Album Review: Polica ‘Give You The Ghost’
I am keen to side projects. They are similar to independent start-ups that form organically. These projects often exist for only one album or tour. The fun and memories remain, but ultimately the reconnect happens with the group and the side project dies. I think of Little Joy. A brilliant project where Strokes drummer, Fab Moretti created a timeless album that made me realize that that members of my favorite band could exist outside the greater good. Even consider Jeff Magnum’s transition. The casual listener remembers the side project Neutral Milk Hotel and forgets the initiator in Olivia Tremor Control. These records have caused me to pay close attention whenever members of my favorite groups decide to branch out and try something new.
The latest side project worthy of note is Minneapolis-based Poliça. This group is an extension of Gayngs, a band that I adore. Members Channy Casselle and Ryan Olson initiated the idea in the summer of 2011. Just like any good co-founders, they decided to surround themselves with additional talent. A new outlook, fresh energy and a mix of something different began the build toward innovation. Dual drummers Ben Ivascu and Drew Christopherson were brought in to provide magnificent percussion. Bassist Chris Bierdan was the final piece to the puzzle.
If you like a deeply percussive groove then Poliça’s Give You The Ghost is certainly the album for you. From track to track this album is filled with the smartest, deepest beats that I have heard in a long time. Casselle’s vocals slide right over the top of each snare creating a sound so magnificent that I find myself at a loss in my search for a comparison. The album is enjoyable from end to end and has tremendous character. It is hard to believe that such a new project, created in an expedited fashion, can offer such a mature sound. Bat for Lashes fans should listen to Poliça. This provides a gloomy opportunity to dance. This is a string of sinister songs that project life.
The song “Dark Star” does the best job of promoting this gloomy groove theme. Casselle’s vocals are diminished by the production, but are brought to life with deep percussion. The chorus demands a foot tap. Rich melody pops over the top of minor chords to fill the listeners headphones. The last minute of the song is dedicated to sinful drum fills and Casselle’s final words mixed with horns. Consider it on the short list for songs that I will not live without for the remainder of the year.
“Lay Your Cards Out” should be noted when endorsing this record. Bon Iver’s Mike Noyce offers his vocals in this track. They are paired with an insane dose of rhythm towards the end of the song. The listener will also notice Noyce’s vocal contributions on “Wandering Star”. I give Poliça credit for roping a piece of last year’s indie darlings, Bon Iver, to help give validity to their tremendous sound.
With a successful side project, timing is everything and I truly believe that Poliça could not have done a better job on the execution of their release. Coming off the heels of Gayngs’ mate Justin Vernon’s self-titled release of Bon Iver last year they have found a legitimate way to ride coattails. Give You the Ghost is innovative, deep, and completely full of sound throughout its entirety. A true musical startup that deserves extra listening capital and could sustain for a sophomore release.
Readers in Bloomington have the chance to see Poliça on May 19 at 9:30 pm at The Bishop. Grab tickets for $10.
Connect with Poliça via Facebook | Twitter
Written by Brett McGrath
Album Review: Alabama Shakes ‘Boys and Girls’
It is no secret that the Alabama Shakes were my favorite new band of 2011. The four songs on their debut EP were drenched in a southern-fried soul that hits deep down in the seat of the pants. When MOKB co-conspirator Josh Baker returned from Nashville’s Next Big Soundland Festival last year singing the band’s praises, I gave their EP a spin and never looked back.
My passion for the Shakes toed the line of unabashed cheerleader. It’s just that so much of what I’ve been listening to over the last couple of years is devoid of the raw emotion and timeless aura that dominated the Alabama Shakes EP. As someone who has spent a large portion of his life binging on blues and New Orleans R&B, the discovery of Brittany Howard filled a basic need that had been lacking in my relationship with the current independent music scene.
Much the same way that The Black Keys were able to accomplish on Rubber Factory and The Big Come Up, the Alabama Shakes translate a sound of an earlier era without ever becoming hackneyed. Today, the band releases their debut LP Boys and Girls. The four tracks from the band’s self-titled EP remain, plus seven more. The new notes build nicely upon the band’s foundation. Why reinvent the wheel when audiences have unanimously affirmed your work to this point? No need.
The album opens with the bone rattling bass and drum line that serves as the powerful, diesel engine of “Hold On.” Snare – kick, kick. Snare – kick, kick. The track is as fresh as the first day that I heard it, with Howard’s vocals snapping the neck hairs of everyone within earshot to attention. Fucking rock, man.
The new material kicks off on track three with what will inevitably become one of the summer’s biggest anthems, “Hang Loose.” Here, the Shakes trade the dirty South for the white capped surf of the beach. Focused and concise, the track clocks in at a mere 2:26. Nevertheless, allowing for plenty of time to leave an impact. Next up is the impassioned rocker “Rise to the Sun.” The guitars bubble to a boil at the end of each verse before pulling back in exchange for pounding rhythms. Like a lover intent on avoiding the premature climax, the Shakes take listeners to an emotional brink without pushing them over the edge.
The Alabama Shakes round out the latter half of Boys and Girls with a handful of tracks that slip seamlessly into the band’s mold. No missteps. Highlights include the energetic, cymbal-heavy “I Ain’t the Same” and brief, bouncy tease of “Goin’ To The Party.” I willingly concede that little, if any, risks are taken, but those are for albums two or three anyway – or never for all I care. While I wouldn’t complain if the Shakes let go and asserted themselves at times, I will likely continue to lap up this delicious material like a grateful dog for as long as the band continues to churn it out. Thus far, the band has done nothing short of convince every crowd they come across that they are the next big band. Until they give us a reason to argue otherwise, who the fuck is going to doubt them?
Connect with Alabama Shakes via Facebook | Twitter
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Written by Rob Peoni
Album Review: The Lumineers ‘Self-Titled’
I have these moments a couple of times a week where I need folk music. An internal trigger kicks in and demands its presence. Folk is a funny type of music for me. I have always enjoyed the influence it plays in music rather than the genre as a whole. This is quickly changing. Fleet Foxes created the shift. Then bands like Typhoon and Stornoway helped to expedite my change in thought. Folk is not extravagant. It is gentle and stripped to the necessities. The honestly that this music brings is what tends to draw me in. Authentic, relatable stories where lyrics lead the listeners closer to the music is the center of folk music to me. Folk music is much like a good friend. It serves as a simple reminder to take a step back, slow down and enjoy life. My weekly folk triggers bring a certain sincerity to my overall listening experience, and this is causes me to grow closer to the genre as a whole. My latest reaction to the music from the roots has come from Colorado-based band, The Lumineers.
The Lumineers released their self-titled debut last week and I have been unable to stop listening to it. After I stumbled upon their Daytrotter session, I knew that this was a band that I needed to follow. After little more than a month of anticipation, The Lumineers have delivered. As I lie in bed, I realize that I am listening to this record for the fourth time in a row. I have no idea what happened to the time, but these songs have not only won me over, but brought me closer to folk music. Front man, Wesley Schultz is believable with his lyrics and his stories are relatable. I am captivated by the simplicity and proudly overwhelmed by the sensibility that the Lumineers offer.
The album kicks off with sweet guitar picking and introduction to the rasp of Schultz’s voice. Track, “Flowers in Your Hair” does an unbelievable job of setting the stage for the rest of this album. Neyla Pekarek (piano, cello) supports the chorus and causes listeners to be taken on a ride. Sitting just under 2 minutes, this song is the ideal pitch at the front of a record to catch listener’s attention. This is a fantastic tactic for grabbing as many early adapters as possible.
Song, “Slow It Down” is probably the simplest song on the record, but easily my favorite. The track showcases of Schultz’s honesty as a writer and it helps to create a genuine affection for me. A tale of failed love pieced together through rich imagery. Opening line, “I feel a filth in my bones, wash off my hands ‘til it is gone” provides an ugly, but honest context surrounding a lingering break. Curtains, car windows, beds and many other objects are leaned on throughout this song to paint a picture for listeners. The more I listen to this song and the others, the more I appreciate the value that The Lumineers place on imagery.
The last track on the record is “Morning Song” and I notice an interesting twist in their style with this one. This track adopts a Celtic-like vibe with the guitar riffs between Schultz’s vocal exchanges. It sounds like bagpipes could be brought in for support. I find this twist interesting, but engaging. The unexpected turn still captivates me with each play.
The Lumineers are a band that is going to continue to gain more importance for me as 2012 progresses. They are the glue that is going to keep me connected to my folk roots. This release is a must-listen for those that need a simple dose of roots music to pass through the week. While folk will never be my favorite style, I know it will always grab my interest as long as there are at least one band like The Lumineers to introduce themselves to me every year.
The Lumineers will perform at Radio Radio in Indianapolis on May 25. Tickets are available for $10 via MOKB Presents.
Connect with The Lumineers via Facebook | Twitter
Written by Brett McGrath
Thought on Tracks 