Type 3 Media » Album Reviews

Review: Candlebox – “Love Stories & Other Musings”

Editor — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:10:27 +0000

Candlebox
Love Stories & Other Musings

Release Date: April 3, 2012
Record Label: AudioNest/Fontana/Universal

Review:

Love Stories & Other Musings, the fifth studio album from Candlebox, is being released on April 3, 2012 via AudioNest/Fontana/Universal. Produced by Ken Andrews (Pete Yorn, A Perfect Circle, Tenacious D, Beck), the album features nine new songs, along with re-recordings of five of the band’s hits from the 1990′s, including the classics “Far Behind,” “Cover Me,” “You” and “Change.”

The album opens with the single “Believe In It,” a great catchy tune with killer riff and uplifting message. This track easily ranks as one of the band’s best. Other highlights include “Youth In Revolt,” a raucous high-energy number, the beautiful and pensive “She Come Over Me,” and the epic “Come Home,” which may be one of the most well-written pieces the band’s ever produced. The rocker in me gravitates to the dirty blues-infused sound of “Life Like Song.” The louder you crank it, the better it gets.

The last five tracks of the album, “Far Behind,” “You,” “Cover Me,” “Change,” and “Simple Lessons,” are re-recordings of the band’s previous well-known work. Candlebox didn’t throw in any major reworking of the songs’ structures, so the new versions of the songs are faithful reproductions of the originals. While it’s not clear exactly what was behind the decision to revisit these songs, these new versions, performed with greater musical prowess and maturity, kick-ass as much as the originals.

What I enjoy most about the new music on Love Stories & Other Musings is that the band continues moving forward, creating, evolving their sound, and producing great music. And only after they’ve hooked you on the new music do they close by saying, “oh by the way, we can still kick your ass with these tunes we recorded years ago.” Candlebox has convinced me to believe.

Track Listing:

Believe In It
Youth In Revolt
Sweet Summertime
Turn Your Heart Around
She Come Over Me
Life Like Song
Come Home
Baby Love Me
Them Eyes
Far Behind
You
Cover Me
Change
Simple Lessons

Purchase:

Links:

www.candleboxrocks.com
www.facebook.com/candleboxrocks
www.twitter.com/candleboxrocks

Review: Beak – “Eyri”

Brandon Marshall — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 02:38:46 +0000

Beak
Eyri

Release Date: April 3, 2012
Record Label: Someoddpilot

Review:

As of late, new releases in music have been far from inspiring for myself. It seems with each new release, bands are becoming more contrived and forced with the help of slick production. As a result, this has made me long for the raw and gritty sound of a hard-working blue collar band with everything to prove that bleeds music and actually plays it, not loops every note in Pro Tools.

While reading the bio on Beak, my morbid curiosity peaked and thought I would give them a spin while remaining far from optimistic. As the first track became the second and third, I found not exactly what I was looking for, but a band that sounds honest with a D.I.Y. approach.

With a five-song E.P entitled Eyri, the band’s debut is scheduled to be released on April 3rd (U.S) via Someoddpilot records. Beak is a sub-fusion of underground metal that takes the listener though a metal history lesson. Eyri displays heavy influence from Doom, Sludge, Post-Hardcore, Prog and even draws upon a few trace elements of Crust. Eyri maintains a heavy vs. melodic balance between tremolo picking and screeching vocals with Lo-fi production that gives a sound reminiscent of the 4-track.

Eyri is a strong debut from Beak that leaves the listener wanting more after the five-song EP is finished, mainly in part because it’s a decent disk. Not perfect, not original, but Eyri proves to be an exciting listen from start to finish.

Track Listing:

Angry Mother of Bones
Hands Collide
Men at Arms
Billions of Eyes
The Weight & Time

Links:

www.beakmusic.com

Review: HURT – “The Crux”

Kristen Pierson — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:22:43 +0000

HURT
The Crux

Release Date: May 1, 2012
Record Label: Carved Records

Review:

Hurt is set to release their latest album, The Crux, on May 1, 2012 via Carved Records. The album was produced by guitarist Michael Roberts and the band and mixed by John Kurzweg (Creed, Puddle of Mudd, Godsmack).

The writing and recording of the band’s previous album, Goodbye to the Machine, was done during a tight time-frame and with the added burden of having to replace a band member just prior to the start of production. This time around the band had more time to collaborate on the development of the songs for The Crux. “It was really important for us to get this right, so we took our time and put everything we had into it,” J. Loren notes in Hurt’s bio.

The Crux, like Hurt’s previous efforts Vol. 1 and Vol. II, is not simply a collection of individual songs. There are also solid production elements and a congruous stylistic undercurrent that binds the music on the album together as a cohesive work. Rek Mohr explained to Type 3 Media, “…a lot of the frustrations that we had, a lot of the anger comes out very vividly on this record. I would liken it to the Volumes but a whole lot angrier.”

Piano. Guitar. Then vocals, bass and drums. The first track, “So When,” comes alive and reaches for your throat. Then the chorus kicks in with layers upon layers of vocals and lifts you up then crushes you. “You swore that you’d die if you leave me, So why are you still breathing?” This track is a good representation of how the band has amalgamated the tones of their last two albums and added a dose of ire. That’s it, I’m already hooked.

The album continues through ten more tracks of compelling compositions, each with it’s own personality. “Eden” is loaded with jarring key changes and chord progressions, and then transitions into “Links and Waves,” an unwavering expression of bliss. “Sally Slips,” one of my favorite tracks, sashays its way through the verses until it begins a climatic rise into the chorus with the line, “I could neither fuck it or cover it, I’d rather smother it.” Makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up every time I hear it.

“When It’s Cold” is a deeply painful and disturbing song with matricidal undertones and features a killer riff and growling basslines. Every time the track ends I find myself reaching for the replay button. This is followed by “Adonai” which is well positioned to be an epic track from the album and is likely to stir up some lively debates regarding its thought-provoking religious theme.

“Cuffed” follows “Caught In The Rain,” and may be the surprise track of the album with a dynamic sound that’s a bit unlike anything Hurt’s offered previously. The range of emotion put into the vocal performance of this song is unparalleled. Weeping violins, punchy guitars, and where the hell did that fill come from?!?

“How We End Up Alone” has great sound and a relatable theme that makes it a good choice for the album’s first single. It’s more approachable to the masses on radio and gives listeners a suitable first taste of the music on the album. “Numbers,” which was originally released in 2010, has been reworked for the album. The most notable difference is that the mix sounds more lively and crisp. The album closes with the lighter mid-tempo piece, “The Seer.”

Musically, this is the tightest line-up of the band I’ve heard in years. Bassist Mohr and drummer Victor Ribas sound like they’ve been playing together for years, the guitars and other instrumentation have never sounded better, and it’s impossible to adequately put into words the quality of effort that Loren puts into the lyrics and vocals. “These are the finest musicians I’ve ever worked with, and we’ve regained the sense of brotherhood that the band had in the beginning, with everyone united to achieve a common goal,” states Loren. And it shows.

When you listen to many of the bands on today’s Active Rock charts the music sounds like it was pumped out of the same writing and production machine. The problem becomes that it’s difficult to stand out and claim any shred of artistic integrity when you sound like every other mainstream act out there. Hurt rejects such a formulaic approach to creating music and proves it with the tracks they laid down on The Crux. The result is an album you can listen to over and over and take away something new each time.

Track Listing:

So When
Eden
Links and Waves
Sally Slips
When It’s Cold
Adonai
Caught In The Rain
Cuffed
How We End Up Alone
Numbers
The Seer

Purchase:

Links:

www.hurtband.com
www.twitter.com/HURTofficial
www.youtube.com/HURTofficial
www.hurtmerch.com

Review: Rocco DeLuca – “Drugs ‘N Hymns”

Editor — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:00:10 +0000

Rocco DeLuca
Drugs ‘N Hymns

Release Date: March 6, 2012
Record Label: 429 Records

Review:

Drugs ‘N Hymns is the latest release from California native Rocco DeLuca. Previously working with producers Jude Cole and Daniel Lanois, this time around Deluca chose to take on the project himself. During a casual spin one might only hear the stripped down sound of DeLuca sitting in a mic’d room with a his National guitar. A closer listen reveals subtle layers and tones blended together to create a unique stories and musical environments.

The music on the album takes you on a journey from rootsy blues numbers like “Lucky” and “Amen” to masterfully crafted ambient looping pieces like “Sibylle,” “They Stride Like Gods.” and “Gorky.” Overall this album sounds like a more honest and personal expression by Rocco DeLuca, a bit removed from the raw distorted feel of Mercy, and the slicker, more commercially approachable I Trust You to Kill Me. I think were just beginning to hear DeLuca stretch his legs as an artist.

Track Listing:

Lucky
My My
Sibylle
Amen
Pray On
Windows
They Stride Like Gods
Snake Oil Salesman
Gorky
Drugs ‘N Hymns

Purchase:

Links:

www.roccodeluca.com

Review: The Pretty Reckless – “Hit Me Like A Man” EP

Editor — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 02:23:02 +0000

The Pretty Reckless
Hit Me Like A Man EP

Release Date: March 6, 2012
Record Label: Interscope Records

Review:

The new EP from The Pretty Reckless, titled Hit Me Like a Man, includes live renditions of “Make Me Wanna Die” and “Since You’re Gone” which were recorded at London’s Hammersmith Appollo on November 4 & 5, 2011. The tracks originally appeared on The Pretty Reckless’ debut full length, Light Me Up. The EP, produced by Kato Khandwala, also includes the three new tracks, “Under The Water,” “Cold Blooded,” and “Hit Me Like a Man.”

The EP kicks off with the live recording of “Make Me Wanna Die.” It’s a great recording of a killer performance. Taylor Momson’s vocals are spot-on and hearing the crowd sing along helps capture the essence of the band’s live show. This is followed by the title track, “Hit Me Like A Man,” which features a great guitar riff and another strong vocal performance by Momson.

The closing track, “Cold Blooded,” might be the coolest yet. It’s heavily influenced by the sound and feel of early rock tunes with a modern spin, not unlike something from bands like Aerosmith or Pink Floyd. It’s a great tune and a solid close to this EP. It seems like every time I hear new music from The Pretty Reckless, I just want to keep listening.

Track Listing:

Make Me Wanna Die (Live)
Hit Me Like A Man
Under The Water
Since You’re Gone (Live)
Cold Blooded

Purchase:

Links:

www.theprettyreckless.com

Review: Deer Tick “Tim” EP

Editor — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 03:05:45 +0000

Deer Tick
Tim EP

Release Date: February 28, 2012
Record Label: Partisan Records

Review:
The new EP from Deer Tick, Tim, is out on February 28, 2012, through Partisan Records. The tracks were recorded during the Divine Providence sessions, the band’s latest full-length. Included on the EP are four unreleased songs as well as an acoustic version of the single, “Main Street.”

The release begins with the rocker “Born at Zero” then slides in to the mid-tempo six-minute epic of “Walls.” “Virginia Gal” has a great blues-infused southern-rock vibe, while the dirge-like “She’s Not Spanish” utilizes strings and organ to amplify it’s character. The finishing touch, the spark that lights the fire, singer John McCauley’s gravelly vocals are overlaid on top of it all.

It’s hard to imagine that the recordings on the Tim EP are the songs not selected for the band’s last full-length. They’re just too good. Deer Tick’s leftovers are better than some bands’ main courses.

Track Listing:

Born at Zero
Walls
Virginia Gal
She’s Not Spanish
Main Street

Links:

www.deertickmusic.com

Album Review: Harriet – “Tell The Right Story” EP

Editor — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:00:08 +0000

Harriet
Tell The Right Story EP

Release Date: January 31, 2012

Review:

Harriet is a Los Angeles-based band fronted by former Dawes member Alex Casnoff. The quartet’s self-released debut EP Tell The Right Story will be available for free download beginning January 31, 2012 at www.harrietmusic.com. The EP was produced by Sean O’Brien and recorded in Los Angeles and Sacramento.

According to the band’s press release, Tell The Right Story features classic elements of Americana and folk music contrasted with futuristic electronic samples and beats. The group blends tones, melodies and instrumentation that normally shouldn’t fit together, but are bound seamlessly. Casnoff’s emotive vocals are overlaid over beautifully structured progressions. Enough can’t be said about just how good Harriet’s songwriting is. Tell The Right Story is a gem of a release that shines for anyone lucky enough to dig it up.

Track Listing:

“I Slept With All Your Mothers”
“Soldier”
“Sign”
“Don’t Fight The Feeling”
“Send ‘Em Up”

Listen:

Harriet “I Slept With All Your Mothers” by HarrietMusic

Links:

www.harrietmusic.com

Album Review: The Little Willies, “For the Good Times”

Editor — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:33:24 +0000

The Little Willies
For the Good Times

Release Date: January 10, 2012
Record Label: Milking Bull/EMI

Review:

The Little Willies recently gathered to record For The Good Times, the follow-up to their 2006 self-titled debut. The group – Lee Alexander (bass), Jim Campilongo (guitar), Norah Jones (piano, vocals), Richard Julian (guitar, vocals) and Dan Rieser (drums) – first formed in 2003. Like their first album, For The Good Times is another collection of country covers from classic country songwriters, including Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, and Dolly Parton.

The music on this album sounds flawless — not that it’s too precise, but flawless in a sense that you wouldn’t want to hear it played in any other way. The vocal interplay between Jones and Julian ranges from playful and warm to subtly mischievous. Intertwined throughout is stunning musicianship with Campilongo’s mastery of his Telecaster, Jones’ distinctive piano style, and Alexander and Rieser laying down a lively foundation on bass and drums for the music to flow over.

Most exciting to hear is how effortlessly the band makes it all seem. These are songs of notable character and the band has taken great care to draw out as much of that character as possible from each performance, while maintaining an atmosphere of spontaneity and comfort — it’s never forced, and you can just tell that they simply feel it. Put down your red cup, and take a listen to For The Good Times to be reminded of what country music once was, and fall in love with it all over again.

Track Listing:

“I Worship You” (Ralph Stanley)
“Remember Me” (Scotty Wiseman)
“Diesel Smoke, Dangerous Curves” (Cal Martin)
“Lovesick Blues” (Cliff Friend, Irving Mills)
“Tommy Rockwood” (Jim Campilongo)
“Fist City” (Loretta Lynn)
“Permanently Lonely” (Willie Nelson)
“Foul Owl On The Prowl” (Quincy Jones, Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman)
“Wide Open Road” (Johnny Cash)
“For the Good Times” (Kris Kristofferson)
“If You’ve Got The Money I’ve Got The Time” (Lefty Frizzell, Jim Beck)
“Jolene” (Dolly Parton)

Purchase:

Links:

www.thelittlewillies.net

The Little Willies Announce Select Dates

Album Review: Rammstein – “Made in Germany 1995 – 2011″

Editor — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 22:27:55 +0000

Rammstein
Made in Germany 1995 – 2011

Release Date: December 13, 2011
Record Label: Vagrant Records/Universal Germany

Review:

Rammstein’s retrospective release, Made In Germany 1995 – 2011, was released on Dec. 13 through Universal Germany’s marketing and distribution deal in the US with Vagrant Records. The release comes in three formats; Standard Edition (CD Digipak – Best of Album), Special Edition (2-CD Digipak – Best of Album and Best of Remixes), and the Super Deluxe Edition (2-CD – Best of Album and Best of Remixes/3 DVDs/packaged in a steel box complete with a 240-page booklet/Limited to 1200 copies in the US). All songs and videos on Made In Germany 1995 – 2011 have been re-mastered for this release, and fans are also treated to a new single titled “Mein Land.”

I normally don’t review “Best of” or “Greatest Hits” releases, but this one is just too good not to talk about. The band has amassed a very strong catalog over the past sixteen years. It’s very cool to hear those remastered tracks along with remixes by the likes of Faith No More, Devin Townsend, and even Pet Shop Boys. The perfect gift for any Rammstein fan, or those you want to convert.

Track Listing:

Best of Album

“Engel” (Angel)
“Links 2-3-4″ (Left 2-3-4)
“Keine Lust” (No Desire)
“Mein Teil” (My Part)
“Du Hast” (You Have)
“Du Riechst So Gut” (You Smell So Good)
“Ich Will” (I Want)
“Mein Herz Brennt” (My Heart Burns)
“Mutter” (Mother)
“Pussy” (Vagina)
“Rosenrot” (Rose-red)
“Haifisch” (Shark)
“Amerika” (America)
“Sonne” (Sun)
“Ohne Dich” (Without You)
“Mein Land” (My Country)

Best of Remixes

“Du Riechst So Gut ’98″ (Faith No More Remix)
“Du Hast” (Jacob Hellner Remix)
“Stripped” (Johan Edlund of Tiamat Remix)
“Sonne” (Clawfinger Remix)
“Links 2-3-4″ (WestBam Remix)
“Mutter” (Sono Remix)
“Feuer Frei!” (Junkie XL Remix)
“Mein Teil” (Pet Shop Boys Remix)
“Amerika” (Olsen Involtini of Emigrate Remix)
“Ohne Dich” (Laibach Remix)
“Keine Lust” (Black Strobe Remix)
“Benzin” (Meshuggah Remix)
“Rosenrot” (Northern Lite Remix)
“Pussy” (Scooter Remix)
“Rammlied” (Devin Townsend Remix)
“Ich tu Dir Weh” (Fukkk Offf Remix)
“Haifisch” (Hurts Remix)

Purchase:

Links:

www.rammstein.de

Album Review: Mike Patton – “From The Film and Inspired by the Book The Solitude of Prime Numbers”

Editor — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:06:50 +0000

Mike Patton
From The Film and Inspired By the Book The Solitude of Prime Numbers (La Solitudine Dei Numeri Primi)

Release Date: November 1, 2011
Record Label: Ipecac Recordings

Review:
Mike Patton has been scoring films for a few years now, such as for 2008′s A Perfect Place and 2009′s Crank: High Voltage. His latest effort, titled Music From The Film and Inspired By the Book The Solitude of Prime Numbers (La Solitudine Dei Numeri Primi), is a 16-track album released via Ipecac Recordings.

Soundtracks are initially composed to support the imagery taking place on the screen, but when presented on their own they can become something entirely different. Patton has done an amazing job of creating a collection of work that stands out on its own. Each piece dynamically exploits sound and silence to create a unique sense of emotion and character. It’s no minor feat to successfully jump from using production techniques that require layers and layers of tracks to something more stripped down but just as powerful.

I recently read an interview with Patton where he describes his collection of film soundtracks. The more that he, along with his contemporaries like Trent Reznor and Maynard James Keenan, keep crating incredible film scores, the more my collection keeps growing as well.

Track Listing:

02-Twin Primes
03-Identity Matrix
05-Method Of Infinite Descent
07-Contapositive
11-Cicatrix
13-Abscissa
17-Isolated Primes
19-Radius Of Convergence
23-Separatrix
29-The Snow Angel
31-Apnoea
37-Supersingular Primes
41-Quadratrix
43-Calculus Of Finite Differences
47-Zeroth
53-Weight Of Consequences (Quod Erat Demonstrandum)

Purchase:

Links:

Type 3 Media » Album Reviews

Review: Candlebox – “Love Stories & Other Musings”

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