Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Wild Nothing/Beach Fossils


Lazy Sumer music (relax in a hammock enjoy the sun/surf bro)
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Before I delve into this elaborate review/posting of two of my favorite releases this summer, Wild Nothing's Gemini and Beach Fossils' Self Titled. I have some important news! As touched upon in the previous post you may well be aware I have acquired some help around the blogosphere. Well, let me explain: I have known Alex for 6 fantastic years and over this time we have both watched each other grow into the people we are today. As we have similar interests in terms of music as well as the ability to see eye to eye on most social issues I thought, "why not have him contribute to my recently started blog?" Now I know the majority of this blog will be about music but I am not one to be afraid of touching upon other subjects such as: literature, art or even politics/the goings on of the world we live in today. I want this blog to be a center for creativity, entertainment, news, reviews and most importantly FUN!-in fact this might be the most serious I will ever be on this blog (maybe). Anyway in case you didn't read that big heartfelt post I will sum it up for you: This blog now has two members, they are really good friends +++ have similar interests +++ blog output will increase twice-over.

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///Start music review///

Wild Nothing's Gemini is a lo-fi dreamy guitar driven pop splendor that seems to evoke feelings of mopeyness, lazy days, fuzzy guitars and a strong sense of 80's revivalism. Gemini is released on Captured Tracks- a somewhat new label that is pioneered by the man behind Blank Dogs. Fans of 2009's The pains of being pure at heart's self titled release will feel right at home with Wild Nothing. Gemini may also enlighten fans of record labels such as slumberland, 4AD, and Factory. People who enjoy bands such as Cocteau Twins, The Smiths and perhaps even The Cure with it's messages about lust and death. ("I'd rather live in dreams, and I'd rather die" croons Jack Tatum on the track "Live in Dreams".) There is a lot of emotion in this album and it definitely goes on my top 10 list of 2010.

Beach Fossils' Self Titled AKA perfect summer album #2 (ALSO on the Captured Tracks label) reminisces guitar work of Joy Division or perhaps fellow "beach-fi" rockers Real Estate the music is very much centered around really catchy guitar hooks supported by a basic drum track and vocals that are coated with reverb. It doesn't claim to be complex, in fact it's quite the opposite. Songs are direct with their intentions and lyrics are seen straight as what they really are. The song "Vacation" clearly means "Vacation" etc. This music wants to be predictable so that it can be enjoyed as a really lazy summer album which it accomplishes extremely well. Beach Fossils is very simple/minimal music but not done in a way similar bands have done simplicity (Wavves) Even the album artwork: a white picket fence or door isn't trying to be flashy or esoteric. It is what it is.

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