I remember the first time I heard Tokyo Police Club. It was about two years ago when A Lesson In Crime dropped. It didn’t really catch my ear so much; but it was enjoyable. I completely forgot about the band for about a year. Until the Smith EP came out, the band was second tier on my play list. But it seems as if one of the most unique bands are giving people music to drawl to in Elephant Shell.
Recently, many bands of this small group of bands have been getting a lot of publicity from major television stations. Such as Vampire Weekend who virtually don’t have to do anything; and just like that they sell over 100,000 on their debut record. Maybe it’s because the album lacks originality and that’s what most fans like. With Elephant Shell, you aren’t going to get that. Headed by Dave Monks, the band is content with keeping a steady album demonstrating many different emotions and feelings.
This Canadian foursome first got the album buzz going with the leaking of the song “In A Cave.” It seems as if TPK took a whole different approach to their sound ever since signing to Saddle Creek. Did they move more mainstream? No. But it’s as if there’s more of a western feel to everything. At times, the song reminds me of Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes. Which to many; including myself, is a good thing. “Juno” could be one of the most obvious excuses for a girl not to have sex with someone. Monks acts out frustration throughout the song with haunting piano clumps from Graham Wright.
“You and your soapy eyes
Called it off so late at night
But your hand's on your heart
Cause your head's always right
Juno, you're tired”
Tokyo Police Club- Juno (MP3)
The most impressive concept about this album is how it never becomes boring. Yeah, it might get tiring how the band is always full of life through drum beats and guitar riffs. But, it’s a huge plus in my book. Songs such as “Tessellate”, just make one want to learn how to play drums. Drummer Greg Alsop doesn’t stop at all and continues it through the softest song on the album “Listen to the Math.”
With so many bands coming out with familiar styles to catch the eyes of major websites, it’s good to see one actually setting an example for performing music well. Not only live, but on disc also. Tokyo Police Club have made huge strides since releasing A Lesson In Crime. One could defiantly see how much the band matured as one. So what does Tokyo Police Club offer you? Eleven songs of unique guitar, hard slapping bass, and overall a great album.
Overall: 91%
Website
Myspace
Purchase Elephant Shell
No comments:
Post a Comment