jared
07-26-2006, 06:08 PM
You've stumbled upon the wonderful world of Decoy Music's weekly Listening Station. So plug in your iPods or whatever you use and get ready to fill it with items selected by staff, readers, and bands you know and love. You could also buy an album, even. I know, far-fetched.
Scott Has Been Frequenting Long John Silver's Way Too Much Lately: Giant Squid - Metridium Field
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/giantsquid.jpg
Website (http://giantsquidmusic.com/) :: Listen (http://www.myspace.com/giantsquid)
Arrr! 'Tis no man, 'tis a remorseless eating machine!
Ben Takes A Much Deserved Week Off While Pumping: Mr. Bungle - Disco Volante
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/mrbungle_disco.jpg
Website (http://www.bunglefever.com) :: Listen (http://www.myspace.com/mrbungle)
No Mr. Bungle fan can agree on what makes Mr. Bungle great. Everyone likes each Bungle record for one reason or another, but never the same reason. I personally am of the "California is one of the best albums ever" variety, whereas many others place stock in the self-titled record. Those who are a little more eccentric in their tastes pick Disco Volante. It is a jumble of haphazard riffs, demonic keys, and eclectic rhythms. There is barely a coherent full-fledged song in the bunch and, frankly, it's really growing on me of late. "Carry Stress in the Jaw" is the typical "favorite song" pick from the album, but I find myself more of a "Desert Search for Techno Allah" or "Ma Meeshka Mow Skwoz" kind of a guy. "Desert Search" because it ends up providing the backbone of what would become Secret Chiefs 3. "Ma Meeshka" because, well, it's fucking jagged. I recommend any Bungle record, but this probably isn't where someone should start.
Dave Spak Knows His Metalcore Roots: Integrity - Those Who Fear Tomorrow
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/integrity_feartomorrow.jpg
Website (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integrity_%28band%29) :: Listen (http://myspace.com/integrity)
For those of you who are not familiar with Integrity, they are the band that basically started metalcore. This seminal album was released in 1991 and is still more powerful than anything you will hear today. Songs such as "Micha: Those Who Fear Tomorrow" and "Dawn of a New Apocalypse" are brutal songs with impressive songwriting. The musicianship is far superior to your average hardcore band and even includes some incredible soloing as well as Dwid's signature abrasive scream. This is the definition of a classic hardcore album and should be a mandatory listen to anyone who considers themselves a fan of the genre. There was also a 15th anniversary edition which was recently released but I haven't had a chance to hear any of the bonus material. If there was one album that gets my blood pumping and makes me was to floorpunch my bedroom, this would be it.
Conlan Gambles On: Bidwell – New Album Demos
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/bidwell_demos.jpg
Website (http://www.myspace.com/bidwell) :: Listen (http://www.myspace.com/bidwell)
I’ve been following Bidwell for a long time now, probably leading back to early 2005 and from that time these guys keep on amazing me. From their first material released to the new songs, they have progressed so much as a band. Nate and Colby have talent, there's no doubt in that. Their style of music can only be described as sincere pop/rock. The music is straight from the heart. With the new material the guys have been striking the ears of labels galore. The future looks bright for these fellow Californians and I wish them the best of luck.
Rick Is On The Verge Of A Prank War With His New Roommate: Evan's Blue – The Melody and the Energetic Nature of Volume
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/evansblue_natureofvolume.jpg
Website (http://www.evansblue.com/) :: Listen (http://www.myspace.com/evansblue)
I'm really surprised that this band hasn't blown up yet. Sporting a sound very similar to 10 Years and Chevelle, but being a tad more digestible and "friendly" they are screaming out for more airplay. They don't get it, though, and that's a real shame. With this CD they've created a release that is extremely mature, yet undeniably accessible. Also setting themselves apart from every other rock band out there are relatable and honest lyrics. As opposed to writing solely about being lonely, pining over that girl that broke up with you, or every last topic of love's clichés, Evan's Blue approaches the topic of melancholy and love with a nuanced eye. There are some genuine love songs that don't end in the usual "I loved her, but the bitch ruined my life," which is quite the rarity today. Just because you may no longer be with someone doesn't mean that the love you shared wasn't true or didn't have some type of meaning, and Evan's Blue have grasped that fact. Sure, there's some clunky lyrics here and there, but more often than not they excel above their peers. That, and the music ain’t too shabby either!
Jared Hopes He Doesn't Get Hung For His Less-Than-Witty Titles: Across Five Aprils - Collapse
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/a5a_collapse.jpg
Website (http://www.acrossfiveaprilsrock.com/) :: Listen (http://www.myspace.com/acrossfiveaprils)
A few weeks back I featured Across Five Aprils in my Listening Station article and they're back again this time with their new album Collapse. After hearing three releases by these guys I don't think they can do any wrong. For once, (let's hope this isn't a habit), I'm actually enjoying a band that mellowed out in each of their successive releases. Collapse sees A5A using much more melody and a tad less metal crunch this time around. Though, this is a welcome progression. No disrespect to Indianola, but these guys need to get picked up by a larger label. They'd be huge.
Jordan Silverberg Makes A Late Entry With: Jeniferever - Choose A Bright Morning
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/jeniferever_brightmorning.jpg
Website (http://www.jeniferever.com/) :: Listen (http://www.myspace.com/jeniferever)
Warning: Jeniferever is not for the currently depressed or recently broken hearted (they will only make you feel worse). They are not "heavy" in the traditional sense (crunchy guitars, thundering bass, hammering drums) - but more in the emotional sense. They do not heed to the notion of style over substance, the music speaks for itself. There's something about the vocal
delivery that brings with it an air of sincere heart ache, and I think that's what attracts me most to them. Think The Album Leaf, think My Epiphany, think The Cure. Think. And enjoy!
Scott Has Been Frequenting Long John Silver's Way Too Much Lately: Giant Squid - Metridium Field
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/giantsquid.jpg
Website (http://giantsquidmusic.com/) :: Listen (http://www.myspace.com/giantsquid)
Arrr! 'Tis no man, 'tis a remorseless eating machine!
Ben Takes A Much Deserved Week Off While Pumping: Mr. Bungle - Disco Volante
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/mrbungle_disco.jpg
Website (http://www.bunglefever.com) :: Listen (http://www.myspace.com/mrbungle)
No Mr. Bungle fan can agree on what makes Mr. Bungle great. Everyone likes each Bungle record for one reason or another, but never the same reason. I personally am of the "California is one of the best albums ever" variety, whereas many others place stock in the self-titled record. Those who are a little more eccentric in their tastes pick Disco Volante. It is a jumble of haphazard riffs, demonic keys, and eclectic rhythms. There is barely a coherent full-fledged song in the bunch and, frankly, it's really growing on me of late. "Carry Stress in the Jaw" is the typical "favorite song" pick from the album, but I find myself more of a "Desert Search for Techno Allah" or "Ma Meeshka Mow Skwoz" kind of a guy. "Desert Search" because it ends up providing the backbone of what would become Secret Chiefs 3. "Ma Meeshka" because, well, it's fucking jagged. I recommend any Bungle record, but this probably isn't where someone should start.
Dave Spak Knows His Metalcore Roots: Integrity - Those Who Fear Tomorrow
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/integrity_feartomorrow.jpg
Website (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integrity_%28band%29) :: Listen (http://myspace.com/integrity)
For those of you who are not familiar with Integrity, they are the band that basically started metalcore. This seminal album was released in 1991 and is still more powerful than anything you will hear today. Songs such as "Micha: Those Who Fear Tomorrow" and "Dawn of a New Apocalypse" are brutal songs with impressive songwriting. The musicianship is far superior to your average hardcore band and even includes some incredible soloing as well as Dwid's signature abrasive scream. This is the definition of a classic hardcore album and should be a mandatory listen to anyone who considers themselves a fan of the genre. There was also a 15th anniversary edition which was recently released but I haven't had a chance to hear any of the bonus material. If there was one album that gets my blood pumping and makes me was to floorpunch my bedroom, this would be it.
Conlan Gambles On: Bidwell – New Album Demos
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/bidwell_demos.jpg
Website (http://www.myspace.com/bidwell) :: Listen (http://www.myspace.com/bidwell)
I’ve been following Bidwell for a long time now, probably leading back to early 2005 and from that time these guys keep on amazing me. From their first material released to the new songs, they have progressed so much as a band. Nate and Colby have talent, there's no doubt in that. Their style of music can only be described as sincere pop/rock. The music is straight from the heart. With the new material the guys have been striking the ears of labels galore. The future looks bright for these fellow Californians and I wish them the best of luck.
Rick Is On The Verge Of A Prank War With His New Roommate: Evan's Blue – The Melody and the Energetic Nature of Volume
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/evansblue_natureofvolume.jpg
Website (http://www.evansblue.com/) :: Listen (http://www.myspace.com/evansblue)
I'm really surprised that this band hasn't blown up yet. Sporting a sound very similar to 10 Years and Chevelle, but being a tad more digestible and "friendly" they are screaming out for more airplay. They don't get it, though, and that's a real shame. With this CD they've created a release that is extremely mature, yet undeniably accessible. Also setting themselves apart from every other rock band out there are relatable and honest lyrics. As opposed to writing solely about being lonely, pining over that girl that broke up with you, or every last topic of love's clichés, Evan's Blue approaches the topic of melancholy and love with a nuanced eye. There are some genuine love songs that don't end in the usual "I loved her, but the bitch ruined my life," which is quite the rarity today. Just because you may no longer be with someone doesn't mean that the love you shared wasn't true or didn't have some type of meaning, and Evan's Blue have grasped that fact. Sure, there's some clunky lyrics here and there, but more often than not they excel above their peers. That, and the music ain’t too shabby either!
Jared Hopes He Doesn't Get Hung For His Less-Than-Witty Titles: Across Five Aprils - Collapse
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/a5a_collapse.jpg
Website (http://www.acrossfiveaprilsrock.com/) :: Listen (http://www.myspace.com/acrossfiveaprils)
A few weeks back I featured Across Five Aprils in my Listening Station article and they're back again this time with their new album Collapse. After hearing three releases by these guys I don't think they can do any wrong. For once, (let's hope this isn't a habit), I'm actually enjoying a band that mellowed out in each of their successive releases. Collapse sees A5A using much more melody and a tad less metal crunch this time around. Though, this is a welcome progression. No disrespect to Indianola, but these guys need to get picked up by a larger label. They'd be huge.
Jordan Silverberg Makes A Late Entry With: Jeniferever - Choose A Bright Morning
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/jeniferever_brightmorning.jpg
Website (http://www.jeniferever.com/) :: Listen (http://www.myspace.com/jeniferever)
Warning: Jeniferever is not for the currently depressed or recently broken hearted (they will only make you feel worse). They are not "heavy" in the traditional sense (crunchy guitars, thundering bass, hammering drums) - but more in the emotional sense. They do not heed to the notion of style over substance, the music speaks for itself. There's something about the vocal
delivery that brings with it an air of sincere heart ache, and I think that's what attracts me most to them. Think The Album Leaf, think My Epiphany, think The Cure. Think. And enjoy!