I Need My Girl - The National
Thursday, 27 February 2014
Sunday, 23 February 2014
Album review: Dialects - Snowmine
9/10
Brooklyn five-piece, Snowmine, have triumphed with the release of their new album, 'Dialects'. Recorded in a church, the tracks on the album have a fresh and expansive sound that seems very organic - the band pride themselves on the lack of borrowed samples; everything has been written and recorded by them, and it has paid off.
Across the album, the vocals are reminiscent of Vampire Weekend, but the comparisons end there, for the song are unique in their arrangements of orchestral instruments. With strings and clarinets, the sound is rich and vibrant - opening track, 'To Hold An Ocean' is added to by the sound effects of a gently lapping ocean. Each song on the album seamlessly flows into the next, meaning a unified sound spans the record.
'Columbus' is perhaps the most exciting song on the album. The melodic vocals are wonderfully contrasted with a thumping drumbeat and a jangling bassline. It's certainly a colourful track, with a lot going on. However, the various strands all fit neatly together, proving that the band are accomplished musicians. This is even more evident on 'Safety in a Open Mind', a purely instrumental track that is the perfect mix of electronic beats layered with flutes.
The album is perfectly produced, with recurring instruments providing overarching musical themes across the whole record. However, this isn't to say that the tracks are repetitive. Each individual track is a masterpiece, meaning 'Dialects' is safely one of the best albums of 2014 so far.
The album is perfectly produced, with recurring instruments providing overarching musical themes across the whole record. However, this isn't to say that the tracks are repetitive. Each individual track is a masterpiece, meaning 'Dialects' is safely one of the best albums of 2014 so far.
Monday, 17 February 2014
Sunday, 9 February 2014
Live video: Whispered Half Asleep - Toliesel
Recorded at Studio Focus, a wonderful live video for Toliesel's 'Whispered Half Asleep' has surfaced on the internet, which showcases the band's extraordinary sound. In a live setting, the song is a powerful and exhilarating listen, with rich layers of guitars and drums. A dreamy sounding introduction is a nice addition to the recorded version taken from the band's Contours EP, released last September and reviewed on NotAnotherRainySunday here.
Sunday, 2 February 2014
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