Print Edition: April 4, 2012
Poor Moon
Illusion
A wash of ambient sound, a starry, campfire-lit night where you can almost hear the crickets chirping resolves into a reverberant, gently-plucked acoustic guitar arpeggio. Frontman Christian Wargo (Fleet Foxes, Crystal Skulls) sings, “I want to learn to rely on what I first decide when the moment comes so I don’t have to think twice,” in his unsteady warble. This is “Illusion,” the first track from Poor Moon’s debut Sub Pop EP of the same name. Illusion is a brief collection of five lightweight, chamber pop tracks with folk revival underpinnings. Despite their best efforts, Wargo and his band mates cannot escape the imposing shadow cast by Fleet Foxes, who have already produced a pair of masterful albums with a similar aesthetic. Why the same basic ingredients—reverb-drenched, baroque folk with abundant vocal harmonies—do not coalesce into something nearly as stunning or spectacular essentially comes down to song writing. It’s folk-pop by numbers. Illusion is agreeable to the point of being forgettably bland; there’s no risk, nothing at stake either musically or lyrically. Poor Moon opts instead for a sort of hazy, aimless melancholy with very little substance for listeners to grab hold of. “People in Her Life” shows the most promise, displaying the greatest vigour and life of all these tracks, but it is merely a standout among fairly mediocre offerings.
Paul Weller
Sonik Beats
One would think that “the Modfather” Paul Weller, age 53, would be content to stick to familiar territory when releasing new material. Instead, Weller surprises everyone as he dives headfirst into experimental beats and synths overdubs in Sonik Beats, blending together the most eclectic set of influences that he has ever recorded. While genre hopping sometimes dilutes the flow of a record, Weller’s passionate performances and his band’s ferocious energy on every track keeps Sonik Beats afloat. However, the overdubs on Sonik Beats seem superficial, constricting and inauthentic, as electronics-for-the-sake-of production values permeate throughout the record. Paul Weller has shown on his last three albums that he isn’t afraid to change and evolve his music, but sometimes the unanticipated overdubs are most noteworthy for being just that, surprising. Pushing boundaries, defying conventions and being on the cutting-edge of musical technology does not always equate with a good listening experience. There’s no doubt Weller has grown more assured and imaginative in his older years, but the album’s flaws lie in its overambitious production.
Of Monsters and Men
My Head Is an Animal
My Head Is an Animal is a title that says it all. No, this album isn’t about hearing voices in the lead singers head, but consists of verses about trees and grasshoppers, kings and talking trees. Still interested? My Head Is an Animal has a quality that surpasses what initially could be considered lyrics from a fantasy saga. This band is native to Iceland and My Head Is an Animal reflects the mythical quality of an isolated island with a unique culture surrounded by volcanoes, hot springs and icebergs. Some particular songs which stood out on the album were “Dirty Paws” and the title track “My Head is an Animal.” This album is particularly addicting when trying to calm oneself down during end of semester panic attacks, as the music is definitely positive and has the capability of soothing wild beasts (or at least stressed-out university students). Although it won’t pay for a ticket to Iceland to spend the summer in a thatched roof cottage, listening to My Head Is an Animal has the capability of transporting you there through its indie folk music sound with an Icelandic twist.
Old Mare
You Deserve More
Local group Old Mare’s You Deserve More is an album with songs that will serve your soul with ease. The album is composed of six songs that are equally suitable to accompany any mood. Whether you are taking a mid-day drive, studying, or attempting to cure a broken heart, You Deserve More will be the perfect album to support any of these activities. Simple instrumentals amplify wholesome vocals, producing music that comes from the heart. I could not pick one song that sticks out over others, as I find all the songs from this album consistently captivating. Old Mare would fit into the indie-folk genre, making for an easy-listening experience. You can listen to their album online and hassle-free at www.oldmare.com. I would highly recommend giving them a listen, as I am sure you will find their music alleviating to your busy mind.
