Released: 2008
Format: standard album (CD or download)
Songwriting: 6
Performance: 8
Recording: 2
First Impression: 8
Staying Power: 6
Before we begin, let's just get one thing out of the way: I despise formulaic, mindless, bubblegum pop music. Even moreso if it's in a language that I don't understand.
This, though it may be bubblegum pop at heart, and mostly in a foreign language, is far from formulaic or mindless.
Some reviewers called Polysics "the Japanese bastard children of Devo", but I think that's only part of it. Whereas Devo was content in being intelligent, experimental and weird, Polysics are far more daring, energetic and LOUD! There is a lot more punk rock, heavy metal and industrial influence than most people care to mention. Actually, I don't recall any other recent band being so full of piss and vinegar. The lyrics being a mix of Japanese, English and gibberish (confirmed by a friend who is fluent in all three :P) hardly detracts from the listening experience, as it makes the listener focus more on the music itself. That music happens to be crazy, abrasive and extremely fun. It's a pity that the songwriting takes a turn for the worse in a handful of cases, where they try and fail to sing in proper English. Otherwise it's a solid effort throughout.
In case it matters, the recording quality is among the worst I've ever heard, meaning that it's about average for pop music in 2008.
Suggested sample track: "Rocket"
Recommendation: Worth a spin if you like the heavier side of new wave. Great musical weaponry against pesky co-workers. Do not, repeat, DO NOT listen while driving!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
District 97 - Hybrid Child
Released: September 2010
Format: standard album (CD or download)
Songwriting: 7
Performance: 9
Recording: 8
First Impression: 7
Staying Power: 8
This band was in the mix for "Haken Radio" on http://last.fm, so I felt compelled to blog about it too. Sorry if you're offended by two prog rock reviews in one night, but I couldn't resist. Imagine a foundation of classic prog rock, not unlike late 1970's era Kansas, but with catchy female pop vocals.
The album is split into two different parts of roughly equal length, like a flashback to the days of vinyl. "Side A" comprises four mid-length songs, each having its own distinct character, with elements of rock, classical, jazz and pop. "Side B" holds but one song: a 27.5-minute magnum opus in 10 parts.
In the wrong hands, such a musical anachronism could have been a major disaster. Fortunately, all six members of the band are insanely talented, with credentials along the lines of "symphony orchestra virtuoso" or "American Idol finalist". Bottom line: this is some of the most original-sounding and well-executed prog rock ever to be released.
Oh, and did I mention that this masterpiece is also a debut album?
Oh, and did I mention that the recording quality is unusually excellent?
Suggested sample track: I can't find "The Man Who Knows Your Name" on any streaming source, so this will have to do: http://www.youtube.com/user/D97Music#p/u/0/tZaPUJrykAg
Recommendation: Essential listening for nostalgic fans of classic prog rock. Hi-fi equipment highly recommended.
Format: standard album (CD or download)
Songwriting: 7
Performance: 9
Recording: 8
First Impression: 7
Staying Power: 8
This band was in the mix for "Haken Radio" on http://last.fm, so I felt compelled to blog about it too. Sorry if you're offended by two prog rock reviews in one night, but I couldn't resist. Imagine a foundation of classic prog rock, not unlike late 1970's era Kansas, but with catchy female pop vocals.
The album is split into two different parts of roughly equal length, like a flashback to the days of vinyl. "Side A" comprises four mid-length songs, each having its own distinct character, with elements of rock, classical, jazz and pop. "Side B" holds but one song: a 27.5-minute magnum opus in 10 parts.
In the wrong hands, such a musical anachronism could have been a major disaster. Fortunately, all six members of the band are insanely talented, with credentials along the lines of "symphony orchestra virtuoso" or "American Idol finalist". Bottom line: this is some of the most original-sounding and well-executed prog rock ever to be released.
Oh, and did I mention that this masterpiece is also a debut album?
Oh, and did I mention that the recording quality is unusually excellent?
Suggested sample track: I can't find "The Man Who Knows Your Name" on any streaming source, so this will have to do: http://www.youtube.com/user/D97Music#p/u/0/tZaPUJrykAg
Recommendation: Essential listening for nostalgic fans of classic prog rock. Hi-fi equipment highly recommended.
Haken - Aquarius
Released: March 2010
Format: standard album (CD or download)
Songwriting: 8
Performance: 9
Recording: 7
First Impression: 7
Staying Power: 9
Now this is the kind of album that Dream Theater should have released!
Yes; the main influence of Haken is that blatantly obvious, but that's a Very Good Thing.
Whereas DT has stagnated when it comes to songwriting, these fine lads from the UK take it in all kinds of new directions. Though much pomp and circumstance ensues, the changes in style and time signature throughout are neither jarring nor confusing. In fact they provide some much needed levity, strengthening the effect of the more serious parts. There are a total of seven tracks, each having a runtime from 6.5 to 17 minutes. While not a concept album, there is a definite theme. Multiple variations of one particular melody appear throughout, not unlike in DT's "Awake". Of course it takes immense talent to put something like this together without it coming apart at the seams, but these guys undoubtedly have such talent.
If it weren't for the occasional flat note in the lead vocals, I would have given a rare 10 for the performance.
Oh, and did I mention that this masterpiece is a freakin' debut album? How sick is that?!
Oh, and did I mention that the recording quality is unusually good? Here's hoping that this trend continues.
Suggested sample track: "Eternal Rain"
Recommendation: This is essential listening for fans of heavier prog rock. Buy the CD or download the highest quality version available. Set aside 73 minutes of time with your best hi-fi speakers or headphones; savour it from start to finish; repeat as necessary.
Format: standard album (CD or download)
Songwriting: 8
Performance: 9
Recording: 7
First Impression: 7
Staying Power: 9
Now this is the kind of album that Dream Theater should have released!
Yes; the main influence of Haken is that blatantly obvious, but that's a Very Good Thing.
Whereas DT has stagnated when it comes to songwriting, these fine lads from the UK take it in all kinds of new directions. Though much pomp and circumstance ensues, the changes in style and time signature throughout are neither jarring nor confusing. In fact they provide some much needed levity, strengthening the effect of the more serious parts. There are a total of seven tracks, each having a runtime from 6.5 to 17 minutes. While not a concept album, there is a definite theme. Multiple variations of one particular melody appear throughout, not unlike in DT's "Awake". Of course it takes immense talent to put something like this together without it coming apart at the seams, but these guys undoubtedly have such talent.
If it weren't for the occasional flat note in the lead vocals, I would have given a rare 10 for the performance.
Oh, and did I mention that this masterpiece is a freakin' debut album? How sick is that?!
Oh, and did I mention that the recording quality is unusually good? Here's hoping that this trend continues.
Suggested sample track: "Eternal Rain"
Recommendation: This is essential listening for fans of heavier prog rock. Buy the CD or download the highest quality version available. Set aside 73 minutes of time with your best hi-fi speakers or headphones; savour it from start to finish; repeat as necessary.
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