Review: Alkaline Trio - Agony And Irony

The Alkaline Trio have consistently produced some amazing albums, the latest from the production line is the highly anticipated Agony And Irony. Does it live up to their previous efforts? Is it a keeper???

Well...
From the first beat of the first bar, the sound is unmistakable, this is the Alkaline Trio at their best, firing on all cylinders and definitely meaning business. The first two tracks are absolute belters, providing a grand start to the album and setting the tone. As the album progresses, the tracks keep coming, some grew on me, others I found an instant connection with but on the whole this sits with the best work they've done. The Gothic overtones of Crimson have been toned down, and the Punk Pop tendencies from the past have lessened; Leaving a slick album more Rock than Punk Pop, filled with their trademark duel vocals, dark and twisted lyrics and simple but effective songs.

Agony And Irony is a record worthy of praise and it sits along side their back catalogue perfectly. They may have gone for a less 'Punky' style or sound, and the tempo may have dropped, but thankfully they show little signs of slowing down!

On another note the production is really good, maybe a bonus to being on a 'major' now?

Either way It's a keeper..

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Currently On Rotation 09/08

The following have been on rotation lately. Some new and a couple old in need of fresh ears.

Manchester Orchestra - I'm Like A Virgin Loosing A Child
David Bazan - Fewer Moving Parts EP
Fighting With Wire - Man Vs Monster
Nirvana - In Utero
Oceansize - Frames
Silversun Pickups - Carnavas
Lonely The Brave - Demos
Blackcar - Demos / Myspace

Review: David Bazan - Fewer Moving Parts EP

David Bazan - Fewer Moving Parts EP (BARK65) (BARSUK)

Most recent solo release from Pedro The Lion and Headphones main man David Bazan.

This is possibly the most infectious CD I've picked up in ages. Neatly put together, 10 songs in total, 5 songs recorded as both full arrangements and stripped down acoustic versions. I can't make my mind up which I prefer, but both versions have something different to offer. The 'full band' versions are well thought out, featuring the standard band set up and the odd synth without the garish 'new rave' factor and some inspired arrangements. The Acoustic songs are simply voice and acoustic, basic even fragile, and if nothing else proving his songs are sooo good, they would work even if they were played on an underwater piano by a fish...

Highlights for me are title track 'Fewer Broken Pieces' which will ring true to anyone who's been in or around bands and the brilliant 'Cold Beer And Cigarettes'.

Lyrically Bazan is the money, musically intelligent and all round awesome... even his beard.

Find and buy

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Review: Six Parts Seven - Casually Smashed To Pieces

The Six Parts Seven - Casually Smashed To Pieces (Suicide Squeeze)

The Six Parts Seven hail from the U.S. and currently release their music through uber cool independent label Suicide Squeeze (Who also have the amazing Minus The Bear and Russian Circles, amongst others on their roster).

You may be able to class them as Post Rock, but for me they bring something refreshing to the table. Steering away from the typical quiet / loud formula, 6p7 bring a healthy dose of Alt. Country to the mix. Although 'Casually Smashed To Pieces' is purely instrumental, they still manage to develop songs and themes throughout. The album is straight to the point, sounds totally organic and thankfully never disappears into prog territory. Although not typical of most Post Rock stylings, they can clearly work the dynamics and sonically it makes perfect sense with plenty of lap steel, banjo and some well planned brass.


'Stolen Moments' is a definite favorite but the whole album works perfectly and is over before you know it. 6p7 have pulled off a mesmerizing piece of work, which in theory could have gone very wrong. They walk a very fine line but thankfully they seem to have exceptional balance.

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Suicide Squeeze Homepage