sir mix-a-lot
03-29-2006, 07:25 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.
Brent Was There From The Beginning: At The Drive-In - Relationship Of Command
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/atdi.jpg
Website: (http://www.fearlessrecords.com/atdi/) :: Listen: (http://www.fearlessrecords.com/atdi/)
Five years ago this month, At the Drive-In broke up, and, in my opinion, no other up-and-coming band since has been worthy of receiving the attention ATDI received.
I never answer the "Who is your favorite band?" question; there're just too many to choose from and I don't limit myself like that. But no other band has gotten me as excited about music as ATDI did. They totally revamped how I looked at music; how I listened to it; they changed what I considered great in music; what's important and what should be important. Like I said, I don't have a favorite, but no other band has influenced me musically like ATDI has.
I could go on and on about how great they were when they were still around, but I like to keep my contributions to this topic short and sweet. In a way, I think that what I have to say about my picks is irrelevant. Especially with this album. Its influence is obvious. At least it is to me.
Jayme Is Ready To: Embrace The End - Counting Hallways To The Left
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/embracetheend.jpg
Website: (http://www.embracetheendoftheworld.com/) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/embracetheend)
Sometimes you just have a shitty week and all you want to do is crank up something as loud as possible and forget it all. Well, Embrace the End’s Counting Hallways to the Left has been my soundtrack to leaving this week behind. Everything on the album bleeds sheer aggression; however, don’t be fooled into thinking this is just a muddy mess of noise. Much akin to bands such as Between the Buried and Me, The Red Chord, and Through the Eyes of the Dead, Embrace the End melds technical metal riffs with pounding blast beats and trudging breakdowns to create damn near flawless metalcore. The band takes an interesting vocal approach as it employs dual vocalists that intertwine a variety of screams and growls to achieve a powerful product. Counting Hallways to the Left is a seamless, solid mixture of metal, grind, and hardcore that hoists Embrace the End closer to the top of an increasingly large and substantially progressing genre. Pound for pound, Embrace the End brings one hell of a fight on Counting Hallways to the Left.
Jared Is Showing Midwest Pride Without Being Racist While Enjoying: Dead To Fall - The Phoenix Throne
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/deadtofall.jpg
Website: (http://www.deadtofall.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/deadtofall)
The Midwest is rarely home to heavy music. Any time I hear a good metal band from the area, I get excited. Strangely, Dead to Fall has floated above my radar for quite some time.
Actually that’s not quite true. I had given them a listen in the past, but brushed them off as just another metal band. Was I wrong? That would be a resounding “YES!” With The Phoenix Throne, they haven’t really changed their sound much, but it is immensely superior to anything they’ve done in the past.
Just listen to the lead track, “All My Heroes Have Failed Me.” The stuttered riffing grabs you immediately. “Chum Fiesta” is literally about someone being attacked by a shark. The imagery in the lyrics is true and at times even comical as you can hear cries of “Oh shit.”
This may be the wrong thing to say, but I think what I like best about The Phoenix Throne is that it remind of the now defunct Minnesota band Nehemiah. It’s comforting to know us Midwesterners can churn out metal every bit as fierce as our West Coast counterparts.
Truman Defeats Dewey With The Lethal Knockout Punch Of: From First To Last - Heroine
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/fromfirsttolast.jpg
Website: (http://www.fromfirsttolast.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/fftl)
This week I decided to get back in on this and choose From First To Last’s new album Heroine. I’m not sure what I think of the album yet. I enjoyed Dear Diary, but this is a very different album. It definitely seems like an album that will grow on the listener. The music is a step in a different direction for the band and, depending on what you like, can be a good or bad thing. The one thing that bothers me the most about the album is Sonny’s vocals, which seemed better on the last album…to me at least. All in all, it isn’t a terrible sophomore album and shows this band may have some skill outside of the scene they were lumped into a couple years ago. If this album isn’t for you, at least check it out to hear Wes Borland return to something that isn’t Limp Bizkit.
Marc Hasn't Hit The Bottom Yet, But Has Something To Get Him Through In Case: All Else Failed - Archetype
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/allelsefailed.jpg
Website: (http://www.allelsefailed.info) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/allelsefailed)
Seriously one of the most under-appreciated bands in the last 10 years or so. Their live shows are quite the experience and the release of Archetype was no different. Listening to this album is like being grabbed by the neck and having Luke (singer) scream right into your face. Anyone can scream into a microphone, but only a select few have something worth saying, and this band does. All Else Failed, unlike most hardcore bands, concentrates on all aspects of their music and it can get pretty technical, especially with the help of Ben from Dillinger Escape Plan producing this. As hardcore as this band is, they know how to switch it up and do something totally out of left field, which they do with the song "In Time," taking a melodic approach. I'll leave you with this; "Turns out they were wrong all this time. Turns out there was proof all this time. Turns out, no before, no after. Just now. Turns out this book has been written. It's proven; there is no master plan."
Dave Illustrates What Happens When Internet And Real Life Converge With: This Day Forward - The Transient Effects Of Light On Water
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/thisdayforward.jpg
Website: (http://www.thisdayforward.com) :: Listen: (http://www.equalvision.com/evr/releases.php?band_id=14&id=7)
Partially inspired by the recent debate about real hardcore/emo in the forums, I decided to bring out some of my old favorites and give them another listen. The one that I have been playing the most was This Day Forward’s The Transient Effects of Light on Water. For me, this album touches on all the right bases. The breakdowns on the album are absolutely brutal assaults of dissonant guitars reminiscent of Converge. Mike Shaw’s abrasive scream can hold up to the best of them. Another factor that keeps me coming back to the album is the ability to use singing vocals and spoken word in a context that does not feel forced in any way. The music is strictly a result of unabated passion. At just 9 songs in about 32 minutes, there is not a single second of this album I do not enjoy. Despite what you believe real hardcore is (which is definitely subjective), this is an album that needs to be listened to by anyone who can identify with hardcore/emo.
Johnny Knows Geography Better Than: The Elms - The Chess Hotel
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/theelms.jpg
Website: (http://www.theelms.net) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/theelms)
The Elms started their musical journey in about 2001 and released two records on uber-Christian label Sparrow Records. They scored some big hits in that market, but by the time it was time for their third album, the band changed sounds and labels. They went from super pop rock to southern rock and from Sparrow to Universal. Their upcoming album The Chess Hotel is one of the best southern rock releases in years, maybe decades, and, in some market, be it Christian, rock or country, these Indiana boys will be stars.
Jordan S. Knows When Something's Strong Enough For A Man, But Made For A Woman (This Isn't It): Arma Secreta - A Century's Remains
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/armasecreta.jpg
Website: (http://www.armasecreta.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/armasecreta)
Arma Secreta, the Memphis-based trio, slay in the good old fashions of At The Drive-In, Mars Volta, Bullet Train To Vegas, etc. Wildly intricate drums, thunderous guitar, rolling bass lines, and no mercy. Massive, epic, cinematic post-rock. These guys play from the heart. Found them a few months back, listened the shit out of them, wondering why it’s taken me so long to suggest it to others. These guys tear it up. Do yourself a favor, and wrecka-check-check ‘em out.
Sam Tried To Kick His Habit By Using: Placebo - Meds
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/placebo.jpg
Website: (http://www.placeboworld.co.uk) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/placebo)
Placebo's fifth release, Meds, was launched in the UK on March 13th. The band is looking forward to releasing the CD in the US on April 4th. If you enjoyed every other Placebo CD, this one is no different. Though formulaic to their song structure, Meds brings a side to Placebo not seen before. Everyone should definitely check 'em out.
Ben Doesn't Know Where The Hell It Is, But He Wouldn't Mind Landing On: Surface of Eceon - Dragyyn
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/surfaceofeceon.jpg
Website: (http://www.surfaceofeceyon.com) :: Listen: (http://www.epitonic.com/files/reg/songs/mp3/Surface_Of_Eceon-Deep_Gray_Night.mp3)
In my years at Decoy, I've been known to trash other writers pretty heinously. If they tough out the hazings and I pull my head out of my ass, it usually turns out that we can connect on some musical level. The other day, I was speaking with Jayme, a guy I thought had no future with us who has turned himself into quite the reviewer, about some random post-rock bands, because we were both excited about our Post-Rock Tournament. We eventually drew our discussion to the lighter side of it and he suggested some really great bands and I suggested Surface of Eceon. I was drawn to them a few years ago when I went in search of music that sounded like the soundtrack to Solaris. Jayme quite liked the one song I sent him a link to and I found myself re-discovering the band. Their music makes you feel like you're the first man (or woman) ever to walk on a new planet. It's the soundtrack to the trip there, even. Truly, it is space rock. I highly recommend it to anyone who just needs to unwind for an hour or two.
Matt Leaves You With Just One Thing To Ponder
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/ponder.jpg
Brent Was There From The Beginning: At The Drive-In - Relationship Of Command
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/atdi.jpg
Website: (http://www.fearlessrecords.com/atdi/) :: Listen: (http://www.fearlessrecords.com/atdi/)
Five years ago this month, At the Drive-In broke up, and, in my opinion, no other up-and-coming band since has been worthy of receiving the attention ATDI received.
I never answer the "Who is your favorite band?" question; there're just too many to choose from and I don't limit myself like that. But no other band has gotten me as excited about music as ATDI did. They totally revamped how I looked at music; how I listened to it; they changed what I considered great in music; what's important and what should be important. Like I said, I don't have a favorite, but no other band has influenced me musically like ATDI has.
I could go on and on about how great they were when they were still around, but I like to keep my contributions to this topic short and sweet. In a way, I think that what I have to say about my picks is irrelevant. Especially with this album. Its influence is obvious. At least it is to me.
Jayme Is Ready To: Embrace The End - Counting Hallways To The Left
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/embracetheend.jpg
Website: (http://www.embracetheendoftheworld.com/) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/embracetheend)
Sometimes you just have a shitty week and all you want to do is crank up something as loud as possible and forget it all. Well, Embrace the End’s Counting Hallways to the Left has been my soundtrack to leaving this week behind. Everything on the album bleeds sheer aggression; however, don’t be fooled into thinking this is just a muddy mess of noise. Much akin to bands such as Between the Buried and Me, The Red Chord, and Through the Eyes of the Dead, Embrace the End melds technical metal riffs with pounding blast beats and trudging breakdowns to create damn near flawless metalcore. The band takes an interesting vocal approach as it employs dual vocalists that intertwine a variety of screams and growls to achieve a powerful product. Counting Hallways to the Left is a seamless, solid mixture of metal, grind, and hardcore that hoists Embrace the End closer to the top of an increasingly large and substantially progressing genre. Pound for pound, Embrace the End brings one hell of a fight on Counting Hallways to the Left.
Jared Is Showing Midwest Pride Without Being Racist While Enjoying: Dead To Fall - The Phoenix Throne
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/deadtofall.jpg
Website: (http://www.deadtofall.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/deadtofall)
The Midwest is rarely home to heavy music. Any time I hear a good metal band from the area, I get excited. Strangely, Dead to Fall has floated above my radar for quite some time.
Actually that’s not quite true. I had given them a listen in the past, but brushed them off as just another metal band. Was I wrong? That would be a resounding “YES!” With The Phoenix Throne, they haven’t really changed their sound much, but it is immensely superior to anything they’ve done in the past.
Just listen to the lead track, “All My Heroes Have Failed Me.” The stuttered riffing grabs you immediately. “Chum Fiesta” is literally about someone being attacked by a shark. The imagery in the lyrics is true and at times even comical as you can hear cries of “Oh shit.”
This may be the wrong thing to say, but I think what I like best about The Phoenix Throne is that it remind of the now defunct Minnesota band Nehemiah. It’s comforting to know us Midwesterners can churn out metal every bit as fierce as our West Coast counterparts.
Truman Defeats Dewey With The Lethal Knockout Punch Of: From First To Last - Heroine
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/fromfirsttolast.jpg
Website: (http://www.fromfirsttolast.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/fftl)
This week I decided to get back in on this and choose From First To Last’s new album Heroine. I’m not sure what I think of the album yet. I enjoyed Dear Diary, but this is a very different album. It definitely seems like an album that will grow on the listener. The music is a step in a different direction for the band and, depending on what you like, can be a good or bad thing. The one thing that bothers me the most about the album is Sonny’s vocals, which seemed better on the last album…to me at least. All in all, it isn’t a terrible sophomore album and shows this band may have some skill outside of the scene they were lumped into a couple years ago. If this album isn’t for you, at least check it out to hear Wes Borland return to something that isn’t Limp Bizkit.
Marc Hasn't Hit The Bottom Yet, But Has Something To Get Him Through In Case: All Else Failed - Archetype
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/allelsefailed.jpg
Website: (http://www.allelsefailed.info) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/allelsefailed)
Seriously one of the most under-appreciated bands in the last 10 years or so. Their live shows are quite the experience and the release of Archetype was no different. Listening to this album is like being grabbed by the neck and having Luke (singer) scream right into your face. Anyone can scream into a microphone, but only a select few have something worth saying, and this band does. All Else Failed, unlike most hardcore bands, concentrates on all aspects of their music and it can get pretty technical, especially with the help of Ben from Dillinger Escape Plan producing this. As hardcore as this band is, they know how to switch it up and do something totally out of left field, which they do with the song "In Time," taking a melodic approach. I'll leave you with this; "Turns out they were wrong all this time. Turns out there was proof all this time. Turns out, no before, no after. Just now. Turns out this book has been written. It's proven; there is no master plan."
Dave Illustrates What Happens When Internet And Real Life Converge With: This Day Forward - The Transient Effects Of Light On Water
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/thisdayforward.jpg
Website: (http://www.thisdayforward.com) :: Listen: (http://www.equalvision.com/evr/releases.php?band_id=14&id=7)
Partially inspired by the recent debate about real hardcore/emo in the forums, I decided to bring out some of my old favorites and give them another listen. The one that I have been playing the most was This Day Forward’s The Transient Effects of Light on Water. For me, this album touches on all the right bases. The breakdowns on the album are absolutely brutal assaults of dissonant guitars reminiscent of Converge. Mike Shaw’s abrasive scream can hold up to the best of them. Another factor that keeps me coming back to the album is the ability to use singing vocals and spoken word in a context that does not feel forced in any way. The music is strictly a result of unabated passion. At just 9 songs in about 32 minutes, there is not a single second of this album I do not enjoy. Despite what you believe real hardcore is (which is definitely subjective), this is an album that needs to be listened to by anyone who can identify with hardcore/emo.
Johnny Knows Geography Better Than: The Elms - The Chess Hotel
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/theelms.jpg
Website: (http://www.theelms.net) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/theelms)
The Elms started their musical journey in about 2001 and released two records on uber-Christian label Sparrow Records. They scored some big hits in that market, but by the time it was time for their third album, the band changed sounds and labels. They went from super pop rock to southern rock and from Sparrow to Universal. Their upcoming album The Chess Hotel is one of the best southern rock releases in years, maybe decades, and, in some market, be it Christian, rock or country, these Indiana boys will be stars.
Jordan S. Knows When Something's Strong Enough For A Man, But Made For A Woman (This Isn't It): Arma Secreta - A Century's Remains
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/armasecreta.jpg
Website: (http://www.armasecreta.com) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/armasecreta)
Arma Secreta, the Memphis-based trio, slay in the good old fashions of At The Drive-In, Mars Volta, Bullet Train To Vegas, etc. Wildly intricate drums, thunderous guitar, rolling bass lines, and no mercy. Massive, epic, cinematic post-rock. These guys play from the heart. Found them a few months back, listened the shit out of them, wondering why it’s taken me so long to suggest it to others. These guys tear it up. Do yourself a favor, and wrecka-check-check ‘em out.
Sam Tried To Kick His Habit By Using: Placebo - Meds
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/placebo.jpg
Website: (http://www.placeboworld.co.uk) :: Listen: (http://www.myspace.com/placebo)
Placebo's fifth release, Meds, was launched in the UK on March 13th. The band is looking forward to releasing the CD in the US on April 4th. If you enjoyed every other Placebo CD, this one is no different. Though formulaic to their song structure, Meds brings a side to Placebo not seen before. Everyone should definitely check 'em out.
Ben Doesn't Know Where The Hell It Is, But He Wouldn't Mind Landing On: Surface of Eceon - Dragyyn
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/surfaceofeceon.jpg
Website: (http://www.surfaceofeceyon.com) :: Listen: (http://www.epitonic.com/files/reg/songs/mp3/Surface_Of_Eceon-Deep_Gray_Night.mp3)
In my years at Decoy, I've been known to trash other writers pretty heinously. If they tough out the hazings and I pull my head out of my ass, it usually turns out that we can connect on some musical level. The other day, I was speaking with Jayme, a guy I thought had no future with us who has turned himself into quite the reviewer, about some random post-rock bands, because we were both excited about our Post-Rock Tournament. We eventually drew our discussion to the lighter side of it and he suggested some really great bands and I suggested Surface of Eceon. I was drawn to them a few years ago when I went in search of music that sounded like the soundtrack to Solaris. Jayme quite liked the one song I sent him a link to and I found myself re-discovering the band. Their music makes you feel like you're the first man (or woman) ever to walk on a new planet. It's the soundtrack to the trip there, even. Truly, it is space rock. I highly recommend it to anyone who just needs to unwind for an hour or two.
Matt Leaves You With Just One Thing To Ponder
http://www.decoymusic.com/images/ListeningStation/ponder.jpg