Album Review: Porcelain Raft ‘Strange Weekend’
My introduction came when Ernst Greene (Washed Out) told Pitchfork in an interview that his favorite new artist was Porcelain Raft. The unfamiliarity with this name drove me to his Bandcamp site and I streamed and then spent an easy $5.00 on his EP “Fountain’s Head”. I was immediately struck by the timing of the measures. The simple rhythm was paired with an influential voice. The more I listened, the more I appreciated what Porcelain Raft had to offer. My gratitude reached an all time high when Porcelain Raft came to Indianapolis and opened for Yuck. Mauro Remiddi was solely orchestrated an enormous sound. His entire performance offered a DIY approach smothered with polish and control. Remiddi carries this mix into his debut LP Strange Weekend, released this week on Bloomington’s Secretly Canadian.
The first thing I noticed when I saw Porcelain Raft live is that Remiddi is a punctual perfectionist. He understands that, in order for this project to work, time management and execution must be constantly at the top of mind. While the live show is good, the studio is Porcelain Raft’s dock, his comfortable home. It is my best guess that Remiddi took of his shoes, got warmed up and relaxed as he recorded Strange Weekend. A patient structure is noted throughout this recording as a heavy dose of daze brings each song together.
The album begins with an infectious rhythm that strikes each note at just the right time. Opener, “Drifting In and Out” is a great first impression for new listeners. An electric guitar blows through each speaker, recreating a chillwave vibe. As I listen to this track I understand why Washed Out was washed in. They share the DIY approach by creating a certain mood-melting music that can send one dreaming for days.
A repeated thump of a drum machine, the mellow progression of an acoustic guitar, and emotional vocals combine to ease your post work pains. Track, “Shapeless & Gone” follows with a certain relaxation that is pulled for the last note of “Drifting In and Out”. This song is certainly the catalyst that takes this album to the end. Many sounds cover the track, but Remiddi’s vocals push through the surface to guide not only the track, but also the listener.
“Shapeless & Gone”
“Unless You Speak from Your Heart” serves as the signature moment of the release for me. Remiddi calmly declares, “I don’t want to listen, unless you speak from your heart.” While simple, this phrase reflects a straight-to-the-point, subtle confidence that defines Porcelain Raft. This song is where thought mixes with vision and breeds a project. Listeners will have a difficult time letting go of this moment as 2012 quickly passes us by. Hundreds of albums will be released and thousand songs to follow, but “Unless You Speak from Your Heart” has the longevity to sail through the year on Porcelain Raft.
“Unless You Speak from your Heart”
The black sheep in this new flock of songs are acoustic tracks “Picture” and “The Way In”. The stripped-down melodies on the six-string allow Remiddi’s voice to shine. While these songs might appear unconventional for the album, they prove to be the most straightforward tracks of the bunch. It is his explanation for difference and dedication to simplicity.
I have listened to Strange Weekend backwards and forwards several times now. As I finish this post, I get the feeling that this album will be with me for a long time. Porcelain Raft might have started as a creative idea, but now has evolved into a true vision. I am not sure where he is going, but I hope he continues to embrace his simplicity and patience. I could chill here for a while.
Connect to Porcelain Raft via Facebook | Twitter | Bandcamp
Written by Brett McGrath
Video: Rusty Redenbacher “Iron Man Monster Factory”
Rusty Redenbacher is a Naptown institution. The man has been cranking out consistently thought-provoking hip-hop since Mudkids dropped 4-Track Mind when I was in sixth grade. His album with local teacher and emcee Mr. Kinetik was one of the hip-hop releases of 2011 that I could legitimately latch on to (SEE: Video: Rusty Redenbacher & Mr. Kinetik “Cashin’ In”). Late yesterday, Russ dropped a video for “Iron Man Monster Fatory” from his latest release The Tinkerer. Yes, the computer-generated bursts of flames are ridiculous, but, as with anything that Rusty releases, we must place the tongue firmly within the cheek. The album release party for The Tinkerer will be held this Saturday at Daddy Real’s The Place. Those that pay the $10 cover will receive a hard copy of the release.
Connect with Rusty via Facebook | Twitter | Tornado Alley
Written by Rob Peoni
Fresh Track: Tanlines “Brothers”
“A good song transcends production trends. That’s what we were missing, and I wanted to start making songs that would have a life of their own.”
-Eric Emm
Nostalgia. It’s an interesting concept completely unique to each of us. It can be anything – a sight, a scent, a sound, a touch – and we are swept away with memories of the past and a longing for something that’s now missing. Music has always had a way of inspiring moments like this for me. I tend to associate songs with different periods of my life – every girl I’ve dated, or even had feelings about for that matter, has a song that reminds me of them. I have songs and albums I associate with high school and college, and even remember certain memories based upon a song playing at the same time. This, I think, is normal. But the best nostalgic trips are when I hear something completely new and am taken back…as if, I was waiting for this song the whole time. It completes the picture, so to speak.
Tanlines, the electronic duo of Eric Emm and Jesse Cohen, dropped the first track from their forthcoming album Mixed Emotions entitled “Brothers” earlier this month. While the album will be the band’s first official debut US release, they have been around for a few years. Their first collection of songs, Volume On, was a European-only issue and they did open for Julian Casablancas during a leg of his solo tour in 2009, so it’s not as if these two just started making music. The sound on “Brothers” isn’t so much something completely new as it is the maturation of the duo’s craft.
“Brothers” is a lively track comprised of an afro-beat, warm synths, an 80’s vibe, and a spoonful of that nostalgia I was discussing earlier. It’s completely danceable, yet utterly listenable. Eric’s vocals tread in the perfect range allowing for the beat to work its magic and lift up the listener.
You’re Just the Same As You Ever Were,
You Fighting and You Wonder Why It Makes No Sense.
I’m Just the Same as I’ve Ever Been,
But I’m the Only One Who Doesn’t Notice It.
Much like the band’s sound, the song is ultimately about the struggles in growing up. The conflict between staying true to ourselves and adapting to the new challenges and wants we have as we age is the bitch about life. But this song, while it brings about that for me, brings about the right mix of nostalgia for the past and eagerness for the present. Turn the volume way up, and let loose. You’re alive. Enjoy it.
Mixed Emotions is due out 3-20-12 on True Panther Records.
Connect to Tanlines via Facebook | Twitter
Written by Greg Dahman
Thought on Tracks 