Print Edition: November 2, 2011
Surfer Blood
Tarot Classics
The ephemeral but true-to-form Tarot Classics is Floridian pipeline worshipping Surfer Blood’s first new material since their 2010 full-length Astro Coast. Even in the realm of EPs, the main event is fairly short with four original tracks taking up 15 minutes followed by a string of vaguely unnecessary remixes for the deluxe edition. There is still a strong slacker/college rock vibe, but everything is a little sharper and cleaner here, the band deftly employing the benefits of two years of touring experience and newfound major label support from Warner Bros. Relationships both romantic and platonic are major themes throughout, yet substance abuse is once again on the mind of youthful lead singer John Paul Pitts on “Drinking Problem,” where the band forges bravely ahead towards Animal Collective territory. Elsewhere, the sparing introduction of synthesizers on the bridge of “Voyager Reprise” is a welcome addition to Surfer Blood’s sonic toolkit. But the band does well by keeping their immediate, inventive melodies and towering, fuzzed-out guitar riffs in the fore.
Patrick Stump
Soul Punk
Patrick Stump is perhaps best known from his gig as the lead singer from Fall Out Boy, and it was, in part, Stump’s distinctive voice that lent the (somewhat cliché) lyrics a little more depth. Unfortunately, I’m not sure anything could save his new solo album. He’s moved genres from emo-punk to sugar-and-vodka-club-hop, which I’m well aware is not a real genre. I’m really at a bit of a loss to describe it. Stump helpfully tried to label it Soul Punk, but beware, listener – it is neither of these things! Although some songs may have been salvageable under the right circumstances, the lyrics are iffy at best, seeming to centre on “look at how drunk I am at this bar” rather that any real emotional experience. As Stump says in the second track, “I’m gonna take one more shot / and then I’m quitting forever.” Yes, dear, maybe you should. And I’m not just talking about the drinking.
Real Estate
Days
There’s something brooding about Days, Real Estate’s sophomore release, yet the album just seems to breeze on by. Effortlessly breaking through the feared sophomore slump, Real Estate have honed their sound, creating a record that is stronger, tighter, and ultimately more mature than their 2009 self-titled release. This time around, the New Jersey trio takes cues not just from 1960s garage rock bands but also from such bands like The Go-Betweens, The Feelies and the Flying Nun Records roster of the late 1980s. The band reinforces their near-irresistible jangle pop sound with a sense of pensive symmetry spilling out of their cyclical guitar riffs. Their use of gorgeous intermingling guitars on “It’s Real” and “Younger Than Yesterday” shows the band’s overall adoration and understanding of the minimalist pop song. Mellow pop bands tend to veer into detached and lazy song writing; however Real Estate frontman Martin Courtney’s spellbinding and emotionally-charged lyrics undeniably reward the listener with memories of summers past and the crispness arriving in the autumn air.
Postdrag
Singles 11-12
On a quiet fall afternoon as you are busy writing term papers and studying for final exams, you require some audible stimulation to keep you going. Postdrag’s most recent album Singles 11-12 could possibly be just what you need. Postdrag has managed to create a wonderfully laid back sound while maintaining experimental integrity and quality. They have proven that slow, steady, and relaxing music can be more than acoustic solos after being eased into the album with the introductory instrumental track “Basement”. Postdrag shows a development of their style in their new album, and if you have enjoyed their music in the past, namely Rebel Battle Strike released early this year, you will definitely appreciate Singles 11-12. Although Postdrag’s newest album may have been released in June, it may prove to be the perfect album to enjoy as the leaves fall off the trees and people pull their winter coats out of moth balls.
