Tag: self-titled
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The Veronicas: ‘The Veronicas’
Popular twin duo The Veronicas released their first album since 2007 today.
After forming in 2004, their first two albums peaked at No. 2 on the Australian charts and both were certified platinum in their home country. They are the first Australian artists to have a single certified platinum in the U.S., which they did with “Untouched” three years later. So what halted their progress and prevented a new release for seven years? They began writing for the third album in 2009, but progress was slow as the two had outside projects to work on. The album was due to be released in 2012, but due to conflicts with their label, the release date was postponed even longer. The Veronicas then decided to completely change the theme of their already completed album, which resulted in an even later release date. After leaving Warner Bros. Records, they signed with Sony and announced the release date would be late 2014. With the new album, the duo will also launch their first tour since 2009 next year.
In order to continue gaining popularity after their hiatus, their self-titled third album must be a homerun. Because they’ve been irrelevant as a duo in the music scene for so long, there is no guarantee of reclaiming their previous success. Their first single off the album “You Ruin Me” already debuted at No. 1 on the Australian charts. It goes without saying they will remain popular in their home country, despite the hiatus. But achieving international success for the second time will prove more difficult for the duo.
To say the least, this album is interesting. They definitely attempt to stay relevant with “Did You Miss Me,” an anthem proclaiming their return. The song contains EDM-style music and even rapping on occasion, which we’ve heard much of over the past few months with Iggy Azaelea and Nicki Minaj. There are definite hits and misses, present on most any album heard today. Much of The Veronicas’ tired style, which made them famous in earlier years, shows through on a fair portion of the album. This is either positive or negative, depending on the listener. If you’re nostalgic for a return to 2007, then you’ll be satisfied with these songs and disregard the rest. If you’re looking for more experimentation, you’ll be happy with about half of the album. Regardless of your musical preference, chances are you’ll only listen to select songs off the album. With such differing styles throughout the album, it’s unclear what the duo was attempting with their return. Some of the most notable songs are “You and Me,” their current single and power ballad “You Ruin Me” and “Line of Fire,” which fans are already raving over.
Dedicated fans will more than likely fawn over this album simply because the duo has been out of the industry for several years. The album doesn’t scream comeback, but it is interesting, nonetheless. There are songs for more traditional fans and for fans who are looking for something new. Overall, the album is an odd collection of songs that lack a definite theme. Listeners are most likely to pick and choose specific songs for purchase, rather than the entire album. I can’t help but wonder what the original version of their third album sounded like prior to their revamp and how it compares to the version in our possession today.
3.5/5
Axxa/Abraxas: ‘Axxa/Abraxas’
Sometimes, you have to learn to be happy exactly where you are. And, thankfully, once in a blue moon, musical acts like Axxa/Abraxas emerge and remind me again why I’m so proud to be living in Athens, Georgia. The project of University of Georgia alum Ben Asbury is a unique blend of music and art that never ceases to inspire with its melting pot of 60s pop, 70s psych and post-punk. On March 4, all of this wonderment culminates in the release of Axxa / Abraxas’ self-titled debut album.
I suggest starting with the album’s first two singles (below), “I Almost Fell” and “On The Run”, especially if you’re a little weary of heavy psychedelia. Their sound is quite different from the rest of the album, yet still fits ideally between the other eight tracks. “I Almost Fell” is what would happen if A Flock of Seagulls was transported to the 70s, while “On The Run” dips deeper into straight rock n’ roll. This track is simultaneously reminiscent of the Doors and today’s surf punk bands – an odd but strangely satisfying combination.
The rest of the record proves to be much more expectedly 70s, a lot more lyrically inclined. “Ryan Michalak (Is Coming To Town)” opens the album in an instrumental haze of violin before jumping into a fuzzy-voiced tale about – what else – an old friend returning. Harder tracks like “So Far Away” make me feel like I’ve turned on an old Cream record, while more thoughtful tunes like “Painted Blue” tell me, “Close your eyes so your mind can see.” Groovy, no?
If at all possible, try to pick up a physical copy of the album – Asbury was in part picked up by the Captured Tracks label because of his demos’ stunning D.I.Y. silkscreen art. But don’t take too long eyeing this inevitably gorgeous cover art. You’ll want to get to listening to this psych masterpiece, stat.
PREVIEW: September Call-Up’s self-titled
Hey guys and gals – September Call-Up (formerly releasing as Christian Bitto) is back to introduce a few new songs from his upcoming full-length album September Call-Up to be released later this year under the name. Bitto is going on a mini-tour this month and will be giving away his three promo songs that are on the album (hell yes).
First song on the album is called “Ghost”. It has a steady driven beat that eventually calms down to slow verses, accented by subtle bass and drums, as well as a soft strum of guitar. Towards the end of the song, Bitto’s sings, “I don’t need a ghost that makes me afraid/I don’t need a ghost tells me where to lay/I don’t need a ghost tells me when to pray/ I don’t need a ghost/Don’t need a ghost/I’ll pray to ghosts at night/They’ll keep me/ Safe/.” Interpret this however you wish, but I took it as a commentary about outside influences controlling people’s beliefs and actions. The message is subtly powerful, and Bitto delivers it without cramming it down your throat.
The second song is called “Song No. 3”. This song, also slower paced and driving, is strong but not loud. It sounds so melancholy and apologetic; yet towards the end, Bitto’s emotion definitely shines through as his voice gets a little grittier.
The last song of the promo is called “Our First Fall”. It’s fully acoustic – just Bitto and his guitar. This is my favorite of the three. If the title doesn’t tell you, the song is about lovers parting. I love the simplicity of songs like this – just two music entities put together in perfect synergy… “Time stops when the camera clicks/You sit quietly, bite your lip/Forever stays forever in a picture frame/It’s not the same/Time stops when the camera clicks/You cry angrily, clinch your fists/This isn’t it, this is not okay/My perfect life a picture frame/Picture frame/.” How can lyrics like that not get you?
Tour Dates:
Jan 18- VIP Taproom, Bethlehem PA
Jan 19- Pete’s Candy Store, Brooklyn NY
Jan 20- Stella Blues (with special guests No Program, Samantha Benderoth Band), New Haven CT
REVIEW: Adventures self-titled EP
Upon my first listen of Adventures self-titled EP, I realized that No Sleep Records had done it again. The album, which will drop September 11, instantly blew me away and surpassed any expectation I may have had.
The line-up of Adventures seems to go something like this:
-Three parts former Code Orange Kids members
-Two parts friends of previously mentioned members
What became of this five-piece collaboration was simplicity at its finest, ultimately birthing an indie masterpiece.
Adventures oozes heartfelt emotion throughout its entirety, starting with the first track titled “I Feel So Sure”. Reba Meyers takes control of the track from start to finish, effortlessly striking chords that ring all the way down to your insides.
The second track, “Walking”, starts off slow yet again and is a pleasant follow-up to “I Feel So Sure”. In “Walking”, Reba subtly introduces a vocal twist of melodic screams (and owns it, at that) that would be echoed in full force on the last track of the EP.
Once “Like Seed” came on, though I was saddened by the knowledge that I was three fourths of the way through the EP, I was delightfully met with a male vocal/female vocal match up that made it impossible to sulk. “I’m watching time age before me as my biggest fears face reality, I’ve never had as much confidence in anyone, and I have never been so scared” is a powerful line that Meyers sings in harmony before being met again with the male vocals and, simultaneously, ending the song out together with a perfect display of lyrical repetition. Out of the four tracks, this one hit the hardest with me. The band released the song to viewers online and can be heard here.
The last track off Adventures, “Reach Out To You”, would be considered the heaviest of the four tracks. The subtle melodic screams mentioned in “Walking” are predominant in this track, giving it a sound of its own and validating its need to be premiered as the first released track of the EP.
The anticipation of their self-titled EP has been mounting all over (and for good reason. Adventures was featured in in Absolutepunk.net’s top 100 of 2012, who spoke of the EP as a “fabricated blanket of harmonies and heartbreak, worthy of anyone’s sweater and Hemingway collection”.
Adventures’ sound could easily be related to fellow indie rockers, Tigers Jaw, or Lemuria. But, with a sound like theirs, you really don’t need to compare. When something works so well on its own it is best to take it for what it is and enjoy.
Don’t just take my word for it! Head on over to the band’s Facebook page and see for yourself.