EIAC: Love as Laughter, Low. vs. Diamond, Mother Mother, and Sam Sparro
EIAC= Everyone is a critic. Here is the latest smattering of new release reviews.
Artist: Love as Laughter
Album: Holy
Recommended if you like: retro indie pop or Isaac Brock’s taste in music - this album was released on his new label Glacial Place.
From their press kit:
One of Love as Laughter’s recurrent thematic calling cards has always been Jayne’s tongue-in-cheek wit, manifesting itself in the form of sly musical allusions and lyrical innuendo. (via SubPop - their former label)
Standout Tracks: “Crosseyed Beautiful Youngunz”, “All Parts of Me”
Worth a second listen?: For sure. The melodies are catchy and the songs are very diverse.
More info: official/myspace/blog
Listen: via a widget on Glacial Place.
Artist: Low vs. Diamond
Album: self titled
Recommended if you like: glossy L.A. bands or the first Killers album
From their press kit:
Low Vs. Diamond has created an album full of romantic songs that build to stadium worthy choruses and soar with nostalgic sounding chords that grab you instantly. With its undeniable melodies and chugging backbeats, The Los Angeles Times applauded the band for “standing precipitously between overwrought melancholy and chimey hopefulness, avoiding both excesses… the band’s music plays to an optimism that stops short of outright glee.”
Standout Tracks: “Killer B”, “Wasted”
Worth a second listen?: Yeah. I’m a sucker for this type of music coming out of L.A. It’s kinda glam but really it’s music that can only be made by people who live in So-Cal - perfect for driving around on a sunny day with the top down.
More info: myspace
Listen: “Heart Attack” on their official site
Artist: Mother Mother
Album: O My Heart
Recommended if you like: Canadian Indie Pop
From their press kit:
Mother Mother’s use of rich vocal harmony, deeply poetic lyricism, and dynamic instrumentation are masterfully employed in this new collection of songs that mark the evolution and maturity of a band that stands out in today’s music scene.
Standout Tracks: “Body of Years” “Miles”
Worth a second listen?: Might be one of those albums that grow on you. I found it to be a little distracting that this band has three different vocalists. I think I would like it better if it was more cohesive. P.S. This album isn’t out until 9/16 but I didn’t realize that until after I already started researching to write this.
More info/Listen: official site/myspace
Artist: Sam Sparro
Album: self-titled
Recommended if you like: Prince (during the 1999/Purple Rain days)
From their press kit:
“The new prince of electro-soul” – Attitude
“Like Marvin Gaye hangin’ with LCD Soundsystem “ - The Observer
Standout Tracks: “Waiting for Time” “Cut Me Loose”
Worth a second listen?: Yes. I grew up on r&b and always lament the state of this genre. Sam Sparro is totally old school with a new twist. It really reminds of Prince/The Time/Vanity during the Purple Rain heyday.
More info: official/myspace
Listen: “Black & Gold” windows media/quicktime/dl
