Album Review: Ulrich Schnauss & Mark Peters - Underrated Silence

Album Rating: B

There’s something quite ironic in how this pairing have chosen to title their release. Ulrich Schnauss, a man more than qualified in the art of straining lo-fi electronics through a fine, shoegaze mesh, and Mark Peters, himself a guitarist in the shoegazing outfit “The Engineers”, are not people you would initially expect to enjoy silence. Not least because their profession rotates about disturbing this “Underrated Silence”, especially with shoegaze as a whole often expanding to fill every quiet gap available.

Ignoring the title, the album develops just as you’d expect considering the musicians’ previous works. Soft, rich synthesisers create a warm backdrop: layers so thick and distorted they tend to spill into each other, forming a fluid, ever changing ground with which the melodies can interact. Peter’s guitar takes centre stage: calmly progressing atop each piece, rippling in the haze beneath it. Percussion discretely persists in the background; vocal samples emerge from the void only to sink back in again. “Underrated Silence” is nothing if not lazy, with its tracks quietly waltzing into climax, and their tones so impossibly optimistic.

Frenchy's New Muzik Monday (2/13/12)

Here’s some new music for y’all to take in. Just a quick warning though: it’s not all immediately accessible (especially Sigh) and one of the songs is 2 years old, but I’m sure many of you are unfamiliar with it so I’m posting it regardless. Enjoy!

Burial - Kindred
Stream here

Firstly, let’s start off with a song so fresh that it still has that brand-new car scent. You’ll all no doubt have heard of Burial by now. Letting all of us become familiar once more with Dubstep’s presence in 2007 via Untrue, Burial helped us get in touch with a genre we almost forgot existed and has since been satiating the craving for those pining to hear more of his signature style of Dubstep through the release of EPs. Somehow (almost impossibly) redefining a sound that was already redefined, “Kindred” (song and EP) sounds like it’s charting new territory, fleshing out Burial’s brooding side and focusing heavily on atmosphere. On an EP with songs that constantly meander, “Kindred” is decidedly the most straightforward of the three. The other two are available for stream right below “Kindred”, assuming you like said song.

The Daily Blair: The Ultimate Album Theory

I have always had a huge problem with greatest hits albums because they are rarely anything more than just a simple collection of hit songs. Greatest Hits albums do not have the flow of a studio album, they do not have the unique feel of a studio album, and they often struggle to gain any momentum. Greatest Hits albums are usually made when the band or the artist needs money badly, when a record company is desperately trying to squeeze some money out of an artist, and when an artist or a band has absolutely no new material. I have always thought we should call them "Greatest Quits" albums.

But I have come to accept that not everyone enjoys music the same way I do. A good percentage of people would get a bands greatest hits before they picked up everyone of the bands albums because this saves them not only time but money. Greatest Hits have become the logical listen in our culture of immediacy. We have to accept that not everyone wants to go through a bands discography, not everyone feels obligated to write every day on a blog, not everyone cares enough to put every album in historical context, and sometimes Greatest Hits albums are the best way to Dizcover new Muzik.

MuzikDizcovery Exclusive: Take One Car - Brim + MuzikDizcovery Recreation

We at MuzikDizcovery are extremely happy at premier a brand new song by Take One Car. "Brim" is the fourth track off their upcoming record It's Going To Be A Nice Day, out February 21st. Unlike first single "Ronnie", "Brim" shows a heavier and more atmospheric part of Take One Car, which is probably the style that the band does best.

We also have a MuzikDizcovery Recreation of the same song! The band strips down with acoustic guitars, bells, shakers, and more to highlight a side of the band that we don't normally see. While the recreation is as far from the original song as can be, the band pulls it off amazingly, displaying even more the immense talent that the band possesses. You can listen to the original track and watch the recreation below, and post your thoughts in the comments on the song, as well as which version you prefer.

Listen to "Ronnie" on the band's Bandcamp, and "like" their Facebook for updates on when a full stream of the album may happen.

Album Review: Tennis - Young & Old

Album Rating: B-

Husband and wife duo Tennis seems to have trouble giving their albums fitting release dates. For the second year in a row, the group has released a full length in the cold of winter. For being a band whose debut was based on experiences during a sailing expedition, winter just seems like the entirely wrong season to release a record. But while Cape Dory barely lasted in peoples' minds by the time the leaves appeared on the trees, the improvements in Young & Old should allow the record to finally last until beach towels go on to the sand and community pools are filled with families waiting to cool off from the blistering sun.

Album Review: Beth Jeans Houghton & The Hooves of Destiny - Yours Truly, Cellophane Nose

Album Rating: B+

At this point in the year, one might go so far as to say that Beth Jeans Houghton is a rather masterful tease artist.  The 2011 release of singles 'Dodecahedron' and 'Liliputt' catapulted Houghton and her ever-loyal backing from The Hooves of Destiny directly into the spotlight of British and American critics alike, with an indefinite release date allowing listeners plenty of time to immerse themselves in the tracks before offering them any more.  Alas, almost an entire year after the release of the record's front-running single, Yours Truly, Cellophane Nose arrives in full to sate the palates of eager listeners.  Worth the wait in every which way, YT,CN is an eccentric and elegant journey through the quirky musical mind of Beth Jeans Houghton herself.

Eli's Best Extended Plays of 2011

I know, I know.  I'm a bit late to the party, especially considering I wasn't even going to talk about last year's EPs.  But in revisiting some of 2011's best extended play records, I could not sit idle by without telling everyone how exceptional last year was in regards to high quality EPs.  If you haven't picked any of these up, it goes without saying that they come highly recommended, and make for great listens before 2012 really heats up.  So, without furth ado...

Album Review: Foxy Shazam - The Church of Rock and Roll

Album Rating: B

After years of watching the band go through what can only be described as an unnatural progression, I've come to realize that I hope Foxy Shazam never, ever changes.  The glitz and glam of the once post-hardcore unit has become a delight to hear across the past two albums: a bold and impressive meshing of classic rock with modern aesthetics.  And For those worried that lead singer Eric Nally and co. would tone things down, rest assured, The Church of  Rock and Roll is just as flamboyant and bombastic as one would expect...and hope.

Artist Spotlight: Pye Corner Audio Transcription Services

If you’re anything like me, you spend your nights wondering just how you’re going to get your hands on all the juicy electronic music packed onto a limited number of old, likely damaged cassettes. I mean, where’s the justice in it all? A huge swathe of the best musical decades isolated from our filesharing utopia because no one thought that maybe storing the only copy of your works on a flimsy reel of tape was a bad idea. Perhaps this worries you or, like me, makes you violently angry and places you at risk of multiple panic attacks.

Well panic no more! A man going by the name of “The Head Technician” has come to the conclusion that the best use of his time is to seek out, trawl through and begin the long process of transferring old cassettes to digital format. The cream of the crop are then uploaded in volumes to Bandcamp, where they can be streamed or purchased at your leisure. Tracks usually revolve around house, techno, idm and ambient; echoing the glory days of 80/90's electronic music. 

The 3rd Volume was released on the 23rd of January, 2012, and can be found here.

The Daily Blair: NO - Don't Worry You'll Be Here Forever

Album Rating: B+

Last Valentine's Day was one of the best days of my life. For most people this means roses, fine wine, and sex on top of a table were you put your fine wine and your roses. But for a guy like me the best Valentine's Day ever consisted of Radiohead announcing they were releasing The King of Limbs in five days. For me this was as exciting as having to spend $500 on a women just for and a few minutes of awkward pleasure would ever be. I had fallen head over heels in love with the Radiohead classics (Ok Computer, Kid A, and In Rainbows) like a normal person fell in love with another human being, I had waited for the next Radiohead album like a fat girl waits for Channing Tatum to magically pop out of a cake and propose to her, and I had dreamed of new Radiohead the way normal people dream of love at first sight. I guess the love of music (or muzik) had always kind of been more important than any other kind of "normal" love. Because the love of music was always unconditional, it was always a positive experience, it was always honest, and it was always something to logical to put in one damn greeting card or in the purchase of a few withering roses. Good music was always tangible, consistent, and borderline orgasmic. It was always the perfect Valentine.

Album Review: Mark Lanegan - Blues Funeral

Album Rating: A-

Obviously this is subjective rather than set in stone, but I for one can't recall a single album that Mark Lanegan has been associated with being anything less than great. He may still be tagged as a grunge legend by some, but he's become so much more than that, with 27 years of prolific creativity behind him, which have included collaborations with artists as diverse as Isobel Campbell and Greg Dulli. For many, though, the one-time Screaming Trees frontman is most in his element when going it alone - an assertion supported by this seventh LP, which comes as yet another fine addition to his consistently excellent solo discography.

Artist Spotlight: Hightide Hotel

2011 was a tough year for the emo scene.  Within a span of just months, Joie De Vivre, Grown Ups, and beloved twinkle-kings Snowing all bade their adieus to the community, prompting neck-bearded basement-dwellers all over America to be that much more bummed out.  But amongst the sadness and turmoil lurked a much-overlooked release from Philadelphia's Hightide Hotel, a collective that had established itself in the lower echelons of the emo community via Nothing Was Missing, Except Me, a stellar debut full length dropped back in 2010, with 2011 witnessing the release of follow-up Secret Somethings: Vol. 2.

Album First Look: Take One Car - It's Going To Be A Nice Day

Take One Car's sophomore full length It's Going To Be A Nice Day is going to get them noticed. The entire massive (64 minutes long!?) effort brings together the best of O'Brother, Moving Mountains, mewithoutYou, and Manchester Orchestra, creating a multi-genred spectacle. The ambient parts of Moving Mountains dominate the instrumental title track, but this post-rock based track isn't an indicator of the sound for the entire album. First single "Dear Ronnie" is probably the most accessible track, combining the rock feel of Manchester Orchestra with the poetic lyrics and flow of Aaron Weiss of mewithoutYou.  But Take One Car is the strongest when they move towards a heavy, almost post-metal style. The second half of "Yet Another Voyage (Adrift)" is one of the most emotionally draining portions of music I've heard so far in this young year, the brutal riffs only giving a slight warning to Tyler Irish's growing intensity in his voice, peaking at the brutal screams towards the end of the track. In a year so far dominated by cutesy indie pop and indie folk records, the heavy emotional storm from It's Going To Be A Nice Day is surely needed. With the apocalypse (no promises) on its way, the post-apocalyptic album of the year has already come.

Stream Dear Ronnie and download the band's debut (for free!) on Bandcamp, and keep checking back for a new song premier and MuzikDizcovery Recreation of that same track in the next week or so. It's Going To Be A Nice Day is out on February 21st.

Album Review: mmpsuf - Retina

Album Rating: A-

“Dedicated to the Beauty (no matter how sad)”

As a reviewer, my role as a cog in the music-entertainment industry is always made more meaningful, and a damned sight more interesting, when an album presents itself as something to be explored. Suddenly, reviewing becomes assessment: an album can be discussed, explained and interpreted on top of simply being described. It becomes a critique of art instead of what can so often amount to a glorified sales pitch. To condense these last few lines into a few words: the repressed academic inside me grins like the smug, sorry and sordid nerd that it is.

The Daily Blair: New Muzik Monday (2/6/12)

Some new music for your Monday. Enjoy!

1. Telekinesis - 12 Desperate Straight Lines

Early Rating: B+

Check It Out

12 Desperate Straight Lines is a great reminder that desperation does not have to mean depression. Even though the album is filled with songs about desperation, car crashes, broken hearts, death, and "getting it right" the album is never really depressing because of the bands unique and aggressive sound. Each song sounds like a cool combination of the songwriting of Built To Spill, the instrumentation of the Strokes, Led Zeppelin, and The Killers, the gigantic arena rock choruses of Arcade Fire and Queen, and the unique subject matters not even presented in most concept albums. It is an album that says "even though I just lost my love I am desperate to find another lover" with every aggressive guitar riff, it is an album that says "I might have just got in a terrible car crash but I am desperate to have a second chance at life" with every witty and condescending lyric, it is an album that says "even though I am dead I am desperate to go to the next life" with every earth shattering chorus, and it is an album that leaves us desperate for more Telekinesis. It is an album of unique and hopeful desperation that seems to be lost in the depressed world of 2012.

Album Review: The Twilight Sad - No One Can Ever Know

Album Rating: B

I’m an avid admirer of pretty much anything that the wind swept hills of Scotland can muster, but I must admit I’ve often found The Twilight Sad to be a bit of a drag. They may be among the most acclaimed acts of the current crop, but for me, at least, there’s always been an uninviting aspect to their music which has rendered it largely impenetrable. The dense and noisy soundscapes that they’ve specialised in until now have been nothing if not accomplished, but at the same time have done very little to persuade me into revisiting them.

Album Review: A Place To Bury Strangers - Onwards To The Wall EP

Album Rating: A-

Post-punk revival may not be as common as it was in the early and mid 2000's, but that doesn't mean the wave is over. A Place To Bury Strangers is out to prove that that post-punk still lives with their screaming new EP. The record features many of the same qualities the band is well known for, with plenty of screaming distortion and drive to squeeze the most out of this ever-so-short EP. With plenty of retro instrument tones to spare, APTBS tips their hat to bands of the 80's and gives us one hell of a release to turn our speakers down (or up) at with the Onwards To The Wall EP.

Album Review: The Minutes - Marcata

Album Rating: B

Last summer, in the midst of a lull during the second day of Leeds Festival, I found myself wandering between tents looking for a band to pass the time with before the Deftones took to the main stage. After a few unsuccessful attempts, I finally wound up on the tiny BBC Introducing Stage, on which a little known Irish trio called The Minutes were busy making a name for themselves. I wouldn't go so far as to say that they were the best band that I saw that weekend, but they were by far the loudest, and if nothing else that ensured that the bluesy rockers made quite an impression. Now, almost six years since their formation, the Dubliners are finally unveiling their debut LP, and the biggest compliment that I can give is that it fully lives up to such raucous showings.

Album First Look: Cursive - I Am Gemini

Honestly, the thing that stood out the most to me when I first received and listened to Cursive's brand new album I Am Gemini was the way the lyric booklet was organized. All the lyrics for the album were organized in the manner of a Shakespearian play, with character dialog, acts, scenes, and even stage directions. That should simply give a little insight into what the band planned for I Am Gemini. It's an epic story, and the full effect of the album can not be felt without the organization of the liner notes. However, the music throughout the record is extremely impressive. You can feel the story progressing through the music, such as the demonic entrance of the guitars in opening track "This House Alive", the circus-like synth lines in "Twin Dragon/Hello Shadow", and the explosively spastic guitars in "A Birthday Bash". This is an album that is a necessity to have a physical with, because the organization of the story can not be understood without the plot placed in front of you. Without them, the album goes from creatively groundbreaking to merely another great Cursive record, which I'm sure plenty of people are definitely excited to hear. I Am Gemini is released on February 21st, and you can follow the band's activities on their Facebook page here.

Album Review: Lana Del Rey - Born To Die

Album Rating: D+

Here at Muzik Dizcovery HQ, our briefing from noble leader King Casey is to provide coverage to artists that we support, whether they be major or unsigned, stadium-fillers or buskers. Little more than a week ago, those were criteria I felt absolutely certain that Lana Del Rey would fit into, but now that Born To Die has finally dropped I'm not so sure. The reasoning behind the initial enthusiasm is obvious, what with 'Video Games' being among the finest singles in recent memory and successors 'Off To The Races' and 'Born To Die' doing little to curb anticipation. Everything seemed set for the 25-year old's major label debut to rank among the highlights of 2012 - certainly in the pop calendar - but instead we have a situation where it's a front runner for the biggest disappointment gong.