, the incorporation of string sections on several tracks adds complexity to the music.
The depth of emotion on Eli Lieb is undeniable. Tracks like “Tight Rope” well with sadness and sincerity and represents a great success for Lieb. On it he strips away all club influences and lets soft piano lines, violin crescendos and the purity of his voice speak without any electronic distortion.
Tracks like “Tidal Wave” demonstrate a more pervasive electronic lean. “Undone” features autotune techniques similar to Bon Iver’s “Woods.”
The Brandt Brauer Frick Ensemble - Mr. Machine
The Brandt Brauer Frick Ensemble
Album title: Mr. Machine
By Emily Genco
Posted: Oct 2011
Label: !K7
(2136) Page Views
If Alfred Hitchcock was making films today, he would no doubt recruit The Brandt Brauer Frick Ensemble to write the soundtrack for one of his psychological thrillers. This October the German trio released their sophomore effort Mr. Machine. In their latest work, Brandt Brauer Frick stitches club-style percussion with classical instrumentation. The result: An album as spine-tingling as Frankenstein’s monster and equally complex.
Brandt Brauer Frick captures the feeling of walking through a fun house. Piano lines provide momentum and continuity. Dissonant clanging coupled with violin screeches also increase the album’s emotive power. Staccato keys and eerie turntablism create tension for listeners on tracks including “You Make Me Real.” Listeners may well find themselves glancing surreptitiously over their shoulders to make sure Psycho’s Norman Bates isn’t hovering over them with a knife. Such is the evocative power of the album.
Vocals on “Pretend” share stylistic similarities with those of Romy Madley Croft, member of the British indie pop band The xx. Layered over violin, piano and percussion, the vocal repetition creates an intricate soundscape sure to chill listeners.
Venice Gas House Trolley - Venice Gas House Trolley
Venice Gas House Trolley
Album title: Venice Gas House Trolley
By Emily Genco
Posted: Oct 2011
Label: Flowpoetry records
(2276) Page Views
On their May 2011 release Burst Open, Madison’s own Venice Gas House Trolley delivers an eclectic album that blends spoken word, experimental instrumentals and a sheer fearlessness to conceive traditional instrumentation in new ways.
VGHT benefits from Adam Gregory Pergament’s creativity as an artist. Pergament or Flowpoetry delivers commentary in a structure that ranges from narrative to lists of words. Three-time finalist for Best Artist in the Annual Madison Area Music Awards, Pergament spits with the consciousness of a Tom Waits who has mellowed considerably and now shares life wisdom in a jazz club.
Tracks like “Bomb Drop” reveal political commentary. Reverb and Pergament’s vocal dynamics add to the emotional intensity of the songs.
Karsh Kale - Cinema
Karsh Kale
Album title: Cinema
By Emily Genco
Posted: Oct 2011
Label: Six Degrees Records
(2150) Page Views
Listening to Karsh Kale’s 2010 release Cinema feels like playing laser tag on the beach of a foreign land. Spiraling synth lines and undulations in the album’s flow seemingly trace patterns with each tidal breath.
Fans of electronica will delight in in the echoing, ambient soundscapes Karsh Kale creates. Pulsating instrumentals and progressive grooves combined with globally inspired instrumentation allow Kale to fuse Eastern and Western musical themes creating a complex musical smorgasbord.
“Joy” manages to sound soothing while maintaining a driving beat aided by Vidhi Sharma’s ethereal vocals. By comparison, “Mallika Jam” features sonically darker instrumentation and presents listeners with a track that blends edgier elements of pop and dubstep.
The Ghosts of Laura Palmer - The Funk’s On Me
The Ghosts of Laura Palmer
Album title: The Funk’s On Me
By Geert Driver
Posted: Oct 2011
Label: SFP Recordings
(2166) Page Views
The Ghosts of Laura Palmer are back at it again. And this time, the funk’s on them.
Earlier this year, The Ghosts of Laura Palmer released their debut mix entitled, “Blackbird” (named for the Bay View, Milwaukee club of the same name). Also within the same year, the Ghosts were tapped to play high profile events including fashion shows, private events and more. The whirlwind year proved to be exhausting for the Ghosts as they tirelessly played live in support of their debut while still staying true to their roots and testing more and more analog tracks.
The response to the Ghosts’ debut and niche analog sounds overwhelmed the DJs behind the turntables. Ghosts Andy Gulotta and Mario R. Martin never expected the reaction. In fact, the reaction to the project shocked them. The pressure got to the duo as they canceled all their remaining Midwest dates for the year. But out of the ashes the Ghosts return with their second release in the same calendar year with a new model to release it.
Available October 31, 2011, “The Funk’s On Me E.P.” (SFP Recordings) is an extended play mix consisting of just five songs. Unlike the Ghosts’ full-length debut, the new E.P. will only be available digitally, and will be available for free download. But the concept behind the E.P. is more intriguing. According to the Ghosts, three more E.P.’s will be released over the course of the next year. Once all four mixes are released, the end user/listener will be able to join all 4 mixes as one complete long play mix. A model that has not yet been seen before within DJ culture, the Ghosts are on the cutting edge of whatever new trend they’re setting.
When asked what prompted this concept, as well as the decision to cancel all remaining Midwest dates for the year, Ghost Mario R. Martin said, “We canceled our dates because we want each set to be special. There’s nothing special about overexposure,” said Martin. “We play when we feel inspired and creative, and we refuse to be passé.” The ideology of the E.P. structure is even more interesting. Martin explains, “First and foremost we are fans of the music we play. And personally, I still make mixes for everything. If I take a road trip any longer than half an hour, there’s always a mix playing. I asked Andy what he thought of the idea of interchangeable mixes, so a shorter multi-track recordings could be sequenced by the listener, instead of by the artists. He loved it!” The result is a 5-track E.P. whose tracks are not separated. The intention is to have a set of tracks meant to be listened to together, and after multiple sets are available, they can all be burned to a single CD by the listener in whatever sequence they desire.
Some great artists make up the first E.P., “The Funk’s On Me.” The Ghosts live in a dichotomy between popular and obscure. By utilizing James Brown’s “Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag” and Prince’s “Kiss,” the Ghosts serve up pop culture on an analog dish. Listen for the hisses and pops from the original vinyl. Then, the Ghosts delve into less widely known tracks like Tenison Stephens’ “Soul Control” (a staple in the Ghosts’ live sets) and The Girls’ “Mark My Words.” The real gem, however, is the disco track “You Can’t Run From Love” by Maxine Singleton. Spanning different eras and even genres, the Ghosts have released a cohesive blend of soul and funk. It might now be harder to catch a live set by the Ghosts, but if/when you do, you know it will be special.
Found on the back cover: “Dedicated to the promotion of soul, the freaking of the funk and of course, the shaking of asses.” Amen.
Ha Ha Tonka - Death of a Decade
Ha Ha Tonka
Album title: Death of a Decade
By Sal Serio
Posted: Sep 2011
Label: Bloodshot Records
(1696) Page Views
If there’s one thing I can say about Ha Ha Tonka, it’s that I sure hope they don’t pay rent! ‘Cause those guys are on the road CONSTANTLY. You know what they say, practice makes perfect… and there’s no better practice than touring. I’m surprised their new CD isn’t called “Road Kill”.
Admittedly, I was a little worried when I DID see the title and cover of the new CD, which gave me a feeling that they were following the thematic, almost ‘concept album’ structure of 2009’s “Novel Sounds Of The Nouveau South”. Which isn’t to say that last offering was sub-par, but I’m a rocker, dig? I need the rock. And the double-H Tonka guys are back with some pedal to the metal.
Not that this is a record to mosh to (but you know there will be that one idiot at EVERY show), but it’s a driving, pulsating, emotion-churning, and inspirational set of songs. Brett Anderson wins the victory shot this time around for exceptional lead guitar and mandolin. “Death Of A Decade”, eh? I wonder which decade - future, present, or past? I’ll have to ask those duders the next time through town. Of course I won’t be waiting long!
Atomkraft - Cold Sweat
Atomkraft
Album title: Cold Sweat
By Aaron Manogue
Posted: Sep 2011
Label: Sanctuary Records
(1550) Page Views
The thrash metal EP Cold Sweat by Atomkraft is filled with shredding guitar work and dark lyrics. If you’re a fan of hellacious solos and extremely impressive guitar work, this is the EP for you. If you’re a thrash metal fan, the song “Dead Again” will be your favorite by far. It’s a one minute and thirty-nine second concussion of lightning fast guitar guided by the furious beats of the drummer, accompanied by the bellowed growls of the vocalist. One thing I really like about it is that unlike other thrash metal vocals, is that you can understand them! This doesn’t mean they are weak by any means, because the vocalist still kicks your ass. If this song doesn’t make you want to kick some ass in a mosh pit, check your pulse.
There is a dark and ominous feeling in the song “The Darkening” when from behind the screaming guitars and bellowing drums comes excerpts from some jerk from Germany spewing a speech out; you guessed it, I’m pretty sure that’s Hitler and Goebles regurgitating some blasphemy from the Nuremberg Rally; Triumph of the Will. Obviously I don’t condone anything that lunatic did, but artistically the sound of his voice fits perfectly in the record and sets the scene for the song and rest of the album. It really sets a pitch black feel to the song which fits perfectly for the type of slaying the EP is doing. Soon after, the next song “Gripped” opens with the laughter of a small female child and smooth guitar work is quickly accompanied by monstrous electric work. This song is my favorite on the album by far because of its arrangement and the way it builds upon itself as it moves on. The main riff of the song is simple but one of those riffs that you’ll be humming to yourself and trying to replicate on your own guitar for a few days after you hear it.
Overall, the six track EP is exactly what I’d expect from this type of metal, except add a ton of talent. Most thrash metal bands beat the shit out of their instruments like they’re beating up some buster that stole their lunch money. Not Atomkraft. These guys are talented musicians who happen to play faster and harder than most talented musicians do. Check it out and give it a try, because at first I wasn’t sure either. But after listening I’m glad I did, because I have a newfound appreciation for the genre, and tons of respect for Atomkraft.
Real Knives - Real Knives
Real Knives
Album title: Real Knives
By Sal Serio
Posted: Sep 2011
Label: Real Knives
(5173) Page Views
Remember those friends you had in high school, the ones your parents would always hassle you for hanging around with? Those guys that were so rad to hang and get your kicks with, but inevitably always got your ass into some kind of predicament? Real Knives are like if those guys actually got motivated and organized enough to start a rock band. I’m not sure why. But this band is trouble. I can just tell.
And just like in high school, dammit, I’m still drawn in! I love this CD sampler, even if it makes me want to do deviant things. Y’know, stuff that will keep the Sunday Confessional interesting. REAL interesting. REAL knives. Amen.
Yeah, so it’s a 3 song sampler. Yeah these guys are from Madison. Yeah, they rock like the dirty muthas they are. What, ya wanna make something of it ?!?? This is get in the car, go to the club, spend a lot at the bar, and throw beer at the band type rock ‘n roll. Mom and Dad are definitely not allowed.
So… what the hell are you waiting for? The weekend? The party starts NOW! Put the Real Knives on the stereo and let’s get some booze already. Nope, louder. Louder! Yes! Let’s go do some crimes!
CANT - Dreams Come True
CANT
Album title: Dreams Come True
By John Noyd
Posted: Sep 2011
Label: Terrible Records
(2083) Page Views
As the producer for recent ventures from The Dirty Projectors and The Morning Benders and as producer, bass-player and back-up singer for Grizzly Bear, Chris Taylor has often found himself behind the scenes. While, “Dreams,” is Chris’ solo debut he continues to hide, camouflaged beneath steamy sheets of synthetic chords, lost and searching through soulfully programmed catacombs. Collaborating with Twin Shadow’s George Lewis Jr., the self-avowed Joy Division fan constructs unfinished labyrinths of pong-conjugated mayhem; rave techno-jungle nesting dolls where fidgety funk sits inside maverick contraptions inside fat gooey grooves laid over lovelorn lyrics. Frail acoustics softened by foggy voices occasionally overtake Taylor’s manufactured packages, relieving the seizures as weird gears fit into slippery mysteries, dark flanged glamour creeping in hiss, spit, stretch and sparkle.
My Fair Share - Encounter
My Fair Share
Album title: Encounter
By Sal Serio
Posted: Aug 2011
Label: Blood Union Records
(1485) Page Views
One of Madison’s newest purveyors of metal mayhem, My Fair Share is a juggernaut of head banging fury. Hans Koyen summons his ominous vocal-bark from somewhere dank, deep, and dark within him. Fortuitously, there’s some fun and sarcasm sprinkled throughout this 5-song mini-album, so the listener doesn’t get overwhelmed by a brooding cloud of doom. Glimpses of life in the pit, on the stage, and at the bar are all represented in the throbbing, campy, rocker “The Show”.
Finale “Society’s Punishment” adds legitimacy to it’s solid street cred (initially included on MFS’s debut demo), which is more than appropriate. This song has enough accessibility and potential that it should definitely be pushed as a single. Bass player Erik Wykd’s lyrics are intense but insightful, and helping the radio cause is the fact that all of MFS’s recorded lyrical content is profanity-free.
As lead guitarist and primary musical composer, Sawyer Hildebrandt shines throughout the “Encounter” CD. Sawyer consistently lays down brick-load heavy riffage, and his leads are both tasty and tasteful, helping to define a young hungry talent that is quickly becoming known in the local/regional metal market. Indeed, My Fair Share as a band, as blood brothers, as a concept, is a serious force to be reckoned with. Not to be trifled with, nor tread upon!
inn Cinema - Inn Cinema
inn Cinema
Album title: Inn Cinema
By Sal Serio
Posted: Aug 2011
Label: Inn Cinema
(1678) Page Views
Rasheed Thomas’ singing brings a quality to inn Cinema that’s way poppier than most music of the solid-rock arena, almost if Ben Harper got into a metal mood, or if Lenny Kravitz took his harder-edged material to the next black leather boot-heeled step. To his credit, Rasheed is emotive without even a whisper-hint of wussy emo, and rocker tough without being macho testosterones.
There’s an imaginative compositional style present, evident on “Live Your Life”, which takes many twists and turns of tempo and intensity level. The shimmering and spatially expansive guitar work by Dave Lizzio drives and colors these songs with a broad palette and endless variety of strokes.
inn Cinema’s debut CD ends on an especially high note with “Jazz Tune”, which is not totally dissimilar from the rest of the disc, but showcases Adam Woloszyn’s walking bass line and a scat singing coda from Thomas that appears in intervals. History has seen blues, country, and hip hop merge with metal… Perhaps inn Cinema are the trend setters of melodic nu-metal with be-bop jazz? Curiously, the song ends on a harmonic double-lead guitar rave-up in the early Judas Priest/Iron Maiden tradition. File under: Up And Coming Chicago Area Melodic Metal With A Hint Of Jazz, For Fans Of King’s X.
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