sir mix-a-lot
02-08-2006, 09:22 PM
So you wanna know what each Decoy contributor is jamming this week? Take a long gander at this week's list and feel free to add what you guys are spinning too.
Chris Is Unraveling: The Secret - Luce
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/thesecret.jpg
Website: ( http://www.weknowthesecret.com/) :: Listen: ( http://www.myspace.com/thesecret)
It baffles me…what is it with these European bands and their unique sound? It could possibly be that they express their music 3,000 miles away from here, but nonetheless The Secret’s Luce delivers innovative metal-core. While listening, you can clearly tell it’s no secret that they are a Euro band. Everything from the drumming style to the vocalist’s chilling screamo shrieks points out that these guys work hard to show you something different in the metal-core world.
Jordan Probably Hasn't Heard Tub Ring's "God Hates Astronauts" And The Same Goes For: God Is An Astronaut - A Moment of Stillness EP
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/godisanastronaut.jpg
Website: ( http://www.superadmusic.com/god) :: Listen: ( http://www.superadmusic.com/god)
You have to give some credit to a band that knows how to nail down its titles. Coming from the appropriately named Dublin three-piece, God is an Astronaut, we've seen The Beginning of the End, All is Violent, All is Bright, and now, A Moment of Stillness. While the themes imply a certain sense of apocalyptic immediacy, the band has managed to serve up three pieces of music that have consistently defied their namesakes and offered calm, tranquil, artistic musings that layer lush post-rock atmospheres with ambient electronic textures. In the newer release, the band steps back from the more aggressive leanings of All is Violent, All is Bright and take a self-reflective glimpse into its art form during A Moment of Stillness. God is An Astronaut shows that subtle changes in presentation can go a long way to creating a forceful change in sound. Still, the band delivers what its fans have come to expect from it —smart music with polished layering that safely conforms to the band's signature sound. God is an Astronaut is beginning to make a name for themselves in the instrumental world, and with the aforementioned resume, it's no wonder.
Matthew Is Making A Strong Case For Rookie Of The Year With His #1 Overall Pick Of: Irepress - Samus Octology
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/irepress.jpg
Website: (http://www.irepress.net) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/irepress)
Combining the melodies of numerous excellent progressive acts, and the aggressiveness of many great hardcore bands, Irepress was brought to my attention many months ago by a friend as a recommendation. After sampling their music, I needed to hear the entire album. This was different, and this was really good. When I acquired the album, I was blown away on first listen. The entire Samus Octology album is instrumental; not post rock instrumental, but beautiful melodies mixed with crushing breakdowns and aggressive riffs instrumental. No one song on the album sounds the same, and not a single minute is wasted. Having spoken to one of the guitarists, I was made aware that these men are working on a new album, this time with vocals. He was nice enough to send me two live recordings of songs they have been working on over the recent months. I must say, from what I heard of those two songs, I am more than excited to hear a new full length. In a stale world of equally stale and uninteresting music, Irepress is a breath of fresh and extremely welcomed air.
Johnny Is Hitting On All Cylinders While Enjoying: Mainstay - Well Meaning Fiction
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/mainstay.jpg
Website: (http://www.mainstayrock.com/) :: Listen: ( http://www.myspace.com/mainstay)
Mainstay is a three-piece rock band on BEC Recordings, a division of Tooth and Nail. Their debut Well Meaning Fiction comes out in a couple weeks and it is pretty much all I've been listening to for two weeks. The band combines positive lyrics with a well-crafted pop rock sound that is guaranteed satisfaction for fans of Acceptance, Our Lady Peace, or Mae.
Rick Sometimes Picks Band We've All Forgotten About But This One Wasn't For A Good Reason: The Agony Scene - The Darkest Red
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/theagonyscene.jpg
Website: (http://www.theagonyscene.com) :: Listen: (http://www.purevolume.com/theagonyscene)
There’s a reason this CD made my top 10 last year — no matter how often I listen to it, it is just as brutal as the last. Mike Williams' voice is so unique and so undeniably vicious that I get shivers up and down my spine each time I hear him scrowling, as I like to call it. He doesn’t really scream and he doesn’t really growl, but does a combination of both. Anyways, whenever I’ve wanted to listen to a fast-paced, crunchy, loud, metalcore band over the last few months this has been the CD I’ve turned to. And this week I definitely needed something loud and aggressive to keep me going throughout the days of the business trip I’m on.
Brandon Can And Will "Be Your Superhero, Baby" If You So Desire: Saves The Day - Stay What You Are
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/savestheday.jpg
Website: (http://www.savestheday.com/site/) :: Listen: ( http://www.myspace.com/savestheday)
They say humans completely shed their skin every seven years, and thus their entire beings are essentially born anew. If that's true, Saves The Day – who've been playing for close to 10 years and are still only in their early 20s – are well into their second life.
Brent Knows A Good Album When He Hears It And Celebrated This By Blaring: Dillinger Escape Plan - Miss Machine
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/dillingerescapeplan.jpg
Website: (http://www.dillingerescapeplan.com) :: Listen: (http://www.dillingerescapeplan.com)
Brutal. Devastating. Punching. Intense. Relentless. Unyielding. Unforgettable. Like a fourth grade bully after your lunch money, this album picks you up and kicks your ass all over the place, finally ending by a "Perfect Design" of what is great in metal today and what you expect to hear in the metal of tomorrow.
Tim Would Gladly Give This Dog A Bone: That Dog - Retreat From The Sun
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/thatdog.jpg
Website: (http://www.annawaronker.com) :: Listen: (http://www.annawaronker.com)
There's never been a hotter frontwoman in the history of alt-pop/rock than Anna Waronker, who, up until 1997, headed the DGC band that dog.. There's also never really been a better chick-fronted band in the genre - before, during, or after. Right before Waronker broke up the band, they had just released their breakthrough record, Retreat from the Sun, and gained some exposure on MTV with the single "Never Say Never." The band never really had a follow-up single and eventually broke up after DGC dropped them, but that doesn't mean they were a one-hit wonder. Retreat was actually their third straight amazing record and it was definitely the best. Coming from the same era as greats like Belly, Veruca Salt, Throwing Music, Velocity Girl, and Tuscadero, that dog. was simply overshadowed in terms of publicity and never really got the shot they deserved. The reason? DGC was and still is an incompetent record label. This record has been out of print for a couple years but is definitely worth the hunt if you like any of the aforementioned bands. I recently found my copy again and it hasn't left my stereo in a couple weeks. Check out "Minneapolis," one of the great pop songs of the 90s.
Kamran Finally Gives This Album Some Much-Deserved Decoy Love: YOB - The Unreal Never Lived
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/yob.jpg
Website: (http://www.yobdoom.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/yobdoom)
YOB has flown under my radar for far too long; they’re from my hometown – missed that one; they’re music is right up my alley – oops; and they released a truly fantastic album last year, which potentially could’ve broken my Top 10 – dagnabit! And right when I start to fully immerse myself into their blend of doom metal and death metal, they disband. Well, seriously – what the fuck? I vow this won’t happen with former frontman Mike Scheidt’s next project, AGE. Anywho, YOB’s 2005 Metal Blade release The Unreal Never Lived is perfect for fans of Isis, Neurosis, and other sludgy, articulate, intelligent stoner rock/doom metal bands. It’s entrancing and menacing, creating swirling atmospheric magnificence.
Adam Throws His Two Cents From Nine-Thousand Feet Above Sea Level With: People In Planes - As Far As The Eye Can See
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/peopleinplanes.jpg
Website: (http://www.peopleinplanes.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/peopleinplanes)
People in Planes's 4 song EP had been sitting on my desk for a while. Then it moved to a stack on the floor. Later it was shifted to my large bookshelf full of other CDs, to basically be laid to rest. There was no real reason for this; it just happened. Fortunately, one day whilst cleaning up said CD shelf, it struck my fancy and I plugged it into my changer. You could have knocked me over with a feather. Flabbergasted, I was, to say the least, at my overwhelming smugness. How dare I so casually discard something like this? And now my ignorance is being rewarded and I have been given a second chance with this astounding band from the United Kingdom. But wait, it only gets better for me. Mere days later, I get a press release saying the band has signed with Wind-Up Records and, inexplicitly, receive the full length advance just a few days later. Somebody really likes me, because clearly I am not deserving of such fruitage. I can simply say the band has only gotten better, and has left me with one of the best CDs I've heard in ages. Combining equal parts of Muse, Kenna, and Oceansize, People In Planes's debut album, As Far As The Eye Can See, is a near-flawless, jaw-dropping piece of modern rock. Do yourself a favor and anticipate this.
Eric May Stumble Now And Again, But He Is No Man Of Constant: Folly - Resist Convenience
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/folly.jpg
Website: (http://www.follynj.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/folly)
Everyone I talk to (besides my girlfriend and a few people who have no idea what Myspace even is) have been waiting for this album to come out and, after listening to it today, I can tell them all it’s going to be worth the wait. If you’re not familiar with their music, Folly likes to blend hardcore gang vocals and rapid Ska-influenced jabbering with poignant technical breakdowns à la Calculating Infinity-era Dillinger Escape Plan. The choice cuts from their new album Resist Convenience are “Broken” (which really demonstrates their effortless yet effective attempt at genre commingling), “Forfeit Sundials,“ and “Bonfire of the Manatees.“
Ben Finally Figured Out What Some Of The Fuss Was About Over: Mugison - Mugimama! Is This Monkey Music?
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/mugison.jpg
Website: (http://www.mugison.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/mugison)
Adam somehow put this monstrosity on his year-end top ten list a few months back. I had "heard" it a few times, but it never struck my fancy. Top ten material, my ass, I thought. Eventually, though, I settled myself in front of my computer and put it on to begin the tedious process of reviewing this turd. And it turns out to be a fairly remarkable album, meandering between thwopping That 1 Guy inspired shenanigans and touching folksy ballads. It still took some time to get used to, but it's a pretty superb album once you come to accept it.
Chris Is Unraveling: The Secret - Luce
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/thesecret.jpg
Website: ( http://www.weknowthesecret.com/) :: Listen: ( http://www.myspace.com/thesecret)
It baffles me…what is it with these European bands and their unique sound? It could possibly be that they express their music 3,000 miles away from here, but nonetheless The Secret’s Luce delivers innovative metal-core. While listening, you can clearly tell it’s no secret that they are a Euro band. Everything from the drumming style to the vocalist’s chilling screamo shrieks points out that these guys work hard to show you something different in the metal-core world.
Jordan Probably Hasn't Heard Tub Ring's "God Hates Astronauts" And The Same Goes For: God Is An Astronaut - A Moment of Stillness EP
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/godisanastronaut.jpg
Website: ( http://www.superadmusic.com/god) :: Listen: ( http://www.superadmusic.com/god)
You have to give some credit to a band that knows how to nail down its titles. Coming from the appropriately named Dublin three-piece, God is an Astronaut, we've seen The Beginning of the End, All is Violent, All is Bright, and now, A Moment of Stillness. While the themes imply a certain sense of apocalyptic immediacy, the band has managed to serve up three pieces of music that have consistently defied their namesakes and offered calm, tranquil, artistic musings that layer lush post-rock atmospheres with ambient electronic textures. In the newer release, the band steps back from the more aggressive leanings of All is Violent, All is Bright and take a self-reflective glimpse into its art form during A Moment of Stillness. God is An Astronaut shows that subtle changes in presentation can go a long way to creating a forceful change in sound. Still, the band delivers what its fans have come to expect from it —smart music with polished layering that safely conforms to the band's signature sound. God is an Astronaut is beginning to make a name for themselves in the instrumental world, and with the aforementioned resume, it's no wonder.
Matthew Is Making A Strong Case For Rookie Of The Year With His #1 Overall Pick Of: Irepress - Samus Octology
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/irepress.jpg
Website: (http://www.irepress.net) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/irepress)
Combining the melodies of numerous excellent progressive acts, and the aggressiveness of many great hardcore bands, Irepress was brought to my attention many months ago by a friend as a recommendation. After sampling their music, I needed to hear the entire album. This was different, and this was really good. When I acquired the album, I was blown away on first listen. The entire Samus Octology album is instrumental; not post rock instrumental, but beautiful melodies mixed with crushing breakdowns and aggressive riffs instrumental. No one song on the album sounds the same, and not a single minute is wasted. Having spoken to one of the guitarists, I was made aware that these men are working on a new album, this time with vocals. He was nice enough to send me two live recordings of songs they have been working on over the recent months. I must say, from what I heard of those two songs, I am more than excited to hear a new full length. In a stale world of equally stale and uninteresting music, Irepress is a breath of fresh and extremely welcomed air.
Johnny Is Hitting On All Cylinders While Enjoying: Mainstay - Well Meaning Fiction
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/mainstay.jpg
Website: (http://www.mainstayrock.com/) :: Listen: ( http://www.myspace.com/mainstay)
Mainstay is a three-piece rock band on BEC Recordings, a division of Tooth and Nail. Their debut Well Meaning Fiction comes out in a couple weeks and it is pretty much all I've been listening to for two weeks. The band combines positive lyrics with a well-crafted pop rock sound that is guaranteed satisfaction for fans of Acceptance, Our Lady Peace, or Mae.
Rick Sometimes Picks Band We've All Forgotten About But This One Wasn't For A Good Reason: The Agony Scene - The Darkest Red
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/theagonyscene.jpg
Website: (http://www.theagonyscene.com) :: Listen: (http://www.purevolume.com/theagonyscene)
There’s a reason this CD made my top 10 last year — no matter how often I listen to it, it is just as brutal as the last. Mike Williams' voice is so unique and so undeniably vicious that I get shivers up and down my spine each time I hear him scrowling, as I like to call it. He doesn’t really scream and he doesn’t really growl, but does a combination of both. Anyways, whenever I’ve wanted to listen to a fast-paced, crunchy, loud, metalcore band over the last few months this has been the CD I’ve turned to. And this week I definitely needed something loud and aggressive to keep me going throughout the days of the business trip I’m on.
Brandon Can And Will "Be Your Superhero, Baby" If You So Desire: Saves The Day - Stay What You Are
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/savestheday.jpg
Website: (http://www.savestheday.com/site/) :: Listen: ( http://www.myspace.com/savestheday)
They say humans completely shed their skin every seven years, and thus their entire beings are essentially born anew. If that's true, Saves The Day – who've been playing for close to 10 years and are still only in their early 20s – are well into their second life.
Brent Knows A Good Album When He Hears It And Celebrated This By Blaring: Dillinger Escape Plan - Miss Machine
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/dillingerescapeplan.jpg
Website: (http://www.dillingerescapeplan.com) :: Listen: (http://www.dillingerescapeplan.com)
Brutal. Devastating. Punching. Intense. Relentless. Unyielding. Unforgettable. Like a fourth grade bully after your lunch money, this album picks you up and kicks your ass all over the place, finally ending by a "Perfect Design" of what is great in metal today and what you expect to hear in the metal of tomorrow.
Tim Would Gladly Give This Dog A Bone: That Dog - Retreat From The Sun
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/thatdog.jpg
Website: (http://www.annawaronker.com) :: Listen: (http://www.annawaronker.com)
There's never been a hotter frontwoman in the history of alt-pop/rock than Anna Waronker, who, up until 1997, headed the DGC band that dog.. There's also never really been a better chick-fronted band in the genre - before, during, or after. Right before Waronker broke up the band, they had just released their breakthrough record, Retreat from the Sun, and gained some exposure on MTV with the single "Never Say Never." The band never really had a follow-up single and eventually broke up after DGC dropped them, but that doesn't mean they were a one-hit wonder. Retreat was actually their third straight amazing record and it was definitely the best. Coming from the same era as greats like Belly, Veruca Salt, Throwing Music, Velocity Girl, and Tuscadero, that dog. was simply overshadowed in terms of publicity and never really got the shot they deserved. The reason? DGC was and still is an incompetent record label. This record has been out of print for a couple years but is definitely worth the hunt if you like any of the aforementioned bands. I recently found my copy again and it hasn't left my stereo in a couple weeks. Check out "Minneapolis," one of the great pop songs of the 90s.
Kamran Finally Gives This Album Some Much-Deserved Decoy Love: YOB - The Unreal Never Lived
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/yob.jpg
Website: (http://www.yobdoom.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/yobdoom)
YOB has flown under my radar for far too long; they’re from my hometown – missed that one; they’re music is right up my alley – oops; and they released a truly fantastic album last year, which potentially could’ve broken my Top 10 – dagnabit! And right when I start to fully immerse myself into their blend of doom metal and death metal, they disband. Well, seriously – what the fuck? I vow this won’t happen with former frontman Mike Scheidt’s next project, AGE. Anywho, YOB’s 2005 Metal Blade release The Unreal Never Lived is perfect for fans of Isis, Neurosis, and other sludgy, articulate, intelligent stoner rock/doom metal bands. It’s entrancing and menacing, creating swirling atmospheric magnificence.
Adam Throws His Two Cents From Nine-Thousand Feet Above Sea Level With: People In Planes - As Far As The Eye Can See
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/peopleinplanes.jpg
Website: (http://www.peopleinplanes.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/peopleinplanes)
People in Planes's 4 song EP had been sitting on my desk for a while. Then it moved to a stack on the floor. Later it was shifted to my large bookshelf full of other CDs, to basically be laid to rest. There was no real reason for this; it just happened. Fortunately, one day whilst cleaning up said CD shelf, it struck my fancy and I plugged it into my changer. You could have knocked me over with a feather. Flabbergasted, I was, to say the least, at my overwhelming smugness. How dare I so casually discard something like this? And now my ignorance is being rewarded and I have been given a second chance with this astounding band from the United Kingdom. But wait, it only gets better for me. Mere days later, I get a press release saying the band has signed with Wind-Up Records and, inexplicitly, receive the full length advance just a few days later. Somebody really likes me, because clearly I am not deserving of such fruitage. I can simply say the band has only gotten better, and has left me with one of the best CDs I've heard in ages. Combining equal parts of Muse, Kenna, and Oceansize, People In Planes's debut album, As Far As The Eye Can See, is a near-flawless, jaw-dropping piece of modern rock. Do yourself a favor and anticipate this.
Eric May Stumble Now And Again, But He Is No Man Of Constant: Folly - Resist Convenience
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/folly.jpg
Website: (http://www.follynj.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/folly)
Everyone I talk to (besides my girlfriend and a few people who have no idea what Myspace even is) have been waiting for this album to come out and, after listening to it today, I can tell them all it’s going to be worth the wait. If you’re not familiar with their music, Folly likes to blend hardcore gang vocals and rapid Ska-influenced jabbering with poignant technical breakdowns à la Calculating Infinity-era Dillinger Escape Plan. The choice cuts from their new album Resist Convenience are “Broken” (which really demonstrates their effortless yet effective attempt at genre commingling), “Forfeit Sundials,“ and “Bonfire of the Manatees.“
Ben Finally Figured Out What Some Of The Fuss Was About Over: Mugison - Mugimama! Is This Monkey Music?
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/mugison.jpg
Website: (http://www.mugison.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/mugison)
Adam somehow put this monstrosity on his year-end top ten list a few months back. I had "heard" it a few times, but it never struck my fancy. Top ten material, my ass, I thought. Eventually, though, I settled myself in front of my computer and put it on to begin the tedious process of reviewing this turd. And it turns out to be a fairly remarkable album, meandering between thwopping That 1 Guy inspired shenanigans and touching folksy ballads. It still took some time to get used to, but it's a pretty superb album once you come to accept it.