A stressed out drunk Australian slurring his grievances
It starts with a noisy 30 second eruption, embraces a brief gasp for breath, and then unloads again. A deep roaring bass and slow smash of the drum kit sets the foundation while the vocals and guitars present an unnerving bit of chaos. As Gareth Liddiard pleas for a free private execution, the furious noise of the guitars could potentially let loose at any given moment. “Private Execution” is a demanding re-introduction to one of Australia’s finest rock bands, and everything that makes them tick.
The tension continues on “Tamad Shud”, which has a dance pop vibe in the type of way Deerhoof does it. Less dense and threatening than the lead track, it unassumingly becomes more and more demanding as the pace gradually increases, and open space constricts.
A shift occurs with “Then They Came For Me”. It begins minimally, relieving some of the preceding tensions. Over the plodding bass and drums, Liddiard sounds relatively relaxed and reflective. Waves of guitars sweep through occasionally. Over the course of the song, that sense of relaxation gives way to frustration. Everything comes crashing together, no longer speaking with predictability.
It gives way to scorned ballad, “To Think I Once Loved You,” a genuinely biting tale of broken heartedness. Opening with a transitional electronic hum, “Tailwind” follows with further contemplation. It’s an exploration of the aftermath of prior devastation. The song ends with an odd little aching piano and organ.
“Boredom” restores the energy, delivering the closest thing to an infectious Drones pop song. It’s virtually new jack swing, highlighted by Liddiard’s paranoid political rants. On “Sometimes” Fiona Kitschin takes the lead, singing the dreamy ballad about witness protection. Liddiard returns to front the powerful finale “Shut Down SETI” which builds its way towards a loud cataclysmic end.
Following their tremendous 2013 release I See Seaweed, The Drones sound even more ambitious on Feelin Kinda Free. Gareth Liddiard remains a central focus with his volatile vocal presence which often commands with an air of “Shut the fuck up! I’ve got something to say!” And he does have something to say. Liddiard holds nothing back, setting sight on his targets and then unloading with the unhinged attack that makes The Drones such a rare presence. While it’s not the conventional fast paced three chord rock we often think of with punk, this is punk rock as it should be. The Drones are dynamic, noisy, impassioned, and threatening in all of the right ways.
He mentioned his musical hero being Michael Hurley. Somehow, I'd never heard Michael Hurley until now. His debut is a perfect folk record. One of the best I've ever heard.
3.5/5 Stars
Hot new trip hop revival group. The album doesn't do too much to carve out its own sound, but has some really enjoyable moments, most specifically "Cloud Nine"
I'm pretty conflicted about this one. While the Body exists in a place that's likely too heavy for my comfort zone, there's some truly magnificent moments throughout. I can definitely understand why it's getting loads of praise. _________________ http://jonnyleather.com
meccaleccaVoice of ReasonProfile The Land of Enchantment
Mixed feelings after the first listen. I didn't really like Wilderness Heart after liking what came before it. I think this one will definitely be an improvement
After a run of pretty shit albums, Weezer has seemingly turned things around for the most part. This is another mixed bag, but I think they've certainly gone in the right direction with the their two most recent releases.
Lakou Mizik - Wa Di Yo
Released today. I knew nothing about it going in, except that it's from Haiti. I'm enjoying it as much as anything I've heard this week. Could end up becoming one of my favorite releases of the year. Upbeat, wild "world" music. Definitely some Afrobeat influence, but loads of other styles going on. _________________ http://jonnyleather.com
Fuck you Kanye. I wanted so badly to hate this, but Life of Pablo may very well be my favorite album Kanye has released. He's undoubtedly an excellent producer with ear for samples and ability to find guests more talented than himself. Of course, if wouldn't be a Kanye West album without a profound number of lyrical turds stinking up an otherwise likable record.
First listen. Pretty much what you'd expect from Andrew Bird but maybe with a bit more of a groove. The highlight is undoubtedly the duet with Fiona Apple.
3.5/5 STARS
Kind of more of the same from Explosions in the Sky, but definitely a more enjoyable and varied listen than the past couple records.
AJ Woods - The Fence
4/5 STARS
I recently interviewed this Albuquerque songwriter, so I've been listening to his new record The Fence a lot (drops on Friday). It's a slow burn for anyone into Bonnie Prince Billy, Bill Callahan, Neil Young, etc.
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I AKA I by Ash Koosha
3/5 STARS
Interesting Iranian electronic record. Good production. Mostly just not my thing, but I think quite a few BEA members will dig this.
Really really enjoying this one the first time through. While a lot of dreamy shoegazy rock these days tends to feel like a wash, Autolux creates a more distinct set of songs with incredible drumming and great use of electronics. Somewhere between dream pop, Stereolab and Deerhoof you'll find Autolux. _________________ http://jonnyleather.com
meccaleccaVoice of ReasonProfile The Land of Enchantment
Jan St. Werner - Felder (Flepblatter Catalogue #4)
Interesting avant compositions from the Mouse on Mars dude. It'll take a few more listens to digest this one.
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Psychopomp by Japanese Breakfast
3/5 STARS
I think I liked this more the first time through. After a couple more listens, it has worn rather thin. Pretty good dream pop songs but little more. _________________ http://jonnyleather.com
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meccalecca
