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Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Opening Band before Wavves (Riot something?) @ Chopin Theater 9/20/9
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PolyVinyl box o'fun
Having lived in Poly-Vinyl's hometown (Champaign-Urbana) for 8 years, I've become pretty familiar with their artists as they played relatively regularly around town. So, much of what's in the box is stuff I've been at least casually exposed to. Nevertheless, much is stuff I don't already own, and none is anything I've previously reviewed, so stay tuned for several 15-second record reviews to come!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Upcoming Releases - October
Here are the notable record releases for October, 2009. Items marked "*" are ones I'm personally looking forward to. As always, this list provided by Insound.com. So, buy from them, won't ya?
Thursday, September 17, 2009
15 Second Record Review: Chevelle - Sci-Fi Crimes
Chevelle is quickly having the same career arc as In Flames. In Flames became one of a handful of semi-revolutionary metal bands in the 1990s by contributing to a new sub-genre, commonly referred to as the Gothenburg Swedish Melodic Death Metal sound, typified by guitar-riff-centric hooks, a combination of clean and death vocals, and the galloping rhythm style popularized by Iron Maiden. As In Flames became successful, insofar as metal bands go, their albums became ever more over-produced and under-performed/written. After their unfortunately-titled third effort "Whoracle", I became concerned, and by the 5th album I completely stopped caring. This is happening with Chevelle. "Wonder What's Next" was a very strong album, perhaps not at all revolutionary, but was foremost in melding the genres of power-grunge (i.e. Soundgarden) and pseudo-metal (i.e. SevenDust). They had the unique ability of crafting single-friendly hooks while also providing powerful live shows. By the time they released their third album, "Vena Sera", however, they had become a glossy retail commodity, losing all of their edge and creativity. It isn't just that the band puts out more of the same, it's also that the new isn't nearly as good as the old. The fact that I didn't even realize they released this fourth (full-length) album until I saw an advertisement on a bus, says a lot about their current status. The single climbed all the way to #4 on whatever nonsense chart tracks that shit, yet I was completely unaware. I would still go see them live, but this album is a muddled mess. You could take clips from the prior 3 albums, tape them together, and listen to it while you're working on something else. That is this album. You'll forget you ever listened to it, yet have missed absolutely nothing.C-
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Upcoming Releases
For the remainder of September. As always, buy from Insound, won't ya?
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