The Strokes - Comedown Machine Review

The sound of most bands changes with time.  Without this fact, the Beatles wouldn't have made Sgt. Pepper's.  Some reach new heights, the Arctic Monkey on "Suck It and See," and some stagnate and reach new lows (see any Red Hot Chili Peppers release since the late 1990's).  However, you can't fault a band for trying something new and moving in a different direction.  That is exactly what the Strokes started with "Angles" and they continue it with "Comedown Machine."  For those of you that still live in the "Is This It?" bubble, you will find a lot to like here.  "All the Time" and "80's Comedown Machine" should please anyone still stuck in the last decade.  Also, the entire second half of the album flows with great style and ease, and it possesses a high replay-ability.  This just became my new favorite chill album and if you love the band, you'll most likely enjoy this album too.  The experimental song "One Way Trigger" serves as the weak point of the entire album (reviewed in last post).  Still, I highly recommend this album.  It does not contain any amazing songs nor will it win back any fans alienated by "Angles," but as an album it works.  The Strokes made something that easily plays alongside the rest of their discography, just in a very different way from their other releases.

Review: 8/10

Stand Out Tracks - "Call It Fate, Call It Karma," "All the Time," "80's Comedown Machine"

   

The Stokes- The Singles

The Strokes new album, "Comedown Machine," comes out soon, and I hope to review it shortly after its release.  However, the band already released two songs in the run up the albums release, and these two songs could not be more different.  "All of the Time" plays like a return to form after some of the more challenging (I mean challenging to listen to) cuts from 2011's "Angles."  Everything that caused you to fall in love this band shines through on the track.  The angular guitars, the nonchalant vocals, and the lower east side swagger, it's all here.  It's almost like 2001 never ended.  If this track serves as any indication, any Strokes fan should get excited for the album's release.  The familiar nature of "All of the Time" contrasts with another track leaked from the album called "One Way Trigger."  If you thought "Machu Picchu" was the best track on "Angles" than you'll find yourself in heaven.  If you really dislike 80's synth bands like A-Ha, this might be your personal 10th circle of Hell.  Two very different early listens mean that this album could either reach new heights or sink like the Titanic filled with fat people.  Make sure to come back in a couple weeks and find out.   

Palma Violets 180 Review

While traveling in England, I had the chance to snag a copy of this bands debut and see them at the 100 club.  Let's start with the album review.  Yes, it doesn't come out for a few weeks in the US, and no I am not sure if this is legal.  However, I bought the album off the shelves, so I think it is okay.  For a debut, this work is impressive.  These guys made a record that rivals far more established acts in terms of fun, listenability, and repeat playability.  "180" quickly replaced last year's "Lonerism" as my standby album.  The energy and recklessness of the band ooze from every track.  Also, it is refreshing to hear a vocalist with a lower range for once.  Two great tracks bookend this album with the energy of "Best of Friends" and the exhausted angst of "14."  My main hope is that this band can deliver a followup equally as good.  Listen to this album and you will not be disappointed.

Review: 9/10

Stand out tracks- Last of the Summer Wine, Best of Friends, 14

Live Review

Anytime I visit London, I make a pilgramage to the 100 Club.  This time, I was lucky enough to catch Palma Violets shortly after NME crowned them as the United Kingdom's best new band.  That Monday night, they lived up to the title.  After two great opening acts, they took the stage and electrified the crowd.  Everything from the vocals to the drums personified rock.  It is no wonder that some compare the ramshackle energy of the band to the Libertines.  By the end of their set, chaos had broken loose as the crowd stormed the stage.  With live performances like this, Palma Violets deliver on all accounts.  A new "must see" band has truly hit the music world and is taking it by storm.  Make sure to catch them when they make it to America.  

Titus Andronicus: Two Great Albums and Counting

Titus Andronicus proved their talent with their followup album in October of last year.  Any band releasing two great albums in a row is noteworthy, but consider that their discography is only two albums long.  This kind of early creative streak shows the promise embodied by the band.  I got a chance to see them at the Village Voice Music Festival in 2011.  Trust me, they put on a mesmerizing live show.  Any music fan looking for something refreshing should pick up a copy of Monitor and enjoy.