Feist – Metals (2011)

Dec05
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Nelson

2011 album from the Canadian singer/songwriter. Metals is the follow-up to her 2007 breakout The Reminder. Recorded in Big Sur, California, Feist co-produced the album with longtime collaborators Chilly Gonzales and Mocky, as well as newcomer Valgeir Sigurdsson (Bjork, Bonnie “Prince” Billy) Metals will mark Feist’s celebratory return to the world stage. Like The Reminder, this album is astoundingly intimate, yet often exuberant; rife with transcendent and unforgettable pop gems. The album is being teased with 12 unique vignettes, each hinting at a different element of this stunningly beautiful, sublime record.

~Amazon.com

Posted in Reviews of Newer Albums - Tagged beautiful, Canadian, exuberant, intimate, pop, sublime

Gene Priest – Breat in, Breath out (EP-2011)

Sep10
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Nelson

Ok people here it is. . . Indie/ Country (We even added a new category for it). If you don’t have to love it, you certainly have to appreciate it. Gene Priest seems to have a finger on a pretty cool niche here. His vocal style is compelling with an alternative style and a somber tone in which country music was founded (minus the country vocal twang). The drums sound straight out a well sound-proofed garage making for a great centerpiece for which the other instruments can revolve. This is the indie part.

The country feel of the EP is defined through the use of well-placed steel guitars. The juxtaposition of the elements listed above make for a creative fusion of two separate music styles that have been around forever. Priest’s talent lies in the seamless meshing of the two; as if they have existed as one style this whole time. This is an EP, so I suggest giving each track a fair listen. It will be over before you know it. Be sure to include on your next road-trip. . . and be sure the sun is setting.

Posted in Reviews of Newer Albums - Tagged alternative, country, creative, Gene Priest, indie, indie drums, somber vocals, steel guitar

Jonathan Keevil – “Bellflower” Soundtrack

Sep01
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Nelson

This album is split, with vinyl tradition, between Side A & Side B.

Side A could also be named An Evening with a Somber Man and his Guitar (and I mean this with all respect). It provides a late-night dive-bar atmosphere, complete with the sound of newly-drank beer bottles with subtle belches to boot. . . terrific mood music. The first part of this album sounds like (and I could be wrong about this, but doubt it) the consequence of reflecting bad relationships on raw talent; an effective combo. Keevil’s vocals are both melancholy and stylistically slurry which convey a desperate honesty which helped artists such as Jessica Lea Mayfield gain notoriety.

In contrast, side B consists largely of melodic and electric soundscapes created with moody, distorted guitar, atmospheric synths and mild bits of percussion. Post-apocalyptic in nature, these tracks on side B serve as a great “yin” to side A’s “yang.” Together, they create an interesting body of songs that can hold attention.

This album is demo quality throughout, and perfectly so. Over-production would be a disservice to the overall vibe of this project. Sometimes less is more, as is this. Featured as the soundtrack to the Sundance hit, “Bellflower”, this album is a great nod to minimal and indie music. Kick back with some headphones and enjoy.

Highlights: Bland, Enough, Babylin, Dunes, Silkroad, at end of Moment

Posted in Reviews of Newer Albums - Tagged Bellflower, good, Jonathan Keevil, meoncholy, minimal, moody, post-apocalyptic, somber, Soundtrack, subtle

Ohgr – Devils in My Details (2010)

Jul20
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Nelson

The short: The David Lynch movies of electronic music. Toxic and addictive; unique and dark electronics with verse/chorus structure. It slowly grows on you. Before you know it, the macabre overtones feel quite normal and your attention is sustained in spite of what your girlfriend/boyfriend says. This particular album goes even further to explore the world of . . . humor (listen to Feeling Chicken)! It’s another side of music. You might as well try it so you can say you did.

Quatio Highlights: Shhh, Psychoreal, Timebome

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Posted in Reviews of Newer Albums

Local Natives – Gorilla Manor (2009)

Jul13
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Nelson

The Short: Fantastic harmonies meticulously placed amid comfortable folk-inspired indie rock. Acoustic, non-distorted and gently distorted electric guitars, mandolins, a soothing bass and lively drumwork showcase the musical landscape of this album. It is fronted by male vocals with intriguing lyrics. Genuine music here; a pleasant road-tripper.

Quatio Highlights: Wide Eyes, Shapeshifter, Camera Talk

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Posted in Reviews of Newer Albums - Tagged 2009, fantastic harmonies, folk, gorilla manor, indie, lively drums, local natives, male vocals, rock, soothing

Chemical Brothers – Further (2010)

Jul06
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Nelson

The Short: I lost track of these guys for a while and I’m happy to say that they are doing just fine, still making a great, creative driven and unique strain of electronic music. Spinal chords of fans will be more than content to sit back and feel the energy swell and churn within them. I happen to catch this entire album while driving during sunset. . . and it really felt like the music was written for that moment. It was cool, creepy and fantastic all at the same time. The Chemical Brothers have one of the best brands of audio paint available today. . . rich and vivid.

Quatio Highlights: Snow, Escape Velocity, Horse Power, Wonders of the Deep

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Posted in Reviews of Newer Albums - Tagged Chemical brothers, cool, creaive, Electronic, emotional, further, high energy, UK, well produced

My Morning Jacket – Circuital (2011)

Jun25
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Nelson

The Short: It’s indie folk rock with a touch of Nashville (or, in their case, Kentucky). This has a very soft, non encroaching feel with compelling male vocals. Damned if I don’t here some early 60′s music in there also! The reverb is kicked up high giving this a lot of atmosphere. . . especially when the old steel guitar creeps in. Amazon describes it as follows: “Circuital was recorded in Louisville, KY and Nashville, TN, and was co-produced by frontman Jim James and Tucker Martine (R.E.M., Sufjan Stevens, The Decemberists). The result is yet another reinvention of their sound that both forges new ground and maintains the distinct spirit of MMJ s previous work.”

Quatio Highlights: Victory Dance, Circuital, Outta my System, Holding on to Black Metal

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Posted in Reviews of Newer Albums - Tagged 60's, circuital, early, Indie Folk, kentucky, male vocals, mellow, My morning jacket, nashville

N.E.R.D. – Nothing (2010)

Jun17
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Nelson

Posted in Reviews of Newer Albums

Florence and the Machine – Lungs (2009)

Jun15
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Nelson

Her debut album `Lungs’ is marked largely of extremely powerful and heartfelt vocals. Secondary, yet equally captivating, are the other use of both common and non-traditional instrumentation. For example, traditional drums play a major role in the experience. However, instruments such as harps and hand claps add a new and invigorating take to the sonic landscappe. Other “instruments”, as listed by Amazon, include “choirs, elevator shafts, bits of metal, love, death, fireworks, string quartets, stamping, sighing, strange electronic wailing, lambs, lions, sick, broken glass, blood, moon, stars, drink, coffins, teeth, water, wedding dresses.. and the silences in between.” You get the feeling that the elves of Lord of the Rings might have been jamming to this on their iPods between takes.

Quatio Highlights: I’m not Calling you a Liar, Kiss With a Fist, Howl

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Posted in Reviews of Newer Albums - Tagged creative, florence and the machine, gothic imagery, Indie Rock, intelligent lyrics, lungs

Quicksand – Slip (1993)

Jun10
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Nelson

The short: This is what hardcore sounds like when you forgot what hardcore sounds like. . . or have never heard hardcore in the first place. You may not know it, but this is a very influential to many o’ band since. Meticulously produced with some tones that are hard to replicate to this day, this is a rarity…and I haven’t even mentioned the lyrical richness at this point!

Quatio Highlights: Fazer, Head to Wall, Freezing Process, Baphomet

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Posted in Reviews of Older Albums - Tagged angry, great lyrics, gutiar tones, hardcore, Quciksand, slip, well produced

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Feist – Metals (2011)

Gene Priest – Breat in, Breath out (EP-2011)

Jonathan Keevil – “Bellflower” Soundtrack

Ohgr – Devils in My Details (2010)

Local Natives – Gorilla Manor (2009)

Chemical Brothers – Further (2010)

My Morning Jacket – Circuital (2011)

N.E.R.D. – Nothing (2010)

Florence and the Machine – Lungs (2009)

Quicksand – Slip (1993)

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