Reviews - beatlanta

Tuesday

09Mar2010

Ska's Not Dead...Yet from The Deadbeats

The Deadbeats are on the scene and establishing themselves directly on your face. Their debut album Ska's not Dead...Yet is a no holds barred ska and punk extravaganza (thats with extra, extra vaganza). Each song is a bold assertion of living life as you please and not letting anyone tell you otherwise...a true punk attitude. Take that attitude and lay it across gushing ska melodies and adventurous punk narratives and you have what embodies The Deadbeats.

The opening song Head held High is perhaps one of my favorites and moves to quickly substantiates that the Deadbeats are a force to be reckoned with. It croons the lyrics "...let me live my life and I'll let you live yours....I'll turn away with my head held high and I'll be a deadbeat till the day I die." Clearly the Deadbeats want everyone to know that they are here to stay and they don't give a fuck what you think. Wannabe, the second track, shows the satirical side that comes complete with any true punk band talking about wanting to be none other than a "wannabe."

Track number five titled Something to Prove is a favorite as it stays true to what I consider the embodiment of the one value I want in a punk-ska band...that of hating the police and authority. It starts out with mention of some douche using and hiding behind a badge and it is clear by the title that they don't think highly of the situation. "...he's got a gun and he thinks he's got authority, but he know its not enough, so he rallied up his crew...why you fucking boys in bluuuuueee." The next track so cleverly and appropriately titled Bitch, creates a beat out of the word bitch and then quickly picks up the pace into a more hardcore song lyrically, but remains a fast paced, melodramatic ska song with one purpose...and that is to say "fuck you bitch." I only wish I knew who it was directed at - so I could laugh like a super-villain.

When all is said and done, Ska's Not Dead...Yet is a truly magnificent debut from a band that clearly appreciates their ancestors that laid the foundation of what it means to be a ska band and a punk band. The lyrics and vocals are raw impressions of living life with anarchistic views and the hooks and melodies are clever and fun. During their most rapid moments, the Deadbeats are aggressive and in league with the best. The few times they slow it down, in such songs as Tracy, the band is ruminative and introspective. One thing is for sure, the Deadbeats are a sensational merging of punk, ska and reggae stylings.

It will be easy to find evidence of their greater influences like Sublime and Rancid and just as easy if not easier to find the unsurpassed and distinctive essence that manifests inside The Deadbeats. I don't speak for the band but I believe they would close with this...Fuck authority and the boys in blue and if you don't like The Deadbeats, then fuck you too. Rock on deadbeats; I'll be a deadbeat till the day I do...too...beatlanta is on board. SUPPORT LOCAL MUSIC AND SUPPORT THE DEADBEATS. I can't wait to see what they have in store for us in their follow up.

See pictures of the band on beatlanta.com

Watch more vidoes of The Deadbeats at beatlanta's youtube channel.

BE A DEADBEAT TILL THE DAY YOU DIE

adam keen |

Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 12:00PM |

Post a Comment |

Monday

08Mar2010

'Cleric of Samsara' from Of Legend

As I sit listening to Of Legend’s album ‘Cleric of Samsara’, I am immediately thinking of the legends of old. The album begins with an introduction of ambient, wind sounds and a man talking about the relativity of time and opening gates to alternate points in time…then begins with a song that sounds like waking up to the call of legend. The song progresses slowly until the singer comes in with a voice that shakes the foundations of doom. As he shouts out curses unto the torment of mankind, the music is preparing a vessel for his journey. Slow and heavy guitars and drums set the sails for an epic that continues as the album does.

Throughout the album, you can hear definite themes of the dips and peaks of being at sea, and of being in peril. The songs are all lengthy and melodic, but compelling and easy to fall into. The melodies are very long and trance-like, perfect for the feverish state of a hero on his quest for the conquering of his demon. The singer is always extremely passionate though mellow, allowing him to slay his verses with confidence and ease. The entire album is very monotonous and concentrated, but upon a close listen the motions are very distinct and can be understood as a book can be read. The mood changes are dynamic although subtle, and very mesmerizing. A good listen for a time of reflection and meditation.

The song titles are all homage to the old legends and myths, such as ‘Poseidon Swims’ and ‘the Cleric’, as well as some newer legendary themes, such as the song ‘Asleep at the Edge’, reminding the listener of the very factual basis of old legends. This album has darkness to it, but it is not a ‘dark’ album. It is a patient, driven and strong album. The whole group comes together to deliver a solemn assemblage of songs, appropriate for those who appreciate metal to those who appreciate epic music. Check songs from the album out online at http://www.myspace.com/oflegend, and download the album HERE for free.

chris fuller |

Monday, March 8, 2010 at 3:03PM |

Post a Comment |

Sunday

07Feb2010

'Break Even' from Clap for Daylight

    On first listen, Clap for Daylight’s debut album ‘Break Even’ reminds me of an elliptical mix of Bare Naked Ladies and Keane. A little bit of the laid back, casual funness of BNL, but also very edgy and sharp with more than a little darkness to it especially as you get into the album. It opens with the song, ‘Get Down’, which is a very funky piano heavy song with a catchy chorus that literally enforces the ‘getting down’ policy. Although the album has dark moments, it is good because the sun always shines on the darkness and they always bring it back up to a feeling of general hopefulness and goodness. Many of the songs are inspiring and high flying, but always down to earth and just face real world scenarios if you listen to the lyrics.
    Honestly, the album is great. The band steps out of bounds often, crossing over into emotions that people are oft to deny. The band is not afraid to tackle the issues of evil, as can be easily read in the track ‘the Good and Evil Inside’, although it is hardly one of the darkest tracks on the LP.
    What draws me to the band is the feeling of family that they provide. The band is obviously very comfortable with each other, and complement each other very well. The guitars and keyboards mesh in interesting ways, creating mechanical rhythms that interact like pistons on an engine. It gets even better when everyone is playing at once because of the lush harmony that they create. Amazing choruses and a great sense of rhythm give this band a professional and unique sensibility that is sure to lift your spirit. The vocalist is so entranced in the music that his true voice shines through the web of melody and harmony and gives a center of gravity to the entire ensemble.
    The lyrics are at times deeply metaphorical and at times just simple, referring to regular days and things that happen to all people. The writer obviously has a philosophical slant, but always keeps the theme understandable. This is what makes the band so appealing. Their sense of solidity with a good link to the realm of imagination gives them exactly what a band needs, something to distract your from your worries and help you remember the things that are important in life. Check this album out on iTunes and Amazon, and visit their myspace for songs and upcoming shows at http://www.myspace.com/clapfordaylight, while their website is being constructed.

chris fuller |

Sunday, February 7, 2010 at 12:52PM |

Post a Comment |

Saturday

23Jan2010

"Tooth and Nail" from Mog Rocket

Mog Rocket's Tooth and Nail is a potent, progressive rapture that comes at you in waves of fiery, yet subtle and mindful proficiency. Its a dynamic mix of progressive rock and jazz-filled metal with hints of southern flavor. Mog Rocket proves they have an immense pool of talent and musical styles to draw from, while keeping the general feel of Tooth and Nail one of simplicity, matched to their not so simple and equative approach.

Tooth and Nail is a well thought out creation with explosions of expertise and responsibility. It has socially themed undertones showing that Mog Rocket is a little more than your average band; that is to say that they're not just singing about teen angst and who they fucked in the 9th grade; but instead rather intelligent ideas...but they do know how to let loose. Songs such as Bleed on Me, Jonny New Rock and Fingers feature drawn out and compelling progressive jams that will entice you to listen on...and on. I think Mog Rocket is at their best during those awesomely robust instrumental jams. Track 3, titled Waterboarding, starts out with mention of "the working poor" waiting on a lifeline that isn't coming...socially themed lyrics that keep you interested to one of the albums more subdued songs. Bathing in the Asteroid Shower is an amazing and luring all instrumental powerhouse that shows the more dense, darker and heavier side of Mog Rocket.

All in all, Tooth and Nail is an awesome listen. It boasts unique arrangements and well thought layouts that will no doubt leaving you wanting the live version. From what I hear and read, Mog Rocket puts on some amazing live shows. I look forward to checking one out. Support Mog Rocket, Support Local Music. Buy Tooth and Nail here.

adam keen |

Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 5:09PM |

Post a Comment |

Tuesday

24Nov2009

"In the Rain of Daylight" from The Peppermint Confederacy

I found The Peppermint Confederacy while doing research for our bands section. I had never heard of the five piece from Woodstock, GA so I had no idea what I was going into. The album was free and immediately available so I decided not to listen to them through their myspace player; that way I was clueless to their sound when I sat down with the album. The album was instantly perplexing and hard to classify so I took it on for a few weeks, listening to it everyday, searching for new clues and answers. What I found was was an awe-inspiring experience that took me deep into the mind and somewhat fantasy like world of The Peppermint Confederacy and lead vocalist Josh Miller.

In the Rain of Daylight is a wondrous entity from start to finish. The Peppermint Confederacy provide substance and introspect mixing folk and alt-country that provide the listener with a sense of being lost, but with the feeling that your on the way to a magnificent new beginning. It was an adventure to listen to with the fusion of an array of instruments and meditative, somewhat psychedelic effects, mostly with a folky acoustic foundation. Everything from Acoustic Guitar to Harmonica, Piano and Maracas come together to create a soft and sobering sound that hits with passion and insight.

What I enjoyed most about In the Rain of Daylight was its completeness. The music made is intelligent and well thought out with intention and purpose. It seems to have a goal and that goal is moving you towards thoughtful contemplation. Each song leads into the next with grace and smoothness that is not easily found or repeated, seeming to bridge the move from one device to the next; making it possible to experience the last song and the current one simultaneously, and with cause. The album is a journey with an emotional and subtle intensity. The lyrics stand alone as an impressive example of the art of language and arrangement. They are poetic and philosophical at their worst moments. Mix in some elegant and imaginative rumination on top of amazing and beautiful music, and you have Josh Miller and The Peppermint Confederacy's fantastically dreamy phenomenon, In the Rain of Daylight.

Click here to read an interview and see videos from with The Peppermint Confederacy.

adam keen |

Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at 8:25PM |

Post a Comment |