So Many Dynamos - Loud Wars
Rating
RIYL
The Fall of TroyMinus the Bear
Cursive
Q And Not U
Release Date
06/09/2009
Label
Vagrant RecordsTracklist
1. Artifacts of Sound2. Glaciers
3. The Novelty of Haunting
4. New Bones
5. If You Didn’t Want to Know
6. Oh, the Devastation
7. Keep it Simple
8. Friendarmy
9. It’s Gonna Rain
10.The Formula
Users RatingCreate an account or log in to rate this album |
Your RatingCreate an account or log in to rate this album |
So Many Dynamos has been around for about six years now, paying their dues and recently signing a deal with Vagrant Records. Although Loud Wars is actually the band’s third full length, it’s their first release with a notable label, and one in which they feel showcases their best work to date. While not being familiar with the band’s earlier material, Loud Wars is an impressive album with only a few shortcomings that should appeal to a wide range of listeners.
Thirty seconds into the first song, its clear this is not your standard indie rock band. Drawing influences from bands like Minus the Bear and Q And Not U, So Many Dynamos uses an effective blend of indie and math rock when writing, and the band is able to pull of some interesting song structures that will take a few listens to fully appreciate. The vocals are reminiscent of Jake Snider from Minus the Bear in that they are pretty much monotone throughout the entire album, but So Many Dynamos makes it work with the music being quite interesting. So Aaron Stovall’s vocals aren’t necessarily stellar, but they’re complimentary to the music for the most part.
The first three songs on Loud Wars serve as a nice introduction to the band; they’re fast-paced and frantic with creative riffs thrown in throughout. The vocal melodies won’t blow you away, but that’s alright because the music is supposed to be the focal point here, not the singing. “Artifacts of Sound” does have a catchy chorus, though, with a creative vocal delivery for the verse and pre-chorus. However, the bright spot on “Glaciers” is the guitar playing, which was inspired by the band listening to some of their older material backwards. “The Novelty of Haunting” sounds like a combination of the first two songs, but is a little more straightforward. Fortunately, So Many Dynamos realizes they need to change it up at this point and introduce the listener to “New Bones.” The band slows the music down here, strips away the acoustic drums, and goes with a more electronica-tinged approach to writing. This style suits the band well and it’s a shame they didn’t put more songs like it on the album. Additionally, “Keep it Simple” and “It’s Gonna Rain” are also worth mentioning, both having more of a pop influence than the rest of the tracks.
Unfortunately, not all of the songs are winners, although there are no terrible songs on Loud Wars. Tracks “Friendarmy” and “The Formula” at the end of the album start to tread on similar ground as some of the earlier songs and could have been substituted with more songs like “New Bones” to add further diversity to the album. Also, as mentioned earlier, the vocals are monotone and are definitely an acquired taste. Those of you who really connect with a strong frontman may be turned off by Stovall’s style, while others will appreciate its simplicity.
All in all, So Many Dynamos has a winning album on their hands, and it will surely help the band make a name for themselves in 2009.
--Nicholas Fritz
Comments
NJ
you should definitely check out their previous release Flashlights
Go FLYERS Go
Telford, PA
Thanks dude, I'll check that out. I was pleasantly surprised by this one.
Rock and/or Roll
Solid Lines
NJ
they are a real fun live band too. caught them with Horse and heavy low.
Go FLYERS Go
West Haven, CT
I like the music but this guys voice blooows.
They're playing Hamden, CT I might go check them out.
You shouldn't forget the importance of entertainment.
Telford, PA
His voice definitely takes some time to get used to, but even then it still takes away from the music. I would have rated it higher if the vocals were better.
Rock and/or Roll
Solid Lines
West Haven, CT
Me too.
You shouldn't forget the importance of entertainment.
Boston, MA
This is good stuff. I don't mind the vocals at all, they remind me of The Dismemberment Plan
You're an idiot
Stereo Typing
Please read my bullshit. I need attention.
Telford, PA
They've definitely grown on me since the review, and I think they fit the style of music nicely. I agree with The Dismemberment Plan comparison too; I wish more bands sounded like this nowadays.
Rock and/or Roll
Solid Lines