ChaosResolved
01-05-2006, 01:16 AM
50-41 ~ 40-31 (http://www.decoymusic.com/vb/showthread.php?t=6775) ~ 30-21 (http://www.decoymusic.com/vb/showthread.php?t=6774) ~ 20-11 (http://www.decoymusic.com/vb/showthread.php?t=6773) ~ 10-1 (http://www.decoymusic.com/vb/showthread.php?t=6772)
#50
My Education
Italian
United States
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/trackingthetrends/top50/myeducation.jpg
Website:My Education (http://www.myeducationmusic.com)
Music:My Education (http://www.myspace.com/myeducation)
Representing the third Texan band on the list, My Education follows its Five Popes EP with Italian, an album which hones in on the My Education sound. Drums set the framework for meandering guitars and violin, both of which take turns at the lead. The landscape is washed over ever so gently with cascading instrumentals, which tug at the narrative seems without cluttering the free form approach of the band. My Education is not forceful, yet neither subtle or friendly and fun. Everything is very serious and businesslike, as seen on the emotional investment in the songwriting. Overall, all signs are pointing My Education in the right direction, who are on the cusp of a great release.
#49
Sequence Pulse
Railroad to Heaven
Japan
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/trackingthetrends/top50/sequencepulse.jpg
Website:Sequence Pulse (http://www.sequencepulse.com)
Music:Sequence Pulse (http://www.sequencepulse.com)
Railroad to Heaven acts as a perfect travel soundtrack. Lush soundscapes contain chugging guitars and pounding drum beats. The music pulsates rhythmically from beginning to end, offering a smooth vibe to pace with. Railroad to Heaven excels with its staunch consistency, never straying too far into either extreme and avoiding quiet/loud compositions by choosing the middle road at every opportunity. Things could be much rowdier and epic, but they don't. Peaceful, serene, and enchanting--Sequence Pulse is a tranquil listen.
#48
Apse
Apse
United States
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/trackingthetrends/top50/apse.jpg
Website:Apse (http://www.apsemusic.com)
Music:Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/apse)
The second experimental band from New York on the list, Apse have been at its craft for longer than Tarantula AD, and the sound it has come to love is much different. Apse concentrates on subtleties, contrasts it with Gothic compositions, and then gives the whole a desolate feel with vocal melodies. The music gets trippy and unnerving, but an appreciation for Apse's music surfaces because it's really aiming more to invoke a feeling than to tantalize the senses. Apse is weighty cerebral stuff that is difficult to approach and even more difficult to digest, but those who do will discover a deep obsession for the band.
#47
Brass Knuckle Surfer
The Art of Life
United States
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/trackingthetrends/top50/brassknucklesurfer.jpg
Website:Brass Knuckle Surfer (http://www.brassknucklesurfer.com)
Music:Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/brassknucklesurfer)
While Brass Knuckle Surfer doesn't have the coolest name in the instrumental world, it does make some waves through guitar driven instrumental rock. Atlanta isn't known for it's lively music scene, but Brass Knuckle Surfer are a strong addition, presenting an eclectic mix of songs on The Art of Life. The sunrise/sunset combo is clearly the strong points of the album, as the rest doesn't' challenge the listener too much--but there is an ample amount of material for the band to work with in route to their next effort, which may be a heavy hitter in 2006.
#46
Shelter Red
Masters of the Universe
United States
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/trackingthetrends/top50/shelterred.jpg
Website:Byla (http://www.shelterred.com)
Music:Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/shelterrock)
Shelter Red literally wastes no time blowing the doors wide open on Masters of the Universe. From the first chord the band is exploding full speed out into their musical space and destroying anything and everything that gets in its way. The acidic nature of the music decays as quickly as it is created--nothing has a shelf life of more than a few seconds here. Shelter Red offers a superb album that is almost too good for a duo to perform. They might not be masters of the universe, but they have the hard rock gig down to a tee.
#45
Trizteza
A Colores
United States
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/trackingthetrends/top50/tristeza.jpg
Website:Tristeza (http://www.trstz.com)
Music:Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/tristeza)
A colores is not the Tristeza of old. It is not a deeply exciting, energetic piece, and it does not draw into the raw human emotional response. It is, however, a curiosity of sorts, blending together various sounds and instruments to give it an eerie and mystical feel. I don't think you can really classify Trizteza as a post-rock band anymore, for it is always on the form--changing shapes and forms morea readily than a shapeshifter. This particular presentation of the band I was less enchanted with than the Tristeza of old, but as I've seen before, it always has a trick or two up its sleeve.
#44
By the End of Tonight
Tribute to Tigers
United States
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/trackingthetrends/top50/bytheendoftonight.jpg
Website:By The End of Tonight (http://www.bytheendoftonight.com)
Music:Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/bytheendoftonight)
It seems like Temporary Residence has seen brighter days. With pretty inconsequential releases by Parlour and The Drift, and no full releases by Explosion in the Sky, Mono, and Sunna, 2005 was pretty skimpy for this label. This leaves By the End of Tonight as the only band holding the Temporary Residence flag in 2005, as the label quickly loses its once optimal US instrumental lineup to up and coming independent acts and amazing imports. Tribute to Tigers is less edgy than previous releases, so perhaps By the End of Tonight is starting to to take cues from its label mates. The band's sound is steadily evolving into a mature form where it can adequately contain the band's aggression and not fall prey to overzealous compositions. Tribute to Tigers is fitting, for like the animal, By the End of Tonight is graceful, yet powerful.
#43
Tides
Resurface
United States
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/trackingthetrends/top50/tides.jpg
Website:Tides (http://www.tdbrecords.com/)
Music:Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/tidesrites)
The Most intense bands always precede their sound with names that are equally as large and all encompassing. Tides mimics the natural phenomenon on Resurface by switching between metallic, bone-crushing epic songs and short, quiet--sometimes acoustic pieces. The band has no qualms about erupting in unpredictable ways at unforeseen moments--any time is a time when disaster can strike. High tide, low tide, and everything in between, Resurface is a treat.
#42
Irepress
Samus Octology
United States
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/trackingthetrends/top50/irepress.jpg
Website:Irepress (http://www.irepress.net)
Music:Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/irepress)
Boston's Irepress lead the pack of a new breed of instrumental hard-rock bands hailing from the US. Other bands include Shelter Red, Brass Knuckle Surfer, and We Followed Tigers, but Irepress excels by branching off into the experimental arena and tackling a fierce bass/drum duo that is almost too hot to handle. Utterly ferocious breakdowns capsize Samus Octology time and again, forcing it to rebuild and re-attack. And how relentless the band is; the attacks becoming increasingly brutal and invigorating, each surpassing the last in passion and undying devotion to the band's craft. Irepress is a powerful band capable of moving mountains with a single tap of the foot, and the music is inescapable.
#41
Souvaris
Matador of Shame
United Kingdom
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/trackingthetrends/top50/souvaris.jpg
Website:Souvaris (http://www.souvaris.com)
Music:Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/souvaris)
Proficient in all forms of instrumentation, Souvaris stitches together a patchwork of sounds and techniques in the Matador of Shame EP. The band foregoes the temptation to become loud and aggressive and instead focuses its efforts into restraining itself and developing an organic, ethereal sound. As a result, The Matador of Shame encompasses a very moving and beautiful sound, but at times it may feel flat. With a bit more punch to its work, Souvaris would be ready to challenge the bigger names in the instrumental world, but as of now its still has a few kinks to work out.
~Jordan Volz
#50
My Education
Italian
United States
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/trackingthetrends/top50/myeducation.jpg
Website:My Education (http://www.myeducationmusic.com)
Music:My Education (http://www.myspace.com/myeducation)
Representing the third Texan band on the list, My Education follows its Five Popes EP with Italian, an album which hones in on the My Education sound. Drums set the framework for meandering guitars and violin, both of which take turns at the lead. The landscape is washed over ever so gently with cascading instrumentals, which tug at the narrative seems without cluttering the free form approach of the band. My Education is not forceful, yet neither subtle or friendly and fun. Everything is very serious and businesslike, as seen on the emotional investment in the songwriting. Overall, all signs are pointing My Education in the right direction, who are on the cusp of a great release.
#49
Sequence Pulse
Railroad to Heaven
Japan
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/trackingthetrends/top50/sequencepulse.jpg
Website:Sequence Pulse (http://www.sequencepulse.com)
Music:Sequence Pulse (http://www.sequencepulse.com)
Railroad to Heaven acts as a perfect travel soundtrack. Lush soundscapes contain chugging guitars and pounding drum beats. The music pulsates rhythmically from beginning to end, offering a smooth vibe to pace with. Railroad to Heaven excels with its staunch consistency, never straying too far into either extreme and avoiding quiet/loud compositions by choosing the middle road at every opportunity. Things could be much rowdier and epic, but they don't. Peaceful, serene, and enchanting--Sequence Pulse is a tranquil listen.
#48
Apse
Apse
United States
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/trackingthetrends/top50/apse.jpg
Website:Apse (http://www.apsemusic.com)
Music:Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/apse)
The second experimental band from New York on the list, Apse have been at its craft for longer than Tarantula AD, and the sound it has come to love is much different. Apse concentrates on subtleties, contrasts it with Gothic compositions, and then gives the whole a desolate feel with vocal melodies. The music gets trippy and unnerving, but an appreciation for Apse's music surfaces because it's really aiming more to invoke a feeling than to tantalize the senses. Apse is weighty cerebral stuff that is difficult to approach and even more difficult to digest, but those who do will discover a deep obsession for the band.
#47
Brass Knuckle Surfer
The Art of Life
United States
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/trackingthetrends/top50/brassknucklesurfer.jpg
Website:Brass Knuckle Surfer (http://www.brassknucklesurfer.com)
Music:Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/brassknucklesurfer)
While Brass Knuckle Surfer doesn't have the coolest name in the instrumental world, it does make some waves through guitar driven instrumental rock. Atlanta isn't known for it's lively music scene, but Brass Knuckle Surfer are a strong addition, presenting an eclectic mix of songs on The Art of Life. The sunrise/sunset combo is clearly the strong points of the album, as the rest doesn't' challenge the listener too much--but there is an ample amount of material for the band to work with in route to their next effort, which may be a heavy hitter in 2006.
#46
Shelter Red
Masters of the Universe
United States
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/trackingthetrends/top50/shelterred.jpg
Website:Byla (http://www.shelterred.com)
Music:Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/shelterrock)
Shelter Red literally wastes no time blowing the doors wide open on Masters of the Universe. From the first chord the band is exploding full speed out into their musical space and destroying anything and everything that gets in its way. The acidic nature of the music decays as quickly as it is created--nothing has a shelf life of more than a few seconds here. Shelter Red offers a superb album that is almost too good for a duo to perform. They might not be masters of the universe, but they have the hard rock gig down to a tee.
#45
Trizteza
A Colores
United States
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/trackingthetrends/top50/tristeza.jpg
Website:Tristeza (http://www.trstz.com)
Music:Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/tristeza)
A colores is not the Tristeza of old. It is not a deeply exciting, energetic piece, and it does not draw into the raw human emotional response. It is, however, a curiosity of sorts, blending together various sounds and instruments to give it an eerie and mystical feel. I don't think you can really classify Trizteza as a post-rock band anymore, for it is always on the form--changing shapes and forms morea readily than a shapeshifter. This particular presentation of the band I was less enchanted with than the Tristeza of old, but as I've seen before, it always has a trick or two up its sleeve.
#44
By the End of Tonight
Tribute to Tigers
United States
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/trackingthetrends/top50/bytheendoftonight.jpg
Website:By The End of Tonight (http://www.bytheendoftonight.com)
Music:Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/bytheendoftonight)
It seems like Temporary Residence has seen brighter days. With pretty inconsequential releases by Parlour and The Drift, and no full releases by Explosion in the Sky, Mono, and Sunna, 2005 was pretty skimpy for this label. This leaves By the End of Tonight as the only band holding the Temporary Residence flag in 2005, as the label quickly loses its once optimal US instrumental lineup to up and coming independent acts and amazing imports. Tribute to Tigers is less edgy than previous releases, so perhaps By the End of Tonight is starting to to take cues from its label mates. The band's sound is steadily evolving into a mature form where it can adequately contain the band's aggression and not fall prey to overzealous compositions. Tribute to Tigers is fitting, for like the animal, By the End of Tonight is graceful, yet powerful.
#43
Tides
Resurface
United States
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/trackingthetrends/top50/tides.jpg
Website:Tides (http://www.tdbrecords.com/)
Music:Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/tidesrites)
The Most intense bands always precede their sound with names that are equally as large and all encompassing. Tides mimics the natural phenomenon on Resurface by switching between metallic, bone-crushing epic songs and short, quiet--sometimes acoustic pieces. The band has no qualms about erupting in unpredictable ways at unforeseen moments--any time is a time when disaster can strike. High tide, low tide, and everything in between, Resurface is a treat.
#42
Irepress
Samus Octology
United States
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/trackingthetrends/top50/irepress.jpg
Website:Irepress (http://www.irepress.net)
Music:Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/irepress)
Boston's Irepress lead the pack of a new breed of instrumental hard-rock bands hailing from the US. Other bands include Shelter Red, Brass Knuckle Surfer, and We Followed Tigers, but Irepress excels by branching off into the experimental arena and tackling a fierce bass/drum duo that is almost too hot to handle. Utterly ferocious breakdowns capsize Samus Octology time and again, forcing it to rebuild and re-attack. And how relentless the band is; the attacks becoming increasingly brutal and invigorating, each surpassing the last in passion and undying devotion to the band's craft. Irepress is a powerful band capable of moving mountains with a single tap of the foot, and the music is inescapable.
#41
Souvaris
Matador of Shame
United Kingdom
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/trackingthetrends/top50/souvaris.jpg
Website:Souvaris (http://www.souvaris.com)
Music:Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/souvaris)
Proficient in all forms of instrumentation, Souvaris stitches together a patchwork of sounds and techniques in the Matador of Shame EP. The band foregoes the temptation to become loud and aggressive and instead focuses its efforts into restraining itself and developing an organic, ethereal sound. As a result, The Matador of Shame encompasses a very moving and beautiful sound, but at times it may feel flat. With a bit more punch to its work, Souvaris would be ready to challenge the bigger names in the instrumental world, but as of now its still has a few kinks to work out.
~Jordan Volz