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Twin Town High (vol. 8) |
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Engaging Eight: CD Reviews
Friday 03 January @ 11:06:43 |
 by Celeste Tabora
1. The Sea & Cake - One Bedroom
2. The Aluminum Group - Happyness
3. Trabant - Moment of Truth
4. Racebannon - Santa's Kickin' Yr Dick In
5. The Boxes - The Boxes
6. Denison Witmer - Philadelphia Songs
7. David Cross - Shut Up You %@!#$&ing Baby
8. Sybarite - Nonument
The Sea & Cake
One Bedroom
(Thrill Jockey)
I’m sitting through this truly enjoyable listen, and I only wish I could afford to purchase this sixth release by the Sea & Cake for everyone on my X-mas list. (Money’s not the only problem— the album doesn’t come out until January.) Sam Prekop’s vocals are gentle and relaxing. His guitar work, and that of Archer Prewitt, engage the listener as the blips and beeps make the songs interesting and satisfying. With each release, S&C prove that their albums are timeless, hinting at no real time or age but the present—a feat which many other bands have failed to accomplish. Another must-have masterpiece by this Chicago band.
The Aluminum Group
Happyness
(Wishing Tree)
Contemporary indie rock crafted by musically-proficient brothers. This music calls out to fans of all ages. “I Blow You Kisses” is sinfully romantic, painting a convincing picture of wild affection. “Kid” is tender and sympathetic. Each song is melody-driven and easy-listening radio friendly. An instant favorite for those willing to let music lull them into serenity.
Trabant
Moment Of Truth
(Thule Music Iceland)
Trabant, along with fellow Icelandic band The Funerals (with whom they share members Vidar Hakon Gislason & Porvaldur H. Grondal) are being hailed as Reykjavik’s most interesting new bands. This disc ranges from “Enter Spacebar” (a track reminiscent of Stereolab’s spacey sound, but mixed with a Daft Punk record slowed-down by a DJ finger) to “Traktor Intro,” an ambient soundscape that would sound at home in a late-night coffeehouse. Those of the rock persuasion, however, may find this album a bore.
Racebannon
Santa’s Kickin’ Yr Dick In
(Secretly Canadian)
Sometimes this band wanders too far into the weird part of artsy to continue being artsy; they just become bothersome noise. The rest of the time they’re fascinating to listen to—and even more interesting to decide what the hell they’re trying to get across. I guess they’re schtick is being “frightening”; but it’s more disturbing on your auditory senses.
The Boxes
The Boxes
(independent release)
These four girls are exponents of Joan Jett/Debbie Harry/Go-go’s/Pat Benatar-style estrogen power music. Their second track, titled “Rich Kid,” features juvenile lyrics like “You’re a rich kid/I’m not/You still think it’s cool to grow your own pot/Go home.” But they’re cute girls who look like they can rock. (Their Web site has pictures of them.) So you make the call.
Denison Witmer
Philadelphia Songs
(Burnt Toast Vinyl)
Mixing the folksy singer-songwriter approach to making music with an indie rock vibe is Wirtmer’s forte. Possessed of a fragile voice that reminds one of the ’60s coffeehouse sound (not to mention every single decade since) Witmer can sound like no one and everyone all at once. Sure it’s pretty, honest, seemingly vulnerable—but it can make the winter blues a little bit more depressing and lonely. If you’re the type who relishes that sort of feeling, then by all means, listen to this record. You’ll probably love it to death.
David Cross
Shut Up You %@!#$&ing Baby
(Sub Pop)
Oh my goodness, why is David Cross so hilarious? There is not just one but two discs full of funnies. There’s good times and bad times, music and talking…. Everything is funny about this if you are open-minded and can take a joke. Even the liner notes are funny. Oh god, reading the thank-yous was so great. It was one of my favorite moments in my life. I will never forget that moment. You know you could use a good laugh, just look at you. Get this disc and shut up you %@!#$&ing baby.
Sybarite
Nonument
(4AD)
Multi-instrumentalist and Brooklyn resident Xian Hawkins (Silver Apples) is a bedroom-recording artist performing like an undercover agent. He uses mid-tempo electronic beats inspired by classical music formulas. With texture and melodies, and its eerie composure, Nonument represents an evolution in Hawkins’ work. He clearly loves to push the boundaries, and experiments without apology. Good for musical brainiacs.
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