Notable Album Release: Regina Spektor - Far

Just in case you hadn’t been privy to this information, even though it seems like everyone in the blogging world has been eating it up, Regina Spektor will be releasing her newest album, Far, June 23, along with a special edition release as well. The piano-pop driven sounds will leave “hipster” folks salivating and television shows breathing down the neck of Warner Bros. in order to secure some song usage for their episodes. Expect to hear this album just about everywhere. I just felt I’d be remiss not to mention it (and I do enjoy her music.)

Regina Spektor - “Laughing With” [MP3] (new!)

Regina Spektor - “Blue Lips” [MP3] (new!)

Regina on MySpace

Arrica Rose drops new EP, Pretend I’m Fur

Following up her highly successful previous album (with the dot dot dots), La La Lost, Arrica Rose is back on the indie folk scene with Pretend I’m Fur, a seven-song EP, released May 11, on pOprOck records. After the stunning, lo-fi La La Lost, Rose seems to take her songwriting up a notch in attitude, as more upbeat (yet just as heartfelt) tunes shine through on Pretend I’m Fur.

Rose mixes in soulful melodies with an air of delightful wandering pop as she works for a shimmering sound to appeal to listeners’ wider folk sensibilities. It’s not simple downtrodden “folk” - wistfulness is certainly on display despite such connotative song titles as “Tragedy,” “I’ll Love You Forever and Other Lies,” and “Say Goodbye.” But as has been the theme lately here on KR, artists like Arrica Rose somehow manage to demonstrate hope (see “Pillow on the Ground”) through their mostly melancholic lyricism. Thanks to Pretend I’m Fur, Rose’s poignant and impassioned singing has reeled me in, as I’m sure several of you will feel the same way.

Arrica Rose - “Be Still My Heart” [MP3] (from Pretend I’m Fur)

Arrica Rose & The …’s  - “All My Metaphors” [MP3] (from La La Lost)

Purchase Pretend I’m Fur

Arrica Rose on MySpace

 

Elvenking Heathenreel

Tracklist:
1.To Oak Woods Bestowed
2.Pagan Purity
3.The Dweller of Rhymes
4.The Regality Dance
5.White Willow
6.Skywards
7.Oakenshield 06:37
8.Hobs An' Feathers
9.Conjuring of the 14th
10.A Dreadful Strain
11.Seasonspeech

Release Date: 2001

Download - All Tracks <<< Click Here

So ya love them folk music, ya say? Ya spend yer days a-singin’ and a-swingin’ in trees of the Elven woods; lute in your hands, bow on yer back? Well, I have an album for ya! An album that shakes the trees with its roarin’, ragin’ power-folk anthems, and could move the angriest of trolls to tears with its acoustic ballads! This is the Heathenreel.

The debut album of famed Power-Folk metal band Elvenking was recorded and released in 2001. At the dawn of a new millennium, the spirit and melody of European folk music a millennia old was as alive as ever, but it had assumed a new form. Fusing the fast, soaring melodic metal style pioneered by bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest with the ancient sounds of the minstrels and bards of Europe, as well as a modern folk metal twist that shows influence from fellow metal bands Skyclad, and Blind Guardian, Elvenking have forged a unique and alluring style of their own.

The band on this album consists of 5 members. 2 Guitarists, Aydan and Jarpen who play a fast power metal style of technical guitar riffing and melodic folksy harmonies, and also contribute their vocal talents. Zender, a skilled and creative drummer, Gorlan a bass magician. And of course, the king of them Elves himself, Damnagoras whose beautiful, jovial vocal style soars high above the instrumentation sending the spirit of the Elves through the listener’s ears and into their heart. There are many guest musicians on the album; most importantly Elyghen, a violinist and keyboardist who joined the band later on as their sixth member.

The album starts with To Oak Woods Bestowed, an acoustic instrumental that lures the listener into the vast woods of the Elvenking. Its enchanting melodies paint a picture of Elven minstrels playing as the others dance cheerfully around a fire. The tranquil, serene jig is short-lived and is soon replaced by the loud drums, booming bass and memorable guitar lead of the intro of Pagan Purity. Beautiful lead guitar, stunning vocal harmonies, crisp acoustic switches, and some mean fiddle playing make this song a winner. Using many instruments, and many voices in harmony with a dynamic, always changing song structure seems to be the Elvenking formula on songs like Hobs an’ Feathers, White Willow, The Dweller of Rhymes, and A Dreadful Strain. They’ll make a one–legged goblin dance until that leg falls off.

The band also seems to like to experiment. To compose songs of a more progressive nature. While still keeping the their folk style, the band ventures down below their forest into the caves of the unknown with songs like Conjuring of the 14th, Under the Tree of Us’dum Seasonspeech, and Oakenshield. The songs are longer and are very well thought out melodically and structurally. While many folk bands will ride the same 3 tonal riffs throughout a whole song, Elvenking choose a more dynamic and creative style. Making use of choir vocals, pan flutes, keyboards, Violins and other folk instrumentals simultaneously. One can sense a little Jethro Tull influence. While Elvenking don’t have the lightning-quick guitar shredding of other power metal bands on this album, they more than make up for it with innovation.

Out of the caves and into the sky! Skywards is my personal favorite on the album. It’s an acoustic ballad about a lonely wanderer searching for his place in the world and shows us that Elvenking are great lyricists as well:

"Skywards again, I search for my dimension
People don't know how I am alive
Experience has taught to count every single move

Stone after stone I'm moulding my shelter
I watch it grow with endless delight
Carry me, carry me all your devotion
Deep in my heart to see my haven fall once again”

Multiple acoustic guitars, violin, a soprano vocalist in the background, and wonderful vocal performance by Damnagoras will capture the heart of any being, Troll, Elf, or Man.

This is a stunning debut from a wonderous band of musicians. May the spirit of the Elves live on in all of our hearts. And may it be heard through your speakers with Heathenreal.

Linkin Park Minutes to Midnight

Tracklist:
1. Wake
2. Given Up
3. Leave Out All The Rest
4. Bleed It Out
5. Shadow Of The Day
6. What I've Done
7. Hands Held High
8. No More Sorrow
9. Valentine's Day
10. In Between
11. In Pieces
12. The Little Things Give You Away

Download - All Tracks <<< Click Here

For alot of people Linkin Park has been the band that many have held close to their hearts during their teenage years of angst and contemplation. Their debut album Hybrid Theory has been a mainstay in the Nu metal sound and it displayed Linkin Park as a powerful forerunner in mainstream rock. Combining the gritty elements of the Nu metal sound with rapping vocals and contemplative and thought provoking lyrics.

Then after their remix album Reanimation which recieved mixed reviews they released their second album "Meteora" which many considered a "Hybrid Theory" pt.2 albeit with a heavier focus on the DJ of the group Joseph Hahn. Linkin park seemed to have a very defined Nu metal style at this point and after that, other than some EPs and the very good "Live in Texas" album. We then had work they were in production of a new album and they mae it very clear it would have a different sound from the past, saying it would take influences from classic rock and old school punk. After they went through their apparent 100 some odd demos and picked out the best we recieved "Minutes to Midnight". Does it live up to their legacy that was held by so many?


****ACTUAL REVIEW****

I've decided that I'll go through a song by song review and then expand upon those ideas in a final summary.

Wake
The album kicks off with an ambient sounding track that starts from slow and eerie which slowly picks up into a more powerful and forceful version of what it was earlier. An interesting and appropriate beggining to the album and actually very decent track. 3/5

Given Up
This song is one of the heavier tracks on the album, or at least in the chorus. It starts off with happy and catchy clapping and then goes into it matching guitar riff. Then going full force with the instruments until Chester kicks in. Chester's voice sounds almost like he's trying to hard to have that sound of bleak desperation in his voice. But it sounds decent despite that. When the song kicks into the chorus we see Chester showing off the absolute magnitude of his voice when he so powerfulyl sings "I've Given UUUUUUPP!" and carries the chorus quite well. The song sounds cheesy however in its lyrical content in which Mike Shinoda usually writes very awesome lyrics. However with lines like "Im my own worst enemy" and this song being far more repetive then their older stuff it kindoff falls short. It shoukd be noted this is the first song ever where Linkin Park contains profanity (other than the Jay Z collaboration "Collision Course"). One thing to note on this song is Chester's holds a scream for 17 whole seconds which is a very impressive feat. This song is decent but really grows old after awhile. 2.5/5

Leave Out All The Rest
The first track on the album that is very soft but actually quite good. It's actually one of my favourite songs on the album. The lyrics reflect a man who is dying and wondering what people are going to remember him for. The song itself is pretty alright and the chorus is one the highlights since it holds garners abit more power then the rest of the song and kindoff feels like a buildup. I find this one of the more enjoyable tracks on the album. 3.2/5

Bleed it Out
Just when you thought they had dithed all the rapping. We have Bleed it Out which structurally represents Linkin Park's older style (trading back and orth between rap and sung vocals of Shinoda and Bennington). However the song sounds incredibly upbeat which is actually pretty nice. Everything in the song fits quite well and it works very well as a single. You can also note a much rawer sound on the guitar which somewhat more complex than older Linkin Park. This song has a much much more poppy vibe than anything Linkin park has ever done. 3.5/5

Shadow of The day
Another very slow and soft track. Lyrically very nice and peaceful. The song is carried by a very slow beat and the very peaceful sythns of Joe Hahn which ambience is carried very well in the chorus. Also Rob makes use of an electric drum kit in this song (intro). By the later part of the song when the electric guitar and Bass come in it becomes the same lyrics but much more powerful and moving. 3/5

What I've Done
The albums first single (also on the Transformers Soundtrack). The song starts off with serene and simple keys then kicking into a melodic guitar riff which then drives into the very well written and thought provoking lyrics which Linkin Park are great for. The keys remain the same throughout the song (which is fine because its not to noticeable) but the drums do as well and theyn't change at all throughout the song. The song itself from the verses to the chorus are all very well written (lyrically) and the song itself is one of the best of the album. 4.1/5

Hands Held High
Mike Shinoda goes back to his rap roots, with a song that is very reminiscent of his work as Fort Minor. The song is an angry contemplative song about the state of the world and where the politicioans are taking us. Bourdon's drumming throughout the song is reminiscent of marching band and the song has that kindoff feel throughout. The chorus is held by the entire band saying "Amen" which to someis either incredibly cheesy or when looked into quite interesting as to what the entire song represents. A very good track 4/5.

No More Sorrow
The song starts of with a slow held notes on the guitar and then kicks off into the powerful driving power chords until the lyrics. Which are one of the lesser factors of this song. It sounds like Linkin Park ios trying to right about something important and personal but its really lame. Otherwise the song is pretty cool if at the same time very samey. Unfrotunatly at the bridge the song it sounds quite annoying and awful. But it doesn't last long which is very good. The song is mehish 2.5/5.

Valentine's Day
Very poetic lyrics and Chester's vocals are incredibly nice to listen to. The song is simplistic but that lends itself well at certain parts and falls at others. When the song goes into the melodic bridge it hits its highest point of power and emotion. Making it fairly likeable. The keys in this song stand out despite their simplicity sinc ethey fit so well. 3/5

In Between
Mike Shinoda not rapping and actually singing. Not supringly he sings it incredibly well with Chester only doing backup. The lyrics reflect someone caught up in the troubles of a relationship and having to deal with the aftermath. One of the best written songs and a very peaceful and depressing song to listen to. The ambient sounds that drive the song are similair to those in previous tracks but lend themselves perfectly to the theme. A very interesting track. 3.8/5

In Pieces
One of the lesser songs on the album (despite the fact that the softer songs seem to be a highlight). Lyrically its another song about relationships however its much cheesier and seems so self centered. Musically its fairly boring, other than the solo (which isn't to impressive but makes for a good change of pae and helps the song). And by the second half of the solo it's actually very cool to listen to. Then the song picks up into a much more powerful mood. So you could see the rest as buildup but Linkin Park has done way to much of that and by this point it has been a bit tired. 2.5/5

The Little Things Give You Away
One of the very few songs by LP played in 6/8 which shows their creativity. Chester goes with a very softer sounding vocals than he's ever done. The song is one of the more interesting songs because of that since working in 6/8 isn't overly common. By the time Rob beings using triplets the song incredibly picks up. Despite the fact of the of the repetive lyrics it's one of the higher points of the album anda great way to end it off. By the guitar solo and then Chester's melodic yelling (echoing Great Gig in The sky by Pink Floyd). The song is great form start to finish. 3.5/5

BONUS TRACK!!

No Roads Left
The guitar drives this song mostly and for Linkin Park it's incredibly catchy. The lyrics are very awesome and once again showcases Mike's ability to write very thought provoking lyrics (as well as showcase his vocal abilities). The chorus is emotional and leaves you with a truely morose feeling. Assuming you get into the lyrics . If not this song isn't for you. Since this song is so about lyrics. It's curious why this is only on the itunes bonus track. 4/5

Overall the album is incredibly different from what Linkin Park has prodd in the past and I will attest that it's not as good. It loses alot of its power as a whole. But Linkin Park changed and after seeing this it is interesting to see what else they will produce after this.

Pros
-More guitar driven
-Interesting drumming
-Ambient noises are great
-Leave Out all the Rest
-What Ive Done
-Hands Held High
-In Between

Cons
-Harder song are the worst
-No more nu metal sound
-Loses emotion
-Lyrics on the album as a whole are not as good as Meteora or Hybrid Theory


Final 3/5
Interesting album, but if your an old school LP fan you may be able to find the value in it. Or you will hate it for being so far from their Nu metal sound. What the band did succeed in is producing a sound completely different from their older stuff yet still maintained what they have stood for since their begginings.

Sky Eats Airplane Sky Eats Airplane

Tracklist:
1. Introduction
2. Long Walks on Short Bridges
3. Transparent
4. Numbers
5. World Between Us
6. Photographic Memory
7. In Retrospect
8. The Artificial
9. Disconnected
10.Machines
11.Alias

Release Date: 07/22/2008

Download - All Tracks <<< Click Here

Sky Eats Airplane
a reformation of local Fort Worth, Texas act (In Theory)'s members Zack Ordway[guitar], Johno Erickson[bass], and Kenny Schick[drums] and surviving member Lee Duck[guitar, electronica] of the original version of SEA.
The new line-up formed after the departure of Sky Eat's original vocalist and the break up of (In Theory), and after recruiting Jerry Roush[vocals] with the help of Myspace, the band signed with Equal Vision Records.
Enlisting the production of Brian McTernan[Thrice, Circa Survive] the band set out to record their "sophomore" release, in the ever-growing Electonicore genre (sounding something privy to the like of G4 viewers). 3 re-recordings of demos posted on their Myspace, and 8 new tracks, though one is an unnecessary 43second "Introduction."

"Long Walks on Short Bridges" kicks off the album some electronic drums, followed by a creative riff laid down by soon to be noticed Zack Ordway. Almost immediately you notice the difference in production between the re-recording of the song and the original, the former being well polished and transparent, with all instruments seeping into their designated place. The vocals are a departure from those of the original vocalist but they work well over the chaotic pace being developed in the song’s opening minute. Than going proceeding into what will land them in the over flooded “screamo” category, though the electronica samples and used to back the decent? singing creates some sense of uniqueness from the rest of the pack. Long Walks is a perfect opening track, highlighting the band’s ability to be heavy, melodic, or synthful, and ending with a breakdown reminiscent of Underoath’s "Writing on the Walls" final breakdown.

The following track, "Transparent", begins with some soothing guitar, and seems to introduce a more pop/commercial feel to the band. Sounds like the “radio hit” until it shows off another of the albums sporadically placed…moments. The song foreshadows the album’s tendency to drag on, but still display the interestingly heavy moments, creative pop-influenced movements, or stunning guitar play. The electronic segues could be left out, but they help remind you that Sky Eats Airplane is what they call themselves, “Electronicore.”

"Numbers" starts off with an almost Scarlet sounding guitar riff which disappears to unveil a breakdown with the brutality of those exemplified by Misery Signals and technicality that doesn’t sound forced. Again, the song gets boring, but you hesitate to skip the track because you know another one of those moments is bound to work its way into place, fortunately it comes in the form of some ridiculous fret work.

"World Between Us" feels something like you’ve already heard, which leads into some out of place sounding vocal melodies. One of the weaker songs on the album, fails to grab your attention while offering the lion’s share of melodic singing. The track still contributes more of those ambitious musical sections which should earn the respect from fans of heavier music. "Photographic Memory", another of the re-recordings, brings back the initial and familiar feel that the opening track was able to give. Has the stand out vocal entry of the entire collection of songs and seems to be the best all around song, start to finish, from the self-titled debut.

"In Retrospect" brings back the feel created by the second track, "Transparent". This song drags on to sound somewhat like a ballad, or another attempt to be radio friendly. The last re-recording of the original 3 demo songs, "The Artificial" is another great listen, and establishes that the best songs on the album were the 3 originally written and recorded by the 5-piece + ibook band.

"Disconnected" could have been heard, with horrible quality, on live footage of the band found on youtube, and drew my attention. Definitely the heaviest song on the album, and a personal favorite, this chaotic song displays more of the sick guitar work found on the album. "Machines" is siqq, literally. Another unexpected re-recording, though of a song that had previously been streaming on Zack Ordway’s personal myspace page(titled Siqq); is the most insane minute and a half of music I’ve ever heard. If you enjoy heavy music or guitar skills, this is a MUST listen.

"Alias" fits right into place as the closing song of the album, beginning with some catchy vocals that randomly get shoved out of the way by some intense breakdowns. The song concludes the album and gives a wrap up of what the bands "sound" was through-out the 11-track effort.

Highlights:
Disconnected and Machines are the two funnest songs on the album and will probably be the tracks I skip straight to when I put this in the car.
The 3 re-recordings turn out to be the best listens.

Lowlights:
A few sort of filler tracks that tend to drag, while still delivering promising moments.