Album Review: Oberhofer ‘Time Capsules II’
I am a firm believer that we all have the ability to create our own paths in life. A mixture of talent, confidence, hard work while continuing to treat people well will open many opportunities in life. Maintaining a sense of ownership and garnering an entrepreneurial type of spirit is not easy for most, but comes naturally to others. This is why I am drawn to the independent music scene. These bands are artists, marketers, sales people, and their own PR departments. They make music, tell everyone to come to their shows, build a pipeline of fans while hawking merchandise, and emailing fellow bloggers asking them to promote their new single. There are many more components to this madness, but these are just a few I want to point out to try and display some appreciation for the work that independent musicians do.
Brad Oberhofer’s release of his debut LP Time Capsules II this week is a story to highlight. Oberhofer migrated from his home in Tacoma, Washington out east to the mecca of independent music Brooklyn to intern at prestigious independent label Matador records. During his tenure of running errands and doing the dirty work that keeps these labels moving, Oberhofer created a demo and slipped it to the people in charge. The talent was noticed and the opportunity was seized. Oberhofer grabbed other available musicians to build sound to his life show and the rest is history. The best part of this story is that Oberhofer chose to name his band Oberhofer, which shows his ownership in his self-made brand.
After hearing the first few songs streaming online I was in fully engaged with the release of this record. Time Capsules II is fast, happy, and well thought out music that could not come at a better time of the year. It sounds like it is comfortable projecting off the walls of a dirty old garage. Oberhofer presents a Wavves like vibe while channeling lo-fi influence. This is a recipe that hardly ever disappoints for me and is recommended to anyone who smiles at a healthy dose of electric guitar.
Track, “Away Frm U” is an anthem. This song should be played for those needing a lift. Melodic notes introduce the song backed by a deep drum beat. Oberhofer screams, “You’re pushing me away from you and there is nothing I can do, and I can’t fight all your battles for you”. This is a strong statement that is supported by synthesizers and whistles for color. This track is made for those waiting for the wonderful independence that summer offers.
“Away Frm U”
I will endorse “oOoO” as my favorite track on the album. A mellow beginning turns into a standing-room-only chorus in a matter of seconds. Line, “And the city is feeling queer and crass with beer cans rolling in blades of grass to look like something new”, displays Oberhofers’ creative, relatable approach to his words. The delivery is simple, effective and motivating for listeners. This is a song that forces a smile while eliminating the mid season doubt. It’s a catalyst that has expedited my spirits when looking forward.
“oOoO”
Oberhofer’s strong point is his ability to accept influences while remaining creative. This record is an extension of a segment of music that I believe a majority of readers of this blog enjoy. Oberhofer’s ability to make ‘Time Capsules II” possible should be noted. He is his own company and has me convinced to invest early.
Connect with Oberhofer via Facebook | Twitter
Written by Brett McGrath
EP Review: Daniel Rossen ‘Silent Hour / Golden Mile’
It is amazing that it has been nearly three years since Grizzly Bear released Veckatimest. I have always viewed the record as one of my favorites in the last 10 years because of its ability to play in any time or place. While the days have passed since it was introduced to me, I do not allow time to separate me from this masterpiece. Yes, I said it, masterpiece. The songs are compelling and provide a particular fluidity throughout the record. Good news came to me in December, when singer Ed Droste announced that Grizzly Bear would be releasing a new album in 2012. While Droste did not give us an exact date on the release, other vocalist, Daniel Rossen that gave fans something to chew on while waiting.
Grizzly Bear and Department of Eagles contributor, Daniel Rossen, released his first his first solo EP Silent Hour/Golden Mile last week. After listening to these five songs for a week, I can confidentially declare that it is the perfect appetizer before the main course. Rossen’s voice is stunning from track to track. He displays his musicianship by supporting rich vocals with both guitar and piano. The songs are stripped like many Grizzly Bear songs, which allow Rossen’s voice to shine.
Single, “Silent Song” begins with an acoustic twang. A mix of rich guitar picking backed by an electric lead. Add Rossen’s voice to the layers and you have a formula that never disappoints. Rossen does an exceptional job with imagery on this song. He paints a picture for listeners with lines like “He’s rising from the field / A mess of gold and green / Nightmare in the mud.” These lines do not give you the entire story, but push the imagination of the listener.
I am compelled to highlight song “Saint Nothing” because of the intimacy that it offers. This song is beautifully sad and independent. This song demands my attention and has made me forget what I was doing. This is a song that you listen to alone. Thought exploration created with a piano. Brilliant.
The release of Silent Hour/Golden Mile has done a couple things for me. It has put my anxiety to rest and made me patient for Grizzly Bear’s full length to drop. It has also once again verified the true talent of Grizzly Bear as a band. Rossen could stand on his own and be a solo artist, he is that good. I guess that is what makes Grizzly Bear so great, a collection of true talent that hits on all cylinders. This EP satisfies and helps to fill the void “While You Wait for the Others.”
Connect with Daniel Rossen via Facebook | Warp Records
Written by Brett McGrath
Thought on Tracks 
Slothpop Calls it Quits
Yesterday brought news of the break up of Indianapolis-based Slothpop. The musical project lasted just three short years. However, the seriousness that the band brought to their lone, self-titled LP resulted in a release with a depth and maturity that elevated the expectations for Indy’s tiny, but talented independent music scene. Regardless of what the future entails for the band’s various members, Slothpop’s contribution will have a lasting impact.
“It was like we needed something to just make it feel worth doing, something to re-inspire us and remind us that there’s a reason to be doing all of this,” bassist Drew Malott told NUVO in an interview preceding the album’s release party at Radio Radio.
The band alerted fans to the news of their impending separation in a statement via Facebook, saying:
Dearest loves,
Slothpop is officially calling it off. It has been an amazing three years and we want to thank you all for your love and support. We couldn’t have done it without you. Here’s our official video for Kokoro made by the amazing Know No Stranger crew. We love you. adieu.
The announcement comes as a significant blow to a tight-knit community of musicians that call Indianapolis home. I can only speak to my own sentiments, but Slothpop’s debut had a richness and weight that felt bigger than a local release. This was not the fuzzy clangings of your neighbor’s garage band. Kristin Newborn’s prowess on vocals is as formidable as any in this city. Her talent, blended with one helluva supporting cast and the vision of “seventh member” Andy Fry of Queensize Studios, made for a potent combination. For evidence, check out the aptly titled opening track “One”, here:
Though the album was recorded without the support of a label, its production was characterized by a boldness and ambition of a major studio release. In some ways, the writing was on the wall from the outset. Beneath the track listing on Slothpop’s Bandcamp page, songwriting credits were divided between Newborn and the rest of the band. Clearly labeled, as if outlining the prenuptial agreement for the eventual divorce.
Fellow Indy band The Bonesetters had paired with Slothpop for gigs on multiple occasions. The pair of bands served as support for each other’s album release parties. Lead-singer Dan Snodgrass had this to say about the news of the break up:
Indianapolis is filled with bright stars of talent, and one of the brightest was Slothpop. Slothpop consistently put on excellent shows, and their music still delves into the hearts of people in our fine city. I’m sad to see this pass, but excited to see where the individual members will go from here. Bruce Springsteen was “The Doctor” before he became “The Boss” in the Castiles and Earth. Waylon Jennings played bass for Buddy Holly & the Crickets before breaking out on his own. Though it saddens me to see them go down seperate paths creatively, I’m excited to see where the members channel their amazing talents from here.
Snodgrass is correct to remind listeners that nobody has died. In all likelihood, we will be seeing these musicians again in some capacity. Their talents are too bright to keep hidden for long. In fact, a handful of recordings from Newborn’s solo project KO are available via Musical Family Tree. KO will be performing live at The Melody Inn on April 8th and as part of LUNA Music’s Record Store Day line-up on April 21st. Watch Slothpop’s video for “Kokoro” below.
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Written by Rob Peoni