Within and Without - Washed Out (Sub Pop, 2011)
For as boring as Washed Out's first full length release is, after spending some time with it, it definitely has its redeeming qualities. Being one of the original "chillwave" acts that Pitchfork championed in 2009, it's nice that there are enough differences between Within and Without and prior Washed Out releases to keep the sound somewhat fresh. Admittedly, there's plenty to roll one's eyes at here: vocal notes that are drawn out way too long, obnoxious melodrama and sexiness, songs that are mostly boring and run together. Knit picky things, for sure. But, there is a sense of beauty that can't be denied, especially in closer "A Dedication" (which also happens to contain the greatest level of melodrama on the album). The highest point here is most definitely "Soft," which I consider the centerpiece of the album. It actually sounds not unlike Dntel at his best, or even The Postal Service. Within and Without has other quality moments, which makes it a good, though, not great, follow-up to 2009's EPs, Life of Leisure and High Times.
Life Sux EP - Wavves (Ghost Ramp, 2011)
Wavves' childishly titled new EP, Life Sux, is simply an even more polished sounding extension of 2010's impressive and much liked King of the Beach LP. And, I didn't think the production could get much cleaner than that album's (in spite of the intentional distortion on the drums). Here, Nathan Williams' songs sound even more like a sped up Weezer, and some of them are even reminiscent of Nirvana's Nevermind singles, though much brighter sounding. Considering how young Williams is, I am taken aback by his songwriting chops (musically, certainly not lyrically), even if his songs are obviously derivative (which is entirely unavoidable at this stage of the game). Opening track "Bug" is absolutely righteous, with the best chorus on the EP, and Bethany Cosentino's BGVs on "Nodding Off" only make an awesome song even more awesome.
Widowspeak - Widowspeak (Captured Tracks, 2011)
Captured Tracks, that awesome Brooklyn record label that keeps churning out excellent 80s synth pop and goth-inspired releases, have found yet another good band, and they are called Widowspeak. I won't deny that a good portion of the tracks on their self-titled debut run together, and are relatively unrecognizable from the next. But, it's nice to see the label take a break from the dark, poppy, synth-dominated releases to drop this short LP of sad, jangly, mid-tempo jams. Most of the reviews I've read compare the band to Mazzy Star, who I don't have much experience with, so I won't do that. Widowspeak can definitely seem boring, but it's easy to get lost in the dreamy vocals and charming arrangements throughout.
Palister Chant EP - Zoos of Berlin (self-released, 2011)
With the surprise release (at least to me) of the Palister Chant EP, I will continue to claim that Zoos of Berlin is not only Detroit's musical secret weapon, they are the city's best band, if not the state of Michigan's. Palister Chant is further proof of this, even if it didn't hit me quite as immediately as 2009's debut LP, Taxis. The band still pulls from a wide variety of genres such as R & B, post-punk, psych, indie pop, kraut rock and whatever you'd call what David Bowie was creating during his years in Berlin, and their sound is still diverse, inspiring and entirely unique, while still maintaining pop sensibility. Each of the four songs here have their own charm and merits, "Haven't Eyes," a blatant experimental and bright sounding 80s pop/rock jam, being unquestionably the best. "Tamarind" rocks like Zoos have never done before, and it is a welcome addition to their repertoire. "Sheets of Solid Gold" is short and sweet, and "Kingston Gates" closes things all slow and pretty like. I assume we can expect a full length sometime next year, and I really cannot wait.
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