Indie Music Reviews – January

After a super dry December (yet an outstanding album to satisfy my requirements) January has released some outstanding albums. I don’t think I can express enough how excited I am to get my hands on the newest Sleigh Bells next month (even if it is delayed a week). Take a listen of some cut tracks from January. (Spotify playlist)

The Big Pink – Future This (01/16/12)

The lack of tremendous sound is evident as soon as you start this album. The time span between this release and their previous leads to great expectations. I don’t think that “Future This” falls completely flat as there are distinct songs that have a some loud textures that you might find yourself listening to them repeatedly. The only issue is that these clear cuts might be the only thing you listen to. The entire album flows easy but without grabbing you as you hope tracks should. It’s an easy pill to swallow. It’s a great background album without distracting you from your conversation. I had hoped for better but I still enjoyed it. [6/10]

Cloud Nothings – Attack on Memory (01/24/12)

This is where messy works. Cloud Nothings have constantly maintained their lo-fi, fast, intrepid tracks throughout their releases. It really works for them. It’s almost a hyper-type energy they emit. Their latest takes that same voraciousness and expounds it to another level. That level could be quantified as “matured” but it’s more like they took the time to put more thought and depth into their lyrics and sound. Or they used a producer to help sculpt their sound. When starting with the first track, “No Future/No Past” you will notice that the sound and style has completely changed. Luckily they bring their older lo-fi pop sounds back in the subsequent tracks, but the distinct change is apparent. [7/10]

Nada Surf – The Stars are Indifferent to Astronomy (01/24/12)

You remember that band you loved in high school and you wish they would release some new songs that sound exactly like their old stuff? Well my friend, you are in luck with Nada Surf. They seems to definitely not evolve or grow their sound. As a person who enjoyed the second and third previous releases, hearing the continuity is definitely disappointing. I did notice that getting through the album was rather easily without the need to skip around. The easy, attainable pop is crisp to the ears. “Looking through” is a track that will feel oddly familiar with the arrangement and steady guitar. Check it out and judge for yourself. [6/10]

Chairlift – Something (01/24/12)

The chillwave duo might sound familiar as they had a commercial song years ago. The latest album has all the makings of what chillwave is. The beats, the lyrics, the voices. All the ingredients are there and they work beautifully. The guy-girl partnership does an excellent showing of give and take. The tracks are fun and the pop is infectious. I found myself favoriting “I belong in your arms”. It’s sweet and a bit funky in it’s delivery. The fast pace energy of the vocals will make you smile at it’s silliness. [7.5/10]

Porcelain Raft – Strange Weekend (01/24/12)

Strange Weekend is one of the shortest full length albums I have heard is a while. the dream-pop sound has a good wash while keeping each track short. Most dream pop songs are long and take incrementla steps in to thier build up. Porcelain Raft reads like an artist who created their album in their living room one long weekend. It’s got quality in sound and lyrical content. Through this quality you still have that personal feel that was the original intent. It’s chillwave feel will bring those like me back into it again and again [7/10]

Lana Del Rey – Born to Die (01/31/12)

Without trashing this album too much, I am going to point out what I do appreciate. She has voice. You can’t deny that she can sing. She can attract listeners with that. The only problem with this being the only quality I can assimilate with  is it leaves everything else important obsolete. Her lyrical content is lacking and musically I just did not enjoy anything from it. In early released tracks and remixes, she was pushed as the latest and greatest that should not be missed. The over pop feel of the album is something I can’t grab onto. I wasn’t sold on the single “video games” and was hoping that there was more to come. Unfortunately, this was not the case. [4/10]

The Asteroids Galaxy Tour – Out Of Frequency (01/31/12)

The Scandinavian pop group returns with exactly what you expect. Psychedelic pop that’s sugary and hard to ignore. It’s Mette Lindberg vocals that make this band consistent. It’s such a novelty that you will hate it or it will be your guilty pleasure. I can’t see listeners pulling this album to listen to every single song. They live off their singles and that’s all they can hope for. You will continue to see their music appear in commercials because it’s perfect for it. It’s chipmunky and overdriven. Your children will love it. [5/10]

Tagged Asteroids Galaxy Tour, chairlift, cloud nothings, Indie, indie music, indie reviews, lana del rey, Music, nada surf, porcelain raft, slider, the big pink