Thursday, January 19, 2012

Music Review - Noise & Rhythm - 1848

Noises & Rhythm started as a three-piece band, but has since become the solo project of Ryan Schumann. The sound itself is similar to the low-fi sounds of the mid to late 70's, mixed with some influence from the post-new wave era. 1848 is a collection of the work Ryan has completed, with the assistance of a revolving set of musicians, over the last six months.

"Tongue in cheek" are the first words that come to mind when considering the lyrics of Noises & Rhythm. "Let's Go to England" stands out as having that feel of watching someone or something else being insulted facetiously, but being in on the joke. It isn't the cruel kind of call out either, it's more a shared deprecation. On other songs, such as "Occupy Oscar", shots are taken at current events and society in general, showing Schumann is more than one-dimensional.

Instrumentation on this album seems to range a bit. The vocals are always well done, the keyboards and bass hold up their end as well. Guitars (with the exception of "Eat Our Oranges") seem a bit basic and not as strong when compared to other instruments. The drums and percussion hold-up but just as a simple back beat. This isn't much of an issue as the music is pop and has a rhythm of dancing, making the need for percussion less a necessity to emphasize the movement of the music and more relegated to being a supporting actor.

A very fun listen!

Where to find them:

  • Noise & Rhythm site has the album as choose your own price. Always a way to give a talented group or individual a leg up!
  • The album is now available on iTunes
  • On Spotify in February

RIYL: The Kinks, Beck, Nick Lowe

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Music Review - American Stories

American Stories is not the expected output of Buffalo, NY's punk and indie rock heavies Tim Nixon and Jesse Rejewski (Sleepy Sparrows, Dr. Dirty Sanchez), but that said, it is a pleasant sort of unexpected. Their new release, Prelude shows diverse song writing mixed mith lyrics of life and loss.

If we were to follow the liner notes on this, American Stories is "americana", but this label misses a lot of what their music actually has to offer. There are still elements of punk rock and just the hint of the Emocore songs of the late 90's and early 2000's. The songs are well crafted melodies put to the words of a musician observing his own life from an outside perspective.

This album was recorded with a good deal of care towards striking a balance between guitars, bass, drums, and vocals. The sound itself is blended excellently, and the songs leave a listener yearning for something a little bit better than their day to day, humdrum life.

There is some americana on this album, next to the more punk-esque songs, with tracks like "War Profiteers" and "Day Jobs and Sunsets". Standing next to these country tinted songs though are stand outs "Halfmast", "Forgetting the Clock", and "Happy New Years". These are nice combinations of the upbeat melody juxtaposed with lyrics of loss without redemption (hey...just like real life).

When all is said and done, we need to hope Tim and Jesse will continue to put more American Stories out soon.

N.B. special thanks to Scott Howard for letting me know about these guys

Where to find them:

At the moment it's pay what you want...which makes it only fair to pay at least something.

RIYL: Sledding with Tigers, Paul Westerberg, Sinners, Repent!