Alt-J - An Awesome Wave, Album Review

An Awesome Wave
An Awesome Wave is a perfect name for this near perfect album. The light piano intro on the first song of the album "Intro," was the exact thing  that this ground breaking album needed. Throughout the album you'll find psychedelic, mind entrancing and jaw dropping music. With some of the greatest synthesizer and drum combinations in 2013 by a mile, this album drew immediate attention to all of those that bothered listening to the album or any of the songs on it. "Breezeblocks," was most probably their most radio famous song, has a very enjoyable and melodic entrance with an immediate pick up right into the chorus. This song has an extremely catchy chorus and one of the most simple rhythms and beats throughout any of their songs, explaining the general media success.

The fan favorite "Matilda," starts with a very dark sound, making you feel lost and dreaded wondering who Matilda really is; but, soon after the song picks up, bringing you into the song still curious as to who she is; and, why does she need me? The lyrics help you depict this girl, and who she is. Do you know her? You may not, but you feel like you have to help her now; which, leaves you interested in the song throughout and enjoying the rhythm. Sadly, the question is never answered and you remain lost, never really knowing who Matilda is. 

Many of the songs on this album leave you with questions, or help you answer a few of your own.

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Alt-J - Band Review

Alt-J

   Now, Alt-J is a band a fell in love with the first time I heard their music. They have a very unique sound that draws in a listener right away, whether you like it or not is a different question. A friend of mine I was spending some time with one evening decided to show me this band. Quite honestly? I was scared at first, the music seemed a bit odd and I wasn't sure if I would like it; but, then I heard the vocalist and the way this band seems to create break-downs. Nearly everyone of their songs has me entranced when I hear it. Their first and only album thus far An Awesome Wave is probably in my top 50 albums of all time. Be warned, their music has a very unique sound and is not for everyone. 

      This band, unlike Drayter I have had the opportunity to see this band live, and I was the most excited I have been in a very long time to see a band live. Sadly, the performance was disappointing. The band lacked a lot of stage presence, but that can't be helped, they have performer locked behind a keyboard, and a drummer locked behind a drum kit and synthesizer. The lead singer of the band was stuck center stage the whole time, strumming away at his guitar and it was unappealing to the eye. The only active member of the band was the bassist, and I enjoyed watching him the whole show. Another thing I noticed while watching them live was that they had an entirely different sound to them. Perhaps it is hard to mimic their very unique sound live, but it felt like both of the vocalists were off pitch and their timing was a bit off as-well. 

Though their live performance lacked on many levels; but, I am in love with their album, and they are still a band worth checking out for sure.

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

Drayter - Band Review

Drayter 

    As my first review, I would like to touch on a band I recently found through Slicethepie (a music reviewing website). At first I was scared, as most music I have reviewed on this website happened to be pretty terrible, Drayter was a great refresher for that thought. This song began to play and I was immediately drawn in by the soft but gritty riff to start the song, followed by extremely clean female vocals. The chorus of the song is amazingly simple and easy to catch on to; which, is a huge plus for most newer bands, or any band for that matter. Throughout the song there are no significantly harsh vocal parts that stick out to the naked ear, which is great. Most would agree when I claim that rock bands should NOT have insanely harsh or crazy notes that they need to hit throughout their song, (unless of course you happen to be in Queen). Another notable feature of this band, (and this song is particular) is that they have great breakdowns that bring you just that much further into the song. The instruments throughout every song I have heard have been absolutely phenomenal and accompany the lead singer on a perfect level.

 My only complaint, (though I have yet to see them live) is that they seem to be lacking a lot of stage presence on their Youtube videos. This may be due to the stage; or, just the fact that they have none, but they seem to remain generally stationary, which seems to be the only flaw I can pick out.

With unique female vocals, and a very interesting set of songs released thus far. The up and coming band Drayter is definitely one you'll want to keep your eyes out for.

My Rating: 4 out of 5.