Album Review: Blur-The Magic Whip

Is There Any Magic Left?






Blur: The Magic Whip
7.6/10












Blur don't have anything left to prove at this point. They are Brit-Pop legends and many of their works have really stood the test of time. In addition to this, many of their members have continued on with notable success outside of the band (most notably Damon Albarn). So it kind of begs the question: why? Why are we getting this Blur record after 12 years of pretty much silence. I guess the answer to that is why not. This groups fans absolutely adore their work, Damon Albarn has been everywhere lately, and they simply are still popular enough to comeback, so it kind of does all make sense. Still, many people never thought they'd hear this album, and it is kind of cool to see it finally come to fruition. So does this thing live up to their previous works? I'll answer that quite simply: no, but that is not necessarily a terrible thing.

Some of the band's earlier work is so potent and destructive, so it was kind of unreasonable to expect so much out of this thing. That being said, there are still some very good tunes on here. The best tunes on here are super eerie and haunting. Tunes such as Ice Cream Man and I Thought I Was A Spaceman both create very dense, teeth chattering melodies that feel so bitter, but so right at the same time. Go Out is another tune I enjoy a lot. It has a more rock and roll sound, and its attitude and charisma let it shine. I Broadcast is also not very different or challenging to the ears, but it is pretty catchy and enjoyable. Ghost Ship is another tune that is very interesting and has a very chill atmosphere. The tune feels pretty ethereal and very meaningful. I have a fun time decoding what this track is about, but I know I like it a lot. Lonesome Street and Pyongyang both give me David Bowie Low vibes with their very textural instrumentals as well as Albarn's strange vocal deliveries. These tracks are very groovy and probably the most memorable tunes on here for me. Lonesome Street is such an awesome way to start the record in my opinion. It feels like Blur hasn't lost a step on this tune. Lastly, My Terracota Heart is an absolutely stunning track that is definitely among some of the band's best work to date. The guitar work is Radiohead-esque and the vocals are haunting as many of the songs on this album are. The lyrics are pretty perfect for this tune, and the tune is cryptic and catchy. Absolutely adore this track. That pretty much sums up every highlight on here for me sadly though. The tracks that are weak to me are pretty bad. New World Towers never grips me at any point of its running, and it is perhaps one of the weakest tracks on here. It just feels so boring in comparison to the rest. There Are Too Many Of Us suffers from a similar problem, but it is not nearly as bad. This track was actually initially pretty gripping, but it failed to develop and blossom into what it could've been, so that really turned me off. A lot the instrumentation here had a lot of potential actually, but it was not harnessed well enough to make a good end result. Ong Ong, while fun, is painfully cheesy and sounds like it was made by a children's band. I can dance to it, but I definitely do not like it. Lastly, Mirrorball seems so half-assed to be the closer of this record. The record people have been waiting for so long ends with such a whimper, and to me that is really sad. This track isn't awful actually, but considering the last two songs are both pretty forgettable, the disappointment is felt pretty heavy when you hear this song.

Although the band made plenty of blunders on this record, I will say this is a fairly good comeback record. Some tracks are absolute treats, and some are just pretty good, but nothing on here is horrendous or anything. I have to say Blur did a pretty good job considering they are aging pretty fast at this point. I think if anything, this album will show people that while they may have lost a step, this band still can pack a punch. The album may not be amazing or anything, but it is solid, and that I cannot deny. So every time I hear New World Towers, I can live knowing that there is still a lot to enjoy. Overall, I am still pretty happy with this record, and if you love the band, so will you.

Album Reviews: Miami Horror-All Possible Futures

Anything But Futures

Miami Horror-All Possible Futures (8.0/10)

Miami Horror seems completely content with where they are right now. Their music exudes happiness and prosperity, so perhaps it seems a little ironic that their album title suggests where they might go with their future. This band seems so relaxed and carefree, and it just seems like they go with the flow. Their future is definitely up for question, but for now I'm much more interested in their current effort. All Possible Futures is a pop filled fest with a very modern, yet very retro sound to it. It makes its fair share of New Wave shout outs, but it certainly sounds as fresh as any pop record today. The whole album just feels like one big shout chorus (in a good way)! You can sing, dance, and really just feel good while listening to this music, and that is all that matters. This band's music just feels really good in the moment, so lets just drop all this talk about the future for now, and just talk about this band's current state. 

This album is filled with energetic, grooving instrumentals and it is evident right out the gates. American Dream starts with a very soft, humming tune that eventually grows into a dance track with a very catchy hook. Tracks 2 and 3 are both strong, but are ultimately relatively forgettable, but Cellophane makes you want to dance all night. While this instrumental can be relatively simple, it gets the job done, and it's charm is pretty enchanting as well. Wild Motion continues this trend of danciness, but is a little sharper. This tune is a little more unique to the band, and it includes a little more instrumentation than Cellophane. It is also one of the catchiest tracks on here, and feels more like a full effort from the band. After a nice interlude, the album picks back up with Colours In The Sky. This track has an M83-ish kind of vibe to it, and I really enjoy it. It does not pack the punch of an M83 tune, but it still is a nice little break from the very energetic, fast tunes occupying a lot of the album. All It Ever Was, is another one with an M83 vibe to it, but this track is more in the vein of a Midnight City. This track is very catchy and danceable, but yet it is pretty haunting as well. The instrumentation is very smooth on this track, and it just feels like being sprayed by a mist shower. It is very refreshing. The back half of this record to me, while pretty good is noticeably weaker though. Out of Sight and Stranger are very strong tunes, as well as the closer Forever Ever?, but ultimately some of these last tracks do not grip me the same way the beginning of the album does. Perhaps this is because the album is so long, that I begin to lose interest. Really, the album is not extremely long, but for the lack of variety on this thing sometimes, it does feel pretty long. Also, some of these songs just feel like rehashed versions of some of their earlier work. To me, this album could really have been stunning, but its best features are also its worst. It is very comfortable in its own skin, but it also does not have a wide variety of sounds on it. Ultimately, if anything, this puts Miami Horror in trouble for their future. That's why sometimes it is so hard to believe this record is called All Possible Futures. It just feels like a band that may not have much longer on top. Regardless, I still really enjoyed the bulk of this record, despite its occasional cheesiness and it's non-varied, and overly long format. 

In the end, if you want something to just live life to, this thing does it pretty good. This record is perfect for dance parties, group gatherings, and an introduction to electronic indie pop, but it is definitely not all you'll want to listen to. This thing is pretty paper thin, but it does not try to be anything else, and for that reason it is still very enjoyable. Miami Horror have made a very solid electronic indie pop record, but the real question is will their future even be possible?

Best Songs: American Dream, Cellophane, Wild Motion, Coulours In The Sky, All It Ever Was, Out of Sight, Stranger, Forever Ever?

Worst Songs: Real Slow, Out of Sight, Who Is Gonna Save Us?, Another Rise Another Fall

Album Review: Passion Pit-Kindred

Kindred In Spirit

Passion Pit: Kindred
(6.4/10)








Being Kindred is similar/related, so it is actually a pretty appropriate title for a Passion Pit album. Although I do enjoy Michael Angelakos's music for the most part, I wouldn't say it evolves very much at all. Perhaps this is the biggest problem with Kindred. Everything here seems so familiar for me, and it does not seem necessary for me to listen to at times. Manners was a stunning album, and Gossamer was a solid follow up, but I will admit that these albums are both relatively forgettable. What I mean by this is that I enjoy it thoroughly while listening to it, but all the tracks can't really cement themselves inside my head. This thread certainly continues on this album, but for different reasons. Kindred is nowhere near as musical or lyrical as their previous releases, but it has a very fun, light hearted attitude to it that I can really appreciate. Kindred may not be the most stellar album in the repertoire, but it is certainly not boring. Entertainment value aside, this album does have a lot of issues though, and it would feel wrong not to address them.

My main issues with this album is its reluctancy to do anything new. These things just all kind of feel like rehashes of older tunes, and while some of them are good rehashes, it would be nice to hear some unique experimentation. Perhaps the only glimpse of experimentation on this thing is the closing track Ten Feet Tall. Sadly, this song is way too sugar coated in auto-tune and synths, and it is by far the worst track on here. It also is just a sequel to a better track earlier in the album. Also this track does not dig as deep into Michael's personal side as other releases. Tracks where we get more sentimental/emotional approaches are amongst the best tracks on here, so it is really upsetting that we do not get more of that. The first five tracks are all fun, but I would trade almost all of them away for another Dancing On The Grave or My Brother Taught Me How To Swim. Both of these tracks feel the most real to Angelakos. These songs are some of his most personal to date, and I feel like these songs are some of the band's most potent work. A lot the other songs are just pop songs, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but when you have the capability to make emotional music, why make something that is kind of dimmed down for the masses? It just kind of frustrates me. The album as a whole is really fun to listen to, and it certainly isn't bad, but it is simply not as enthralling as their previous efforts. Their other albums are more emotive, hooky, and creative. Passion Pit did not fail in making this album, but they certainly need to change their approach up if they want to stay relevant.

Overall, if you want some fun light-hearted pop music, than this thing is still a pretty good album. If you are like me, and you loved their prior efforts, than you may be a little disappointed with this release, but there is still some stuff to enjoy on here. There is nothing shocking on this album, but Passion Pit can still right very catchy tunes. While this album wasn't my favorite, I still believe this band has the capability to make another great album. They haven't went full Matt & Kim on us.

Best Songs: Dancing On The Grave, My Brother Taught Me How To Swim, Where The Sky Hangs, Looks Like Rain, Lifted Up

Worst Songs: Ten Feet Tall, Whole Life Story, Five Foot Ten, Until We Can't, All I Want

Album Review: Unknown Mortal Orchestra-Multi-Love

Is The Third Time Really A Charm?

Unknown Mortal Orchestra:
Multi-Love (8.8/10)










To answer the question above, it depends on what you are expecting out of this project. If you are looking for more psych-pop fun with more polish, then this is their best work to date. However, if you prefer a more stripped back and lo-fi style of recording then this one might not hit you as hard as the band's previous work. Unknown Mortal Orchestra have been an exciting name in psychedelic and indie music over the past couple of years, mainly due to their great first two releases: Unknown Mortal Orchestra and II. Both of these releases were very charming and simple, but they also were unique. UMO had a kind of endearing sound to them. The Lo-Fi recording was perfect for their melancholy tunes. II was a huge step up album from them, and coming off that I was really excited for the future of the band. On Multi-Love the band has made some big adjustments, but ultimately has reinforced my interest in the band.

This album, as stated before, is much higher-fidelity than the band's prior work. I was initially a little weirded out by the fact that muffled-dirty sound had been cut from the band, but I also was excited to hear the band in a new a light. Well, I had no reason to worry because this new slick and clean UMO is very exciting. The title track Multi-Love embraces the sound change with much more present drums and keyboards. The track sounds sexier, but also more desperate than UMO ever has. It also has a great hook that will stick in your head all day. Like Acid Rain is another energetic diddy that feels very fresh. This track's hook seems kind of silly with all the la-la-la las, but it kind of just adds to the fun nature of the record. This track feels like an older UMO track in that it is very close the band's psych-pop style. I liken it a lot to a track on II called One at a Time. Can't Keep Checking My Phone introduces some nice percussive grooves that are kind of foreign to the band, and it feels way funkier than anything they've ever done. I think this album embraces funk a lot more than their prior works. Extreme Wealth and Casual Cruelty is a more psychedelic track that has a very loose structure. The track kind of floats around a lot, and that is what draws me into it so much. It sounds also, in production, a lot like their earlier works, but is much more far out instrumentally. Stage or Screen is another nice track, but it is probably overshadowed by the last two tracks of the album. Necessary Evil has a very retro vibe to it, and I love the hook here. The horns also add a little bit off kick to a pretty catchy tune. This tune reminds me of something Al Green would sing, it just has a lot of soul and I love it. The last track, Puzzles is a 7 minute track that takes you on a journey. The track is probably among the band's best works thus far, and it closes out the album in a much more triumphant manner than what is usual for this band.

Overall, this album is another must get. While I do miss somethings from the band's other albums such as intimate guitar riffs, and more simple instrumentals, I really like how this new album came together. It is more complete than their other works, and it has no really weak tracks, which is not something I can say about their first two. This album grooves so much better than anything else they've ever done, and overall I am really pleased with how this band has evolved. I hope they can continue to get better and better.

Best Tracks: Multi-Love, Like Acid Rain, Can't Keep Checking My Phone, Extreme Wealth and Casual Cruelty, Necessary Evil, Puzzles

Worst Tracks: The World Is Crowded, Stage Or Screen

Album Review: Tyler, The Creator: Cherry Bomb

A Surprisingly Sweet Cherry

Tyler, The Creator: Cherry Bomb
(7.1/10)













Tyler, The Creator has been in the news a lot over the years for things he says or things he has done, but it seems like that kind of behavior might be slowing down actually. Despite rants at Coachella, and many infamous tweets, Tyler has actually been recognized more for his music as of late. I think this is great for Tyler, and it is refreshing to see the man move ever so slightly away from his crazy antics. Deep down I know Tyler has the skill to be a great rapper, but sometimes his behavior has just overshadowed his music, and this has certainly hindered him. As Tyler's life is becoming a little less chaotic, his music is also becoming a little more unique. Goblin and Wolf to me were pretty creative lyrically, but the songs seemed to ranty and angry. Most of the songs just seemed like a use of Tyler's pent up angst, and this was pretty disappointing because he could have channeled his anger in many better ways. On Cherry Bomb, Tyler, The Creator has not moved away from this aggressive rap persona he has created, but he makes modifications to it, and the ending result for me is much more entertaining.

This album has some intense tunes on it. Most notably, the tunes Buffalo, Deathcamp, and Cherry Bomb are all bombastic, abrasive, and straight in your face. These tracks are all pretty entertaining despite sometimes having pretty cringeworthy lyrical content. Deathcamp is perhaps the worst lyrical piece on the album. The song pretty much details the frustrations of having to abide to rules, and being told he cannot wear a hat in a building. Yeah, it's pretty dumb. Regardless, the sounds on this are not bad at all. Buffalo is very reminiscent of an older Tyler song, but its beat is more unpredictable, which makes it much more entertaining to listen to. Yet again though, not amazing lyrics by Tyler. My favorite of these three tracks is probably the title track Cherry Bomb. This is the most insane track Tyler has made to date. The track is compressed, crushed, and filthy sounding. It actually kind of reminds me of Death Grips with the way it just kind of changes form every 40 seconds or so. This track's instrumental drew me in immediately, and it is noticeably more potent than a normal aggressive Tyler track. The production on here has improved tremendously, and it shows here. That being said, while these beats can kick, they also at times drown out Tyler's vocals and that is kind of unfortunate. The album really picks up steam when it makes a big jump stylistically. Up until now I've always seen Tyler as a hype rapper who just makes pump-up rant rap songs, but this album has plenty of sentimental jams as well. 2 Seater, Fucking Young, and Find Your Wings all bring out a new side of Tyler. This side is more personal and less why me. He actually conveys a lot of emotion telling personal stories, and not just reaffirming that he is a rebel. These tracks actually have very gorgeous instrumentals on them, kind of reminiscent of Outkast. A lot of different colors are featured on these tracks, and the different sounds and productions only benefit this album. I think these songs are not always successful, but they are a lot more listenable to me at least. Find Your Wings to me is not the best song, and sometimes these tracks really do get a little too sappy, but the change is pretty commendable still. I think the best moments on this album are when we get to see a merging of these two sides of Tyler. Smuckers packs plenty of aggression, but it is ultimately still smooth, and personal as well. This track also has Lil Wayne rapping like it's 2007 (I mean how the hell did that happen?). When I hear a song like this, it is clear to me that this man has matured a little bit. That is perhaps what I like most about this album. Although I am not a huge Tyler fan, I will acknowledge that he is a creative dude, and this album keeps his sound evolving. I hope to see him continue to grow.

Overall, this album is still not without its flaws. It at times does not seem very thematic, it is not impressive lyrically, and it can be inconsistent, but it still is leaps and bounds better than anything he's ever done before this. I have to say, this album was a lot better than I anticipated, and I am actually pretty eager to see where Tyler, The Creator goes next. If you like Tyler, check it out! If you don't like him, listen to this album with open ears.

Album Review: Built To Spill-Untethered Moon

Are They Built To Last?





Built To Spill-Untethered Moon
6.8/10







Let me preface this review by saying Built To Spill is a legendary band, and nothing they will ever do can change that for me. I remember listening to There's Nothing Wrong With Love for the first time, and just being amazed. The album is hooky, instrumental, and very emotive, but it is also very distinct. Once I heard this record, I knew I absolutely loved this band. I later proceeded onto the band's later efforts. Perfect From Now On and Keep It Like A Secret blew my mind, and I couldn't wait to delve in even further into their discography. As I ventured further on into their discography I realized this band is pretty incapable of making something bad. Literally every album they've ever released I have enjoyed. While I still enjoy these records, I cannot say that these 2000s records even hold a candle to their early efforts though. I don't deny that this band can still rock, and that their 2000s records have some gems, but few records will ever make me feel like those early BTS records. This album gave me high hopes though. It is their first record in 6 years, which means hard work was put in, and it also was kicked off by a great single Living Zoo. It may have foolish to think this, but I thought BTS was about to put out another classic record. Unfortunately, Built To Spill was pretty far off from accomplishing this; In fact, this may be my least favorite Built To Spill record to date.

This is not to say Untethered Moon is bad, it's far from it, it just lacks comparatively to an incredible discography. I think one of the big issues with this album is its over simplistic nature. On Perfect From Now On Built To Spill showed us that they could make soaringly beautiful Indie Rock arrangements, but on this record most of the arrangements are pretty simple. Don't get me wrong, there are some real jams on here, but most of the songs are just filled with chords. This kind of bogs down the whole album for me. These tracks are especially disappointing because the high points of this album are so high. Living Zoo shows just how well BTS play together as they seamlessly groove from accelerandos, to mid-tempo grooves. The lyrics on this also seem to be deep and dark. Martsch is just as sharp as ever, and his story on this track is very compelling. I absolutely love the hook on this track. All Our Songs is another highlight here. The song is a driving and forceful piece work that reinforces that these dudes can pack a punch. The song is a journey, and honestly it just keeps your head bobbing all the way through. The closing track is also amazing. When I'm Blind displays incredible guitar work, and dark cryptic lyrics. The guitar work on here was seriously so much more complex than any song on here, which is both exciting and very disappointing. They seriously could have done with more songs like When I'm Blind, and less songs like On The Way, Never Be The Same, CREB, and Some Other Song. These songs are so simple that they really lose my interest. It is so evident that Martsch and company are capable of so much more, even at such an old age. These tracks aren't terrible, but to stack them up along tunes such as Car or Carry The Zero would be absolutely criminal. The songs don't feel nearly as intimate or full, and this makes me kind of sad. The worst track on here to me is Never Be The Same. This track literally sounds exactly like Big Me by Foo Fighters. It feels so lazily put together, and that's something I thought I'd never say about Martsch's music. It never gets nearly that bad again thankfully. I think that this album is inconsistent for lack of a better word. The high points are marvelous, and show that this band has plenty of reason to still be around, but sadly the low points show a huge lack of creativity from the band. Still, I would be lying if I said this thing is not still overall good. It is disappointing, but if you love the band, and if you enjoy Rock music, there is still plenty to enjoy.

Overall, I think this record may be Built To Spill's weakest to date, but it certainly still has its bright moments. If anything this album shows that this band still can make catchy and moving indie rock music, even if it is not their artistic peak. While this band may never be the same again, there is truly no reason to feel bad about that. They have given me so much happiness, so I cannot really complain. This album is still solid, but try not to look at its horrendously ugly album artwork.

Best Songs: All Our Songs, Living Zoo, Horizon To Cliff, So, When I'm Blind

Worst Songs: Never Be The Same, On The Way, Some Other Song, CREB

Album Review: Speedy Ortiz-Foil Deer

Speedy Does It Again!

Speedy Ortiz: Foil Deer
8.5/10












Speedy Ortiz are a very intriguing little band. Sadie Dupuis is a very good singer, but she also is a pretty quirky personality. She reminds me of one of those typical goth-emo girls you would think of, but she is not completely dark. She has some sweetness to her for sure, and I think this is reflected well in Speedy Ortiz's music. While their earlier, home recorded EP's demonstrate a more bleak and grimey side of them, their debut album Major Arcana showed plenty of glow amongst all the grime. I really have enjoyed everything they've done up to this point, especially Major Arcana. This album soars huge guitar riffs and very charismatic personality. There are a lot of bands in the vain of Speedy Ortiz, but none of them seem to pull off their style as masterfully as them to me. So with a follow up LP officially released, did Speedy slow down, or did they keep the pace? Well, I would say Foil Deer is another grim, well executed album from the band. This album is another sprint to the finish line.

The sound on Foil Deer is a little more honed in. This is noticable right out the gates with bombastic pop tunes such as Rasing The Skate. This song is very reminiscent of Major Arcana, but I think it is more confident and refined. That's not to say it's better, but I think this band has really found their own skin on this album. The Graduates is a tune that highlights the maturity of the record. The song tells the story of mischievous students getting into trouble, but it does not sound angsty or immature. It simply tells it how it is, and for that I can really appreciate it. It is also catchy as all hell. Homonovous is another tune that really caught my attention. This tune sounds like a classic Speedy song. It has that grim atmosphere, but amongst all the chaos there are some pretty guitar tunes. The tune seems to undergo many transformations, and it never struggles to do so. This one is certainly a favorite of mine. It's dark, compressed shout section is absolutely vintage Speedy Ortiz. It blends a lot of their dissonance with the aggression that they have been known to occasionally show. Puffer is possibly one of the weirdest tunes the band has made to dates, but it is certainly not bad. The track is absolutely filthy, but it kind of just floats there and finds its way into your brain. It's a pretty haunting track actually. Definitely some of their weirdest guitar work to date as well. Zig and My Dead Girl also stand out as emotional stand outs on Foil Deer. The album overall plays very well all the way through. The last two tracks: Mister Difficult and Dvrk Wvrld are some of the band's most intimate tunes. They showcase a more intimate side of Sadie, and overall they are a little more tame than most of the band's material, but they do not suffer because of this. I think these tunes really hit home because all the instruments feel very emotive and Sadie's lyrics feel very real as well. It's really nice to get tunes like this from a Speedy effort, and overall it is really refreshing to hear the band trying new things. While I do like that they tried a less explosive effort, I will say that Foil Deer is still not too far from their roots at all. If you once liked this band, you still will.

Overall, I think Foil Deer is an extremely solid follow up to Major Arcana. The album is pretty good all the way through, but I will admit it certainly lacks a little bit of the excitement of the first record. Tunes like Tiger Tank, and Pioneer Spine both packed energy that I felt few tunes on this thing had. More tracks on Major Arcana blew me away, but Foil Deer is certainly still a great album that does many new things, and moves the band forward as a whole.

Best Songs: Raising The Skate, The Graduates, Homonovous, Zig, My Dead Girl, Mister Difficult, and Dvrk Wvrld

Worst Songs: Dot X, Good Neck, Ginger