Silent Uproar Album Reviews

Review: Tristen - Charlatans at the Garden Gate

info@silentuproar.com — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:28:30 -0400

Honestly, having heard these songs for years in a live setting, it did take some getting used to their alternate presentation on this debut full-length album. Since I was already so familiar with the basic structures, I couldn't help but be drawn in. I've always loved her clever lyrics and that hasn't changed a bit here. I certainly consider myself a big fan through and through but feel compelled to convince you to see her live to really GET it... the energy is too perfect. - Rating: 0.0/5, Released: November 30, 2013

Review: Alabama Shakes - EP

info@silentuproar.com — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:24:09 -0400

I think it's fair to say that most contemporary Soul isn't something that crosses my path in a pleasing way. It's typically a little bit too Adult Contemporary Radio; some aspect of it seems like the band is putting on airs to emulate the checklist of what a soul band should be... just feels off. However, none of that is true with the Alabama Shakes -- it sounds authentic. The vocals especially feel like they're coming from the heart and the explosive musical builds are just right. Maybe they just figured out how to emulate the sound just right but, either way, it works incredibly well. Looking forward to having more than just four tracks to play constantly. - Rating: 0.0/5, Released: November 30, 2013

Review: The Beach Boys - The SMiLE Sessions

info@silentuproar.com — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:23:14 -0400

One would think that an album with as much lore and history surrounding it as this one would actually come up short when it came time to actually enjoy the music. At least, the very least you'd expect the album to be mediocre -- so much hype affects expectations in a great way. But it doesn't. The album is great. Had it been released at its expected time it would have had a profound effect on the musical landscape we know today -- maybe those changes would have been subtle and things wouldn't appear to be that different, but it would have made a mark. I'm glad it exists in as many forms as it currently does, as it allows a rabid listener to discover variations and ponder the creation process. I don't really care for 15 tracks of studio chatter or the lamer "bonus" tracks, but the actual album is what I'd hoped it would be. A shock to all I am sure. - Rating: 0.0/5, Released: November 30, 2013

Review: White Denim - Takes Place In Your Work Space

info@silentuproar.com — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:20:00 -0400

It's hard to believe that the band putting out this bit of soft-rock is the same outfit responsible for the absolutely energetic jams of Shake, Shake, Shake or Let's Talk About It. Half the EP contains some guitar noodling that steers towards the style of frat pop that I'm not too keen on, the other half consists of more tension building numbers. I'm happy to have more White Denim of any kind, but I think this officially signals their disinterest in being the Rock Band everyone wanted them to be. At least they're branching out; no stagnation in terms of style for these guys. - Rating: 0.0/5, Released: November 30, 2013

Review: Atlas Sound - Parallax

info@silentuproar.com — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:19:25 -0400

I'm not going to be able to properly articulate the differences between this album, Logos, the volumes of Bedroom Recordings or the last Deerhunter record without sounding like a bit of an idiot. The same quiet, cool, somewhat introspective, shoegaze vibe is still here; although it feels more upfront about its pop tendencies at times. In the end, it's an Atlas Sound record -- it's a little different from the others, but still springing from the same brilliant mind as the previous. If you're already a fan, you'll love it. If you're not, this isn't the worst way to be introduced to the offerings of Bradford Cox. - Rating: 0.0/5, Released: November 30, 2013

Review: Mister Heavenly - Out of Love

info@silentuproar.com — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:13:45 -0500

Honus Honus of Man Man, Nick Thorburns of Islands and Joe Plummer of Modest Mouse comprise the force behind Mister Heavenly. It is, to say the least, a damn fine rock record. All of the musicians involved understand the appreciation of a good hook and pop song structure, but they keep the energy level high and meld their individual styles quite well. Hopefully, this isn't a one-off side project ,as I'd be particularly keen to hear more. - Rating: 0.0/5, Released: November 30, 2013

Review: Feersum Ennjin - Feersum Ennjin

info@silentuproar.com — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:13:37 -0500

Paul D'Amour is the man responsible for the bass lines you likely associate with early Tool recordings. He's also the man that put out an EP as Feersum Ennjin via Silent Uproar Records in 2005. Those five songs, plus seven more are now an official full-length album. I've heard that four of the tracks were intended for a possible Lusk follow-up, but have since been absorbed into this project -- fine with me. Intelligent, layered, non-angst ridden, hard rock is not easy to come by these days, so I'll take all I can get. - Rating: 0.0/5, Released: November 30, 2013

Review: Jessie Baylin - Pleasure Center EP

info@silentuproar.com — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:13:35 -0500

Did Jessie Baylin have a recording career before this free EP of cover songs done with Richard Swift? I don't care to know. There's only disappointment at the end of that question and I'm going to willfully embrace my ignorance on it. I have listened to this EP way too many times -- an embarrassing amount. The Sonic Youth cover is perfect and the little Swift backing vocals on the Thin Lizzy song just make my day. I look forward to her forthcoming album, Little Spark, with incredibly high expectations. - Rating: 0.0/5, Released: November 30, 2013

Review: Mariachi El Bronx - II

info@silentuproar.com — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:13:33 -0500

You ever wonder why bands still make music videos, if they're just going to be shown on YouTube? Well, it can generate new fans and generate sales. Case in point, I saw the Funny or Die sponsored video for "48 Roses" and immediately pointed my browser to Amazon MP3 to get the whole album. It is, as expected, very much so in the realm of Calexico, DeVotchKa, etc. Fortunately, this isn't a genre I encounter too often, so it's a pleasant desert-tinged listen. - Rating: 0.0/5, Released: November 30, 2013

Review: M83 - Hurry Up We're Dreaming

info@silentuproar.com — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:13:30 -0500

After my disappointment with Saturdays=Youth, I wasn't expecting much from this double LP. Anthony Gonzalez seemed to have moved away from the foreboding and shoegaze soundscapes into total pop territory. Much to my surprise, it seems he was able to blend the two styles for this undertaking. In fact, if you imagine that Saturdays=Youth never existed this seems like a much more intelligent follow-up to Before The Dawn Heals Us. - Rating: 0.0/5, Released: November 30, 2013

Review: Beirut - The Rip Tide

info@silentuproar.com — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:28:00 -0500

Something about The Rip Tide feels more contemporary, more up-to-date, than the prior records. The same instrumentation is present throughout (though, occasionally some new surprises pop up), but it seems less forlorn, less evoking of some time gone by. It's tough to tell if this is good or bad at the moment, but it's fairly safe to say that if you enjoyed the previous Beirut albums that this will fit squarely into the same pleasure center for your ears. - Rating: 0.0/5, Released: November 30, 2012

Review: CANT - Dreams Come True

info@silentuproar.com — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:28:00 -0500

It's a pretty gracious compliment to listen to this record and not be immediately reminded of Grizzly Bear. It would have been so easy for Chris Taylor to take some of his rejected or half-formed ideas and just toss them together, but this record definitely has its own identity. There's almost an R&B vibe to the whole thing; thick sounds, sweet vocals with an urgency around them that's hard to pin down. It's dancey, but in that way that reeks of sex. Every time I listen to this I like it more and more. - Rating: 0.0/5, Released: November 30, 2012

Review: Thee Oh Sees - Castlemania

info@silentuproar.com — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:27:00 -0500

I am told this is Thee Oh Sees most accessible album; a good sign for me given that I've not really listened to much of them before. I have a good feeling that the higher production values and instrumentation on this one is a bit of a divergence from their prior works, so it may not sit well with the longtime fans, but, assuming one can move beyond that, there's a nice energy throughout and a definite weirdness. Not my favorite thing I heard all year, but glad I heard it. - Rating: 0.0/5, Released: November 30, 2012

Review: Big Black Delta - LP1

info@silentuproar.com — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:26:00 -0500

I'm a sucker for weird and distorted vocals. You put a vocoder on a song, I'm probably going to enjoy it ten times more than I would without it. With that in mind, it's hard not to enjoy this record because the vocal styles are all over the place. There's crazy electro-speak, ambient vocalizations, plenty of oohs and ahhs, smooth crooning, gospel style revelations and even squelching proclamations... all on top of incredibly thick electronic instrumentation. If you liked Mellowdrone, it makes sense for this to be the next evolutionary step. - Rating: 0.0/5, Released: November 30, 2012

Review: Wilco - The Whole Love

info@silentuproar.com — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:25:00 -0500

I do not count myself among the hardcore Wilco fans. I don't scrap up every little thing they put out or go out of my way to see them in concert or busy myself with dissecting the arc of their recorded outputs style. So, I am not one to wax philosophic about where this record stands in their pantheon of releases. However, I can say that Tweedy's voice never gets old to me, and the crazy guitar outbursts from Nels Cline are always welcome. In other words, it's a great record. That is, Another Great Record from Wilco. - Rating: 0.0/5, Released: November 30, 2012

Review: Liam Finn - Fomo

info@silentuproar.com — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 11:16:01 -0400

Occasionally, you encounter an album that you know will grow with time. Fomo seems to fall into that category. It is immediately memorable, catchy, et al, but each additional listen increases the enjoyment levels from start to finish. It's probably very difficult to step out from your father's shadow when you're in the same business, but I can't imagine anyone saying that this isn't an incredibly strong piece of work on its own merits. I am a total sucker for his voice - particularly the way he so effectively layers them. Highly recommended. - Rating: 3.5/5, Released: November 30, 2012

Review: White Denim - D

info@silentuproar.com — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 11:15:05 -0400

Love it when a band makes a slow progression through various styles and sounds without losing their original charm. While the energy and enthusiasm of the first records is definitely still present here, it's a lot less manic and frantic. The underlying '70s rock vibe still persists ever so subtly, but it's more breezy this go around. In the end, it's proof that quality rock records can still exist. Oh, and it's got a flute solo that actually works - who knew that was even possible? - Rating: 3.5/5, Released: November 30, 2012

Review: Pete and The Pirates - One Thousand Pictures

info@silentuproar.com — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 11:19:00 -0400

If Pete and The Pirates had a different (better) band name, they would likely get a ton more credit for writing the phenomenal songs that they do. I adored their first record and was highly skeptical that they could keep the same balance of energetic rock songs soaked with a wash of melancholy but, much to my pleasant surprise, they absolutely did. The guitars are big, the lyrics are clever, the songs memorable - everything a good Rock Song should be. - Rating: 3.5/5, Released: November 30, 2012

Review: Colourmusic - My ____ is Pink

info@silentuproar.com — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 11:17:00 -0400

I really have no clue what to make of this. It's aggressive, it's dark, it's part rock, part electronic, it's anthemic and equally experimental. It blends all these things well, but it's still a fairly crazy listening experience. It doesn't seem to be catchy in the traditional way, but it's certainly got some engaging, fist-pumping moments. - Rating: 2.5/5, Released: November 30, 2012

Review: Menomena - I Am The Fun Blame Monster B

info@silentuproar.com — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 11:17:00 -0400

The first album of Menomena remains my favorite era of the band. It had a bit more of a rocking edge to it and the production was a bit crappier than it is now, a perfect fit for what they were doing. While I understand these songs were cut for a reason - and rightfully so, the album wouldn't have worked as well with them - they still fill that part of my aural brain that loves their production values. Definitely a Must Procure for the Menomena completionist. - Rating: 3.0/5, Released: November 30, 2012

Review: Wye Oak - Civilian

info@silentuproar.com — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 13:20:31 -0400

There was a time in my life that I would have said that acts fronted by women did not appeal to me. I know that sounds sexist or short-sighted or whatever -- but, it's not. I know they are every bit as capable of making great music, it just rarely strikes me in the same way. However, Wye Oak proves that I've emerged from that cave of thinking. This album absolutely could not be achieved with the same effectiveness if the vocals were male. There's a nice restraint to the album -- even when it's forceful, it's holding back perfectly. Recommended for anyone that likes Beach House but always wanted a little more punch. - Rating: 4.0/5, Released: November 30, 2012

Review: Panda Bear - Tomboy

info@silentuproar.com — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 13:20:29 -0400

I think I have listened to this three times. That, in and of itself, should be enough of a review. I'm not really compelled by it or drawn in by much of it. I think it's a solid release and will please the Animal Collective diehards. I can't even say it's all that different from Person Pitch (on the surface), but I just haven't been engrossed by it yet. Blame it on Internet overload, or overhype, or maybe it just met my expectations too perfectly. Or, maybe I just need to spend more time with it. - Rating: 3.0/5, Released: November 30, 2012

Review: Man Man - Life Fantastic

info@silentuproar.com — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 13:20:27 -0400

Man Man is one of those bands that may offer up too much of a good thing. I love their 2006 Six Demon Bag and, for whatever reason, glossed over the follow-up. Both were filled with crazy sea-shanties and the same ridiculous energy, but I loved one and not the other. Life Fantastic is much the same; great variety of instrumentation, a pirate undertone throughout and a general craze to the album. A mad man's ranting through song. Maybe I just like every other Man Man album and this is the proof to the rule. - Rating: 3.0/5, Released: November 30, 2012

Review: We Are Trees - Girlfriend

info@silentuproar.com — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 13:20:25 -0400

The Grizzly Bear/Daniel Rossen comparison is probably entirely unfair to this band who have created two perfect EPs full of forelorn pop songs, but it can't be avoided. He really does sound just like Rossen (at least, the way your brain remembers Rossen sounding if you haven't listened to Grizzly Bear in awhile). So, it's unfair, but it's a helluva comparison to have in your pocket -- flattering and deserved. - Rating: 3.5/5, Released: November 30, 2012

Review: Here We Go Magic - January EP

info@silentuproar.com — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 13:20:21 -0400

Every release from this band seems to differ just a little bit from the prior. A bit more accessible, a bit more upfront about itself. However, they manage to maintain the weirdness, the great keyboard sounds and the ability to zone out into realms of space throughout. - Rating: 3.0/5, Released: November 30, 2012

Review: Devotchka - 100 Lovers

info@silentuproar.com — Thu, 19 May 2011 13:01:58 -0400

I have three other DeVotchKa albums. Aside from their awkward capitalization, I've always enjoyed it. I am told that this new record is a bit of a departure for them -- a more accessible sound for a wider audience. Personally, it sounds like same ol' Devotchka to me. However, don't take that as a slight! Their fusion of world influences, folk music and a dash of rock hasn't worn out its welcome and I enjoy hearing it every time. - Rating: 3.0/5, Released: November 30, 2012

Review: Those Darlins - Screws Get Loose

info@silentuproar.com — Thu, 19 May 2011 13:01:07 -0400

I think this band probably gets pigeonholed into being quirky, country-fueled music from three rambunctious girls (and a quality drummer), but, honestly, it's just a bunch of great rock songs. There may be a country twinge here and there, but it's a rock record. I love that, lyrically, it comes from an empowered female angle -- not something you hear too often -- but it's not off-putting. It's fun, it's catchy and it's the kind of thing I'd like to hear more bands doing -- writing solid songs. - Rating: 3.0/5, Released: November 30, 2012

Review: Generationals - Actor

info@silentuproar.com — Thu, 19 May 2011 12:58:54 -0400

Much like the first Generationals record, this is going to have to grow on me. I slept on the first one for awhile but came around to it. The vibe from the first record remains, so there's no reason not to equally enjoy this one. They seem to have stepped away from some of the more obvious doo-wop influences, but it's still solid. I have yet to discover the real JAM on the record (see: "When They Fight, They Fight" from the first record) but there's goodness here. Just keep listening. - Rating: 3.0/5, Released: November 30, 2012

Review: The Strokes - Angles

info@silentuproar.com — Thu, 19 May 2011 12:57:54 -0400

This is how far behind I am in my music reviews...just now reviewing this album. Pretty much all of my friends expressed a lot of disappointment in this record and I don't get it. Granted, it's not as good as their first or second albums but, taken on its own, it has some great moments. The band is certainly capable of better, but I like it -- maybe not an essential item for the record collection, but enjoyment comes from listening. - Rating: 3.0/5, Released: November 30, 2012

Review: Alex Turner - Submarine OST

info@silentuproar.com — Thu, 19 May 2011 12:57:00 -0400

Oddly, in the context of the film, these songs can be a little distracting because they are so lyrically heavy and up-front. However, outside of the film they serve as a great reminder of the overall tone. I'm not going to say it couldn't be played during any melancholy scene of your favorite indie movie of the past ten years, but that doesn't mean it's not good. Reminds me of quiet summer nights just staring out, lost in your brain. - Rating: 3.0/5, Released: November 30, 2012