GL1TCH3S - Beatastic

I am very excited to do this review, seeing that it is another pre-release review. I was contacted by Nico, the man behind Beatastic, to review his new album, GL1TCH3S, set to release April 30th. I had never heard of Beatastic before, but was stoked for the opportunity to listen and give my thoughts about it. GL1TCH3S is Beatastic's 4th album, and Beatastic has been around since 2008

So, the album. The biggest thing I noticed was the wide variety of sounds. He uses a range of different instruments and genre types throughout the album, which creates unique listening experiences for each song. Every track takes the listener on a musical journey, and always in different and exciting directions. For example, "Dreamcatcher" begins with a tight drum beat, but then has a classical guitar line coming over it to create an unexpected sound, especially when combined with the vocals, which echo and have a "dream-like" quality. This is a contrast to the next track on the album, "Together Forever", which has an electronic beat to begin with and roaring guitar chords ripping into the track. It creates a different feel, but at the same time adds to the continuity maintained throughout the album. There are many more examples of his use of contrasting ideas, from "Bedtime" beginning with a mellow synth line and a slow-groovin' beat and having a gritty and distorted come erupting in, to "Hightide" and its shift from upbeat drums and a synth line to a horn propelled ending. The album is full of surprises like this, which makes it an exciting listen. One of my favorites from the album is "Let's Make Today About Today", which has a very classical sounding intro thanks to the piano and strings working together quite beautifully. However, it switches immediately when the drum beat comes in hard and hip-hop heavy. Nico then changes it up again by adding an electric guitar line, further distorting lines between genres. It's got the feel of a rap song, but the swagger and intensity of a rock song. Definitely one of the best from this record. Another favorite is Glitchy, which has the same kind of vibe as Sleigh Bells, who utilize big distorted guitar lines over driving electronic beats. It's fast, catchy, and rockin'. Also throughout the album, you can definitely feel the influence of bands like Nine Inch Nails and Smashing Pumpkin, with the heavy electronic sounds and roaring guitar riffs scattered in various tracks like "Lctr".

Overall, I was impressed by the album. Labeling it as "Electronica" does not do it justice; this album crosses genre lines all over the place. While there weren't as many stand out songs for me, they were all well done. It's upbeat, it's groovin', and it's good music. 4/5

Tracklist:
Glitchy - 4:44 (5/5)
Lctr - 3:56 (5/5)
Give Up (feat. Ayla) - 4:16 (4/5)
Dreamcatcher - 4:02 (5/5)
Together Forever - 6:05 (4/5)
26 Years - 5:54 (4/5)
Addiction - 3:22 (4/5)
How Fast The Fog Comes In - 4:48 (4/5)
Every Monday Is Fine - 3:59 (4/5)
If You Want To Be Mine (feat. Brook Gulliver) - 2:41 (5/5)
Let's Make Today About Today (feat Global Graffiti) - 4:34 (5/5)
Bedtime - 5:09 (4/5)
Hightide (feat. Jenny Thompson) - 5:20 (4/5)
Comets And Nebulas - 8:28 (4/5)

Five Song Friday - March 29th

A very eventful week in music has passed. New music has come, bands have passed on. Despite it all, I always enjoy the music I already know, and the music I've discovered, and the music I have yet to discover. Here's what I've been listening to this week.

1. The Phoenix - Fall Out Boy
   Dramatic. Edgy. In-your-face. Those words describe this song perfectly. It's an anthem, powered by high strings, huge beats, and Patrick Stump's voice roaring in your ear. It's driving, and such an excellent comeback song for the boys in FOB. Completely worth $1.29 to buy so you can blast it wherever you go. 5/5
2. Can't Stop - OneRepublic
   This is a darker sound for OneRepublic, and it's probably my favorite off their new album, Native (for my full review of it, click here). It still has the same big, epic sound found in the rest of the album, but does it in a more moody tone. The huge bass and beat reflect the hip-hop influences Ryan Tedder brought to this album. It's almost hauntingly beautiful, the way all the aspects come together to create this song. 5/5 
3. House Of Wolves - My Chemical Romance
   After learning that My Chemical Romance were calling it quits, I began to go through all their music again and listen in memory. This song has always been one of my favorites off of The Black Parade, which was the first album I ever heard by them. I've always imagined that this would be a fantastic song to swing dance to, which I've always wanted to do. You can't help but nod your head along with the groove. This song, and many others by MCR, will always remain in my heart. 5/5
4. Warning (feat. Patricia Lynn) - Air Dubai
   I bought this song a few weeks ago, but it keeps popping up in my mind, thus prompting me to play it. I thoroughly enjoy it, for it is catchy and different. It's a good cruising song, with the windows down at night. Air Dubai doesn't have many songs out currently, but they are supposed to be releasing an album soon, which I am anticipating thanks to this song. 5/5
5. Life In Color - OneRepublic
   This song surprised me. Not in it's sound, but in the fact that I enjoyed it so much. The introduction sounds almost too happy; it's just so bright and cheery that it makes you want to frown, if that makes any sense. However, the more I listened to the song, the more I began to discover how it is impossible to be unhappy and listen to this song. It makes you want to run around on a grassy field and be a kid again. I absolutely love the upbeat nature and positivity of the song. Definitely worth downloading. 5/5

Native - OneRepublic

I have been listening to OneRepublic since the Timberland version of "Apologize" released in 2007, and have followed them with interest, watching their sound change and evolve. I've been anticipating Natives for while now, seeing that it has been 4 years since their last release. From what I've heard though, it was definitely worth the wait. The lead singles have been extremely promising, and some of my favorites by the band to this day. "If I Lose Myself" and "What You Wanted" are pop anthems that could fill a stadium perfectly, and "Feel Again" is a positive, radio-friendly hit.

Overall, this album is much more pop oriented, which should be no surprise if you've been listening to the progression of their music. Songs like "Good Life" and "Secrets" from their previous album, Waking Up, were distinctly pop oriented. Now, while they may be more pop oriented, they also include elements from their first album,  Dreaming Out Loud, such as in songs like "Light It Up", with it's use of drums from an actual drumkit and sweet little guitar line. Ryan Tedder's falsetto is also present, which is a beautiful sound. At the same time, the song uses some synths in the background to give the song an even bigger sound than before. The epic theme runs throughout the whole album, especially on tracks like "Can't Stop", which might be one of my favorites off the album. Tedder's falsetto combined with some echoing-electronic beats and a simple ascending piano line creates a sound I absolutely love. I can tell I'll be playing this one constantly for a while. 

So, even though they may be including these huge anthems on the album, they haven't forgotten about their roots in mellow, acoustic driven sounds, exemplified on "Au Revoir" with its chilled tone and use of strings and acoustic piano, much like they did on Dreaming Out Loud. This song is beautiful, moving, and a very well placed contrast to the high soaring sounds of the other tracks. The next track, "Burning Bridges", is another great example of the epic theme. A driving drum beat, combined with filling synths and Tedder's rising vocals create a song worthy of blasting with the windows down. Another cool motif present in the album is the gospel style vocals featured on a few of the tracks, like "Something I Need" and "Preacher". It gives the songs a Southern vibe, and shows the variety of influences the band takes into account. In a video the band posted on their YouTube account, they actually went to New Orleans in Louisiana to record a few of the tracks as so to truly capture the essence of the city and the people. They talked about how traveling and touring had introduced them to so many different places and cultures that influenced them. It was really cool to see how the band has matured and taken in what they've learned and seen in the world around them. A nice close to the album is "Don't Look Down", which is an electronic heavy masterpiece featuring a choir that's pushing the epic feel as well as the strings are. It's a grand finish to a grand album.

Also, if you purchase the Deluxe Version of the album, it comes with two bonus tracks and three acoustic versions of some of the tracks. These are definitely worth the extra money. "Something's Gotta Give" is a percussion heavy song with great synth add-ins. A bit of a Hip-Hop influence is present, which is not a surprise knowing Tedder's tastes in music. "Life In Color" is a fast and up-beat song that makes you want to run around and dance. It's so vibrant, and filled with life. Definitely a great song. And the three "acoustic" songs, "If I Lose Myself", "What You Wanted", and "Burning Bridges" are less acoustic and more stripped down. It shows that there is true talent there. These boys aren't just using electronics and auto-tuning like a lot of artists out there to get radio play. OneRepublic makes music because they love it and they can actually do what they record. It's encouraging and heartwarming to know there's still bands out there that are like that.

In conclusion, go buy it. Right now. It's beyond fantastic. It's epic. Epic isn't a big enough word to describe it. This band is insanely talented, and I'm so glad they are getting recognition for the hard work they've put in. There isn't a single song on the album I didn't like, and so many that I love. 5/5

Tracklist:

Counting Stars - 4:17 (5/5)*

If I Lose Myself - 4:02 (5/5)

Feel Again - 3:06 (4/5)

What You Wanted - 4:01 (5/5)

I Lived - 3:55 (4/5)

Light It Up - 4:10 (5/5)

Can’t Stop - 4:10 (5/5)

Au Revoir - 4:50 (5/5)

Burning Bridges - 4:18 (5/5)

Something I Need - 4:01 (4/5)

Preacher - 4:08 (4/5)

Don’t Look Down - 1:39 (5/5)

Something’s Gotta Give - 4:52 (5/5)

Life in Color - 3:23 (5/5)

If I Lose Myself (Acoustic) - 3:50 (5/5)

What You Wanted (Acoustic) - 3:24 (5/5)

Burning Bridges (Acoustic) - 4:36 (5/5)

*(Edit 4/6/13: Originally rated 4/5, changed to 5/5)

The Phoenix - Fall Out Boy

When Fall Out Boy announced that they were back, I never imagined they would come back with such in-your-face music. It began with "My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light It Up))", but is even more prevalent in "The Phoenix".  This song sounds like something you would hear in a movie trailer (and you probably will). The strings going throughout the song give it this epic feel, layered over thumping beats and gritty guitars. It's got a pop influence, but is rock n' roll through and through. People may argue with that statement (and they have the right to, it's their opinion), but I stand by it because rock was supposed to be something that was rebellious and unafraid to try new things. Fall Out Boy knows that times have changed since they were last in the game; they're not afraid to take their old sound and revamp it, give it a little edge. I personally love this new direction that they've taken, and I know more people besides me do. I can't get over Patrick Stump's newfound vocal sound; he sounds like he has a serious vendetta against whoever these songs are about. His voice has this intensity that I have never heard on any of FOB's previous work. It's refreshing; a break from the smooth sounding vocals that everyone in the pop scene has been putting out (not to say I don't love a beautiful sounding voice). The punch of the electronic sounds with their guitars and drums is a great contrast to the synth-heavy music all over the radios. Props to FOB for coming back with a fire and not being afraid to do things differently. 5/5

My Chemical Romance: A Tribute

March 22nd, 2013. A day that will be remembered in the hearts of the fans of My Chemical Romance. A day that will live on in infamy, as the day that MCR ended. So unexpected; so surprising. I discovered the news at 2 am Saturday morning, and wondered if I had already fallen asleep and was dreaming. Or having a nightmare. I thought, "It can't possibly be. They just finished releasing Conventional Weapons. They have so much ahead of them. Why?". Why. A question I believe is repeated in the minds and on the lips of man of the fans. I am confused as to the reasons why, and so are all of the other people who listen to this talented group. Even though I didn't really discover them till   the release of The Black Parade, I consider myself a fan and consider them one of my favorites. Songs like "The Ghost of You", "Welcome To The Black Parade", "Sleep", "The Light Behind Your Eyes", and many others will stay with me for a long, long time. They showed us songs that make you want to scream and shove your fist in the air, but also made songs for those times when you didn't want to do anything but curl up in a ball and cry. They created such a variety of songs to fit a variety of times in life. I know I've danced around my room to some of their songs, but I've also laid in my bed and stared at the ceiling, contemplating life and its difficulties while listening to their music. They made quite an impact in only 12 years, and it is a testament to the power of music. I sadly did not get the chance to ever see them perform live, and now I really wish I had been able to. This band has helped so many people. They have saved so many who were close to ending things. Their music reached out and gave people something to hold onto. That is exactly what music is for. These boys decided to do something with their lives and talents, and that's just what they did.

On the car ride to home for spring break, my girlfriend, Lauren, asked me what bands I would show my children when I have some. My first few answers were bands like Linkin Park and Blink-182, (because they're my favorites), but I also included My Chemical Romance, because they made quality music that will last in the hearts of many, and had an impact on me. So don't be so down Killjoys. They may be gone for now, but that doesn't mean this is permanent. And this doesn't mean that they'll leave your hearts and lives. If they've made that much of an impression on you, then you will never forget.

"So long, and goodnight"

Five Song Friday - March 22nd

This week has been a busy week for music, and I have lots of new music to talk about! Some are expected (if you've read my reviews), and some may surprise you....

1. Up In The Air - 30 Seconds To Mars
   This is definitely a great first single from the boys of 30 Seconds To Mars (for more of my thoughts about the song, click here). It shows the potential for a new direction, has an insane amount of energy, and is incredibly catchy. I can see this song getting some radio time, which would be great to have some more rock oriented music make its way back into the spotlight. Recommended for fans of Anberlin, Linkin Park, and My Chemical Romance. 4/5
2. Pusher Love Girl - Justin Timberlake
   This is my current favorite off JT's new album, The 20/20 Experience (see my full review of the album here). It starts a little slowly, but has such a sexy groove once the song kicks in. Justin never fails on the vocals, and the chorus keeps getting stuck in my head. I also very much enjoy the outro and it's Hip-Hop influenced beat. Definitely worth checking out for any previous fans of his, plus anyone who is interested in hearing some quality pop music. 5/5
3. Deceiver (one) - Dear Misguided
   I got the privelage of hearing this album early, and was extremely glad I got the chance to. It's a solid effort put out from some good friends. The contrast from the first half to the second half of the song is fantastic, going from banjo plucking and mellow vocals to gritty guitars and cymbal crashes. If you have the chance to pick up the album when it releases, I highly recommend taking advantage of the opportunity. 5/5
4. Crossfire - Brandon Flowers
   I found this song through one of my friends and hall-mates, Garrett. I didn't realize it was the lead singer of The Killers until I listened and looked it up. I had forgotten that he had released his own solo album. This song definitely sounds like something The Killers would do, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. My favorite part of the song has to be at the end of the chorus, where Flowers sings "Lie your body down" repeatedly; there's something so haunting yet drawing about it. It makes for a great song to listen to. Good for people who enjoy The Killers, Death Cab For Cutie, and Bon Iver. 5/5
5. Adrenalin - Eisbrecher
   This is the song that might catch some of you off guard. It's a German rock band, very similar to Rammstein. My friend Garrett also showed me this song, and I've been listening to it a lot this week. It's a solid rock song, and sounds even grittier thanks to the German vocals. I have no clue what they're saying, but I love the way German sounds in rock music and can't get enough of it. If you like Shinedown, Rammstein, or Five Finger Death, then check out these guys. 4/5

Hold This Against Me - Dear Misguided

This is my very first pre-release album review! I'm so incredibly excited to have this opportunity, especially for a talented group of friends of mine. They go by the name Dear Misguided, (formerly known as 12Tone Row),  and they have been playing shows and writing music together since late 2010. I got the privilege of seeing them perform at The DNA Lounge in SF in January of last year. It was an awesome show, where they played with energy and vigor. David Hollenbeck, their lead vocalist and guitarist, cut his hand during the first song and continued to play even while he bled all over his guitar. That's perseverance right there.

Now, the album.

Dear Misguided begins the record with a pretty sweet 27 second intro, titled "Fine", consisting of just vocals. The harmonies are done very well, and having this sort of haunting sound to them. It then immediately kicks into "So Don't Wait", a grooving piece of indie rock. It's fun, and will definitely be a crowd favorite with the energy and upbeat feel. The bridge changes up the vibe, slowly rebuilding the energy but in a different manner. Another track that shares the energetic feel is "A Heart Attack in Black and White", which showcases some good old rock n' roll, which I think is great. Throughout the album, I very much enjoy the gang vocals used, especially on "It's a Slip, Not a Fall", which has a feel similar to The Killers in their early days. The band receives bonus points for using a banjo to open up "Deceiver", which unfolds into a huge, epic sound 3 minutes in. It's definitely one of the best tracks on the album. "Living to Impress" is a song I saw them perform, and is a song they've had for a while. It's always cool to see the changes and progressions songs experience as a band grows and matures. It is similar, but has a very different intro and vibe to it; much edgier, but at the same time a song I can envision myself driving down the road blasting on a summer day. It also contains their famous line, "we are billboards", which rings so true today here in America. Personally, I think my favorite track from the album is "Hope You're Happy", a moody rock tune that is catchy, but aggressive. This is another song that utilizes some gang harmonies during the chorus. I also like the back and forth vocals between David and my good friend, Austin Smith, it's reminiscent of bands like Linkin Park and Blink-182. Both "Sorry I Started A Fight With Your Boyfriend...Again" and "Always" are much more mellow, and act as great contrasts to the enthusiasm and fast-pace found throughout the album. "Always" is a romantic song, and one that I see being popular with the fans, waving their cellphones back in forth and swaying with the beat. Austin Smith sings lead vocals on this song, which I think is a great way to create diversity among songs. It has a fantastic build; even though the sound does not get terribly big, it works to further expand the emotional feel of the song. "Say What You Mean" has a sort of swagger about it in the beginning, but is becomes another well-done edgy tune incorporating those gang vocals at the end. It's another favorite from the album, at least for me. And last but certainly not least, "The Last Eleven Years" wraps up the album. I like the use of the organ sound at the beginning; it's not something present in a lot of popular music today. The song overall has a Death Cab For Cutie feel, with the length and the more chilled out sound. David's vocals on this track are probably his best on the album; he gets so emotionally involved that you can feel it through the speakers. It's a fantastic way to end the album.

Now, another fun point to note is the numbers that are next to certain tracks. "Deceiver", A Heart Attack in Black and White", "Hope You're Happy", and "Say What You Mean" have the numbers one-four next to their titles in that order. I asked David about this, who informed me that it was meant to show that they were all about the same person; it was a story about a relationship. I thought this was really neat, and shows creativity on the band's part.

Overall, I thought this was an absolutely spectacular debut. It shows so much potential, and how much progress has already been made in their time as a band. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it. Even though it's not of the highest quality, that's okay. It's expected from a band who is working out of their living room. Definitely worth checking out, for fans of Death Cab For Cutie, The Killers, and The Format.

If you want more information about the band, new music, and show dates, click here.

Congrats David, Austin, Nolan, and Jonathan! Keep up the great work!

Tracklist:
Fine - 0:27 (5/5)
So Don't Wait - 4:04 (5/5)
It's a Slip, Not a Fall - 3:56 (4/5)
Deceiver (one) - 4:27 (5/5)
A Heart Attack in Black and White (two) - 3:23 (4/5)
Living to Impress - 4:48 (4/5)
Sorry I Started a Fight With Your Boyfriend...Again - 3:28 (4/5)
Hope You're Happy (three) - 3:06 (5/5)
Always - 4:27 (5/5)
Say What You Mean (four) - 2:59 (4/5)
The Last Eleven Years - 6:09 (5/5)