9/28/13

Ski Mask - Islands

Indie Rock, Indie Pop



that doesnt look like a ski mask
Ski Mask: Island's 5th album
In Ski Mask, the Canadian indie rock band Islands gives insight into the thoughts and feelings of heartbreak through inventive snare compositions and expressive lyrics.

Wonderful soft, chill vocals to share sorrowful lyrics that sound like heartbreak poems in a well compiled short book. The clarity of the vocals make it easy to sing along and focus on the meaning of the song which is stressed by the instrumentation.

Members: Evan Gordon, Nick Thornburn, Geordie Gordon

The marimba in the first song is used to simulate island music, as suggested by the band name. BUT the album consists primarily of reverb guitar sounds and creative snare rhythms. Based on the major accompaniment of the piano, the instrument was probably the foundation for the composition process.  The snare parts are what make Islands's music unique.

The whole album sounds as if it was recorded in a large hall since there's a lot of hollow/echo sound from the guitar and the vocals. As a listener, perhaps we're supposed to feel alone stranded on an island while hearing your voice echo poetic lines and reassessing your breakup.

Assumed Genre
Indie Rock, Indie Pop
Album
Ski Mask
Label
Manque
Source
Flyer
Spotify Link

Vocals and Guitars
Nick Thornburn 
aka Nick Diamonds
Keyboards/Guitar
Geordie Gordon
Bass
Evan Gordon
Keyboards/Guitar
Luc Laurent


Track favorites and highlights: >>>>>

9/20/13

Hot Hot Heat - Future Breeds

Future Breeds: Different than the past breeds.

Assumed Genre
Indie Rock
Album
Future Breeds (2010)
Label
Dine Alone Records
Source
--
Spotify Link


Vocals and Keyboards
Steve Bays
Guitar
Luke Paquin
Bass
Louis Hearn
Drums
Paul Hawley


The Canadian band Hot Hot Heat has shifted from a synth genre in 2002 to indie rock as it underwent band members changes. Their 2010 album Future Breeds is different than their past indie rock albums in that there is more synth and raunchy experimentation. Steve Bays has some things to say about the things he's seen and people he's met it seems. The album basically revolve around young adult angst. 


Their sound in Future Breeds is energetic and almost calliope-like. Vocals are sincere and raunchy with growls and yelps. A little mad, but honest. Synthesizers provide a dimension of dance.

Hot Hot Heat: Louis, Paul,Luke,Steve


Fun Fact: Hot Hot Heat apparently made an appearance on the Nickelodeon kid's show "Yo Gabba Gabba."

"YVR" (Track 1) is code for Vancouver International Airport. Great opening to the album that prepares the listener for what is to come.



"21@12" (2) Translation: 21 at midnight. Keyboards take the solos in this song.


"Times A Thousand" (3) reminds me a lot of cabaret music - close to The Dresden Dolls.



"Goddess on the Prairie" (5) - Guy just wants someone to love. Liked how he rhymed ridiculous with meticulous.


"Zero Results" (6) - We revisit a cabaret style accompanied with light piano chords and saxophone solos. It has a depressing and dark mood.



"JFK's LSD" (8) - Not sure, but I think it might refer to Mary Pinchot-Meyer, a "mistress" who sold LSD to JFK. Conspiracies! 



"What Is Rational?" (11) screams paranoia. But it's paranoia with rhythm.



On a personal note, I can't believe they did "Middle of Nowhere." I heard it on the radio and never bothered to look it up. I can see why fans were somewhat disappointed with the new 2010 sound.