Yeah, it's been over a year since this album was released, but I like to be fashionably late, alright?! I'm kidding. This has been giving me serious anxiety all year considering this is my FAVORITE ALBUM OF 2017. FOR REAL. AND I HAVEN'T REVIEWED IT YET. Well, anxious Past Liah, today is your lucky day, because I'm finally reviewing Landmark. On to the review! Sun VeinsFun audio! Nice editing! I don't have much to say about this one, but it is a very beautiful song and a nice way to open an album. Way It GoesThis is one of my favorite tracks on the album, and it holds the nostalgic mood that most of this album has. This song makes me think of summer nights in South Carolina when I was in middle school. VinesThis upbeat but mellow song is another one of the stellar, nostalgic tracks on this album. I can't really rank the songs on this album considering each of them have their own amazing qualities, but this is another one of my favorites! I also love the audio mixing and just the general sound of this track. EpitaphTo be 100% fair, I'm not the biggest fan of the vocal mixing on this one, but it's still a wonderful song for the most part. It doesn't take away from the rest of the songs on the album at all! Simple SeasonThis sweet, melodic track has a strong ‘amber evening at a rural block party’ feeling to it. I really love this entire album because the songs are all about parties you haven’t missed out on. I don’t know if that’s something only I can relate to, but you’ll have to listen for yourself to see if you understand the vibe or not! TuesdayThese songs feel so suburban and can be relatable to absolutely anyone who has ever been in a rural-suburban town where you know absolutely everyone and have watched your elementary school friends spiral into vape addiction. BUT HEY, this album really illustrates how it feels. Anyway, Tuesday is another sweet and slightly nostalgic track with instrumental melodies that follow the vocals. Western KidsI really enjoy the comparisons drawn between the kids of different parts of the United States, except I can’t get over the fact that the Northeast gets EXACTLY ONE LINE. We do more than dig at works of art, alright? We have an actual work ethic and take things seriously! Stop surfing and skating and get an office job. I’m kidding. I kind of wish I lived on the west coast, but I’m perfectly happy living my east coast life. East coast... Hm. I’m thinking of a rhyme. I’ll get back to you on that. PoemsSEA SOAKED SKIES AND DASHING LADS WITH CARS. That's all I'm going to say. I love this song. I love the lyrical allusions and the overall tone of the song. It reminds me of some pretentious art students I know in my life. Or at least I see them on Instagram sometimes. MonsoonAlthough this is a slow, somber track, it can still be jammed to if you take it seriously enough. It’s a very beautiful track centered on overwhelming emotions. I especially enjoy how the piano follows the vocals throughout the track. VacationThis is definitely one of my favorite tracks on the album. I love the themes of taking a vacation from your thoughts. I honestly feel like I’m on vacation just listening to this one! This song has a sort of orange-y color in my head. (I’m a very visual person, if you couldn’t tell. I’ll touch on that in my Nostalgia Album article, if I ever get to it.) BoyishThis energetic, passionate track is another one of my favorites on the album. The lyrics and instrumentals lead me to visualize a sunny field whenever I listen to it. If I could choose one track from this album that I could listen to forever, it would be this one. It’s that sort of song that can be listened to for hours on end and not feel tired or overplayed. InterludeThis is dramatic. I feel like I’m in the big reveal of the world outside in an apocalypse movie. I’m not really sure why there’s an interlude one song from the end, though. Or why I have my phone on shuffle and Franz Ferdinand’s The Universe Expanded played after this. I kind of like that, though... playlist idea? ButtercupThis is another one of my favorite tracks, and an awkward way to close the album, but still a great one. I really like how insistent the lyrics are and how it almost feels like Hippo Campus are trying to convince Buttercup of something. It’s a stellar track. ConclusionI’m going to be real with you: for a while, I wasn’t going to finish this review. It’s a draft from last December, my review format has changed so I’m not reviewing absolutely every track, and honestly, I had no plans of ever coming back to this album. But somehow, Hippo Campus brought me back, like they always do. Landmark is a fantastic album and is definitely one of my favorites of all time. Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you soon!
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Hello readers of Twilight Collective! I'm sorry for ghosting on you guys lately. I hope this review of our friends Jonathan's latest album, To Hold, makes up for it. Jonathan are a five piece band from Rijeka, Croatia who have been described as 'dark neoromantics' and 'cold wave indie.' Maybe those terms might be too fancy for us here at Twilight Collective, so we just like to compare them to bands like the Killers, Editors, and maybe even a little bit of the Strokes. But hey, that's just what we like to think, isn't it? Let's get into the review! The album starts off with Way To Go, a melodic, and slightly melancholic, but hopeful track reminiscent of the Strokes in Room On Fire. Seasons, the second track, is a darkly energetic song that exemplifies Jonathan's signature style, reminiscent of 2009 Interpol. Something To Cry About is another bop in Jonathan's signature style. I Never Meant To Be There is an emotionally charged, slower track reminiscent of going outside after a middle school dance, which is HONESTLY the best event you can be reminiscent of, just saying. This song is taking me all the way back to the TMS 8th grade dance. What a bop! I Don’t Mind is a rightful mellow bop! It’s a chill midpoint of the album. Monkeys starts off slow but escalates into an energetic jam. Wake Up Call is a synthy track that emulates the Killers but still keeps Jonathan's energetic, upbeat style. The album closes off with Gone, a soft, slow, heartfelt track that beautifully finishes off the musical experience Jonathan have just taken us on. In conclusion, these guys can bop, and if they ever come to the United States, or if we ever end up in Croatia, you can catch us at one of their concerts. My favorite songs off this album are I Never Meant To Be There and Something To Cry About.
You can listen to Jonathan's music here. (Have I ever mentioned how aesthetically pleasing their website is, by the way? It's beautiful.) You can read our interview with Jonathan here. Hello, readers of Twilight Collective and anyone else who happens to be surfing our internet wave. Today, I'll be reviewing Ron Gallo's 2017 album Heavy Meta. I've only heard a few tracks off this album, and so far, so good. Alright, enough rambling from me, let's get onto the review! Young Lady, You're Scaring MeThe opening track of Heavy Meta has old school rock-n-roll vibes that set the tone of the whole album. These old school vibes are fitted with very contemporary lyrics, which makes for an interesting combination. I love the guitar riff and how it matches well with Ron Gallo's vocal style. I also like how the young lady in question has 12 cats. That's pretty relatable. Put The Kids To BedThis track, again, has lots of old school rock-n-roll vibes. Even though it has a drum intro, this track is very guitar heavy, with a riff that reminds me something of Arctic Monkeys' sound in the mid-2000s. Anyway, back to the song. This reminds me of some sort of classic 19th century western novel I probably read in 4th grade. That's a good thing, though. Again, Gallo's vocals are very strong and unique compared to most of what I've heard recently. Kill The Medicine ManThis track is again very guitar heavy and reminds me of something I'd listen to while wandering through the desert in Nevada. I really need to do that sometime. I have a list of songs that fit that vibe. Anyway, this song very obviously isn't about a real medicine man, which I think is very interesting. All of these songs have been slightly old school with modern twists. Poor Traits Of The ArtistAlthough this song still sounds like something out of the 70s, it has a very new school vibe that I can only attribute to '10s rockers like CRX (which reminds me, go read my New Skin review after this one!) The feedback in the beginning and the sharp, rolling riff give this song a vibe of more new school than old school. Again, Gallo's vocals come off very strong, especially with the echo effects used through the whole album so far. The message of this song is really interesting, too. Why Do You Have Kids?I don't even know how to feel about this song. I don't really get the lyrics, but Gallo's vocals are again slaying the game, and the guitar in this song is once again an old-school inspired masterpiece. Good tune. I guess it's about bad parenting? I feel you, Ron. I ask this same question all the time. Please YourselfI like the energetic riff and southern vibes in this one. I like the lyrics too. I don't really have that much to say about this one. Black Market EyesI really just love the vibes in Ron Gallo's music, especially this song. It's old school and modern at the same time. Ron Gallo's music makes me want to move to New Mexico, or Kentucky or something. I really can't decide. That's a feeling I don't get very often. I just want to drive through the southeastern US right now. Ron Gallo's vibes remind me of a lot of the classic rock I listened to last summer on long drives. Whoa, the guitar is coming in strong! The heavy vibes start halfway through this track. Do I say vibes too much? Who cares. Can't Stand YouThis song is mellow and chill, yet carries the same vibe the other songs have so far. I know this feeling, Ron. I understand hating someone this much. Anyway, I really like this song! The guitar towards the end is really nice, too. I feel so calm right now. Started A WarThis song is once again calm. The vocals sound different than the other songs, though. It does pick up towards the end, also. Don’t Mind The LionThis song is mellow and melancholy and has a Doors-ish vibe to it. This would fit in on a late night drive through south Jersey listening to Classic Vinyl radio. This vibe is extremely calm and unlike anything else on the album so far. I also like how the guitar and vocals melt together as the song picks up towards the end. All The Punks Are DomesticatedOnce again, this song is very mellow and calming. It has a sound that contrasts most of the album. It’s a very pleasant closing track that finishes the album off quite well. ConclusionThis album was old-school and energetic and overall just a really fun listen! I definitely recommend it if you’re into any sort of rock music.
Thanks for tuning in to my tab of the blog, which I know has been inactive for a few months... But I have something good coming. I promise! See you soon! Hello readers of Twilight Collective! Today I'm here to enlighten your ears to Them Fantasies, a Boston-based alternative rock trio. They recently released two songs, titled Plastic Heart and Until The End. Plastic HeartPlastic Heart starts off with a light riff reminiscent of the general feeling of late 90s alternative. The vocals are strong and fit the music extremely well. This song definitely has a vibe of something I would have listened to on Pandora when I was 10 (Red Hot Chili Peppers and Radiohead, so that's a compliment). I really like this song and it's actually on the official Hidden Gems playlist (a playlist including songs from everyone I've covered in my Hidden Gems series, along with some others I haven't covered yet! Maybe we'll see a Hidden Gems installation for Them Fantasies sometime soon...)! Until The EndIn The End is a longer, chiller bop that's also reminiscent of 90s alternative in a way. The intro is really melodic and calming and the spoken word track behind it makes it all that much better. The bass reminds me of something from Interpol or even a toned-down Red Hot Chili Peppers. The vocals on this one remind me of Bloc Party's Blue Light. The vibes on both of these songs have been amazing and very grunge/2000s indie inspired! I can't wait to see what Them Fantasies do next! If you guys liked the descriptions of these songs, make sure to check out Them Fantasies, who we literally met because they commented about Smash Bros on our Instagram. Hey, good marketing is good marketing, yeah? Anyway, they're currently touring in Spain, but when they come to wherever you live, make sure to support them at their gigs!
See you in my next article! This was originally going to be an installation of my Hidden Gems series, where I talk about an artist on the less popular side whose music I think deserves more recognition, but I decided I needed to more for The Feelies than just that. Hailing from my home state of New Jersey (although they're from North Jersey and I'm from Central...), The Feelies were an 80s alternative band (think The Smiths but from New Jersey!) and recently dropped two whole albums. Wow. I'm not reviewing those right now, though. I'm reviewing the album that started it all: Crazy Rhythms. I discovered this album in the nationally-acclaimed Princeton Record Exchange, which is definitely my favorite Princeton location. My friend Sophia ran up to me with the Crazy Rhythms CD, and simply said, 'knockoff Weezer!' Y'know, except the Feelies came up with the plain blue background for Weezer to use 14 years later. The Boy With The Perpetual NervousnessThis song starts off with a slow build that brings a lot of the obviously tense mood of the track. I feel as if the instrumentals on this track really help enforce the message that the lyrics are trying to convey. This song almost makes me feel anxious. The instrumental break towards the end of the song also adds a lot to the tense mood of this song. It's a great opening track, although a lot of the songs on the album don't share the exact same mood. (I'm skipping the demo version) Fa-Ce-LaThis song makes me feel like I'm rushing to get ready to go out somewhere, which is a really specific mood, but definitely shows what the Feelies are trying to convey. This is also a great road trip montage song, which is again super specific. But hey, there's nothing wrong with that! The guitar and bass on this track are really strong and add a lot to the upbeat feeling. Loveless LoveThe third track of Crazy Rhythms takes the upbeat feeling down a few notches. This song builds up a lot slower and is more instrumental than the first two tracks. It still has the same truly Feelies vibe that the first two tracks ave, though, although it sounds a bit darker. The guitar in this song is fast paced and slightly hypnotizing, although it's a lot more mellow than what I was reviewing in my last article (New Skin by. CRX). Forces At WorkThis song starts with a slow build, as a lot of the songs on this album do. It then explodes into a one-chord riff with a chorus of vocals to follow. And that's probably the fanciest sentence I've ever written in an album review. This song is mostly instrumental, but still has a really specific feeling to go along with it. What's that, you ask? Another road trip. To me, this song feels really sentimental, although I can't describe the exact situation it would make me feel sentimental and reminiscent in. Original LoveThis track starts off slow, but gradually builds up into another energetic song, although less upbeat and a bit darker. Again, the guitar is hypnotizing. This song really does sound very early new wave, which is definitely something I appreciate about the whole Feelies vibe. It's both nostalgic and timeless at the same time. But maybe that's just me, a 2000s kid built on 80s culture. Everyone's Got Something To Hide (Except Me And My Monkey)This Beatles cover is actually very Beatles-esque, but still has that classic Feelies vibe. There's really not much I can say about it besides that. It's a solid track, nonetheless. Moscow NightsThis song starts off with yet another slow build into a dark riff that reminds me of something out of Mario Kart (will I ever stop comparing things to Mario Kart? I don't know). The riff is calm and quiet at first before exploding into a chorus of guitar and vocals. The Feelies' lyrics are very metaphorical, which is a complete flip from my last review, and very refreshing. I feel like this is a song to listen to at 3 AM in the middle of August. Raised EyebrowsThis is a classic 'end of a teen movie' kind of song. The riff makes me feel nostalgic for things that have never even happened. The guitar is once again very strong and nearly takes over the song, besides the vocals, which fade in and out like they have with most of these songs. This song is less energetic, but still upbeat and definitely a lighter song. I feel like this song is always leading up to the vocals, which never come in besides in the last quarter of the song. Crazy RhythmsThis track is very classic 80s new wave from the vocals to the riff. The bass in this song nearly overpowers the guitar, which is something I appreciate. The vocals stick around for most of the song until an instrumental break that lasts just about 4 minutes. This instrumental break builds up over time, and goes from just drums and bass to a chorus of little guitar riffs and melodies. The lyrics border literal and metaphorical, especially the whole 'crazy rhythms' part. This whole album has been just a gathering of crazy rhythms, and I love it. I Wanna Sleep In Your Arms (Live)This song is fast, energetic, and really tells the story of someone who just really, really wants to be in love. This song almost sounds a bit punk, but still has that distinct early new wave feel. ConclusionMy dad once told me nothing happened musically in the year 1980, but he was obviously wrong and I was obviously wrong for believing him for so long. The Feelies really signified the beginning of a new era of rock, fittingly called new wave. New wave led to the movements of the 90s, 2000s, and even 2010s. So we can really thank the Feelies for a lot. Not only is this album a strong debut, it's a strong signal of the oncoming new-wave era.
With that said, I'm off to get my actual schoolwork done. See you soon! Anyone who's read this blog would know that 2010s rock isn't my thing. Trust me. New school indie hasn't sounded appealing to me in any way since 2013. But recently, I've noticed a huge surge of artists coming onto the scene (or just creating new bands in that scene) who are truly unique and different. CRX is one of these bands. Ways To Fake ItOf course, I'll be saying that CRX sound very Strokes. But the vocal style of frontman Nick Valensi is very different from that of Julian Casablancas, and gives CRX a much tougher feel than the Strokes. The opening track of CRX really sets the vibe of the album, and even the band themselves. While Casablancas usually focuses on deep metaphors and lyrics that won't make sense on the surface. Valensi is very straightforward, which I appreciate. Broken BonesThis song sounds much darker than the opening track, and the guitar riff and percussion sound less like the Strokes. I guess that's kind of the point, though. You can't just be all Strokes all the time. While I could definitely see this riff fitting into a Strokes song, it definitely wouldn't sound the same. This song makes me want to fight my enemies in a warehouse. Give It UpThis track strays even further from the Strokes. This sounds like something from late 90s or early 00s punk rock. I'm not complaining, though. I don't think the vocals match the instrumentals very well, but that's fine. I also like the electronic elements in this song. Oh, by the way, did I ever mention my freshman year algebra 1 teacher taught math to Nick Valensi and his sister? That's unrelated to this review, but still a pretty cool fact. This song makes me feel dizzy, honestly. But in a good way, of course. AnythingThis song starts off with energetic guitar and synth which is always a good sign for me. Valensi's vocals are once again strong and energetic, which is something that makes this album really unique. I definitely have been enjoying the lighter, more enthusiastic songs on this album. This song definitely reminds me of the Strokes, and has a killer guitar solo, which is always something I like. WallsThis track has Nick Valensi's signature guitar style going full speed ahead. If I needed a song to sum up my Mario Kart experiences, this would be the song. I also noticed that the lyrics of this song really fit the fast-paced riff, considering Valensi frantically sings that he doesn't know what to make of it when everyone is faking it. And that guitar solo! Slow DownI would say this sounds a bit ska, but I'm hoping it goes somewhere else. This song reminds me of the Bravery's Above And Below. But yeah, it does sound a little ska. I can imagine hearing this in a Surf Taco in a mix of exclusively Sublime and Blink-182 (they're not ska! I know!). On EdgeThis could fit in with the playlist of old-school hard rock playing in Princeton Record Exchange tonight. This song has a nice guitar solo, and of course Nick Valensi's crunchy, repetitive vocals echoing through the whole song. UnnaturalThis album has made it very clear that Nick Valensi is straying from the metaphoric, pep-filled style of the Strokes and going for a darker, more intense sound. This song is reminding me of the Bowser's Castle level in Mario Kart Wii. That's weird, I guess, but adds to the feel of the song. One Track MindApart from the vocals, this song could very easily fit on the Strokes' First Impressions Of The Earth. Valensi's signature guitar style really shines through on this track, along with his strong and straightforward vocals. The bass on this track is also incredibly strong, as well as the percussion. This might be one of my favorite tracks on the album. Like most of this songs on this album, it has a very hard rock-esque guitar solo, which comes in at the end. Monkey MachineThis track is again very strong and has an intense, fast paced riff. The percussion is also very intense and fast paced, adding to the mood of the track. The guitar solo around halfway through the song also contributes a lot to the overall tone of this track. Overall, this is a very strong closing track to a very strong album. ConclusionIn conclusion, this album has done a great job showing Nick Valensi's potential outside of the usually upbeat tone of the Strokes. My one negative for this album is that the musical styles could have been a bit more diverse in the second half, because a lot of the upbeat vibes from the first half of the album were gone by the second half, and it started to get a bit repetitive. That's just my opinion, though, as everything is on this blog.
See you soon. Hot Hot Heat have been one of the bands that's been sort of a constant in my life for a few years now. I first heard them on Yo Gabba Gabba when I was around 6 or 7 (I don't really remember, ok??) and since I (re)discovered them at the same time I heard other bands I now love (the Strokes, Ok Go, etc). Last year, they released their final album, titled simply Hot Hot Heat. Let's get to the review! Kid Who Stays In The PictureThis song feels magical to me. Everything about it. Everything. Definitely a strong first track, and it has that classic Hot Hot Heat flair (or should I say flare? Because flares are fire and fire is hot and hot hot heat hahahaha). Modern MindSo far, this song reminds me of MGMT. The instrumentals are... A lot, to say the least, but it sound really good and not cluttered at all. Even though it has a sound that reminds me of MGMT, it still sounds like classic Hot Hot Heat. Pulling LeversI love how the guitar and piano mirror each other in the intro. The lyrics and vocals are also really nice, and I really like Steve Bays's vocal style. This album is wonderfully put together so far, and this song has a bit of a Room On Fire sound, which I love. Bobby Joan -- (y'know, this blog has to stay clean...)Contrary to what the title might have you thinking, this song is really sweet and nearly nostalgic, about changing and moving on from your old reputation and hometown. I also like the 'be yourself' message this song shows. The instrumentals are really nice, too. The guitar and synth kind of dance around the vocals, which is a theme I've noticed in many Hot Hot Heat songs. I also like the backup vocals. MagnitudeHonestly, I'd be lying if I said this wasn't the most beautiful song I've listened to in quite some time. I love the piano throughout the song, especially because it gives off this warm but far away vibe. I don't know why this song makes me feel so nostalgic, but it does. I love how all of the instruments play off each other, that effect gives the song a vibe that I can't even name. !!!INTERMISSION!!!Okay, I just found out Hot Hot Heat's frontman, Steve Bays (the first commenter on the blog, actually) nearly died last week. Steve, I'm so glad you're feeling better and we here at Twilight Collective wish you a speedy recovery!! Get some rest and rock on. Pet a dog or another fluffy and emotionally supportive animal. We love you!!!! Mayor Of The CityI'm starting to think this album is about a group of people all living in a town or city together. I mean, maybe it's just me, but I definitely feel those themes. I like the drums and guitar in this one, and of course Steve's vocals. This song went quite quickly for me, but in a good way! I didn't even have time to focus on the lyrics. Alaskan Midnight SunThis song seems really fun and light, but I think the lyrics suggest otherwise. Sorry, I'm really tired. I closed my eyes and really just felt this song and its lyrics. I like the playful guitar throughout this song. So far, this is my second favorite song on this album, right after Magnitude. Comeback of the CenturyThis song is giving me vibes similar to the Strokes' Angles, but it still sounds very Hot Hot Heat and definitely has their signature strong sound. I think I'll go back through this song and focus on the lyrics, since, like the Strokes, the instrumentals overpower the lyrical message. this album sure was the comeback of the century! Sad Sad SituationI really like the guitar in this song. It feels nearly beachy to me. I also like the synth and percussion. I really need some sleep. This song almost reminds me of Hot Hot Heat's song about going outside from Canadian/American kids' TV show Yo Gabba Gabba. I remember watching that episode and thinking the band were pretty cool dudes. I actually didn't know the bands were real bands until I found out Weezer were on it, and then found out many of my other favorite bands were on it too! Yeah, I'm really tired, but I liked this song a lot! I also like how a lot of the songs on this album stop suddenly, which is kind of the exact opposite of one of the other albums I've reviewed recently... The Memory's HereHot Hot Heat, you may be gone, but your memory will always stick around. This song was actually less synthy-sweet than I expected, with an energetic bass line right from the beginning. This song makes me want to go on a quest. I have a feeling this song is about the end of Hot Hot Heat, but I won't judge. Julian Casablancas's Out Of The Blue was about what he saw as disinterest with the Strokes, so you can see where I'm coming from. But Franz Ferdinand's Goodbye Lovers and Friends wasn't about the end of their career, so maybe I'm wrong. Anyway, a simple but powerful song with an important message. ConclusionHonestly, you get the same kind of rush reviewing a final album as you do a debut album. With a debut, it's this feeling that this is all they have out and that's all they can be judged on, but with a final album you feel like you have to find a message or a statement that represent's the band or artist's career, as that is the last you'll be hearing from them under that name. This album is by no means the death of Hot Hot Heat, but a revival of sorts. This album was strong, nostalgic, and definitely a good end to Hot Hot Heat's 17 year run.
Stay cool, I'll see you soon. I haven't been able to write much because of finals and other end of year events, but that'll change soon! Three albums are dropping per day lately and I'm reviewing an album that came out in 2005. Yep. Room On Fire is The Strokes' second album, and there is no way you can tell me it's a sophomore slump. It's comeback of the year, if you ask me. This album is pretty much an emotional rollercoaster, and I'm the amusement park employee making sure your seatbelt is fastened. But also, I'm on the rollercoaster. I am always on the rollercoaster. This album really got me through 2016, as I see the main themes of this album as growing up and moving on, which is exactly what I did. These are songs for the end of the school year. What Ever HappenedThe guitar in this song is so calm, it just makes the whole song have this melancholy vibe of moving on and growing up, which really, I think the whole album is about. Trying to find your way in the world. Julian's vocals work so well with this song, as its calm riff seems to mirror his vocals in a muffled, toned down way. Really just an excellent song, but doesn't follow the Room On Fire formula, which I'll explain when it shows up. ReptiliaI feel like singing along to this one. This song is definitely for a summer night out. The songs on the album feel warm to me, but something about Reptilia balances that out with an icy cold riff and an incredible solo. This is a song for badasses. If I could play guitar like just one person, it would definitely be Nick Valensi. His style is so all over the place throughout the Strokes and CRX, but it all has that same intense and quick vibe. But yeah, Reptilia is incredible. That bass, too. I love how the Strokes just add and subtract layers of instrumentals throughout their songs. Automatic StopThis song follows the Room On Fire formula, i.e. Starting off with one thing, and then moving into something totally different, usually when the vocals come in. You can still hear the intro all the way through in this one, though, which is definitely a good thing. The guitar in this one is so nice, and again the lyrics focus on pretty much just moving on. This album really does have a warm, melancholy vibe. Maybe that's why it's called Room On Fire. 12:51The thing I love most about this song is the synthy guitar riff that mirrors Julian's vocals. It really just adds a whole other layer to the song. The rhythm guitar in this one is really nice, too, and everything just seems to work together. It's beautiful. The percussion is really nice, too, which I know isn't often something I comment on, but the Strokes really nailed it here. You Talk Way Too MuchThe intro and the actual song are very different, once again. It's so good, though, and the guitar riff is so nice against Julian's vocals. And that guitar solo! I love how different Nick and Albert's guitar styles are, it really makes the Strokes sound the way they do. And again with those drums. So good!! And the lyrics, man. Just overall amazing. Between Love And HateThis song really has that melancholy moving on vibe I was talking about. Maybe it's just a me thing, though. This song really brings me back to last June when I was leaving my old school and didn't want to leave my friends behind and thought I would be fine on my own. Long story short, I wasn't. This song really did get me back then, though, and I still find it relatable to this day. Also that guitar. Nick Valensi, man. And Albert Hammond Jr. And that bass. Nikolai Fraiture! Just listing the Strokes over here, no big deal. Fabrizio Morretti! I just love the overall sound of this album, and that's why I'm thanking all of the Strokes for it. Meet Me In The BathroomThe bass and guitar work extremely well together on this song. Please slay me, Strokes, this song is so good. I can't even comment on it. It's so good. Wow. Yes. More of this. Everything just sounds so good. I think I'm going to have to list the Strokes again. Nice outro. Under ControlSO CALM. Love it. That melancholy, warm vibe again. This song reminds me of falling asleep on a boat. That's an obscure feeling, but hey, I've experienced it. Summer 2015! Such a calm song, though. I really appreciate the vibes on this album, they're so calming and honestly quite relatable. The Way It IsI love how the guitar in this song changes with Julian's vocals. It's really a good vibe, and isn't the vibe found in most of the songs on this album. It feels almost more intense, and I have to give credit to Nick, Julian, and Fabrizio on that one. Julian's voice always works really well with the guitar and percussion, especially on this song. The End Has No EndI listened to this song every day in seventh grade. Every freakin' day. I love this song, and the message is honestly really deep. 'The secret to the government is keeping you dumb?' Truuuuuuuuue. I love the synthy sound of the guitar, and the bass is really nice, too. This song has a vibe similar to Reptilia. I Can't WinThis song is tied for my favorite with Between Love And Hate. I love the guitar and the way it stays consistent throughout the song. Honestly, I think it makes the song the masterpiece it is. Julian's vocals are really nice, too, and don't sound as synth-y, scratchy, and edited as most of the other songs on this album (newer Strokes stuff sounds more synth-y, older Strokes stuff sounds a bit strained and with some effects). ConclusionAs this album is currently at #2 on the list of ten albums that have changed my life (article on that coming up... maybe), it's safe to say I love it. It has the guitar and vocal style that is particularly my favorite, and its themes of changing and moving on are very relatable. Unless I got it wrong and it's all about love like everything seems to be.
I'll see you guys soon. Stay chill. Hello, readers of earth and anyone else who happens to be surfing my internet wave. It has been a long two months at Twilight Collective in which we have been trying to get through reviews. The review have in fact not been gone through. But here's a review I'm actually quite confident in, because it's a classic case of 'I liked the first single so I'm already attached and will get this done quick.'
That's totally a thing, right? Okay, now onto the band intro. BNQT is a giant collab (supergroup?) which consists of a bunch of really cool people that I don't feel like listing because I'm probably going to skip someone, but they're from bands including Travis, Franz Ferdinand, Midlake, Band Of Horses, and Granddaddy. Anyway, let's go. You guys don't even know how absolutely psyched I've been for this album. I started listening to Maximo Park in April of 2016 after hearing them on a Spotify playlist titled 'Post Garage Wave Revival.' That playlist just about saved my life during state testing, to be honest. And after listening to Midnight On The Hill while chasing fireflies in my backyard over the summer, I decided I really did like this band.
I would go on and on about my Midnight On The Hill stories, but I'm reviewing Risk To Exist, not Too Much Information. (Hey, leave a comment or shoot me an email if you want a review of Too Much Information) With all of that said, let's get on to the review. |
About The AuthorLiah is a high school senior who plays guitar and loves the color yellow. She doesn't post much, but when she does, it's awesome. We promise.
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