Twenty One Pilots "Vessel"

Tracklist:

1. Ode To Sleep
2. Holding On To You
3. Migraine
4. House Of Gold
5. Car Radio
6. Semi-Automatic
7. Screen
8. The Run and Go
9. Fake You Out
10. Guns For Hands
11. Trees
12. Truce

 

So, I have been hearing talk about a band named Twenty One Pilots. I didn't have the slightest idea of what genre they were or what they sound like. After looking up their music videos on Youtube, I decided, I HAVE to buy and review this album!

I discovered that there's only 2 members of Twenty One Pilots, Tyler Joseph (vocals, synths, piano, and ukulele) and Josh Dun (drums). They are pretty different than anything I've heard. Considering now-a days, you can't just label one specific genre to a band or artist. But man are these guys creative. They managed to mix pop-rock, hip-hop, and dance music together. They transition so well to pop-rock to hip-hop and back again. So much so that they were signed to Fueled By Ramen in 2012. The same label that has the bands, Fun., Paramore, and Panic! At The Disco. Then this wondrous album I have listened to was created in early 2013, they call it "Vessel".

I've come to realize that Tyler has a great voice and it's very melodic and there's also meaning behind his lyrics. Each track is different in it's own way. The tracks with the great dance beats make you want to jump up and down, especially when there is a build up leading to it. Not every track on the album has some crazy raps in them, some songs are dance songs with rap in the middle, and others are pop-rock songs with rap in the beginning and end, and the other OTHER songs are just melodic vocals with piano, ukulele, and drums. But my favorite tracks were however, Holding On To You, Car Radio, Semi-Automatic, and Guns For Hands.

Listening to every part of this album makes me have some mad respect for the duo. The way the songs are put together and Tyler's lyrics make me think that this just isn't a band, that it's more than that. This album is different than anything I've listened to. Okay, so some of the pop-rock parts in the songs remind me of some other pop bands, but the band itself, as a whole is original. I think I found an album and a band that I'm going to be listening to for a while.

Arctic Monkeys- "AM"

Tracklist:

1. Do I Wanna Know?
2. R U Mine?
3. One For The Road
4. Arabella
5. I Want It All
6. No.1 Party Anthem
7. Mad Sounds
8. Fireside
9. Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High?
10. Snap Out Of It
11. Knee Socks
12. I Wanna Be Yours

It's here! It's here! I've been patiently waiting for the new album, "AM", from the brilliant UK band, Arctic Monkeys. Can you tell I am a fan? If you haven't heard at least a little of these dudes, you are music deprived. I'm sorry, but someone had to tell you. But really, the music that these guys create is more alternative rock. Although, this album has got some funk bass lines and some rock and roll guitar. I've also noticed that, "AM", has some melodic backing vocals in every song. I found out, Josh Homme, from Queens Of The Stone Age did in fact help with some vocals and a bit of the album as well.  It's a nice touch and different way to go from their previous albums. The backing vocals kind of remind me of the band, The Black Keys. From the vocals, guitar solos, to the way the songs are set up.

"Do I Wanna Know?" is the first track, and I like that this is the song they chose for the introduction to the album. It's got a hard steady beat throughout the song. But it's slow paced, like one of those 80's rock and roll bands when the guitar and drums are in sync with the same beat and rhythm.

"R U Mine?" is their second track and also one of my favorites. It's faster, and give you the chance to rock out. I love how vocalist/songwriter, Alex Turner, sing the lyrics so they are set up to fit in the song. For example, he will sing each word in the song, and they in the chorus it will jumble them all together, which makes the lyrics bounce. If that makes any sense? Haha. The guitar riff and solos in this song also remind me of, again, The Black Keys and Wolfmother for some reason. I think it's the tone of the guitar.

"One For The Road" and "Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High?" are one of the funky songs that I liked. These songs also have the bouncy lyrics, with the funky bass lines and drum beats. "One For The Road" did in fact have a tambourine in the chorus, I have no idea why that's so cool to me. As I listen to the lyrics to this album, I noticed that the melodic words that are sung by Alex, are words of heart break. Poor Alex, you'll be okay buddy! "Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High?" is a good heart break song, but it all ended with a crash! ....Symbol.

"Arabella", "I Want It All", and "No.1 Party Anthem" all in order, weren't my absolute favorite tracks on the album. But they were still good songs. "Arabella" is a good rock song, it's got a slow start and loud 80's feel chorus, they back to slow paced for the 2nd verse. "I Want It All" had the same guitar chords throughout the song, so it didn't "wow" me. But the guitar solos were excellent. "No.1 Party Anthem" sounds  like a slow love ballad, its mainly drums and piano. Sadly, he's singing about broken love.

"Mad Sounds" and "Fireside" have different tones in each track. They each had piano but not just any ordinary piano, it's what I call, "church piano". That's pretty much the only way I can describe it. "Mad Sounds" is slower than "Fireside" but it's a good hangout song. "Fireside" has the heartbreak lyrics again, but has a fast drum beat and what sounds like patting in the background throughout the song.

"Snap Out Of It" is a good singalong with claps and drums with the same beat, and the piano has the same tempo as each of them. In the middle of the track, the drums, claps, and vocals are the only ones playing. I love it when bands do that. It builds my suspense and makes everything so epic.

"Knee Socks" is one of those songs that paints a picture in your head with the lyrics. The guitar bounces around as the lyrics are being sung. The steady drums of the song remind me of yet another band, The White Stripes. Sorry!

"I Wanna Be Yours" is a great song to end the album with. It's got a slow start with an echoing guitar. The lyrics are so lovely, it's a good love song. 

"I wanna be your vacuum cleaner

Breathing in your dust

I wanna be your Ford Cortina

I won't ever rust

If you like your coffee hot

Let me be your coffee pot

You call the shots babe

I just wanna be yours"

How cute is that? Maybe, it's just because I'm a romantic, and a girl haha.

Yes, I know. I name dropped a few bands here and there. But, that was only to get you to know what I'm talking about. When it comes down to it, Arctic Monkeys have a sound all their own. Even though I wasn't crazy about a few songs, I still think that this was a really good album. It's not because I'm a fan either! Go buy this album now! NOW I TELL YA!

Arctic Monkeys "Suck It And See"

Tracklist:

1. She's Thunderstorms
2. Black Treacle
3. Brick By Brick
4. The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala
5. Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair
6. Library Pictures
7. All My Own Stunts 
8. Reckless Serenade
9. Pile Driver Waltz
10. Lover Is A Lazerquest
11. Suck It  And See
12. That's Where Your Wrong

Okay so I know this isn't exactly a new album from the Arctic Monkeys, but it is their latest! They're new album "AM" is supposed to be released in September of this year, woot woot!

If  you haven't heard of this UK based band, you should check out a cou ple of their hit songs, "Flourescent Adolescent", "I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor", and "R U Mine?" They are a good rock band , some alternative, and rock'n'roll mixed as well. They're signed to EMI, Warner Bros. Records, and Domino Recording Company. Anyways, on with the album.

The first track, "She's Thunderstorms", sounds like one of those cheesy high school bands that play that one slow songs at prom. It is slow, but it's also has a good rock beat to it. The second track, "Black Trecle", is a good hangout song. It doesn't have a fast paced, rocking out chorus, if that makes any sense. But it is a good alternative song. "Brick by Brick" is the third track and my favorite song. It has a really good rock vibe. You absolutely have to rock out to this song, bob your head and everything. Though I've noticed that this album has a handful of slower songs. As far as, a steady beat throughout the song and spoken lyrics. Only a few of the songs are jamming rock songs. Those ones were my favorite. "Library Pictures" was one of them, sadly, it was only 2 minutes and 22 seconds. =(  Don't get me wrong, I do like slow songs, but Arctic Monkeys are so good at jamming out, they make me want more. Every time I hear a slow song, I'm just waiting for a build up. "Reckless Serenade" and "Lover Is A Lazerquest" are one of the slow songs but they do have some good beats in there.

To be honest, as a fan, I wasn't amazed by this album, but it's alright. I had my share of jamming out and just sitting, moving side to side to the beat and lyrics of the songs. It's worth the listen. But don't expect any hardcore rock and roll like I did.

Summer In Siberia- Self Titled

Summer In Siberia

 

 

 

 

 

 

Track List:

1. Spectres
2. The You In Focus
3. Already Heard
4. Someday I'll Procrastinate
5. Wyoming Portal
6. Eyes Glued
7. Clouds On A Sunday
8. Ice Pose
9. Filler Song #9
10. Studio 8H
11. Easy To Forget

 

 

 

 

So I came across this awesome band, called Summer In Siberia, out of nowhere...literally. It started at the 2013 Sasquatch Music Festival in Quincy, WA. And, no they did not perform at the festival. But fortunately enough, I met the singer and keyboardist, Justin Hynes of Summer In Siberia. The band is from Spokane, WA, and they're not currently signed to a label. Hear that record companies?! So needless to say, I was handed their self titled album and asked to review it.

The first track on the album is called "Spectres". Which surprised me, because I had no idea what genre of music the band was. It has an electro-pop vibe, with the electric drum set, simple keyboard riffs, and the occasional guitar thrown in. I know how this sounds while you're reading this, like one of those bands that records their album in a closet. Well, this isn't the case! These guys have an album cover and everything! Anyways, the second track is, "The You In Focus", which was again a dance song, not crazy, but an easy rock yourself side-to-side dance song. "Already Heard" was, one of the slower songs to the album. It's got those keyboard riffs, and the electric drums. But one thing I do really like about this band, that I've noticed, is the vocals. The vocals are melodic, but not over powering. Just simple, and that's what I like, most of the time. The fourth track is called, "Someday I'll Procrastinate". It starts out with an upbeat feel, then goes out to a jam session for the chorus. The track is a really good relaxing song. The next few tracks called, "Eyes Glued" and "Clouds On A Sunday" are one big jam session. Just instruments playing left and right. Gotta love musicians rocking out, right? Although, "Eyes Glued" is a bit harder than "Clouds On A Sunday" but they both work. There's a track on the album called, "Studio 8H". All I wrote for that song in my notes is, super electronic dance jam. So there you go. "Ice Pose", "Wyoming Portal", "Filler Song #9", and "Easy To Forget" are the good hang out songs of the album. Actually, scratch that, ALL of the songs on the self titled album are good hang out songs.

 

 

I really liked this album, especially because I had no idea what to expect. I think my two favorite songs so far are, "Spectres" and "Eyes Glued". Those songs are more technical, to me at least. For some reason I like that sort of thing. But it's all good stuff. I would definitely recommend buying their stuff on iTunes. Or at least take a listen!

 

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/SummerInSiberia

Website: www.SummerInSiberia.BandCamp.com

 

 

 

Vampire Weekend "Modern Vampires Of The City"

Track List:

1. Obvious Bicycle
2. Unbelievers
3. Step
4. Diane Young
5. Don't Lie
6. Hannah Hunt
7. Everlasting Arms
8. Finger Back
9. Worship You
10. Ya Hey
11. Hudson
12. Young Lion

The lovely Vampire Weekend has released their new album in mid-May called, "Modern Vampires Of The City." You might know them from their other popular songs, "A-Punk", "Cousins", and "Holiday". Vampire Weekend has developed their indie-rock sound in their hometown of New York City and are currently signed to XL Recordings.

 

The first track on the album is called, "Obvious Bicycle". It's an odd way to start off an album. Why? Well, because its a really slow song, with vocals and piano for about 4 minutes. The song isn't bad, but you would think VW would place it somewhere else on the album. Then it moves on to a more upbeat and cheery song, it's called "Unbelievers". Next it goes to "Step", which has kind of a techno vibe and a soft beat and vocals throughout the song. After that, the album goes from fast to slow, to both. How is that possible? I have no idea. From crazy songs like "Diane Young" to "Hannah Hunt", "Ya Hey" and "Hudson", which pretty much made me feel like I was watching a scary movie, the music sounded straight out of a horror film with a story attached to it.

 

But honestly, the whole album was all over the place. Each song is way more different than the next one, from the instruments, the beats, and the genre itself. All of it is completely random, like, you don't really know which way the songs are going to go. The album isn't bad, it just wasn't what I expected, it through me off guard. It's slightly different than their past albums. It's just....weird. You just have to listen to it a couple times to get down with the madness!