OVERLOOKED AND UNDER-RATED; THE BEST MUSIC OF 2004 WE DIDN'T HEAR UNTIL 2005, PART ONE
Menomena
I am the Fun Blame Monster
(Film Guerro)
Menomena, the unconventional Portland, Oregon trio, has talent to burn and with I am the Fun Blame Monster, the burning has begun. Justin Harris, Brent Knopf, and Danny Seim are a rambunctious and experimental group looking to broaden the sounds of their instruments beyond conventional results, creating cinematic music that plays to widescreen effects. Each song combines earnest vocals, crystalline piano, and shadowy drums (DJ Shadow-y, to be exact), making this debut the product of a later-day Radiohead uninfluenced by early German Krautrock or a darker Flaming Lips led by a melancholic Damon Albarn. I am the Fun Blame Monster (which is a an anagram for "the first Menomena album") is an impressive debut and definitely indicative of an interesting and absorbing career. A Monster worth inviting into your home.
Download: "The Late Great Libido"
Website: www.menomena.com; Make sure to download the informational PDF.
Pinback
Summer in Abaddon
(Touch and Go Records)
Just because you hear something on The O.C. doesn't always mean it's bad. In the case of Pinback's latest, Summer in Abaddon, it could even be great. The Californian group, essentially a partnership between Armistead Burwell Smith IV and Rob Crowe, has been wrongfully tagged as "emo" and playing as the backdrop to Seth Cohen's whining didn't help the argument but ultimately Pinback's third release is a slinky, rhythmic pop album that is more sunny harmonies than bored confessionals. Granted, the soft and unobtrusive tones of Summer in Abaddon would work as appropriate background music but when you listen to the delicate record on headphones, the subtle nuances and bittersweet instrumentation warmly envelop you, making this a well-seasoned release that's appropriate all year around.
Download: "Fortress"
Website: While www.pinback.com is the band's website, there isn't much information to be found there. Your best bet is to check their label website, Touch and Go, for any updates and/or bio.
Menomena
I am the Fun Blame Monster
(Film Guerro)
Menomena, the unconventional Portland, Oregon trio, has talent to burn and with I am the Fun Blame Monster, the burning has begun. Justin Harris, Brent Knopf, and Danny Seim are a rambunctious and experimental group looking to broaden the sounds of their instruments beyond conventional results, creating cinematic music that plays to widescreen effects. Each song combines earnest vocals, crystalline piano, and shadowy drums (DJ Shadow-y, to be exact), making this debut the product of a later-day Radiohead uninfluenced by early German Krautrock or a darker Flaming Lips led by a melancholic Damon Albarn. I am the Fun Blame Monster (which is a an anagram for "the first Menomena album") is an impressive debut and definitely indicative of an interesting and absorbing career. A Monster worth inviting into your home.
Download: "The Late Great Libido"
Website: www.menomena.com; Make sure to download the informational PDF.
Pinback
Summer in Abaddon
(Touch and Go Records)
Just because you hear something on The O.C. doesn't always mean it's bad. In the case of Pinback's latest, Summer in Abaddon, it could even be great. The Californian group, essentially a partnership between Armistead Burwell Smith IV and Rob Crowe, has been wrongfully tagged as "emo" and playing as the backdrop to Seth Cohen's whining didn't help the argument but ultimately Pinback's third release is a slinky, rhythmic pop album that is more sunny harmonies than bored confessionals. Granted, the soft and unobtrusive tones of Summer in Abaddon would work as appropriate background music but when you listen to the delicate record on headphones, the subtle nuances and bittersweet instrumentation warmly envelop you, making this a well-seasoned release that's appropriate all year around.
Download: "Fortress"
Website: While www.pinback.com is the band's website, there isn't much information to be found there. Your best bet is to check their label website, Touch and Go, for any updates and/or bio.
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