What
Laura
Says,
Bloom
Cheek,
Terp-
sikh-
ore
[6/8/10]
It isn't hard to identify the artists this Phoenix five-piece enjoys the most. I hear echoes of Harry Nilsson and 10CC on some selections, Air, Grizzly Bear, and Devendra Banhart on others. Of course, it could always be coincidental; they may simply share similar musical influences.
Laura
Says,
Bloom
Cheek,
Terp-
sikh-
ore
[6/8/10]
It isn't hard to identify the artists this Phoenix five-piece enjoys the most. I hear echoes of Harry Nilsson and 10CC on some selections, Air, Grizzly Bear, and Devendra Banhart on others. Of course, it could always be coincidental; they may simply share similar musical influences.
I find the combination of styles appealing, the multi-layered
harmonies, the atmospheric organ work, and the T. Rex-like
rhythms. On the whole, their second disc is a pretty eclectic
affair—at times, they even sound like an old funk-rock band.
Except for a misguided attempt at reggae stylings and a few
awkward lyrical passages, I rate Bloom Cheek a success.
harmonies, the atmospheric organ work, and the T. Rex-like
rhythms. On the whole, their second disc is a pretty eclectic
affair—at times, they even sound like an old funk-rock band.
Except for a misguided attempt at reggae stylings and a few
awkward lyrical passages, I rate Bloom Cheek a success.
Click here for "Training" and here for "I Suppose."
Too Late for Roses, Debut, Launchpad [6/1/10]
Endnote: For more information about What Laura Says, please click here; for Too Late for Roses, here. Image: Planetary Group.
Too Late for Roses, Debut, Launchpad [6/1/10]
This Cali trio serves up modern rock with a heavy back beat. If anything, the rhythm section, Wyatt Lund (drums) and Jordan Martin (bass), is the best thing about Too Late for Roses.
Kark von Kries has a full-throated style, but he evokes too many other arena-rock guys, from Bono to Scott Stapp (he also handles flute and percussion). If the band is angling for a major label deal, that could be to their advantage, but I prefer more distinction.
Kark von Kries has a full-throated style, but he evokes too many other arena-rock guys, from Bono to Scott Stapp (he also handles flute and percussion). If the band is angling for a major label deal, that could be to their advantage, but I prefer more distinction.
Debut, however, offers a few surprises, like the ambient "Winter Tide," which features lapping waves and seagull cries—and clocks in at 19 minutes—and the experimental "Soundtrack from 'Masks'." But I still like the rock stuff best, semi-generic vocals and all.
Endnote: For more information about What Laura Says, please click here; for Too Late for Roses, here. Image: Planetary Group.
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