Editors- In This Light And On This Evening Album Review

It's dark...Real dark. Granted the past two albums from Brit Rock band, the Editors, have always been subtly eerie but their new album, 'In this Light and on this Evening,' is a little more heavy then past works. It was so to a point that after the first couple listens I really didnt enjoy it as much as I thought I would. I was ecstatic that the Editors were putting out a new record. I had figured they had a good thing going with that loud, boomy fast paced sound theyve had before. In the end they almost went the other way.

In This Light And On This Hour is toned down a bit, slowed down a tad and has a lot of deep dark undertones mixed with some wicked electo noises. It almost sounds like a bastardised 80s epic movie soundtrack, you know like Running Man or Blade Runner. Admittedly some of the more dark tracks aren't as fun, but when you cut into some of those more uptempo, electro backed tracks you can get moving a bit. Im sure theres some potential on the remix for all you DJs out there.

Overall the album may be an acquired taste to all those new Editors fans. The hard core old ones will probably fall in love with it. I have to admit it was slightly a new direction for them. And so far it's worked. It caught on to me, you just have to switch gears a little to listen to the album, set the mood. I am, however, very excited to see their live performance again, as they never disappoint. Im sure it'll be fantastic. The band tours the states all through the month of February and will be stopping by at the House of Blues San Diego on February 9th.

Mute Math- Armistice Album Review

Finally, after three years of touring around and riding they're debut album, Mute Math, the boys from New Orleans have produced another gem of an album. Armistice has to be one of the most eclectic albums Ive ever heard in a very long time.

If youre a fan, as you should be, youd notice on their website the entire recording process over the past few years while on the road and in the studio both in Nashville and New Orleans. The apparent long and strenuous process of producing the new album actually prompted tension within the band leading them to bring aboard producer Dennis Herring (producer of Modest Mouse, Elvis Costello, The Hives, Ben Folds and others) to help them bring focus towards the creative process as the band scrapped nearly everything done to the point and starting from scratch which helped them produce 20 or so new songs which would eventually be boiled down into the twelve that make up Armistice.

Armistice in itself is an amazing album from start to finish. You may or may not know that you got a taste back when the film Twilight came out with the bands first single to come out from the new album, Spotlight. Whatever you do, dont base that one song to be the entire album, its an amazing ride filled with Mute Maths patented form of unique art and experimental rock. If you listen closely its you can hear possible influences or just overall different genres of music. Some singles have a hit of radio head with that airy lift you off the ground feel, almost West Indian Girlish. Other singles have a heavy electro poppy feel to it as well. While the rest of the album is filled with strings and brass, including a second cut from the title track, Armistice, which includes back up from the Rebirth Brass Band outta the bands hometown of New Orleans.

Mute Math has to be one of the most creative and hard working bands out there today. They're record music is only seconded by their live performances which never disappoint. If you havent picked up Armistice then there probably is something a little off about you. Otherwise go get and watch out for them to hit a town near you. For us here in the fantastic city of San Diego Mute Math will be hitting the House of Blues on October 11th. Be there or be of the squared variety.

AIR- Love 2 Album Review

The French have invaded again. Its been about two years since Airs last album, Pocket Symphony, dropped in early 2007, followed by a stellar tour, time off and lots of studio time the French electronic pop duo has dropped their sixth studio album dubbed, Love 2. We got a little snippet of the fuzzy, feel good sound of Love 2 in August of 09 when the first single, Sing Sang Sun, dropped. It set the tone for the rest of the album is probably one of those perfect fit songs.

Love 2 offers us mostly what wed expect from the Frenchmen Nicolas godin and Jean-Benoît Dunckel. A mystical, whimsical journey through space and time which can really only be enhanced through light drug use and sexual activities. Its definitely a fun album to listen to and at first I thought, well, its Air...and I still love them. But I had another listen, and another, and maybe even indulged in some of the activities above, to try and find the uniqueness of their latest work. I guess vice theyre last work, Pocket Symphony, which was sounded very clean, mellow and down tempo, something you could definitely chill too; Love 2 has done something of a 180° by sounding much more organic. The album has a faster tempo in most songs, its a little more creative chaos and toned back on the electronic as it accents the music less drives the music. And going back the single, Sing San Sung, its just fun and cheerful, something destined for a soundtrack. You want to fall in love to this album. Even the titles of the tracks are somewhat humorous. Be a Bee, Eat My Beat, Tropical Disease, So Light Is Her Footfall, I have to wonder what they were thinking while writing this album. I mean after all, they are French.

Overall if youre a raving Air fan, like myself, youll just love Love 2 in its entirety. Its classic Air to the letter and a joy to listen to, one for the collection. The band is currently on tour in Europe, no plans laid out for a state side stint at anytime yet, however if they do cross the pond I highly suggest you see them live, its an experience, just about life changing...bring a lover. And pick up Love 2.

West Indian Girl- We Believe Album Review

"Its about finding the best thing in life, be it a wave or a state of mind or a perfect escape," co-founding bassist Francis Ten says.

It has been a summer of highs & lows for LA sextet West Indian Girl. On the heels of their well-received sophomore album 4th & Wall comes the sad news that their female lead singer has departed from the band due to recent life & priority changes. One of said changes may be Mariqueens recent engagement to Trent Reznor, but who are we to speculate?

As posted on their blog, the show must go on and thus West Indian Girl has a full line-up of shows this summer that will be played without interruption including a top-billed performance at Street Scene here in sunny San Diego. According to their blog, they are looking for an immediate replacement for their dearly departed lead singer, so any interested females should contact: info@westindiangirl.com

On a more musical note, West Indian Girls new CD is excellent and absorbing. They have a vintage, acid tinged-feel that combines international and So Cal charms.

The first few songs, To Die in LA, Blue Wave, and Sofia all sound a bit similar, with jangly instruments and trippy, out of this world sound effects over male vocals. The Indian Ocean brings a bit more depth to the album, with sentimental lyrics such as this is our last chance to make it rain over sentimental chords.

Lost Children comes roaring in with a disco beat reminiscent of Jamiroqui, and the album continues to build & surprise from there. Get Up & Rise from the Dead feature howling, classic rock style vocals & harder guitar chords to close things out on a haunting note.

Line up changes or not, West Indian Girl is a band to watch and I for one will be front row & dancing at their upcoming Street Scene debut. We Believe is an excellent album and a must have for any WIG fans out there, a collection of rarity, remixes and b-sides from over the years. Released by indie label, Origami Records (also an excellent vinyl store), We Believe is sure to relax your soul when the day turns to night. You can find out more about the band and their current comings and goings at http://www.westindiangirl.com, and check out Origami Records at http://www.origamiorigami.com.

Muse- The Resistance Album Review

Muse. They've produced some stellar work in the past. Their debut hit full length album, Absolution, broke records and boundaries setting them as one of the premiere and hardest rocking UK bands out there. Their follow up with Black Holes and Revelations only solidified them as a progressive creative machine. And now with theyre third album, The Resistance, theyve gone and done something that few bands can ever pull off. They have re-defined rock opera. Honestly, whether they intended to or not they did just that. With the bands unique electo-classical music rock mashing and progressive flow from one track to another theyve created some nue age rock symphony.

Muse has always been noted for their involvement of big sound, big noise, big show and The Resistance is no exception. The only real way to describe the sound being blasted into my mind would be simply epic. Its a perfectly produced musical blend of forward rock music with electronic filler and symphonic back up. Something that Muse has done before but only in this album has it really all come together for me. For instance: Absolution was a fantastic album, but it was edgy, it was loud and it was raw. Something to march too and bang your head two, especially with the two hit singles off the track, Hysteria and Time is Running Out. Now, Black Holes and Revelations was also a stellar piece of work. But it was more experimental and a bit poppy with its singles Suppermassive Black Hole and Starlight. Now you take both of these albums and mash them together, progress and experiment and produce the hell out of it until its absolutely perfect in sound and then youve got The Resistance. Its got movie soundtrack production quality and is amazing to listen to, especially the last three tracks which are quite literally a rock symphony.

Briefly on the last three tracks, known as Exogenesis: Symphony, Pt. 1: Overture, Pt. 2: Cross-Pollination and Pt. 3: Redemption, are beautifully produced with Frédéric Chopin and Franz Liszt being referenced as the influences behind the classical tracks. Although no official symphony or established orchestra was partnered with a group of 40 classical musicians were brought together to form an orchestra with the band. The tracks are a totally unique concept for the band with front man Matthew Bellamy having hinted on its creation in 2008 when entering the studio saying I think the next album Id like to do at least one 15-minute space-rock solo. Honestly its utterly fantastic through and through.