Video: Rusty Redenbacher “Golden Years” (David Bowie Cover)
Rusty Redenbacher has been one of the hardest working members of the Indianapolis hip hop scene since I was copping my first feel on the dance floor back in junior high. One need look no further than the man’s twitter feed to understand just how relentless Rusty’s commitment to his craft can be. The latest installment in Rusty’s seemingly endless catalog can be found below. Here, Rusty trades hip hop hooks for glam rock glory on a terrific cover of David Bowie’s “Golden Years.”
One of the things that I admire most about Rusty is his willingness to try anything. What’s so surprising is how often this experimentation succeeds. For more, head over to the Tornado Alley Tumblr for a free download of The Professor and The Hustler, his 2011 release with fellow Indy emcee Mr. Kinetik. Or hit up his Facebook page for his most recent solo release, The Tinkerer.
Connect with Rusty Redenbacher via Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr
Written by Rob Peoni
Album Review: Lotus Plaza ‘Spooky Action At A Distance’
I feel sad for kids these days. They have absolutely no concept of so many great things that us mid twenty-somethings grew up with. Take the English language for example. “I C U” is not and will never be a sentence. You can write how it’s pronounced all you want, but to me, it just means you are more than likely ignorant and didn’t do to well on your spelling examinations. Or the family sitcom. I grew up with life lessons from Tim Taylor & Wilson, Danny Tanner & Uncle Jesse, Carl Winslow and Zach Morris. What is there today on modern television that will carry on for generations? Reality TV featuring fat people shedding pounds and 800 singing competitions? Please. And to all my readers older than me, I know, my childhood years were miserable compared to yours. Every generation likes to puff their chest out and talk about the “good old days” and I’m certainly no different. But I do have one huge problem with the younger generation, and for that matter, a large majority of my own. And that is the general death of the ability to listen to an entire album.
The iTunes effect. The best, as well as maybe the worst, thing that ever happened to listening to music. Now don’t get me wrong, I am a staunch iTunes supporter and love the access it gives to music. But albums have been, and continue to be, released for a reason. And that is because there is something about the experience of spending 30 minutes to an hour engrossed and listening to songs by one artist in the order they want you to. I have 70.20 GB of music currently on my laptop, but 99.5% of it are full albums, EPs, or complete 7” releases. I don’t buy or download singles strictly because I believe music is not only best served in album form, but that any musician worth listening to gives you not just one song but an entire collection…a masterpiece of craft if you will. And I feel that the album is, unfortunately, getting away from general society. iTunes libraries full of only random singles and one hit wonders is the norm rather than the outlier today and that’s just a shame. Where is the patience people?
This giant rant stems from my most recent album experience: Spooky Action At a Distance by Lotus Plaza. The solo project of current Deerhunter guitarist Lockett Pundt, it provides everything you want when listening to music. It’s entertaining, thought provoking, relaxing…to put it in better terms, it piques the emotive core inside of you. When I began playing the album yesterday evening, it was with a cup of coffee and my work laptop open. It was roughly towards the end of the fuzzy and subtle second track of the album entitled “Strangers” that I realized this type of listening wasn’t going to work. This album required my complete and undivided attention. So the computer was shut, the TV, already on mute, was turned off, and I just sat, listened, and contemplated my life with the music.
The anticipatory third song “Out of Touch” builds from a high fever to a cacophony of sound before leading into the ever thoughtful and nostalgic “Dusty Rhodes”. It’s the middle of this track where you can begin to hear his friendship with fellow Deerhunter member Bradford Cox begin to reveal itself as an influence in Pundt’s own sound. The droned out vocals and dark landscape almost sound like Bradford’s solo project Atlas Sound’s work while the following “White Galactic One” brings the end of “Revival” from Deerhunter’s most recent effort Halcyon Digest to life with it’s own full song.
“Monoliths” begins the second half of the album by bluntly stating the introspective themes already established and ending with Pundt singing, “One of these days, I’ll come around” over and over again. But perhaps the most beautiful and masterful track on the album is “Jet Out of the Tundra”. Sounding as if you are sitting down in a chair watching photos of your life pass you by, there’s a sense of serenity that forces it’s way out and into the room you are sitting in.
The trio of “Eveningness”, “Remember Our Days”, and “Black Buzz” close out this sophomore effort by continuing the overall mood and overarching themes previously mentioned. At the end, I found myself with overpowering feeling of tranquility with my life. This isn’t an album of sorrow in regards to memories, but rather, a realistic and calming journey into each of our pasts. So while singles are great, don’t forget that the best sounds in life come with A and B sides friends.
Connect with Lotus Plaza via Facebook
Written by Greg Dahman
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
Thought on Tracks 