DEATH TO ANDERS "Punctuate the Calamities" CD
reviewed by Elana Bean
DEATH TO ANDERS' "Punctuate the Calamities" presents a dark world where savagery prevails. Rob Danson's vocals are strongly unique and add to the bizarre storytelling that the songs put forth. His odd pitch can be soothing like a gentle stream and then suddenly shriek and spook the crap out of me ("Silverlake"). When the songs/album take a more downbeat turn, they become dreamy and beautifully sad, like on the track "Something Wrong With Me" and "Sellout". I like the way in which the album has two distinctive sides to it: an almost country-esque beginning that slowly transitions into a more melodic indie collection. They pull it off effortlessly without seeming like it is too separate.
Also, these guys are also local to the L.A. area, so if you live around here I highly suggest going to see them perform. And special kudos for the packaging. Whoever has to sit around and tie all those string to the front of thecd covers has got to have nothing but love for this band.
Darsonic Symphonic Productions; http://www.deathtoanders.com/
THE HENRY CLAY PEOPLE "Blacklist the Kid with the Red Moustache" CD
reviewed by Elana Bean
THE HENRY CLAY PEOPLE are a local Los Angeles act who has put out probably one of my favorite albums this year with "Blacklist the Kid with the Red Moustache". Everything about this album makes me want to get up and dance and lip synch along to a hairbrush in the mirror. It's a pretty upbeat indie album with doubled vocals, heavy drum work and excellent production value that doesn't come off as "over produced", which is always a plus for me. The second track "Elly Vs. the Eczema Princess" sums up their style with the line We'll sail our ships to the summer of 1996. Cause that is where there musical style seems to be originating, but before you cringe, consider the great musical acts coming from that time (a la Pavement or Modest Mouse, both of whom seem to have rubbed off a bit on this band). And the Henry Clay People pull sounded reminiscent but still fresh and not derivative in the least. How do they do this? I have no clue, but man this album rocks. Listen to: "The Bandage of the Bloodclot", "Didn't Mean Anything" and "Killer Bees / The (F)artists".
Self Released
; http://www.thehenryclaypeople.com/
THEY SHOOT HORSES DON'T THEY? "Pick Up Sticks" CD
reviewed by Elana Bean
I'm a sucker for horn sections, especially in indie rock bands. "Pick Up Sticks" is the second full length release from the Vancouver band THEY SHOOT HORSES DON'T THEY? off of Kill Rock Stars. With odd-timed song structures backed by the six members of the band, the album comes off as having a full, lush soundscape fronted by wailing vocals.
It sorta sounds familiar, at least in the vocals, but with the almost carnival-like tuba, trumpet and other wind instruments they have stuck in there, there is definitely an air of something new. The whole album is great from start to finish, but if I had to pick just two to listen to, I'd go with "One Last Final Push" and "Speck of Dust".
Kill Rock Stars ; http://www.killrockstars.com/
THE TRANSMISSIONS "Burning the Winner" CD
reviewed by Elana Bean
Listening to THE TRANSMISSIONS' "Burning the Winner", I am reminded of Ian Svenonius/ The Make-Up. That is, if the Make-Up slowed themselves down to a more moody, psychedelic experience, or something closely related to that, especially when the female vocals are overlayed with the male ones on "The Dull Line". The songs draw you in and just swirl music around you. Also, besides the studio tracks on here, they also include three live tracks at the end which for me complete the album. Being able to hear what they sound like live, with all of their energy, makes me enjoy them even more because it rounds out their sound.
The Transmissions are another reason the L.A. music scene here is getting better and better. They make me want to pat them on the back or something, give them a cookie and say "Great Job, Keep it Up", and be completely sincere about it. I'd recommend "Floating", "Rogue King Nation" and their live track "17".
Self Released ; http://www.thetransmissions.com/
e-mail no-fi "magazine"
THE HENRY CLAY PEOPLE are a local Los Angeles act who has put out probably one of my favorite albums this year with "Blacklist the Kid with the Red Moustache". Everything about this album makes me want to get up and dance and lip synch along to a hairbrush in the mirror. It's a pretty upbeat indie album with doubled vocals, heavy drum work and excellent production value that doesn't come off as "over produced", which is always a plus for me. The second track "Elly Vs. the Eczema Princess" sums up their style with the line We'll sail our ships to the summer of 1996. Cause that is where there musical style seems to be originating, but before you cringe, consider the great musical acts coming from that time (a la Pavement or Modest Mouse, both of whom seem to have rubbed off a bit on this band). And the Henry Clay People pull sounded reminiscent but still fresh and not derivative in the least. How do they do this? I have no clue, but man this album rocks. Listen to: "The Bandage of the Bloodclot", "Didn't Mean Anything" and "Killer Bees / The (F)artists".