Album Review: Circus Fires

Artist: Circus Fires

Album: All Living Things 

For people who like: Jimmy Eat World, Weakerthans, Brand New, and Weezer

It seems that people often will discuss an albums consistency and use that as a gauge if it is “good or bad.” Quite frankly, the true quality of an album comes from not only consistency as whole, but individual song quality. With Madison, Wisconsin’s Circus Fires debut, All Living Things, the display of quality attention to the entire release production wise, and the individual care to each track from a songwriting angle allows this album to show that Circus Fires may just have released one of the best albums of the year.

As far as All Living Things goes, the consistency is not compromised in any sort of way for monotony. Tracks such as “These Synapses Fire Blanks” and “Spent Bullets” provide of an outgoing pop-rock feel similar to Jimmy Eat World. However, tracks such as “A Bloody Ransom for a New Life” and “Neva” give of a more experimental and urgent vibe similar to bands such as Brand New and even later work from Thrice.

One track that should not be slept on at all is All Living Things third track, “A Gentleman’s Curse.” This song clearly shows how Circus Fires knows how not only be great musicians, but how to connect all of their skill together. “A Gentleman’s Curse” is contains aggressive elements, but is interlaced with parts that allow you to feel as if you have traveled into the inquisitive and mysterious situation discussed throughout the tracks lyrics.

The entire production of All Living Things allows the group, still slightly in their infancy, to experiment with various effects and placement of proper sound samples. With most bands on a rather early release, it seems that things like notch filter effects will just be used “because it sounds cool.” However, each alteration, be it on vocals, guitar or even drums, it is done with some sort of purpose and reasoning. Prime example of the use of these artistic adjustments can be heard in the tracks “Pull Oceans” and  “Earthbound.”

What seems to be the main selling point of this debut album is that it all feels natural. I don’t mean in a weird audiophile-analog kind of way either. Everything to the strings done by guitarist Nick Jones and bassist Tylor Sherman, just seem to lock in not only with guitarist and singer Eric Doucette’s lyrics, but with the properly laid out thick drum parts fulfilled by Paul Sirianni. 

So with influences and elements reminiscent of various turn of the century alternative bands, it seems that Circus Fires would come off with almost a frat-rock vibe, but at the end of they don’t. This is a band plays with nothing but honesty and sincerity and All Living Things is just about the perfect way to showcase such emotion. 

Everything from the songs structure to the aforementioned production aspects were placed down, the entire album just feels natural. A quality that still is around in plenty of current music, but unfortunately, I feel is not as frequent. So if you’re searching for a naturally consistent-yet diverse album, Circus Fires’ All Living Things may just be the exact album you’re searching for.

All Living Things is set to be out this spring with a three song preview out digitally, April 30th.

Standout tracks- “Shelter”, “A Gentleman’s Curse”, “Pull Oceans”, “A Blood Ransom for a New Life”

9/10

26 April 8 Permalink

Album Review: Hell Mary

Artist: Hell Mary

Album: Forever on the Fence

For people who like: Comeback Kid 

Hell Mary is a hardcore band from New Jersey, and Forever on the Fence is their debut EP. On this EP, Hell Mary is as angry and ruthless as their EP cover. Forever on the Fence is everything you would expect from a great hardcore EP and more. Complete with lyrics of personal grudges, dissonant instrumentation, and slow-burning breakdown tempos, Forever on the Fence is an amazing debut EP from Hell Mary.

Forever on the Fence, starts with the great track “The Crawl,” which is an ode to all those who think too highly of themselves. It’s the type of track that’s perfect to start with, almost seemingly addressing those who disagree with Hell Mary’s sentiments shouting “go crawl on home to your mother.” It is directly followed by “(We’re Just) White Noise,” which is as knowingly rebellious as a punk song should be. It is reminiscent to tracks like Minor Threat’s “Minor Threat,” having a similar youthful exuberance. Although the best track on this EP has got to be the title track, “Forever on the Fence.” It’s unfaltering ethos, and emotionally charged vocals give this song a believable, and relatable vibe. The vocalist’s passion and self-deprecative tendencies are so real, and as the song comes to a close with noisy distortion and thumping bass, the emotion becomes palpable. I also love how Forever on the Fence ends the EP with the 41-second “Done…Again.” The lyrics speak of being fed up with everything, fittingly closing the EP with “I’m done…again.”

All things considered, Forever on the Fence is a great EP, and paves the way for many great releases to come. Pick up Hell Mary’s 7” of Forever on the Fence courtesy of Bedside Manner Collective//Gruff Beard Records.

8/10

Favorite Track(s): Forever on the Fence

hellmary.bandcamp.com/

13 April 2 Permalink

Album Review: Polaroids

Artist: Polaroids

Album: I Still Have Dreams

For people who like: Lifetime, Title Fight, Crime In Stereo

I Still Have Dreams is the debut album of New Jersey hardcore band, Polaroids. This LP will be a follow-up to their somewhat predictable first EP, Reference Tracks which was released back in August of 2012. For only a couple months later, Polaroids have really stepped up big time for the discipline that comes with making a full-length record. I Still Have Dreams is fast, but long enough to keep you satisfied, heavy, but appropriately melodic, and a welcome and innovative album to the genre of hardcore.

Polaroids rightfully sets the mood for the album with a sample of a sorrowful monologue from the character Brooks of the film Shawshank Redemption. It fits right in with Polaroids emotional approach on this record. This approach that Polaroids has taken really adds to their versatility as a band. With lyrics of abandonment, passionate vocals, and melodic melodies, this album could fit into a bunch of different molds. I could see wide range of fans from emo scenes to cheesey pop-punk kids being into this, though I wouldn’t classify Polaroids as a band of either of those genres.

The use of multiple vocalists on I Still Have Dreams is something that really keeps the album from monotony. Drummer Christopher Postlewaite’s angry and throaty vocals, and bassist Mike Quiray’s soft and harmonious singing, is impressively foiled by the often unorthodox vocal stylings of guitarist Thomas Fett. Fett seems to be a nice balance of both vocal styles, and even adds some strange, yet interesting, styles of his own.

What makes I Still Have Dreams stand out most of all, is Polaroids’ impressive instrumentation on the record. Unlike most hardcore these days which rely on simple four chord progressions, Polaroids innovates with smooth, even somewhat jazzy, guitar riffs laid over each track. However, the use of a variety of instruments is what really solidifies I Still Have Dreams as a truly memorable release. Polaroids utilizes piano, tambourine, shaker, melodica, and even upright bass on the album. This is highly unusual for a hardcore album, but it works so well. A prime example of this is on the track “Immigrant Song Pt. II”, where a piano sweep directly precedes a breakdown (fucking awesome). The piano then continues to back the heavy instrumentation, adding a soothing layer to the atmosphere of the song. Another great use is the melodica during the final moments of “Stubborn”, which is both appropriate and enticing. It gives the song the perfectly somber feeling, almost to the point of a “game over” kind of effect. It may seem like a gimmick, but Polaroids use of these instruments is completely necessary, and it is ultimately is what makes them, and this album, stand out among most.

All in all, Polaroids’ I Still Have Dreams is a highly original, and enjoyable hardcore LP. It is by far the most classically artistic punk record I’ve ever heard before. It takes hardcore in a direction that I didn’t even know it was missing. Many may try to imitate, but not anyone can pull off what Polaroid’s has done with their first full-length record. 

9/10

Favorite Tracks: Soul Mates, Immigrant Song Pt. II, Stubborn, Rain Castle

polaroids.bandcamp.com

31 March 5 Permalink

Album Review: Dead Channels

Artist: Dead Channels

Album: Flamethrower EP + 2 Songs

For people who like: The Bronx, Trenchfoot, Casey Jones

Flamethrower EP + 2 Songs is the newest release from New York hardcore band, Dead Channels. This compilation of some older tracks will be their first physical release on the brand new DIY label, Station 3 Records. On this release, Dead Channels continues on their compelling musical endeavors explored on earlier releases. Flamethrower EP + 2 Songs isn’t like many hardcore releases I’ve heard in a long time, and Dead Channels might just be one of my favorite new bands under the genre.

Dead Channels starts off strong on this release strong with the thrashy and hard hitting first track, “Solid State.” Judging by the lyrics these guys are no one to fuck with. The heavy atmosphere of each song has the lyrical muscle to back it up, and I love just how gritty the lyrics are in general. This first track is quickly followed by the fast-paced “Butchers Hands.” On Flamethrower EP + 2 Songs, each track seems to flow nicely into each other while still having a lot of variety. Every track is bound by a creed of a vigorous and hardcore temperament, while still exploring the different possibilities of the genre at hand.

One of my favorite aspects about Dead Channels’ Flamethrower EP +2 Songs is the influence of metal on the album. It truly allows for this release to be really unpredictable. There are parts where you might think it’s just a regular hardcore track, but then they’ll throw a guitar riff at you that is really distinguished from any hardcore song you’ll hear. Some of my favorite examples of Dead Channels’ interesting feats lies within the track “Teleportland,” which is probably my favorite track on this release. The riff on that track is just so smooth, and while amazingly accompanied by bass and drums, “Teleportland” glides through the air. Another interesting moment on Flamethrower EP + 2 Songs is the brief solo on “Shape Shifter.” With their innovative guitar riffs, and melodic metal vocals within a hardcore frame, Dead Channels has made some memorable tracks. Dead Channels successfully blends hardcore and metal, without stepping into the boundaries of the atrocious genre known as “metalcore.”

All in all, Flamethrower EP + 2 Songs is yet another an interesting genre blending feat from New York hardcore band, Dead Channels. They use their influences wisely, taking the best aspects of metal and incorporating it into their music. Flamethrower EP +2 Songs is a truly great first release from Station 3 Records, and I eagerly await future releases from them and Dead Channels.

8/10

Favorite Tracks: Teleportland, Shape Shifter, Strike A Poser

http://station3records.bandcamp.com/

19 January 5 Permalink

Album Review: The Greek Favourites

Artist: The Greek Favourites

Album: What Do You Know About The World Being Such A Coward?

For people who like: Glocca Morra, The Reptilian, Sirs

What Do You Know About The World Being Such A Coward? is the first full length album of Philadelphia punk band The Greek Favourites. Residing in the Philadelphia area alone is enough to get me excited about What Do You Know…, and The Greek Favourites are yet more evidence that there isn’t a bad band residing in that scene of music. Cleverly, and appropriately, laden with emo and screamo sensibilities, What Do You Know… is a thrilling and fast-paced debut album from The Greek Favourites.

I went into listening to What Do You Know… thinking I would enjoy it for the classic punk energy and catchy emo guitar licks employed by earlier releases, but this album ended up being so much more. What Do You Know… highly exceeded my expectations. The structures that The Greek Favourites have created for the tracks on this album, always seem to surprise me and undeniably amazing. They don’t take the normal route that one might expect, and such variety is necessary when delving into the genre at hand. For example, on the opening track, “Anthem Part III,” the track leads you to believe it’s going to build up into a typical and speedy punk chorus, but instead leads into an interesting start-stop groove. The ending of “Angels Sin” also has one of the most interesting closing moments to a punk song I’ve ever heard. The track’s final seconds barrage it’s audience with an oddly rhythmic breakdown (if you can even call it a breakdown?) that excites and delivers a feeling I’ve never heard done before.

Another great aspect of What Do You Know…, is the guitar work. The lead guitarist of The Greek Favourites is undeniably tight on this album. The guitar playing has greatly improved to say the least. I was particularly impressed on “Pay It Forward,” which has both technicality and grace. The guitar also seems to be rooted in metal influences. This is highly evident on the track “Demon’s Sing.” The guitar on What Do You Know… is what really makes this album stand out from most punk bands.

By and large, The Greek Favourites’ What Do You Know About The World Being Such A Coward? is a unexpectedly engaging gem. My only real gripes lie within the vocals and lyrics at times, but these feelings are not enough to take away from the album. The Greek Favourites have really set the bar high with this eleven track adventure. What Do You Know About The World Being Such a Coward? is a great album and I am greatly optimistic about future releases form The Greek Favourites.

9/10

Favorite Tracks: Slayer? I Hardly Know her, Pay It Forward, Angels Sin

13 January Permalink

Album Review: The Guru

Artist: The Guru

Album: Go Easy

For people who like: The Hiya Dunes, High Pop, Black Churches

Go Easy is the second full length album from the notorious Connecticut band, The Guru. Since I initially discovered their first album, Native Sun, I have been highly anticipating future efforts from these young beach-enthralled dudes. However, I must say for all the excitement I had for Go Easy, I am a bit underwhelmed to say the least.

The second I first heard Go Easy, and it’s beginning title track, I was so confused. Especially evident with the title track “Go Easy,” it seemed as though The Guru had really gone too far with this whole “disco” gimmick they had going on Native Sun. I think on Native Sun the disco influence they had going on was a lot more vague, and it seemed to be more of an homage rather than something that was capable of actually labeling the band as “disco.” However, as I proceeded to listen to Go Easy the more I started to feel that The Guru had seemed to take this idea highly serious on this album, making them sound almost like a generic wedding band. Although to be honest, the disco theme is not the only aspect of this album that seems more gimmicky than the last. The Guru has also cranked up the beach vibes up to nauseating levels. One can only tolerate overly jolly guitar licks and lyrics of “oceanside” love for so long. Similar to the disco themes on Native Sun, the beach aspect of the band was not something that fundamentally seemed to define the band back then. I think The Guru has really diluted themselves a bit, making them less distinguishable from other bands. It has gone to the point where tracks like “Guacamole” had me almost confused as to if I was listening to The Guru, or lead singer Eddie Golden III’s other band The Hiya Dunes.

Go Easy just does not seem to have the same energy as it’s previous album Native Sun had. Every track on Native Sun was an explosion of power, and it was really believable. There is a number of problems with Go Easy that may be the reason it seems to really bore me. It may be the lifeless tracks thrown in such as “Foreign Moon,” and “Pyramids,” or the seemingly hallow production of the album. Either way, Go Easy generally stays on a highly predictable path. It is an album that seems too content laying on the beach doing nothing, making any attempted excitement on Go Easy seem a bit forced.

All in all, Go Easy does not seem to have the satisfying spark of genius that The Guru’s first album Native Sun had. I just know these guys are capable of so much more. Despite Go Easy’s negative qualities, The Guru’s appeal is still present, just in painfully small qualities. Don’t be fooled, as I do not in any way think Go Easy is an awful album. There are some undeniably catchy melodies on this album, as well as technical skill, but these things are not enough to make an album extraordinary. There may be a song or two like “Cow” that I generally enjoy, and can even listen to more than I have to, but to be honest, the appeal is only fueled from nostalgia of other band’s The Guru are influenced by. I think that The Guru are absolutely going to make something great in the future, and they are without a doubt amazing musicians, but I ultimately think Go Easy is an album that lacks anything special. To me, Go Easy nothing more than a list of uncorrelated catchy songs.

6/10 ((5/10 on a bad day))

Favorite Track: Cow

25 November 4 Permalink

Album Review: SPOOK HOUSES

Artist: SPOOK HOUSES

Album: TRYING

For people who like: LVL UP, Built To Spill, Titus Andronicus

TRYING is the debut album of Ridgewood indie-rockers, SPOOK HOUSES. If this is your first time listening to SPOOK HOUSES, you are really in for a treat. This band is everything you could ask for, and with TRYING, they really give it their all. It’s a versatile album that perfectly captures all the bitter and the sweet moments of growing up. Whether it’s going grey and visiting deceased relatives, or finding solace in yourself and your friends, SPOOK HOUSES knows how to comfort you. These guys are wise beyond their years, and for a first LP they are really revolutionizing the experience of an album. TRYING is one of the best albums I’ve heard in years.

SPOOK HOUSES really makes use of their awesome build up techniques on TRYING.  The first track, “Trying Pt.1/Pt.2,” is basically this album’s “Home.” It attacks when it’s ready “to go outside,” and once it does, you’ll enjoy every second of it’s swirling vigor. It’s a great precursor to the next track, “American,” which is an anthem that describes exactly how it feels to be one. It’s about constantly chasing a dream, and the anxiety, pain, and lessons that come with that. This is something that everyone can relate to, and that is one of the many aspects that makes TRYING great. SPOOK HOUSES knows exactly how to depict emotions that are universal. Tracks like “Old Folks” and “Search For” make you wish you had this album when getting through your early teenage years. TRYING contains songs that both mesh well, and are affectively engaging.

(SPOOK HOUSES, and honorary member//mascot, Molly)

There are a ton of new innovations on TRYING that allows the album to be memorable and more exciting  than their previous releases. The most notable feature on this new release is the variety of instruments featured. There’s glockenspiel and singing saw on “Trying Pt.1/Pt.2.,” which are largely responsible for it’s hypnotic appeal. These additions really play into making TRYING feel fresh and new, especially with the harmonica on the track “Bad Sound.” Who could forget the insanely awesome introduction to that song? Even the more subtle additions, such as the use of drones on “Garden” and “July ’09,” make an impact. None of the new instrumentation is overpowering, and it all feels like a necessary progression. Examining the old and new versions of “Witching Hour” and “Family Plot” proves that SPOOK HOUSES have grown appropriately into themselves.  With their updated sense of songwriting, SPOOK HOUSES have created a powerful aura to their music.

My favorite thing about the TRYING LP, and virtually all of SPOOK HOUSES music, is the reiteration of certain motifs. One would normally think that repeating certain phrases in multiple songs is either copping out or being lazy, but with SPOOK HOUSES it’s totally different. They use this technique to string their music together, like different chapters in a story. Themes that SPOOK HOUSES explore include the concept of a home in conjunction with the real world, gerontophobia, the car and the graveyard as a tool for escapism, and the anxiety of living up to the world’s expectations. SPOOK HOUSES is like a long coming of age saga, and TRYING is only just scratching the surface.

All things considered, TRYING is a spectacular debut album that keeps you alert and thoroughly entertained throughout. The pairing of soothing acoustic melodies with its high-spirited tempos, makes TRYING an album that is multifaceted and well-constructed. SPOOK HOUSES have really outdone themselves musically and lyrically. TRYING is an album that is really heartfelt, and it is no surprise that it is gaining a lot of recognition. It has an ability to last, and I can see people remembering and quoting it for years to come. All I have left to say is, if you don’t plan on owning TRYING you’re making a huge mistake.

10/10

Favorite Tracks: Bad Sound, Search For, July ‘09

http://spookhouses.bandcamp.com/

19 August 13 Permalink

Album Review: high pop

Artist: high pop

Album: hip hip hooray

For people who like: KEEL HER, Wavves, Dumb Talk

High pop is a lo-fi garage-pop band from Connecticut. Hip hip hooray is probably their first legitimate release, and it definitely shows. High pop has matured significantly since their two-piece days, growing from their simple origins to something that is far more developed. Don’t worry though; they still have that slacker//stoner mentality that appeals to many. Now complete with four members, these guys really seem to have got it all figured out. Hip hip hooray is by far high pop’s best, and most accessible work yet.

Catchiness is definitely the best thing that hip hip hooray has got going for it. The second that “loner” kicks in, your body feels like it’s transported to a ballroom in outer space. The track is quiet, but equally as chaotic. Hip hip hooray continues much on this path when “crawl” starts. With it’s alluring acoustic melody and tambourine percussion, this track is a great callback to old Elephant Six bands like The Gerbils and Neutral Milk Hotel. Hip hip hooray has a catchiness that is not only danceable, but also subconsciously stimulating. You can really zone out to these songs. The elements hip hip hooray is composed of are almost like a drug trip in that it has it’s high and low points. However, for the most part high pop has created a great album to sit in your bed and explore yourself (no drugs required, or recommended).

(high pop)

There are a ton of influences on hip hip hooray that keep the album from feeling complacent, or boring. For one thing, there is definitely a strong psychedelic presence on multiple tracks. Examples of such are tracks like “pop tarts,” and “left out.” Both of these tracks are highly textural with an emphasis on odd sound composition and hypnotic repetition.  However, the most apparent influence on hip hip hooray is English rock music like Britpop, and post-punk. For one thing, on the entire album, lead singer Sean Posila speaks in a faux-British accent. This factor is especially evident on “oh no,” which reminds me of the upbeat choruses created by The Zombies, and also “totally ruined,” which has chords that are almost as gray as Johnny Marr’s. Even for a fairly straightforward lo-fi band, high pop shows a ton of variety on hip hip hooray.

All in all, hip hop hooray is a fun, wild, and weird trip. It can captivate you mentally with it’s colorfulness and easy-going charm, or, it can thrill you enough to dance. The mixtures of influences that make hip hip hooray up create unpredictability. This album is random by nature, and each track is something to explore. If you’re into music that is mellow and engaging, then this is the album for you. There should be a physical release in the works from Seagreen Records, and hip hip hooray is an album I’d really recommend purchasing.

8/10

Favorite Tracks: loner, crawl, sparkler

http://highpopforever.bandcamp.com/

18 August Permalink

Album Review: The Rotaries

Artist: The Rotaries

Album: Before Leaving

For people who like: The Rochambros, Morrison Brook, The Strokes

Before Leaving is the first full-length album of New York indie-rockers, The Rotaries. Compared to most indie-rock out there, The Rotaries definitely take the cake. Indie-rock is a genre that has greatly unraveled since its inception, and this band is what it has been missing for years. Before Leaving gives hope for the genre, putting the brains and the energy back into the music.

The first track “Tomorrow’s Game” is a nice start to the album. It takes it’s time, a smart move by The Rotaries. The song gradually builds up excitement as the track kicks in with its graceful and addictive drumbeat, setting the mood for Before Leaving. By the time “Of Age” begins, the energy is all there and ready for you on a platter to be consumed by your ear-mouths (that’s a thing right?) and get your feet moving. However, this album is not just a dance fest. Before Leaving’s upbeat songs are intelligently weaved together with calm tracks of pure elegance like “I Can’t Tell,” and “Unaware.” The Rotaries’ songwriting is top notch on Before Leaving, thus allowing for all of it’s tracks to mesh perfectly.

(The Rotaries)

One of the best aspects of Before Leaving is lead singer James Rapp’s voice. It’s an enticing mixture of Lou Reed, Julian Casablancas, and a little Paul Simon. His voice also vaguely reminds me of Randy Newman as well, which may be why this album feels like an old friend sometimes. Rapp’s voice sails across every track so smoothly that you can use it to ride down the canals of Venice. This may be in part due to the fact that Before Leaving is recorded so crisp and professionally. It often makes Rapp’s voice sound as though it’s sung through stadium speakers, but only for one special person in the crowd. Such a feeling can only be appropriate on an artistic album like this.

Before Leaving has to be the most intact album I’ve heard all year. There is absolutely no half-stepping on this eleven-track release. Every song is astutely crafted in such a consistent manner. The songs are all so intricate, and whole-heartedly represent who The Rotaries are. Each track branches out in a different direction, but can still tie in with the rest so well. The Rotaries have truly mastered the art of properly constructing an album.

All in all, Before Leaving by The Rotaries is a colorful album that will have you dancing and loving every second of it. It’s album that sounds like it was made just for you. It has felt the pain and the love that you have felt. Before Leaving is an album that is beyond great, and I cannot wait for everyone to experience The Rotaries with this album. Next Judd Apatow movie soundtrack? It could happen. So pick up a copy of Before Leaving on CD today!

9/10

Favorite Tracks: Problems For Sale, Part of the Reason, Temporary End, Unaware

http://therotaries.bandcamp.com/album/before-leaving

10 August 3 Permalink

Album Review: Parquet Courts

Artist: Parquet Courts

Album: Light Up Gold

For people who like: The Soft Pack (The Muslims), The Velvet Underground, Home Blitz

Light Up Gold is the first proper LP of Texas punk band, Parquet Courts. You might recognize their guitarist//singer Andrew Savage from his other projects Teenage Cool Kids and Fergus & Geronimo. With this project, Savage explores the kind of genre that is found at the root of punk music’s creation. Their first four track release American Specialties had a really raw, yet disconnected feeling, mixing beautiful Jonathon Richman-esque tracks with songs that have a distorted, heavy sound like Black Flag. On this new and polished release, the now fully realized Parquet Courts creates many delightfully catchy songs that feel somewhat familiar, but are successfully distinguished from pioneers of the past.

One of the many reasons why Light Up Gold is a truly great first LP is that it is really easy to get into. This sort of “classic” vibe that is layered over each track gives the album an agreeable feeling. That 70’s style of punk that Parquet Courts draw from is such a neutral style of music. This allows for Light Up Gold to maintain a steady and balanced emotion, for it’s roots lie in many of music’s modern genres. There would be no surprise if a wide variety of music lovers find themselves enjoying this release. Light Up Gold is an album that when you put it on, you have no reason to turn it off. It’s an album that molds itself easily into whatever occasion.

(Parquet Courts)

Many of Light Up Gold’s tracks have this “strike and finish” nature to them that I really love. They seem to end unexpectedly, and at odd moments. “Borrowed Time,” “Yr No Stoner,” and “Disney PT” are prime examples of this. These songs just seem to come and go as they please, leaving behind feelings of longing and puzzling euphoria. Light Up Gold often feels like a dream or a summer day in that it pleases you as long as it likes to, without you having any control.

Parquet Courts debut album, Light Up Gold, is a charming and simple LP that sets the standard high for a first full length. With it’s fifteen track timespan, you’ll have a hard time getting bored of this thing. It’s familiar, but doesn’t feel recycled, it’s stable, but doesn’t feel complacent, and it’s repetitive, but is never monotonous. Parquet Courts remind us of how fun and upbeat music can be, and doesn’t take themselves too seriously. All in all, Light Up Gold is a reliable album from start to finish that is nostalgic and easy to sing along to. Pre-order a copy of the vinyl, courtesy of Dull Tools. This thing is totally worth it!

9/10

Favorite Tracks: Yr No Stoner, Careers In Combat, N Dakota

http://dulltools.bandcamp.com/album/light-up-gold

5 August 2 Permalink