Album Review Briefs

Editor — Mon, 18 May 2009 12:26:59 +0000

Every few months the pile of un-reviewed CDs in the Type 3 Media office reaches critical mass (for one reason or another). Rather than just file the discs away, I thought I’d give them another listen. Out of the pile, I uncovered a few very good albums that, despite being out for a while, I feel are deserving of some attention.

Steve Kilbey
Painkiller
Release Date: February 17, 2009
Record Label: Second Motion

The brilliance of this album can’t be understated. Music in the vein of Roger Waters and Lou Reed, but with a modern flair. The album closes with a 30-plus minute ambient piece that so fascinating I’ve listened to it twice in a row on more than one occasion.

http://www.myspace.com/stevekilbey

Norma Jean
The Anti Mother
Release Date: August 5, 2008
Record Label: Tooth & Nail Records

Norma Jean has a spark absent from many similar bands in the genre, and they’ve almost figured out how to capitalize on it. This is one album that shouldn’t be over-analyzed… just crank it up to piss-off the neighbors.

http://www.myspace.com/normajean

ism
Urgency
Release Date: August 5, 2008
Record Label: STM Records

This was probably the best surprise out of the stack. There so much complexity to how this album is written and produced and it’s remarkable that it comes from a young up and coming band. The only fault might be that they did too much and if allowed to progress a little more organically the music would have been a nine.

http://www.ismmusic.com/
http://www.myspace.com/ism

Opiate For The Masses
Manifesto
Release Date: July 8, 2008
Record Label: Century Media

This is a really solid album from post-hardcore band Opiate For The Masses. Infectious riffs and driving beats combine with powerful vocals. Talent aside, a few more musical risks could have made this album truly great.

http://www.myspace.com/opiateforthemasses

Mamiffer
Hirror Enniffer
Release Date: September 23, 2008
Record Label: Hydra Head Records

This is the album I like to put on in order to rest. Not quite as edgy as Bohren & der Club of Gore, but still full of lush brooding textures of atmospheric jazz. Labels don’t do it justice. This one must be heard.

http://www.myspace.com/mamiffer

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Album Review Briefs

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