Fleet Foxes - "Helplessness Blues" and New Album

Fleet Foxes' long-awaited and highly anticipated sophomore album, Helplessness Blues, is due out May 3rd via Sub Pop. Phil Ek, who produced their first album, co-produced and mixed this one. The title track is the first single and possesses their characteristic Baroque, church hymnal style -- starting quietly and building with their signature harmonies to create nothing short of a beautiful folk song. They also announced today that they will be going on tour for the first time in two years. The first show is slated for April 30th in Vancouver at the Vogue Theater.

Pre-Order Helplessness Blues HERE

Tour Dates:
04-30 Vancouver, British Columbia - The Vogue Theatre
05-01 Portland, OR - Crystal Ballroom
05-03 Seattle, WA - Moore Theatre
05-05 Oakland, CA - Fox Theater
05-06 San Diego, CA - Spreckels Theatre
05-07 Hollywood, CA - Hollywood Palladium
05-08 Tucson, AZ - Rialto Theatre
05-10 Austin, TX - Stubbs Waller Creek Amphitheater
05-11 Dallas, TX - Palladium Ballroom
05-13 Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium
05-14 Atlanta, GA - The Tabernacle
05-15 Washington, DC - DAR Constitution Hall
05-17 Boston, MA - Orpheum Theatre
05-18 New York, NY - The United Palace Theatre
05-21 Upper Darby, PA - Tower Theatre
05-25 Berlin, Germany - Astra
05-26 Munich, Germany - Dachau Summer of Music
05-28 Barcelona, Spain - Primavera Sound
05-30 Paris, France - Bataclan
05-31 London, England - Hammersmith Apollo

Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues by subpop

Daniel Martin Moore - In the Cool of the Day

It has been two years since Daniel Martin Moore's debut, Stray Age, and a year since his collaborative album, Dear Companion, with Ben Sollee. Finally, on January 18, Moore released his second solo effort, In the Cool of the Day through Sub Pop. It's a collection of original as well as re-imagined standard gospel tunes that most of us are familiar with. And, although a very unusual venture for the Sub Pop label, it’s a pleasant surprise coming from an outfit that brought us The Dum Dum Girls and Wolf Parade.

In the Cool of the Day is the kind of gospel music I was raised listening to -- the kind I know and love. It isn't this so-called "praise" music the Christian kids are listening to today with wannabe rock and pop artists. Instead, it's an uncomplicated album filled with folk-influenced gospel songs ranging from serious and somber to joyful and jazzy. The opener, "All Ye Tenderhearted" is just Moore's soft voice and a subtle banjo followed by the upbeat country tune "Dark Roads." The beautiful piano ballad "O My Soul" starts quietly with Moore's tranquil voice and a piano that builds into an inspired finish, while the jazzy tones of "In the Garden" and "Up Above My Head" breaks the monotony of an otherwise placid album. And, the understated piano joined by a single violin on "Lay Down Your Lonesome Burden" creates the most gorgeous and peaceful moment on the entire album.

It’s through these songs that Daniel Martin Moore makes a wonderful statement about his love of gospel music and I’m assuming his love of God as well. However, despite the album's religious content, In the Cool of the Day is uplifting and spiritual without being dogmatic. It is most certainly music that will restore and comfort a troubled soul -- believer or not.

Purchase In the Cool of the Day
Listen to In the Cool of the Day

Up Above My Head by subpop

O My Soul by subpop
 
Lay Down Your Lonesome Burden by subpop

Glossary - The Better Angel of Our Nature (free)

Recently, I happened upon another free album that I couldn't resist posting. And, like many free albums I download with a bit of skepticism. I always ask myself, "Self, why is the band giving this album away? Does it lack any value, even in the band's opinion?" Well self and friends, this album is worth a hell of a lot more than free. It was worth every penny I didn't spend, and if it wasn't free, it still would have been worth buying.

The Better Angel of Our Nature is Glossary's fifth album and like its cover suggests its an album about the American spirit, more specifically the American South. Its songs about defiance and optimism is steep in the Southern rock tradition, but with an alternative flavor. Its definitely not the typical, generic Lynyrd Skynyrd- type Southern rock we're all used to hearing (and, quite frankly, I'm sick of hearing). Its well executed and balanced electric guitars, Southern harmonies and piano allow the songs and album to flow easily without losing interest. And, its lyrics contain a morose attitude with themes of death, pain and hopelessnes, but, oddly enough, hold some underlying optimism. The album's title, The Better Angel of Our Nature, also evokes a sense of optimism and hope. It also brings to mind -- although I’m not certain if it's fitting -- the last sentence of  Abraham Lincoln's inaugural address: "The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature."

Download The Better Angel of Our Nature HERE

"Little Caney"


"Almsgiver"


"Valessa"

Iron & Wine - Kiss Each Other Clean

Iron & Wine's new album and Warner Brothers debut, Kiss Each Other Clean (January 25), didn't exactly live up to the hype surrounding it. However, with this being said, it is a bold and confident release from a man who has quietly built his career on whispers. The album takes Sam Beam off the southern dirt roads and into the neon lights of the city. In Kiss Each Other Clean, Beam no longer evokes imagines of quiet pastoral settings; instead he creates the nostalgia of listening to your parents’ 1970s soft rock albums.

Kiss Each Other Clean isn't a huge departure for Sam Beam. He's still the quintessential troubadour we have all come to know and love, grabbing your attention with his great lyrics and stories. Also, like 2007's The Shepherd's Dog which had a full band sound, Kiss Each Other Clean has the same. However, despite their different styles, these albums are still distinctively Beam.

The album's opener, "Walking Far from Home," is a dreamy catalog of the images found while walking and exemplifies his lyrical style. Beam's storytelling still shines in the wistful and nostalgic "Tree by the River." Keeping with the nostalgia theme, Beam includes background "doo-wops" in “Half Moon” reminding me of America's "Sister Golden Hair." The melody in "Rabbit Will Run" is different than anything Beam has done before and feels a bit uncomfortable and contrived. The afro-centric percussion mixed with the calliope-like pipes and flute gives the track a manic quality. The piano ballad, "Godless Brother in Love" feels more natural for Beam, his phrasing and lines like "the night won't compensate the blind" feels pleasantly familiar. The funky bass line and choking sax makes "Big Burned Hand" irritating, while Beam’s soft but sure vocals are the focus in “Glad Man Singing.” And, finally, the jazzy layers of brass, shredding electric guitar, and Beam's vocals on the epic, seven-minute long "Your Fake Name is Good Enough" closes Kiss Each Other Clean on a strong and funky note .

And, even though Kiss Each Other Clean doesn't live up to my expectations, it does however, show that Iron & Wine is willing to take risks and continue developing like any good artist should. But, I only hope Sam Beam hasn’t lost that quiet folk singer who has led him down those rural roads that have taken him to the bright lights of Warner Brothers.

Purchase Kiss Each Other Clean

William Fitzsimmons - "The Winter from Her Leaving"

William Fitzsimmons has just released "The Winter from Her Leaving," a single from his upcoming album, Gold in the Shadow. It's lighter and more upbeat than your typical Fitzsimmons' song. His previous albums agonizingly recount his past personal experiences as well as his divorce, but Gold in the Shadow promises to tell of his rebirth and growth. Fitzsimmons has said the new album is "a real and long coming confrontation with personal demons, past mistakes, and the specter of mental illness which has hovered over me for the great majority of my life."

Gold in the Shadow is due out March 22nd on Nettwerk Records.

William Fitzsimmons' website

William Fitzsimmons - Gold In The Shadow by nettwerkmusicgroup

Cowboy Junkies Q & A

A couple of days ago I had the opportunity to do a short Q & A with the Cowboy Junkies about their new album, Demons, and this is what they said:

*Why a tribute to Vic Chesnutt?

We worked with Vic off and on over the last 15 years and we always admired his approach to his music and the quality and uniqueness of his songs. When Vic died last year we felt that this would be a fitting way for us to honour his memory.

*Before going into the studio were there any fears and concerns about recording Demons?

Vic had a very unique song writing style and a very unique way of approaching his songs from a production, vocal and arrangement point of view. So we were definitely aware that we wouldn’t have a key element in Vic’s recorded output, which was Vic himself. Margo in particular was worried about singing some of these songs and about finding a way to properly put them across.

*How did the band decide on which songs to record? And, given your friendship with Vic Chesnutt, were there any that became more personal or more difficult than others?

We all sat with his catalogue and chose our personal favourites and the songs that we each wanted to tackle. Then we came together with our lists and cut it down to a manageable size. It was most difficult doing the vocals, for obvious reasons. Sitting there and really focusing on the lyrics was pretty emotional at times. I think “See You Around” was the most difficult because the lyric took on a whole other meaning, because of the context. Margo also put a very sad and lonesome spin on the vocal which I think added a whole other layer of meaning to the song.

*Anyone familiar with Vic Chesnutt knows his story and the dark nature of his songs. What did you do to keep from being overwhelmed by the songs' heaviness?

There was a lot of dark humour during the sessions, which allowed us to deal with listening to some of the playback without getting too overwhelmed. I’d repeat some of the humour but it would seem inappropriate out of context.

Cowboy Junkies - Demons

The Cowboy Junkies have released their new album, Demons, on January 18 and the physical album will be available in February. It is the follow-up album to 2010's Remnin Park, and is the second album in the four-part "Nomad Series" which was recorded to mark the band's 25th Anniversary.

Demons is a reverent tribute to their dear friend Vic Chesnutt. Originally, the band and Chesnutt had discussed collaborating but never came to fruition due to Chesnutt's suicide in 2009. After his death, the band began talking about their next project and decided upon an album of Chesnutt's often overlooked work.

The Cowboy Junkies bring a refinement while keeping the songs' edge and emotions. For example, the originally acoustic "Wrong Piano" now has a psychedelic tone with a buzzing organ and distorted guitars without changing its initial attitude. In songs like "Flirted with You All My Life," "See You Around," and "Ladle", the band stays true to Chesnutt's original melody while managing to stay distinctive. The sparse instrumentation and Margo Timmins' dejected vocals create a cold and painful solitude in "Square Room." And, the ghostly "Supernatural" is probably the most challenging and uniquely Chesnutt, but the band performs it with a haunting beauty and ease. Finally, after fifteen years, the Cowboy Junkies' successfully completed their second attempt at the austere and lonely "West of Rome.”

Demons is a beautifully tragic and compelling album on which the Cowboy Junkies have put a northern spin on southern gothic folk. And, even though they have put their stamp on Chesnutt's songs, they have treated them with the utmost respect and love they deserve.

Purchase Demons (digital)

Chris King - Bexar County EP (Free)

A few weeks ago I ran across this gem on one of my favorite blogs, A Truer Sound, and thought it a crime to withhold this honky-tonk treasure.

Bexar County took nearly a year to complete and follows Chris King's last EP, This New Almanac. It's an EP with a somewhat traditional honky-tonk country flavor and a laid back style that makes you slow down and listen. The songs aren't overdone with instrumentation and range from a swinging saunter to a forlorn flow. Its wonderful brew of love, loneliness, and heartbreak creates the perfect atmosphere for whiskey swilling and beer guzzling.

This record isn't just great mood music, it's also one of those records that make you stop and take notice. So, if this little sip isn't enough to satisfy your thirst, you can download both Bexar County and This New Almanac for free.

Download Bexar County HERE

"Downtown"


"Heartbreaking"

The Decemberists - The King is Dead

Okay, it has been widely established that The Decemberists' last album, Hazards of Love (2009, Capitol), wasn't their best work. It was an ambitious effort, but not every band (if any) can pull off an Elizabethan-esque rock opera. Their affinity for concepts with a verbose, literary slant became its "hazard," but that isn't the case with their new album, The King is Dead (January 18, Capitol); instead, The Decemberists take a safer and simpler approach.

From the onset it’s apparent that The King is Dead is different from their previous recordings. Its black pine cover and the blasting harmonica on opener "Don't Carry It All" introduce the album's rootsy, Americana sound. They have turned down the volume of Jenny Conlee’s accordion in favor of Colin Meloy’s acoustic guitar and other roots-type instruments as well as having added guest artists to the album’s credits. Gillian Welch has lent her beautiful and earthy voice and R.E.M.’s guitarist, Peter Buck, plays seamlessly on several songs. And, although The King is Dead differs from its pedigree in this sense, it is still not a reinvention for the band. They still stay within the folk perimeter and Colin Meloy continues to use his knack for uncommon vocabulary and wordplay in the lyrics. However, the songs on this album do lack the lengthy and wordy narratives Meloy is known for.

The King is Dead opens with the up-tempo, saloon-rousing "Don't Carry It All.” The song showcases Meloy's confident vocals which add encouragement to the already uplifting lyrics. Peter Buck's distinctive jangling guitar can be heard in "Calamity Song" giving the track a familiar R.E.M.-tinged sound. "Rise to Me," "January Hymn", and "June Hymn" are all beautiful ballads with bucolic and natural imagery. The rootsy rock of "Down by the Water" has a raucous honky-tonk character. Its tumultuous sound with the easy, sing-a-long chorus makes this one of the strongest songs on the album as well as the most accessible. Finally, "Rox in the Box" is tinted with a Celtic influence and reminiscent of an old Irish rebel folk song, while “This is Why We Fight” is imbued with a sound similar to The Smiths.

Although The King is Dead has an unpretentious Americana flavor, The Decemberists have yet to do away with their well-intentioned literary haughtiness. However, it's a forgivable flaw considering that it’s a well crafted album that is both fun and easy to listen to. It is more than enough to make up for their last album.

Purchase The King is Dead

The Decemberists -- Down By The Water by buzzlegoose

09 - This Is Why We Fight - The Decemberists by commonfolkmusic

The Decemberists - January Hymn by The Drift Record Shop

Middle Brother - "Me Me Me"

Middle Brother is the new indie super group has just released another single from their self-titled debut album. The group consisting of Taylor Goldsmith (Dawes), John McCauley (Deer Tick) and Matthew Vasquez (Delta Spirit) gained a lot of attention with their first live performance at 2010's SXSW and since then they have had a lot of buzz surrounding the group and their album.

"Me Me Me" is an upbeat tune with vocal harmonies, plinking piano, and a distorted guitar creating a fun, dancehall atmosphere. And, its boogie-woogie, rockabilly sound is reminiscent of Jerry Lee Lewis.

Middle Brother  is set to drop March 1st on Partisan Records. Recently the band announced an US tour to support the album.

Tour Dates:
Mar 2 - 9:30 Club -Washington, DC
Mar 3 - Paradise Rock Club - Boston, MA
Mar 4 - Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel - Providence, RI
Mar 5 - Music Hall of Williamsburg - Brooklyn, NY
Mar 6 - Bowery Ballroom - New York, NY
Mar 9 - Theatre of Living Arts - Philadelphia, PA
Mar 10 - Water Street Music Hall - Rochester, NY
Mar 11 - Opera House - Toronto, ON, CA
Mar 12 - Metro - Chicago, IL
Mar 13 - Majestic Theatre - Madison, WI
Mar 14 - First Avenue - Minneapolis, MN
Mar 17 - Club Dada - Dallas TX 
Mar 19 - Auditorium Shores/Ground Control Touring Showcase - Austin, TX

Pre-Order Middle Brother HERE

Me Me Me - Middle Brother by aibrean

Kurt Vile - "Jesus Fever"

Philly singer, Kurt Vile, recently released a new single, "Jesus Fever," from his upcoming album, Smoke Ring for My Halo. It's a nostalgic, psychedelic jam that is more upbeat than what we're used to hearing from Vile. The gentle strumming, the distinctively downcast vocals, and spiritual theme is outta this world and gets my toe a-tappin'. 

Smoke Ring for My Halo is due out March 8th on Matador with the production assistance of John Agnello (Sonic Youth, The Hold Steady, Dinosaur Jr.)

Pre-order Smoke Ring for My Halo HERE

Kurt Vile - Jesus Fever by aibrean

Abigail Washburn - City of Refuge

Having spent a few years divided between Uncle Earl and the Sparrow Quartet, Abigail Washburn has stepped out yet again with her second solo album, City of Refuge (January 11, Rounder). And, its magnificent meld of Appalachian music, touches of pop-rock and Chinese folk lures you onto its unique musical journey.

Known for her amazing claw-hammer banjo playing, it's surprising that Washburn's delicate voice is the main focus on City of Refuge. Despite her delectable performance, she commands the lush orchestral arrangements with gentle strength. It's also surprising that Washburn takes City of Refuge into an indie-folk direction, diverging from her old-time American string-band roots. The addition of electric guitars, keys, strings, and horns doesn't smother Washburn or her subtle banjo; instead it gives the album an abundance of pleasing "pop" melodies. And, the close harmonies of the backing vocals -- Kai Welch (co-writer) and Ketch Secor just to name a few -- doesn't drown Washburn but enhances her voice and the songs.

The album opens with the title track which perfectly sets the tone. Washburn's galloping banjo and driving drums mimics the story of a distressed girl seeking refuge. And, "Chains" blends bluegrass and folk with a soft-rock, Fleetwood Mac vibe. We find Washburn dueting with co-writer, Kai Welch, in the neo-traditional folk love song, "Ballad of Treason." The wistful lyrics of "Last Train" are set to a chugging train-like rhythm from fingerpicking and percussion creating a memorable melody. The immigration tale "Dreams of Nectar" and the gospel hymn "Bright Morning Stars" are both semi-a cappella showcasing Washburn's heavenly voice. Finally, the tight background harmonies, and the old-time string arrangement in "Devine Bell" follows in the early Appalachian gospel tradition.

The collaboration on City of Refuge includes Kai Welch, Ketch Secor, Carl Broemel, jazz guitarist Bill Frisell, and Wu Fei on guzheng (a Chinese zither) which has helped to fashion a wonderfully melodic and intoxicating album. However, Tucker Martine's (My Morning Jacket, Sufjan Stevens, Spoon, Bill Frisell, and The Decemberists) production efforts have composed and brought a fresh sound to folk and bluegrass.

Purchase City of Refuge

"City of Refuge"


"Chains"


"Devine Bell"

Kent Eugene Goolsby - Wide Eyed Son (Free)

Kent Eugene Goolsby, lead singer and guitar player for The Only Sons, released his first solo album, Wide Eyed Son, in December. The album was recorded by Goolsby and Glossary's Joey Kneiser and took only one week to create. It also features Kneiser playing every instrument except the acoustic guitar.

Wide Eyed Son is a stripped down album that blends blues, country and folk to create a rugged and ragged sound that compliment Goolsby's raspy vocals and obstinate characters.

The Only Sons will be releasing their new album, American Stranger, on January 29, but until then, you can download Wide Eyed Son for free. While you're there, you might as well download The Only Sons' album Steel Hearts too.

Download Wide Eyed Son

 "Don't Tempt Me"


Wide Eyed Son"
 

Angus & Julia Stone - Down the Way

Angus and Julia Stone are a brother-and-sister duo from Australia who have just released their sophomore album, Down the Way (Nettwerk), on March 30, 2010. The record debuted at #1 in their native country and went platinum two months later. It was also the highest-selling album by an Australian artist in 2010.

Down the Way is full of warm and breezy indie-pop songs with touches of folk and country. Throughout the record, both Angus and Julia alternate lead creating a varied stylistic range. When Julia is on lead vocals the songs will often have an acoustic guitar, strings and keys. Her expressive vocals are lovely and pure. Her restraint and the melancholy tracks keep her voice from becoming painfully cute and irritating. This could be the result of Julia's growing wisdom and maturity since the Stones' last album, A Book Like This. Julia's growth is possibly the result of lessons learned from love -- heartbreak, expectations, and regret. All of which are reflected in her strongest tracks -- from the regret and false promises in "And the Boys," to the unmet expectations of "Walk it Off" and the heartbreak in "I'm Not Yours."

While listening to Julia's tracks it's obvious she has talent, but Angus is no schmuck. His songs are often marked with electric guitars, thumping bass, and the occasional slide guitar. Angus leads on one of the album's catchiest tunes, "Black Crow." Its thumping bass gives the track an edginess while the hooky chorus makes it memorable. "Big Jet Plane" has all the trappings of Julia's songs, but the pulsing bass gives the track a certain urgency. His west coast influenced "Yellow Brick Road" is a melancholic story that includes a Neil Young shout-out, steel guitar and a flowing electric guitar solo. It's a lengthy song, but worthy of several replays. And, finally, Angus is brilliant on "Draw Your Swords." It's intoxicating blend of melody and harmonies are entrancing and his visceral vocals are moving. Furthermore, the music on the track reminds me of early Coldplay and it would fit nicely on Parachutes.

Usually the sophomore album is doomed to fail, but this isn't the case with Down the Way. Instead, it’s a spellbinding record that soothes and lulls with its heady songs and bewitching harmonies. And, it’s apparent the Stones have been blessed with the kind of talent and appeal that wards off this common curse.

Purchase Down the Way
Listen to Down the Way
 
Angus and Julia Stone - And The Boys by theinsound
 
Angus & Julia Stone - Draw Your Swords by Lost In The Sound

Anais Mitchell - Hadestown: A Folk Opera

Hadestown, Anais Mitchell's fourth album was released in March on Righteous Babe Records. It's a beautiful and ambitious folk opera based on the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, but with a 20th-Century twist.

The opera is set in Hadestown a Depression-era American boomtown where Hades (Greg Brown) is the boss of a wall-building company working to construct a wall around the city to keep poverty at bay. Hades' wife, Persephone (Ani DiFranco), is power hungry yet sympathetic toward the poor, and later, Orpheus. Mitchell sings the part of the lovely and sweet Eurydice while Justin Vernon (a.k.a. Bon Iver) sings the part of Orpheus.

But, before I go any further, I feel like I should give a brief summary of Orpheus' story for those who are unfamiliar. On Orpheus’ and Eurydice's wedding day, Eurydice fell into a nest of vipers subsequently killing her. Overwrought with grief Orpheus decided to go to the underworld -- Hades -- to rescue Eurydice. While Orpheus was in Hades, he sang a song that softened Persephone who convinced Hades to release Eurydice. Hades agreed under one condition, Orpheus was not to look back at Eurydice during their journey back to the upper world. After Orpheus reached the upper world, he nervously looked back at Eurydice who wasn't in the upper world yet. Forgetting that he agreed not to look at Eurydice until both were in the upper world, she vanished for a second time and this time forever.

Hadestown is a cohesive album that doesn't veer too far from the original myth. It's also easy to listen to as well as follow. Each artist brings a part of their own personality to their respective characters creating a wondrous experience for the listener. Each song creates a scene for the imagination and Michael Chorney's sweeping score effectively produces the emotional atmosphere.

The record opens with the slightly optimistic and celebratory "Wedding Song." The light and fluid musical arrangement counters Eurydice's reservations about their upcoming nuptials, but matches Orpheus' confidence. The Low Anthem's Ben Knox Miller as Hermes sings the Dixieland ragtime tune, "Way Down Hadestown," and the Haden Triplets as the Three Muses sing "When the Chips Are Down." The striking juxtaposition of Ben Knox Miller's spoken word and Justin Vernon's yearning vocals in "Wait for Me" has created the most stunning track on Hadestown. It beautifully portrays Orpheus' sorrow and grief. And, Greg Brown's menacing voice creates a foreboding in Hades' brainwashing lecture "Why We Build the Wall." Ani DiFranco's strong and sizzling "Our Lady of the Underground" is befitting for the powerful Persephone. And, the wistful and moving "Flowers (Eurydice's Song)" is Eurydice's lament for Orpheus and their wedding day after waking in the underworld. Anais Mitchell's emotive vocals give Eurydice a sadness the listeners can connect with and feel. Justin Vernon is at his best in the heartbreaking "If It's True." His languishing vocals are true to the despair Orpheus felt after Eurydice's death. Finally, in "Doubt Comes In," Orpheus/Vernon realizes that his love has vanished forever.

Hadestown is an audacious album and a genius concept. It's awesome cast, outstanding songs, and Anais Mitchell's superior storytelling ability gives the listener an easy escape into a mythical, modern world filled with romance, drama, and tragedy.

Purchase Hadestown
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Wait for Me - Anaïs Mitchell feat. Ben Knox Miller and Justin Vernon by Peter24B

Anais Mitchell - Way Down Hadestown by morrisday

Buke and Gass - Riposte

Buke and Gass is a Brooklyn duo who has been making a lot of noise on the independent music scene with their debut full-length album, Riposte (September 14, 2010 via Brassland). The pair's unusual sound is derived from the self-modified, Frankenstein-like instruments they play. Singer, Arone Dyer, plays an adapted six-string baritone ukulele called the "buke" to accommodate her carpal tunnel; while Aron Sanchez plays a self-built guitar/bass hybrid they have christened the "gass," and though the buke and gass provide much of their multi-rhythmic sound, the feet-powered percussion rounds out much of their sonic quirkiness.

The appropriately titled, Riposte, is just that -- thrusting, sharp and responding. Each sound interacts -- the shrill countering the buzzing and the thumping retorting the springy -- creating something strange and surreal. But not only are the instruments helping to develop completely complex songs, Dyer's unique and screeching vocals and yelps add another peculiar element. Like Riposte’s opening track, "Medulla Oblongata," Dyer's breathlessly frantic soprano lends a chamber-pop quality that is just as awkward as the lyrics, but oddly has produced a standout. The electronic effects in “Medicina” are frenetic and chaotic yet nicely showcase Dyer's voice at the same time. In "Your Face Left Before You" the electric touches in addition to the interchanging highs and lows as well as the clamoring toward the end is unsettling and hard to listen to. The repetition in "Sleep Gets Your Ghost" and "Revel In Contempt" is gripping. And, "Bundletuck" is something akin to a psychological sexual thriller set to a savagely strummed soundtrack. However, there are quiet moments in Riposte, granted not many, but they are there. Like Dyer's gentle vocals and sparse instrumentation throughout much of "Red Hood Came Home."

Despite Riposte’s fascinating quality, some of the tracks on the album seem to blend together making it hard to distinguish their beginning and ending. Also, the parrying -- pushing and pulling -- of the album tends to get annoying after listening a few times. Although the creativity, ingenuity and novelty that makes for an interesting album is there, Riposte is a record that is best listened to sparingly.

Purchase Riposte
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Buke & Gass - Medulla Oblongata by versiondure

Buke and Gass - "Naked Cities" by YINMAGAZINE

Riposte

Anticipated Albums of 2011

This is a list of my most anticipated albums of 2011.

• Songs of Ascent - U2
• Tell Me - Jessica Lea Mayfield (2/8 via Nonesuch)
• Civilian - Wye Oak (3/8 via Merge)
• TBA - Fleet Foxes
• Smart Flesh - The Low Anthem (2/22 via Nonesuch)
• The King Is Dead - The Decemberists (1/18 via Captiol)
• Kiss Each Other Clean - Iron & Wine (1/25 via Warner Bros.)
• Collapse Into Now - R.E.M. (3/8 via Warner Bros.)

Feel free to comment on the albums above or tell me what album you're most excited about.