Here at PopWreckoning, we’ve officially hit a level of mail that makes it impossible for us to give full reviews to every band. However, this does not mean we believe that these bands shouldn’t be granted some for of press. It simply means we have to scale it down a bit. Therefore, we have opted to create a feature called Bite Sized Reviews, which shall appear several times a week. This feature will contain 5 reviews each under 100 words and links to the albums website, MySpace page or label. We believe this is the best use of our mail and hope you too enjoy the reviews. They are as follows:
Jeff and the Brotherhood – Heavy Days
Jeff And The Brotherhood’s LP, Heavy Days, is filled with psychedelic rock tunes that have a grunge, punk twist; similar to Moving Units if Units’ songs were faster, and the lead singer screamed more. Although the album is split (Side A, B), neither side has a distinguishing sound.
Jake Orrall (vocals, guitar) and Jamin Orrall’s (drums) songs are filled with gritty bass lines and wah guitars. Many of the album’s songs ride the line between dance track and trip out. Perhaps they’ve created a new genre: tripdance.
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The Birds Of Avalon – Uncanny Valley
It’s hard to tell where Birds of Avalon’s album, Uncanny Valley, is comin
g from, or where it’s going. Appropriate, considering the goal of the album was to explore the concept of confusion.
The first half of Valley is very distorted and fuzzy. Around the seventh track, “Student Teaching,” the songs calm down significantly. “Spirit Lawyer” sounds like a classic rock band’s jam session, while “Last Rights (Funky Slide)” has a soothing vibe; the melody is watery, and comes and goes with the track’s heavy beat.
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Anders Parker – Skyscraper Crow
Anders Parker’s Skyscraper Crow is a concept album. Crow is filled with slow and windy acoustic songs. Skyscraper contains “laptop pop.”
Many of the songs on Crow have a melancholy feel and feature Parker singing and playing an acoustic guitar; few tracks have light percussion. The album sounds very pure.
Skyscraper is filled with subtle harmonies, whining synths and electronic clicks. Echoing drum beats give many of the songs a hollow, cold sound. Two albums. Different sounds. Both beautiful and distinct.
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Alan Singley & Pants Machine – Feelin’ Citrus
Alan Singley & Pants Machine’s Feelin’ Citrus is comprised of chill tunes and quirky lyrics. The album has some solid pop grooves, such as “Le Rain” and “Medley Of Revival.” Other songs, such as “We’ll Become Sand” and “Rice Pudding” sound like smooth lounge ballads. You can almost imagine the band performing in a smokey piano bar. Feelin’ Citrus is a solid and diverse album from end to finish. Sit back, chill and have a martini.
