The Power of Pop

Many people underestimate the power of pop music. But if utilized properly, pop can create a whole new dynamic to music. Naturally, New York City's very own, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart understands this very well. They are able to channel pop's versatility into their own sound to create a unique listening experience.


When listening to their latest album, Belong, it appears that the members of The Pains of Being Pure at Heart have been listening to some noise pop records. The reason being is that noise is apparent in the soundscape of the album. Influences can be heard from Jesus and Mary Chain, Smashing Pumpkins and Sonic Youth. Heavy use of distortion collide with infectious pop melodies help create their unique sound. But what's remarkable is that despite the noise intoxicating their soundscape, there is something carefree about it all. That is because the band is able utilize pop to develop an easygoing, upbeat vibe to their music. This overpowers the noisy soundscape to create a radiant and joyful listening experience. As a result, Belong is one of the most intriguing albums created this year and it may be one of the best noise pop albums ever created.

In conclusion, pop music can create a whole new dynamic to music if utilized properly. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart have mastered this and they serve as a reminder of pop versatility in any genre. No matter how noisy it can be.

Recommendations: "Heart In Your Heartbreak", "The Body", "Even In Dreams" and "Too Tough"

Loud Folk

Upon listening to the Wye Oak’s newest record, Civilian, it’s hard to believe that the duo would consider themselves as a folk band. Combining distorted guitars and dreamy synths with honest song writing, they crafted a sound that goes beyond the spectrum of folk music. Fellow folk artists and listeners alike, may be thrown off by their noisy sound. But the idea of combining noise and ambient sounds to a traditional genre is something quite endearing. In fact, it is something worth celebrating for. Wye Oak not only crafted a stellar album, but they have opened doors for other folk artists to think outside the box. To expand their boundaries in a genre that some people consider as “old world music”.

Wye Oak has proven a very critical point in music. With any genre in music there is always room for exploration. With Civilian, folk music has taken a big evolutionary step forward.

Death From Above 1979 Reunion

In light of The White Stripes breaking up, it’s good to hear that one of my favorite bands is reuniting.

After more than four years since the band disbanded, Canada’s very own noise rock/electronica act, Death From Above 1979 has reunited. A huge fan of the band, I am extremely happy to hear the good news. The band will make their return on April 17th at the infamous Coachella Festival. Their website has been updated and a letter from band of their return to music has been posted, which can be read here. Expect good things from Death From Above 1979 this 2011. Let’s just hope there is a possibility of a new record instore in the not too distant future.


Death From Above 1979 "Romantic Rights"
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Noise and Serenity

Mogwai is known for creating a sense of intricacy in their music. Combining complex and simple parts of music and turning them into exquisite musical pieces is something the Glasgow band have mastered. On their seventh album, Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will, they have taken their view on intricacy and brought it to a whole new level.

The thing to keep in mind about Hardcore are the transitions. Switching off between precision post punk and soft ambient soundscapes is performed flawlessly without losing the song's intricacy. At the same time, it retains its cohesiveness. The track "Death Rays" is a perfect display of this. The song enters quitely with subtle guitar picking and light ambient noises, but as the 6-minute song reaches it's climatic point, the guitars began to soar as the drums and cymbals collide in dramatic fashion. It's a gradual, almost natural progression and does not throw the listener off guard, which makes this song one of the brightest tracks on the record. "Rano Rano" is also another highlight on the album, but does exhibit Mogwai's sense of transitions. Instead, this track stands out due to its elegant use of distortion and electronic sounds. It clearly displays the band's strong sense of experimentation.

Although Mogwai are known for their epic climaxes ("How To Be A Werewolf", "You're Lionel Ritchie"), it is the subtle moments on Hardcore that make the album truly shine. "Letters To The Metro" is calm and soothing track that only features soft ambient noises and piano keys. It is track on the album that gives the listener a sense of peace and tranquility in Mogwai's on-and-off chaotic soundscape. Both "Too Raging To Cheers" and the album's closer, "You're Lionel Ritchie" features elegant moments in the beginning as they set the stage for the band to unleash their epic climaxes. Keep in mind, though. Although, the quiet moments outshined the noisy chaos, there is still a sense of cohesiveness that exists in the album.




Overall, Hardcore Will Never Die But You Will is step forward in Mogwai's musical evolution. It is just an album that features their skill in transitions and subtle moments, but it's the album that proves that noise and serenity can be in harmony with one another. Llike many instrumental albums are meant to be listened to as a whole. Hardcore is no exception. To truly experience it, the listener needs to sit back with a pair of headphones and let the music takes it's toll.

Groundbreaking

I never realized that Derek Miller, half of noise pop duo Sleigh Bells, was originally the guitarist from the metalcore band, Poison The Well. I'll admit that I had never indulged in Poison The Well's music, but one thing is for sure is that Miller knows a thing or two about breakdowns. In his new gig with Bells, Miller uses heavy breakdowns with electronic beats and synths to create a distorted but cohesive sound. The other half of Sleigh Bells is vocalist Alexis Krauss. She adds the pop dynamic into the mix and gives their sound that added flair. Together, they created a sound that I would describe as "noise polluted electro induced pop music". It sounds strange, but that's the beauty of their music. It is something that I have never heard of before. It's original, mind blowing and most of all, absolutely groundbreaking. Their debut album, Treats is a real treat in itself and it transcends beyond genres of metal, noise and pop. Miller and Krauss have just discovered uncharted territory and we can only imagine where their insane sound will take them.

Fun Fact: Here is a funny story of how Krauss and Miller met. Miller was dining at a restaurant in New York. A lady came up to him and asked him if he was looking for a singer. When Miller nodded, the lady immediately volunteered her daughter. The daughter was Krauss and that lady who volunteered her was her mother. Pretty amazing, huh?

Going Japanese

I don't know why, but I think it is very intriguing when bands have the word "Japan" or have Japanese related things in their names. Maybe it was the fact that I used to live in the country of the rising sun during my high school days or the fact that I used to study the language made me more drawn to the word. Or maybe it's because I have been listening to Post-Nothing by Japandroids that it got me thinking about the idea. I came up with three different bands that are not really from Japan, but without looking at the band and just focusing on their names make it seem otherwise.

Japandroids

The first time I told a friend of mine about Japandroids, he looked them up and was literally surprised that they were not Japanese. True story. But actually, the guitar & drum duo, Brian King and David Prowse hail from Vancouver, Canada. When I first listened to their music, it reminded me of Death From Above 1979 except with no synthesizers, less noise and a more refined distortion sound. Their album Post-Nothing is garage rock gem that is considered one of the most noteworthy albums of this year.

Big Japan

I read about this band in the March 2010 issue of Alternative Press (#260; 30 Seconds to Mars on the cover). Adam Brody and Brett Harrison, formerly from The O.C., formed Big Japan in 2005 and recorded a album entitled Music For Dummies (it was later renamed to Untitled due to legal issues concerning with the name). Their album was surprisingly impressive, but due to scheduling differences, the band only played a handful of shows. Because of this, their album, which I'm still looking for, has become a highly sought-after collector's item.

Tokyo Police Club

Okay, their name does not have the word "Japan" in it, but you can't get any more Japanese than "Tokyo". Hailing from Newmarket, Ontario (again not from Japan), Tokyo Police Club have already established themselves as one of the most promising acts in the music scene today with their own blend of post-punk induced garage rock. With two EPs (A Lesson In Crime and Smith) and one album (Elephant Shell) under their belt the band is already gearing up for their second album, Champ, which is will be released this year.