ARTIST:
BEAR IN HEAVEN


ALBUM:
BEAST REST FORTH MOUTH


KEY TRACKS:
BEAST IN PEACE
LOVESICK TEENAGERS
WHOLEHEARTED MESS
CASUAL GOODBYE


"don't bother leaving, we're already gone"


There are powerful albums out there that make you stop in your tracks, turn up the dial, and just soak it in.  This is one of those albums.  It's incredible to me that 3 guys from Brooklyn have created such a huge, all encompassing sound.  This album is so much bigger than you can imagine.

First and foremost I would be lying if I said Bear in Heaven was a regular on my playlist.  However, this album was given to me by someone who's musical tastes I really respect and knew that I had to give it a try.  I didn't know much about Bear in Heaven, well actually I still don't, but I did have a few singles which I got off a free sampler from SPIN.  Man have I been deprived!  This album is huge.  


It took hold of me from the start because the opening track is unbelievable.  Beast in Peace starts small, like a little flame, then explodes into a colossal track of tribal percussion (seriously, this drummer is bad ass), ethereal vocals, and all encompassing synths.  This music really envelopes you in its psychedelic waves and almost primes you for what the album will be like.  However, instead of having that initial flame die out, Bear in Heaven really smolders. 


Wholehearted Mess and You Do You stand strong after the initial hype of Beast In Peace, these tracks are really advanced and have so many layers of sound that it's nice to peel them apart on each listen.  There's also a level of maturity in these compositions that you simply don't hear from newer acts these days.  These guys have been around the block - and judging from the pictures, they know what the fuck's up.  

Lovesick Teenagers is most likely the track you'll recognize from all the music blogs out there.  I certainly did.  It's very on trend for what was produced on most 2010 releases.  There has been a really strong 80's influence in music lately and certainly that presence is on this track.  However, instead of sounding dated, Bear in Heaven, have taken 80's synths and have transformed them into a sort of new wave composition.  This track certainly stands out among all of the unusual sound combinations that pepper this album.


For me, what's most interesting about the album is how it comes full circle.  Casual Goodbye is the album's closer and could also be titled Lovesick Teenagers Part 2.  The closer track reprises Lovesick Teenagers instrumentals with parting lyrics:  "it's a casual goodbye, goodbye".  I really really like it when artists respect an composition enough to treat it more like a soundtrack or an experience rather than just a collection of singles.  Respect and integrity for the full album certainly deserves recognition in my book.


So although it ends with Casual Goodbye, after the first listen it was more of a wholehearted welcome:  I've just met one of my new favorite bands! 

LISTEN:  BEAST IN PEACE  |  LOVESICK TEENAGERS  |  WHOLEHEARTED MESS  |  CASUAL GOODBYE

NEXT WEEK:  BECK  |  GUERO

ARTIST:
TV ON THE RADIO


ALBUM:
NINE TYPES OF LIGHT


KEY TRACKS:
NEW CANNONBALL BLUES
KEEP YOUR HEART
WILL DO
SECOND SONG


"hey girls, hey boys, no don't mind the noise"


"Why the fuck haven't I listened to this earlier?"  That's the statement that runs through my head every time I play this album.  Some people get mad when they hear a lousy album, or because it costs too much, or because they've "sold out".  But me?  I get angry when I've been ignorant of a great band that's been around for quite some time. 


TV on the Radio is the perfect example of this.  Founded in Brooklyn in 2001, TVOTR has been cranking out some of the most satisfying music I've heard in a long time.  I mean, I really, really like these guys!  Woven into the tracks are intricate, grunge laden synths, looping guitars, and pulsing bass lines that just hits the spot.  


With such diverse and varying sounds drifting in and out of the album, it makes their music pretty difficult to nail down into a genre, but no less enjoyable. 


This album is completely saturated with hits, which made it difficult to pick a few to discuss but the bass line alone in "New Cannonball Blues" is a triumph.  This song is a fantastic example of how explosive TVOTR's music is.  The whole track builds and builds from the simple bass line, to a finale complete with trumpets, rattling guitars, and clashing cymbals.  This track is fantastic and will be frequently played on my track list many years to come.  


Next, "Keep Your Heart" was a true grower for me.  It wasn't until I had the privilege of seeing these artists live that I truly appreciated this eclectic song.  The room grew quiet when (largely bearded) vocalist Kyp Malone humbly stated how beautiful the venue was and proceeded to  belt this song out with a backdrop of blood-red lights.  The beats pulse throughout the record, coupled with a guitar that trickles down the scales in the bridge.  Although less prominently featured as the lead vocalist, Kyp's unique voice is the perfect addition to equally unique music.  


"Will Do" is easily the favorite of the album.  Lead singer Tunde Adebimpe's voice is smooth and handles the the demanding range of this track effortlessly.  It's a fine example of how TVOTR handles a ballad in that just because the tempo slows, the bass doesn't need to stop, or the drums....or the synths.  


This band for me is one of the greats.  One that I'll continue to play - and enjoy - for years to come.  So listen now -don't put it off- or else you'll end up angry that you didn't.

LISTEN:  NEW CANNONBALL BLUES | KEEP YOUR HEART | WILL DO | SECOND SONG

                  NEXT WEEK:  FOUR TET | THERE IS LOVE IN YOU