2013's Most Impressive Albums People Should Be Talking About Part 3

Now, it's almost time for the late first quarter of 2013.

Band: Kavinsky 
Album:  Outrun

How can I have an end of the year list and not include Kavinsky?  You don't need a funky Delorean to go back in time.  You can just put on Outrun by Kavinsky and you're halfway there.   He definitely didn't slow down with his heavy 80's synth on this new album.  I thought after all the hype from the film Drive, this album would get so much more attention.

Band: Post War Years
Albums:  Galapagos

Where's all the love for Post War Years?  This is one of the freshest most innovative bands coming out of England right now, yet there's not that much coverage going on.  There's something so unique and advanced about their sound. Their videos are also fantastic with their weird visuals and underlining stories.  This album would easily be in my top 5 of the year list but it's kind of a cheat because some of the better songs from this release were out a year back on EP's.  Either way, this is one fantastic electro-rock album with little similarity to most bands out there. If you don't own their previous two EP releases, do yourself a favor and download or buy the CD.

Band: We Are Worlse
Album:  La Mort Pop Club

This album has crept up on my list of favorites for 2013.  Although it came out in the first quarter of 2013, I have found myself listening to this more in the last part of the year.   La Mort Pop Club has got a sound that's hard to nail done.   It's psychedelic-indie-electro rock with a pop twist.  The entire album holds together seamlessly.  You can barely tell when one song starts and another starts.  The songs are all tight, short and sweet.

Band:  Bastille
Album:  Bad Blood

Again, this feels totally like a cheat.  Bastille has had countless singles dropping in the last 3 years.  All these singles can be found on Bad Blood.   From "Laura Palmer" to "Weight Of Living,"  they were put out during the last few years while the band perfected that pitch perfect pop sound.  This was definitely not an overnight success story.  I'm really happy for the band and all their success.  This is a great compilation from a band's body of work over a 3 year span.  Infectious indie-electro music at it's best.

Band:  Hurts
Albums:  Exile

From most other bands out there, Exile would sound extremely heavy handed and over produced but for some reason it all sounds just right coming from Hurts.  These guys really know how to make an epic electro-ballad.  Just look up "Help" for the proof to that statement.  This is the kind of music that would make Depeche Mode take notice.  Very easily one of my personal favorite albums of 2013.

I'm surprised by their lack of impact in the US.  That came to mind because of the success Bastille is enjoying here but not Hurts.  All it takes is one really good film trailer to use a Hurts song.

2013's Most Impressive Albums People Should Be Talking About Part 2

Here's the next 5 albums of the year. Again, I'm going more by time they were released than how much I liked them.  No point in quantifying it. 

Band: The Joy Formidable

Album:  Wolf's Law

It's funny how you sort of forget what was released this year with albums that come out way early in the year.  The Joy Formidable dropped Wolf's Law back in January and is most definitely one of the year's most compelling albums.  The lyrics have great weight and the music just rocks.  I liked their previous album but this one just knocked it out of the park.  Their entire album is on The Joy Formidable YouTube channel.  

Band:  On An On

Album:  Give In

On An On created one of the year's best pitch perfect debut albums.  I'm actually surprised Give In wasn't a bigger album with their two melodic singles "The Hunter" and "Ghosts."  It is puzzling why this album hasn't gotten more love.   This album reminded me a bit of Band of Horses but more upbeat.   

Band:  Palma Violets

Album:  180

180 is one of those albums that just ages well.   Palma Violets have a more raw rock sound that just takes away any generalization about their sound or time frame of this album's release date.  I don't watch Grey's Anatomy but it seems like "Best Of Friends" played on that show.  Hopefully, that will bring more exposure their way because this album is rock solid as they come. 

Band:  Foals

Album:  Holy Fire

I spoke highly about Holy Fire earlier in the year and by this point these guys have become a success story.  Glad they got some recognition and play time on the indie radio stations in 2013.  They were complete unknowns until the release of this album here in the States.  

This album has it all.  Fantastic musicianship meets catchy songs like "My Number" to create one of the year's must own albums.  I'm really disappointed I couldn't catch them live and changing that on their next tour.  "Bad Habit" was my personal favorite song from Holy Fire. 

Band:  Strange Talk

Album:  Cast Away

Cast Away is a must own for any indie dance music fan.   Strange Talk pack this album with some of the year's best dance music.   If their song "Wanted" doesn't get your out of your seat, then I can't help you, man.  You can definitely hear the "Thriller" vibe in the backbone of this song but who cares, it's great.  I wanted to post "Wanted" below but the version off YouTube sounds pretty horrible.  "Climbing Walls" is their latest single from the album and on their YouTube channel.  Meaning, great sound quality and a solid song from Cast Away.

2013's Most Impressive Albums People Should Be Talking About Part 1

This was an interesting year in music.  It was great to see so many young indie bands blowing up the radio.  I can't remember a better year for smaller bands in over a decade.  From Capital Cities to Chvrches, the folk explosion made some room for the indie electronica wave.  What a crazy year?  Hearing Ben Nicols from Lucero singing the song for the Governor montage on The Walking Dead and Bastille's "Pompeii" being used in the Mr. Peabody & Sherman trailer.

Anyhow, let's get to some music.  It's been a hit or miss year but definitely some great standouts that I think will withstand the test of time.  Here's a list of albums that you should definitely put in your collection to bookmark 2013.  Going to try to start from the beginning of 2013 to the most recent releases. I don't believe anyone should quantify music in ranking. Other than sales, can we really judge how good art is? Even in the court of opinion, it's damn lame.

Here's the first 5 albums of 2013 people should be talking about. We got a nice journey to take. This is just the start, folks.

Band:  Sing Fang
Album: Flowers 

I think you realize how good an album really is by the lasting impression it has.  When you get the craving to listen to it 10 months later, it definitely has staying power.  Sing Fang created a fantastic debut with his album Flowers.  I still play this album that was released back in February quite a bit.  It's extremely puzzling how this album didn't get any recognition or more mentions.  The layered melodies and the perfectly flowing vocals make this one of the most easy to listen to albums of the year.  Music ready made for commercials and film trailers.

Band: Parenthetical Girls
Album: Privilaged

The lack of play on YouTube and their insane below radar level puzzles me about Parenthetical Girls.  They have a similar sound and vibe to Of Montreal but might even be more experimental and interesting.  This is a band that needs support because of their insane potential.  My personal favorite song from their album is "A Note To Self."  Love where this song goes and how it ends.  Epic stuff.

Band: SPC ECO 
Album: Sirens & Satellites

If you haven't heard this album, think SPC ECO as Portishead but with less jazz vibes more noise. I can not get enough of this album and how well it's produced from top to bottom.  Again, I'm just puzzled in what people hype in magazines and airwaves.  They belong in any year end list of best electronica.  Just check out the song "Fallen Stars" and if you're not sold then I can't help you man.

Band: Everything Everything
Album:  Arc

I talked about this album in early 2013 and I'm going to say this album is still rocking 11 months later. This album falls somewhere between the sound of Alt-J and Foals.  Arc has a lot of standout singles like "Kemosabe" and "Cough Cough" but I have to say my favorite from this album was "Duet."  Everything Everything create a lush musical landscape on Arc no track on this album showcases it more than "Duet."

Band: Free Energy
Album: Electric Fever

The most fun I had listening to an album front to back in 2013 was during "Electric Fever" by Free Energy.  There's nothing pretentious or hard to get on this album.  It's just rock for the sake of rock.  The songs are short and sweet with perfectly crafted melodies.   Where's all the love for this album?  I hope these guys continue to make this unfiltered fun American rock.  I missed them when they were the resident band at The Echo in Los Angeles.

Eraas creates some fantastically dark and moody synth on Initiation

I was just writing about the dark and moody synth music of I Break Horses and now I'm going even darker.   Eraas creates some great dark landscapes on their new album Initiation. This time the moody music comes from Brooklyn, NY.   You can get really lost in this album.  It's the kind of music you can close your eyes and travel with your mind.  It won't take you to the happiest places of your mind you.  Just a warning.

"Looking Glass/Pettibon" is in my opinion the standout track from Initiation.  I really dig the dark driving beat with the slow building guitar riff.  The vocals are subtle and muddled just the way they should be on this cinematic track.   I like their use of space through out the song and how the second half of the song transforms into something else.

I'm sure a lot of people know nothing about this band so maybe it's best to leave you with their earlier release "Ghost."  This is a fantastically haunting song and the video does it justice.   Their music reminds me a bit of Cold Cave but maybe even more sludgy and dark.  This ain't for everyone folks.  And you definitely have to be in the mood to go down this rabbit hole before you put some Eraas on.

Talking about Cold Cave put me in a mood to listen to their last EP.  Here's a little "People Are Poison" by Cold Cave to put you in a right sour state.  I need to put up some happier music on my next entry. Holiday music for everyone. Enjoy.

I Break Horses song "Faith" has me ready for their new album

I Break Horses put out their new song "Faith" about a month ago and I've been watching and listening to that video more than a few times.  I'm a sucker for dark synth and moody lyrics that are sort of muddy.  This song might be my favorite so far from this Swedish band.  Ah, Sweden, keep on making music good people of Sweden.  You guys have my full attention.  What is in the water in that country?

Anyhow, their new album comes out early next year. Keep an eye out for it because this track is great.  Their first album Hearts is out now.  It's pretty solid debut if you haven't heard it.  "Winter Beats" was their first single off that album.  Something about their new song is a bit darker and I enjoy it more but Hearts has a good amount to like.

States mix up the music nicely on their new album Paradigm

Time to get over that turkey haze and start listening to some new music.  This one sort of came out of nowhere. It was actually streaming on Alt Press website.   I was surprised how much I dug their stuff. Never heard of States, so this was truly a blind listen.  At times, States reminds me of Joy Formidable but that's just a few times mind you.   There's a lot of range on this album and I think any alt pop fan will enjoy their album Paradigm.  Go to the link for a full listen of the album while it's up.

"Fever" is my personal favorite track off the album.  There's a lot going on in this song.  Some might say it sounds over produced, but I'd happily disagree.  Some pop needs a bit of layering.  I really enjoy the breaks in the song. I think Mindy White owns the vocals through the entire thing.

Now, I know I mentioned at times States sound a bit like The Joy Formidable.  "I Hope You Stay Gone" is the song that strikes that familiar sound.  And there's only a slight similarity.  A touch of Mindy's vocals and the guitar riff really hit that Formidable sound.

"Erase It All" and "The Night" are some of the albums other bright spots.  Honestly, it's a well made album and worth picking up if this sound strikes your fancy.  It's rather pop for some but I think it's just the right amount of pop.  This band has some serious mass appeal.  The album is available on December 3rd.  You can hear it on YouTube or on the Alt Press link in full for free.  Here's Mindy White covering the song "Suit and Tie." 

Matt Pryor's Wrist Slitter brings a little bit of the new and old

First, I want to say that I dug the Get Up Kids in their prime back in the late 90's and early 2000's.  And it's sad they got tagged with "emo" because I really felt like their songwriting was earnest without all the record company BS that followed other emo bands.  When anything gets popular with the youth there are corporations that love to exploit it. In my high school years, it was grunge and in the early 2000's it was emo.  That being said, Get Up Kids were one of the first and they really just did their own thing.  Their sound evolved and went pretty far away from their emo origins by the time they made There Are Rules.  That entire paragraph just reminded me of South Park.

Now, let's talk about Matt Pryor.   He was probably the heart of the Get Up Kids and the strongest songwriting force.  His solo albums through the years have really been special with their earnest and stripped down songwriting approach.  He originally went by the name New Amsterdams and most recently using his own name.  If you haven't heard New Amsterdams, go and pick up the Outroduction album to get a nice glimpse at his best works during that era.

Anyhow, let's get to Wrist Slitter.  There are times on this album I can hear Pryor's voice from the Get Up Kid era and then there are times where I hear the worn out musician that has sharpened his skills.
"Won't Speak To Me" and "Before My Tongue Becomes a Sword" sound like a songs lifted right off the Something To Write Home About era Get Up Kids.   Come to think of it, half the album sounds more like Get Up Kids than Pryor's previous solo works.

"There's Is No Us" strikes that home as directly as it can get.  I really dig this song from beginning to end.  The hook and the lyrics are so sharp. This is Pryor at his best in my opinion.  I think I've played this song a bit in the last few days.  I really dig the chorus.  This entire album is worth picking up.  Sounds like he's having a blast with these songs.  Already on my list of top November albums.

Sad day for music fans with the senseless murder of Yellow Dogs' members

I first heard of the Yellow Dogs by watching the inspiring Iranian film "No One Knows About The Persian Cats."  It really showed the world that the youth of a socially shackled country love art and music just like any other youths in the free world.  Oppression and religious zealots can't break the soul of art.  If you haven't seen the film, then I highly recommend finding it on Netflix.

Unfortunately, the news broke last night about two of band's members being murdered in Brooklyn by another musician.   I'm extremely sad about the loss of life and the irony of leaving an oppressed country to be gunned down in your own living room.  These guys had a voice and a will to create art no matter the cost.   We will miss Sourosh Farazmand and Arash Farazmand.

"Dance Floor" was the band's most popular song to date.  I dug their Radio 4 type of vibe.  They might have been from Iran but they sounded like a New York dance rock band from the start.  Where can I find some girls to just randomly dance around me?  That looks like a good time.

"This City" was actually the last song I heard from Yellow Dogs. Thanks for being an inspiring story to the end.  I hope the remaining members find it in themselves to carry on and create more music.  

Elliphant is another Swedish star on the verge of breaking it big

For the thousandth time, I enjoy the Swedish alternative and pop music scene.  They really know how to make that good ear-crack.  The stuff you can have just frivolously playing in the background.   Elliphant is another artist to add to my long growing list of Swedish female pop singers I enjoy way too much.    If you like Icona Pop, Charlie XCX and Santigold then Elliphant might be worth adding to your playlist.

Her new album A Good Idea has been released in her home country and probably will take time before hitting these shores.  "Down On Life" was the first track I heard as a single early this year.  The vocals on this song remind me of Joe Newman from Alt-J.  Yes, that's a very odd comparison but if you listen closely you might just agree.  

What I've liked about Elliphant so far is her willingness to have some range in her songs.  "Make It Juicy" sounds nothing like any other Swedish pop singers I've ever come across.   From the Brazilian percussions to the Santigold style rhymes, this song sticks in your head.  American alt-popers can take some serious notes from these young artist from Sweden.

Here's Elliphant's newest single "Could It Be" from her first album A Good Idea. She's come a long way from her first song on FIFA.  This song is well crafted and produced.  She finally has a chance to show off some of her vocals.  I think she's another artist to add to the list of about to break. Good job again to the people at FIFA for putting her out there first internationally.  Who knew video games could be so good at pushing artist to the masses?

Kitten's new EP Like A Stranger should be getting more love

It's strange how some bands just blow up fast and others just can't seem to break the ice.  Kitten, a local Los Angeles band, is one of those bands that should be breaking through much bigger but just hasn't, yet.  I'm going give the good listeners out there in the musicverse a few more months to catch up. If you like Berlin or Blondie from the 80's, you will most definitely dig Kitten.   And if you've played FIFA 13, the song "G#" was played often while you navigated the menus.

Like A Stranger is Kitten's newest EP and it only builds from their previous EP Cut It Out.  The six songs on Like A Stranger  have a lot of range and make me crave more.  I'm actually surprised how much I dug this EP.  There's considerable growth here from their previous effort.  It really reminds me of some of the better moments of 80's alternative synth from bands like Berlin. Chloe Chaidez's voice brings back memories of Deborah Harry.

"Doubt" is probably my favorite track from this album.   I think Chaidez's vocal and emotional range really take off on this one.  She's in control of the song from beginning to end and the synth is fantastic. It just grabs your ear from beginning to end.  And the break in the song about 3 minutes in, give me one massive 80's synth flashback.  They're not reinventing the wheel here but they sure are putting a nice shine on it.

"Graffiti Soul" and "Like A Stranger" are two other really notable songs from this EP.  Honestly, this EP doesn't have any filler. All six songs have been played often on my iPod since it's release and you can check them out in full on their YouTube page.  Support bands that deserve your money and attention.

The song "Cut It Out" is probably their most known song other than the one I mentioned featured in FIFA 13.  Again, listening to this song and then playing the new EP, you can just hear the drastic leap in songwriting.  I like "Cut It Out" but there's something more intimate and powerful in the vocals on  Like A Stranger.

Royal Bangs' Brass is an eclectic collection of rock and synth

So, I caught Royal Bangs on Tuesday night opening for Geographer.  I liked their albums but wasn't over the moon with them either.  Sometimes, seeing a band live can real change your perception of their sound and this was one of those cases.   Ryan Schaefer is a solid frontman and can really belt those songs out with energy.  Their entire set made me replay Brass front to back and see what I was missing. I was pleasantly surprised how good the album is.  It's hard to nail their sound down and that might be the problem selling this band to listeners.   In an era of, "if you like this band listen to this other band," Royal Bangs are just one of those bands lost in the category shuffle.

"Octagon" is their latest song from Brass and might be one of my favorite tracks from this band.  I really dig the lyrics and the vibe of the entire track.  It's got a Bob Seger feel to it from the late 70's.  Maybe it's the moments of piano/guitar solos or just the way Schaefer sings.  Maybe, just maybe, it's the beard.  Ok, Seger is a stretch but you get the picture.

"Better Run" was actually the first song I heard from Brass and as always surprised these guys are from Kentucky.  They have a Chicago sound to me, a distant cousin of the band Stepdad with less synth.   The guys really played the hell out of this song live.  Hats off fellas.  Buy this album and don't miss them on tour with Geographer.   These guys have great energy on stage and a well crafted sound.

Cage The Elephant show no slump on Melophobia

I finally got an opportunity to catch up on some albums that came out earlier in October this week.   I had heard "Come A Little Closer" back in August and knew the potential was high on Melophobia.  And, Wow.  Really, they deliver a big sound that's seriously infectious.  I'm actually surprised this song isn't bigger than it is.  I think the band has grown and the sound is more their own.  This song just cranks the hook about 3 minutes in and drives it home.  Sometimes a song is only as good as it's finish and these guys know how to finish a song.

I love muddy blues driven rock and this is some tasty mud created by CTE.  They really don't do anything gimmicky on this album.  The tracks "Halo" and "Teeth" bring really harder guitar rock sound I was expecting from the band's previous album.   I dig the no frills all out rock on these two tracks.  You can tell when a band is just having fun creating an album and to me this is that sound.

"Cigarette Daydreams" takes me back to 70's Neil Young.  The chorus and the guitars really have that Young type of hook and warmth.   This is probably the high point for me on this album.  The entire things is worth picking up but this really sets a high benchmark for me.   Cage The Elephant might just be under hyped after listening to this album.  Honestly, all songs are solid on this album.  Come to think of it, I should've mentioned "Black Widow" as well.

Captain Capa's Foxes is more emo-tronica and worth a listen

So, I'm neither a huge fan or a hater of the German band Captain Capa.  They fall in the middle of emo pop and electronica with their sound.  The lyrics definitely sound way more emo than other electronica bands but the beats are fun enough on Foxes that it becomes an enjoyable listen.   All albums aren't there to be inspected and put under the microscope.  This happens to fall under category.   Capa's first album Saved My Life was a nice guilty pleasure listen.  Foxes doesn't go much further.

Foxes is ready made for the soundtrack to a racing game on Xbox.  "The False Shepherd" is one of those standout songs that has a nice electric tempo that gets you going.  Don't ask me what the song is about, because I don't pay that close attention with this band. Again, they're German, English so lyrics not in their native tongue is their strength.

"Foxes" is the newest song released from the album.   Makes sense knowing the album is titled the same. Anyhow, this song is solid emo-tronica. Is that a genre? I bet it is.   It's not rewriting the book and maybe isn't that memorable. Like the rest of the album, it's fun music to have on in the background.  It does sound like a bad review but honestly, I like this album for a guilty pleasure.  It's just the right amount of pop without being too over produced that I enjoy.   Come on now, these guys are German.   How often do we get a fun pop band from that country? At least for us this side of the pond.

For those not familiar with the band, "Berlin Fainting" is probably their most catchy song from their Saved My Life LP.  I actually recommend both albums.  It does sound a little like Ke$ha with the opening synth.  But the similarity ends after the first 5 seconds.

Radical Face knock it out of the park with The Family Tree: The Branches

"Always Gold" became a fixture in my skull for months after it's release in 2012.   It was such a catchy and emotional song, I had a difficult time fighting the urge to give it a spin at least a few times a week.   So, when The Family Tree:The Branches was released, well I was all over it.   I had to hear for myself if this band could match or even exceed their previous album The Family Tree: The Roots.   And the answer to that question is a resounding yes.

 The Family Tree:The Branches might have even more gravity than the last album.  I think it has more subtle moments that just suck you in.  The first time I heard the song "Chains" for example, I was hooked.  The song is just a tad north of two minutes but damn is it catchy and close to perfect.  I think the song writing has gotten even tighter on this album.

This is what I like to call a complete album.  There's no one singular moment to say this is the song.  No, this is listen from beginning to end.  You may stop along the way to replay a song a few times but nothing will make you want to stop listening from beginning to end.  The composition of each song is air tight and melodies are all sweet and catchy.  This is one of October's best albums for your hard earned dollars. 

"From The Mouth Of An Injured Head" is one of the album's most toe tapping moments.  This song is perfectly layered with some nice breaks and transitions.  They jam a lot of music into a 4 minutes running time.  I love it when a song has a film like three act structure. 

"The Mute" is another favorite of mine from this album.  The opening lyrics just paint such a vivid picture.  It sounds like the first lines from a Neil Gaiman novel, "when I was a child I mostly spoke in my head, had conversations with the clouds, the dogs, the dead..."  This is songwriting at it's best.  Don't miss out on one of the year's best albums.  

Active Child comes into his own with the Rapor EP

As a fan of Active Child's first album You Are All I See,  I'm seriously impressed by his newest efforts on the Rapor EP. The album has it all.   You go from some soulful and chilling duet "Silhouette" with Ellie Goulding to a more layered synth throwback with "Feeling Is Gone."  If you've never heard of Active Child, think of him landing somewhere between Bon Iver and Twin Shadow.

The first song Active Child put out for this new EP was "She Cut Me."  It's more of an instrumental and a bit of a departure from his previous album.  I wasn't really sure what to expect from the rest of this album when I heard this.  It felt darker and even more moody.  Anyhow, the rest of the EP definitely goes with soulful lyrics and this is the album's interlude in a way.  I really dig the looped vocals and the muddy synths.

I spoke of the duet with Ellie Goulding called "Silhouette" and I think it's worth giving it a full mention.  It's one of those duets that really work. Both artist really fit so well in the vocals it's hard to think of this song done any other way.  Ellie brings a level of vulnerability to the song and Pat Grossi(Active Child) makes his vocals fit so perfectly.   This is one epic 4 minutes.  Might become one of the year's indie hits.  I wouldn't be surprised because it has mass appeal and then some.  Pick up Rapor EP and go back to get all You Are All I See if you haven't already.

Talisco and The Toxic Avenger have both put solid new singles for synth fans

Both Talisco and The Toxic Avenger are French based musicians that are signed with Roy Music indie label.  Their newest singles actually have a very similar vibe so I can see how the same label would push both bands.  The Toxic Avenger has an album out with the same name of the single "Romance & Cigarettes."  Talisco on the other hand put out their first singe from their EP My Home over the summer.

I actually ran across Talisco searching for The Toxic Avenger video to "Romance & Cigarettes" and I was quickly hooked by the song "Your Wish" from their My Home EP.  Being that Talisoc is a French based artist, I was a bit late in hearing this single.  But I think any fan of Phoenix will enjoy this song.  It's got the same catchy synth sound with pop lyrics.  If you like the song below, you can find their entire EP My Home on the Roy Music YouTube page.  I actually like the song "My Home" more than "Your Wish"but they haven't put out a video of that song.  The entire EP is worth owning.

 The Toxic Avenger's first single from their new album is called "Romance & Cigarettes."  It's really light and fun, perfectly fit for the summer when it was released.   I think the video they put out is really fitting.  I was actually expecting heavier synth because of their previous album but was pleasantly surprised.  The French really know their synth pop.  They are in close competition with Sweden for the crown to that genre currently in my book.

Ha Ha Tonka make their best album to date with Lessons

I've been listening to a lot of synth alternative this year and there's always room for great Americana folk rock.  Not sure how else to describe the sound of Ha Ha Tonka.   They're not as folky as The Lumineers and they're not as root rock as Lucero.  Their sound is somewhere in the middle and possibly why they haven't enjoyed the success of some of those other bands.   It's actually rather sad knowing how good these guys are.

Buckle In The Bible Belt was their first album and I remember how much their song "Up Nights" sounded like Lucero.  Trust me, that's a great thing. It sounded so polished.  This little band from Springfield, Missouri really mixes up great song writing skills with a soulful backbone.

Now, I want to talk about their new album Lessons.  I think it's their best album thus far.   It shows growth and maturity from a band that's been through the ringer.  Death of a Decade which was their previous work put out in 2011 felt more rushed and disconnected.  Something about Lessons really resonates with me.

I think I've listened to the song "The Past Has Arms" at least a dozen times in the past week.  I guess it's a personal thing because I relate to the words.  "I know that the past has arms, because I feel it hold me tight." It's a simple statement but it rings so true for this moment in my life.

The rest of the album has nice highs and lows.  It's an album that's rich in sound and fully realized.  The kind you throw in and it takes you through a nice journey.   "Dead to the World" and "Rewrite Our Lives" are two of the other standout songs from this album.  Both songs are so brilliant in the lyrics and the music doesn't fall far behind.  Again, the band seems to be tackling their past in the lyrics.  When Brian Roberts sings, "I got more past now, than future in front of me, I wish we could rewrite our lives," that's one clear vision of what it means to get old.

I'm truly impressed by Lessons.  Maybe it's my own personal stage in life and that's why the lyrics by Brian Roberts hit me like a gut punch, but regardless, this is a fantastic album.  I really hope these guys get some recognition with this one.  If you like American root rock, this might be some of the best in years.  Wish they would tour the west coast more often.

Phantogram's "Black Out Days" makes me crave a full length LP

Phantogram do a great job of teasing me with their newest EP.  I listened to it at least four times in a loop the first time I played the EP.  It's so short but practically pitch perfect in it's delivery.  The band has started to evolve and really grow in the lyrical part of the songwriting process.  I was more wrapped up with the the beats on their first LP but this one has me listening closely to the words.  They have really grown on me.   If you like Chvrches, Phantogram deliver a bit darker synth vibe but just as catchy.

It's hard to pin point a clear standout track because they're all pretty damn good. In my humble opinion, "Black Out Days" might be the song that resonates with me most.    It's so good from front to back and the way Sarah Barthel sings over the piano keys at end "black out days, I don't recognize you anymore."  Can't wait for a full length EP and until then, I will be playing this EP in a loop.

Chase & Status really mix it up on their new LP Brand New Machine

Finally, a new Chase & Status LP chalked full of some eclectic dance songs.  I won't deny how much I played their No More Idols LP.   That album pretty much had anybody worth knowing in the dance and R&B scene of England.  From guest drops by Plan B to Tinie Tempah, that album had it all.  Of course, my personal favorite song from that album was "End Credits."  Plan B sings brilliantly on that haunting track from Chase & Status.  If you don't own that album yet, go out and find it today. Seriously, don't wait for the rest of this review, that album is a must own.  Here's a taste with the classic by Plan B.  It's crazy how good Plan B is on this track and how little coverage he's had here in the US.

Anyhow, let's get to their newest album Brand New Machine which was just released around these parts in early October.   The album as a whole is still growing on me but there are some really good singles tucked away on this one.  Their newest release "Count On Me" is such a fantastic throw back to the mid 90's techno scene.  It really takes me back to that era and it's executed with perfection.  I know the guys were thinking of it as a loving homage to that era more than a some sort of clone rip off.

"Lost & Not Found" is the first single from Brand New Machine and it's a nice sampling of the middle ground of the album.  It's neither slow or too hard.  Their music is always big and grand.  I think each song plays out like it's own little movie theme.  From the first time you hear that sweeping intro and the percussions drop, you are just hooked.

The rest of the album truly shows the range of Chase & Status.  From the reggae dance hall jam "International"(which blows your speakers wide open) to their dark and moody jam "Gangsta Boogie," these guys flex their producing might and show they can crank out mass hits on any level.  I actually enjoy one of their more soulful slow moments on the album with the song "Heaven Knows" featuring the vocals of Elli Ingram.  She really reminds me of Katy B on this track and wow does her vocals sound big.  Here's a little taste of the song with a preview of it from the band's YouTube page.

More than a decade removed and Relationship In Command by At The Drive-In still rules all

I was wanting something to play that really kicked the walls in while I cleaned up around the house today.   The search ended quickly as soon as I found Relationship in Command by At The Drive-In in my CD collection.  It's been a good year since I've given this entire CD a spin from head to toe and man oh man, I was in love all over again.  It's like seeing a girl from high school at the reunion and she still looks as amazing to you as the day the last day you saw her.   This album is that ex-girlfriend and there's not many others that match up.

It really bummed me out when At The Drive-In broke up soon after the release of Relationship in Command.  I rarely get that bummed out over a band breakup because normally it's after they've already peaked.  ATDI on the other hand didn't even scratch the surface of their potential.   When you listen to this album, you hear a band that's got more power and spit than anything since Nevermind by Nirvana and Ten by Pearl Jam.  Yes, they were that good and I can't see anyone changing my mind on that.

Anyhow, years removed from that mess, I have to say I see why they quit. Why would anyone want to follow up Relationship In Command? It's the album of the decade and it has very few challengers.  There's no fat on this album.  None.  You can comb through this as much as you like and every song is a work of energetic art in the highest form.  As if Walter White had made his first batch of the blue stuff from Breaking Bad and decided to call it quits.

I don't have a favorite track on this album.  How could I?  When I put this CD in, I have to listen to every single track in order like a favorite film.  There's no one segment to love because it's all that good. But for the sake of those few people unfamiliar with this album, I'm going to post a few of tracks.  Let's start with "Enfilade."  That "freight train is coming" is all I have to mention about this song.  Turn this song up and let it kick you square in the teeth.

To be completely honest, I've yet to really figure out what this album is talking about.  I get the sense it's about a big brother 1984 situation.  Maybe that's it's most surprising charm.  Not sure how they did it, as I sing back almost every lyric word for word yet having little clue what it all means.  Awesome.  "Quarantined" is one hell of a jam.  I love the line, "a single fire can cause a spectral fire."

"One Armed Scissor" was the only official single release from the album that I can recall.  I can't figure out why this song was the top choice for singles.  Not to say it isn't good as the rest of the album. I guess it's hard to define this album by one sound alone and this song has possibly the easiest sound for the masses.   I think I watched this video first on Fuse TV.   We didn't have YouTube then.  The days of watching videos on TV.  Them were the days.   Beyond all the noise and weird lyrics, this band can seriously play their instruments.

Glad I got that rant about one of my top 10 favorite albums of all time out of the way.  If someone out there hasn't listened to this album before, buy this ASAP and be ready to have the walls cave in as you play it.  And to leave you with a final image and sound, here' s a live song from the band. That is what we call a performance.  Chaos, melody and madness.

Junkie XL adds to the list of bands creating music for films in 2013 with the Paranoia soundtrack

I can't recall another year with so many bands involved in creating new music for film soundtracks.  I don't mean just a song but creating the entire film soundtrack.   2013 has become the year for bands to throw their hat in the ring of film scores.  M83 and Explosions In The Sky are probably the most memorable names in that list and I want to add Junkie XL.

Junkie XL don't recreate the wheel with the Paranoia soundtrack but put their skills in electronica to good use.  They're no stranger to film with music that has been used in countless video games and films like Blade.  They have a sound that really lends itself to work in creating mood with a theme.  That's basically the core of any good film soundtrack, create a memorable theme built with emotion.

I haven't seen the film so I can't really speak about how well the music works in creating the proper mood for the film.  I picked up this soundtrack for the simple fact that it was Junkie XL doing it.  Anyhow, they do a good job of creating a nice spacious sounds and at times very haunting like the track "Candid Camera."

The best two pieces of music from Junkie XL on this soundtrack in my opinion are "Adam's Theme" and "Lights Across The River."  Both are closer to the bands actual sound and really incorporate the dance electronica feel but with a film touch.  "Adam's Theme" could be a hit electronica song on it's own merit.  The track has a nice build and good thumping bass I could see playing in the clubs. There's a part of the song that reminds me a bit of the Transformers theme song from the films.   Just a little bit and not enough to remind of that horrible film franchise.

I would say M83 was more atmospheric with their work on Oblivion and Junkie XL give a bit more range on the Paranoia soundtrack.  Oblivion called for a more one note theme and mood because it was creating this desolate world and M83 nailed it.  Junkie XL were working more on a film based on present realities and have a more grounded sound.  If you're a fan of film scores, this is one worth adding to your collection.  Also, check out the other scores by the other bands I mentioned.

Moon Taxi create a big rock sound on their new LP Mountain Beaches Cities

Moon Taxi are a band hailing from Nashville, Tennessee and are really poised to break out.  Their sound is extremely polished and big.  When you first play Mountain Beaches Cities, you really get taken for a ride.  I wasn't expecting the sound from this little unknown band to be so defined and large.  They really fill the space with their sound. This indie band has big arena ambitions on this album.

Their first single "The New Black" is ready made for indie rock radio.  I'm actually surprised they have so few hits at the moment on YouTube. I say give it a few months and it'll be up there.  This is what we call an arena-rocker.  That thumping drum and the chorus you can chant along with.  It reminds of the first time I heard Kasabian's "Club Foot."   If this song doesn't get this band noticed, well then someone at their label needs to get fired.

The rest of Mountain Beaches Cities doesn't disappoint.  The only complaint I might make is that they sound too polished at times.  Some may call it over produced but I think it fits their sound.  But the album does have a considerable amount of range.  I can tell this band is still trying to find their sound on this album. They get down to their southern roots with "River Water" with an extra twang. "Beaches" is very similar to the sound of The Neighborhoud. And on "Struck Me Down," there's a definite attempt to go more synth and experimental.  Just don't expect every song to be like "The New Black" because you will be greatly disappointed.  

My favorite songs from a few listens would be "Change" and "Young Journey."  "Change" like the song title itself has a lot of changes in it's perfect 3 minute running time.  The build and breaks in that song are really well done.  And "Young Journey" is a bittersweet soulful track that really brings the album down to Earth.  

Holy Ghost! bringing back a heavey dose of 80's synth on Dynamics

I was listening to Ou Est Le Swimming Pool prior to giving this album a go.  It's a real bummer that OELSP only had one album prior to Charlie Haddon's death.  There was a lot of promise there and it's a shame we didn't get to see them grow as a band.  If you haven't heard of the band, then hit YouTube and get ready to tap some toes to their album The Golden Years.  It was one of my favorites of 2009.  Feels like so long ago.  Things were looking good and we had just elected our first black President. The good old days. 

So, let's get down to business with the new album from Holy Ghost!. And yes,  I mentioned Ou Est Le Swimming Pool because these bands definitely share a similar vibe.  Although, OELSP had more uptempo tracks, there's definitely a similar use of 80's synth by both bands.

I think Holy Ghost! have grown considerably on their new album Dynamics.  There's more variety for dance fans on this album.  At times, even slowing down things enough to really dive into the music and lyrics in full.

The first track I heard from this album was "Okay" when they posted it on YouTube.  This gave me a Passion Pit vibe but a little more moody with a tad less sunshine.  I really like this song but for some reason I think if it was 40 seconds shorter it would sound much tighter.

"Dance A Little Closer" for me is one of the tracks on this album that separates their sound from the likes of Passion Pit and Capital Cities. On second thought, it really gives me The Rapture vibe.  They have that similar kick drums and bass line going on here that really gets me to think that.  The cutting of the song with the jagged guitar chords is a nice touch.  This song gave me enough reason to pick up the entire album.

Dynamics in full is on the band's YouTube channel.  I recommend giving it a good listen.  I think it's awesome when bands give fans and random music lovers an opportunity to listen to the entire album prior to picking it up.   I'd recommend this album to anyone that likes The Rapture and Passion Pit.  This band should be better known.