Review: This Providence- The Bright Lights [EP]

This Providence- The Bright Lights [EP]
Released: 10/14/08
Label: Fueled By Raman

This Providence is one of the brightest acts in music today. I remember them back in late 2004, when I heard their first release Our Worlds Divorce. The debut showed so much promise; giving This Providence such a distinct sound. Vocalist Daniel Young has such lazy vocals, which makes it awesome. The area at the time was the, “hot spot”, with the premieres of such bands as Gatsby’s American Dream and Forgive Durden. Their next release was some what a letdown, yet I really enjoyed it. Some of the old sounds changed, which weren’t for the better.

It’s been around two years since This Providence released anything. Earlier in 2008, they announced that they were going to record a new EP. Well, here’s the EP, called The Bright Lights EP. “Waste Myself” is the opening track to this EP. If this is any indication of This Providence’s new sound, I’m totally stoked. It brings back good TP, yet still blends new TP. Dan Young’s vocals continues to be the lazy, soft voice we’ve come to love. He can still send chills down your spine. This track leads into the striped down version of “My Beautiful Rescue.” Quite frankly, I wasn’t a huge fan when this song debuted in 2006, but this version brings different light to the song. It’s a mellow blend of western guitars and pounding snares. Skipping a track, we arrive to the end, “Sand In Your Shoes (Acoustic)” Again, this song highlights the pipes of Young and them western guitars. Truly a positive of This Providence.

While this EP is short, it’s sweet. The tone of the EP is such a positive sound. Now, for us This Providence, we can look as this EP as an appetizer. For one, I can’t wait for dinner. Let’s see if their next full length, can bring this much foot tapping as The Bright Lights EP has.

Score: 7.6

Review: Forgive Durden - Razia's Shadow: A Musical

Forgive Durden- Razia's Shadow: A Musical
Label: Fueled By Raman
Release: 10/28/08

"This is the beginning and the end. The rise and the fall."
- The Narrator

In music recently, albums have been made to tell a story, generally referred to as a "concept album." Normally, there's going to be some sketchy plot lines mixed with unnecessary songs. (Well, I've never heard of the idea of a musical). Recently, Forgive Durden (aka: Thomas Dutton) announced their new album would be a musical. Dutton proclaimed the musical as "Razia's Shadow." Razia means, "contented," taken from the Arabic language.

When Thomas was asked to explain the plot line of the album, he declined the request. However, he tells the story as, "a world divided in two by the selfish actions of a powerful and egotistical, yet insecure angel. After generations of darkness, the world is eventually brought back together by love and sacrifice of a couple brave enough to fulfill their destinies." As Razia's Shadow ends, Aaron Weiss (mewithoutyou) speaks, "So this is my cue of where to leave you. Now it's your story to retell and pass on." This is my story.

Razia's Shadow begins with "Genesis." When entering the album, the listener is met with an orchestra of horns and strings, which blends into the narrations of Aaron Weiss. The combination of vocals between Thomas Dutton and Casey Crescenzo (The Dear Hunter) is astounding. Both vocalists sounds so smooth together, it makes the listener want more to hear. Explaining Ahrima leads into my favorite track, "The Missing Piece." Dutton sings peacefully, yet the message is so clear throughout the song.

On this second full length, Forgive Durden has songs containing different emotions, such as love, hate, jealousy, and evil. Max Bemis (Say Anything) contributes his pipes on "The Spider and the Lamps." He virtually brainwashes Dutton throughout the song. I can honestly say, there is no one in the music world who could have delivered so well on this track, other than Bemis. Though this isn't the best combination of vocals on the album, "The Oracle" is a song, where you don't even need to listen to the lyrics, but the soft vocals of Danny Stevens. The soft vocals can put the listener into such a soothing state, it's the best way to end the first story.

The second act of Razia's Shadow begins after "A Thousand Year, Minute-Long Intermission." Dutton plays a different character, Adakias. In this segment of the album, a slew of different characters/singers are introduced. Voices from bands such as Panic At The Disco, The Hush Sound, Gatsby's American Dream, The Matches, and many others all play different people. Also, this section of the album is moves away from the "dark side," as heard in the first section of Razia's Shadow. This part is about how love repairs everything, where Dutton changes his whole fictional life.

"The Exit" is the beginning. This piece introduces Adakia's brother Pallis, who plays a huge role in this musical. The beautiful Greta Salpeter makes her appearance on this part of the record. Her stunning vocals really paints a picture for the listener. As heard in "It's True Love," both Dutton and Salpeter hit every note hard, making the meaning of the song clear. Dutton falls in love with Salpeter; this pounds the lyrical passage of "It's True Love" in your head for days. Throughout the album, the words spoken by different performers ring in your head. It's not the catchy lyrics you're used to from Forgive Durden. They are more meaningful lyrics.

Adakias is put through rough times and meets different characters on his way to love. From the jazzy "Meet The King" to the creepy "Doctor, Doctor," each song has a different meaning. Shawn Harris is the perfect person to play the antagonist of this musical. This leads into the final piece of Razia's Shadow, "The Beginning and The End." Throughout this song, a barrage of brothers voices winds up ending this masterpiece. A huge positive of this record is the narrations. It took me a couple listens to understand the whole plot line, but the narrations from Aaron Weiss really make everything clear. His soft pipes end the album, just how they started the album.

Razia's Shadow is a masterpiece. Thomas Dutton has proven what a "musician" really is. However, at times the plot becomes bland. It becomes boring when the listener can guess what happens next. Another potential issue could be, is this album going to have any lasting value? For me, I found it hard to listen to tracks individually because it's a musical, which tells a story. If Dutton released another version of this album, it could very well get a score above a 10.0. However, let's see if Razia's Shadow can live up to the hype. The slew of artists he got to perform on the album, are some of the best in the business. This records pulls him away from all Fueled By Ramen artists. It shows so much light, which cannot be stolen.

Official Track Listing and Guest Appearances

1. Genesis" (ft. Casey Crescenzo of The Dear Hunter) (4:19)
2. "The Missing Piece" (ft. Lizzie Huffman of Man in the Blue Van) (4:46)
3. "Life Is Looking Up" (5:21)
4. "The Spider And The Lamps" (ft. Max Bemis of Say Anything) (5:10)
5. "Toba The Tura" (ft. Chris Conley of Saves the Day) (4:25)
6. "The Oracle" (ft. Danny Stevens of The Audition) (5:23)
7. "A Thousand Year, Minute-Long Intermission" (ft. Danny Stevens of The Audition) (1:02)
8. "The Exit" (ft. Brendon Urie of Panic at the Disco, Dan Young of This Providence) (5:40)
9. "It's True Love" (ft. Greta Salpeter of The Hush Sound) (5:38)
10. "Meet The King" (ft. Greta Salpeter of The Hush Sound, Nic Newsham of Gatsbys American Dream) (5:24)
11. "Holy The Sea" (ft. John Gourley of Portugal. The Man, Kris Ayana of An Angle) (6:05)
12. "Doctor Doctor" (ft. Shawn Harris of The Matches) (4:57)
13. "The End And The Beginning" (ft. Greta Salpeter of The Hush Sound, Brendon Urie of Panic at the Disco) (5:53)

Artist: Forgive Durden
Album: Razia's Shadow: A Musical
Release Date: October 28th, 2008
Label: Fueled By Ramen
Purchase: Smartpunk.com
Reviewed By: Kyle Schnitzer

Score: 9.2%

Review: Jeremy Larson- Salvation Club

Jeremy Larson- Salvation Club

Music nowadays is nothing like it used to be. I mean, everything sounds great. Bands come out with albums more often now, but they usually rush them. Then other bands sound too similar to other bands, which labels bands with useless genres. When a band sounds like another band, it usually brings down the stock of the band they are being compared too. However, this case is completely false with singer/song writer Jeremy Larson. Larson released his self titled debut in 2007. Later that year, I purchased the record, and immediately comparisons ranging from Copeland to This Day and Age were brought up. His self titled record delivered soft vocals, a slew of pianos, and just calming music. It became a mystery how one man could make such sounds, without a backing band. It just demonstrates true talent. Larson doesn't slack off, he takes a huge leap forward with his second record, Salvation Club.

On his second effort, Larson opens Salvation Club with "Exposition." Starting with different orchestral instruments, the song builds up into Larsen’s soft, soothing voice. Vocally, Larson gives artists such as Copeland and This Day and Age something to improve on. He continues his musicianship on "Purgatory." Comparisons ranging from Stephen Christian of Anberlin, with piano melodies that will have you humming for days. The song winds down with the mix of piano and vocals, making the listener hungry for more.

Larson does something amazing on this record: making the listener wonder how he created such beautiful music. As heard in songs such as "Where They Sleep" and "Self-Esteem", Larson creates mysterious melodies. Soft, pretty vocals, which are highlight by the writing ability of Jeremy. After these movements, JL goes into a different direction. Larson comes into the upbeat mode with "Footsteps." The combination of pounding percussion and his haunting piano work, Jeremy is hitting it hard on every track. The haunting melodies continue in "Portrait" and throughout the rest of the album. Those kind of melodies that can make you emotionally feel something, which has become rare in music. "Activist" is another song highlighting the talent of Larson. The banging of piano keys send chills down your spine, which leads to the ultimate chill buster in "Goodnight."

What Larson does is something different. He blends so many different emotions into one album. Generally, artists try to stick with one overall emotion, making the album a bore fest. Jeremy Larson doesn't do that. Larson's haunting vocals and incredible musical talent will inspire others to create music. I wouldn't be surprised to see him on a movie soundtrack soon. He's released two wonderful records; Salvation Club shouldn't be overlooked.

Overall: 8.7%

Introducing...Jeremy Larson [10/26/08]

So I skipped a week? Psh. I'm coming back with something good. Though I'm not sure if he's a "secret," he's been on my playlist for over a year. Singer/Songwriter Jeremy Larson, hailing from Springfield, Missouri; is creating very, calming tunes. Creating comparisons by critics with bands such as Copeland, This Day and Age; JL has something in store for you.

Larson is releasing his second effort, Salvation Club. I've had this album for about two weeks now. It's honestly one of my favorite records this year. Not only is it great sounds, but he chose to release it in a dull market season, clearly making him the best record of Fall. Get ready for long walks, cold winds, and even some snow. Larson has something beautiful here. Review coming soon.

Jeremy Larson on Myspace

Jeremy Larson- Wintersong [MP3]
Jeremy Larson- Immovable [MP3]

Wooopsssssss, lack of content?

Yeah mang!! Sorry about no updates lately. I've been busy with school, life, and reviewing. I'll be posting some stuff later today, hope you all read.

-k

Introducing...The Narrative [10/12/08]

It's becoming very, very difficult to find a soothing, female/male vocalist combo. I mean, we've had Lydia, Straylight Run..but both bands, went into different directions, with their latest releases. Straylight Run's female vocalist, Michelle Nolan, left the band to follow her solo career. So, getting to the "introducing" segment, here are The Narrative.

So, I saw this band open for The Reign of Kindo, in early September. They took forever to set up, but it was well worth the wait. In the crowd, many familiar Long Island band faces. One of those faces included Will Noon, drummer of Straylight Run/manager of The Narrative. They pretty much sounded like Straylight Run's sister. The male/female vocal combination, brought comparisons to SR, Copeland (If there was a female), and even Stars (To a degree). So take a listen, to their debut EP "Just Say Yes." Six songs of beautiful crafted melodies.

Review: The Bigger Lights- Fiction Fever [EP]

The Bigger Lights- Fiction Fever [EP]
Doghouse Records
Release: October 7, 2008

I recently elected to take a course called Business and Sports Marketing. So far we’ve learned about different marketing techniques, important facts of marketing, and other sections of marketing. Marketing is the process of organizing and directing all the company activities which relate to determining the market demand and converting the customers. In this situation, the fans are the customers.

Product: The Bigger Lights

Advertising: Fiction Fever [EP]

How: Absolute Management Group (Nano Tissera)

So the product, The Bigger Lights, have had all the success due to the Internet. I mean, they released this demo at a local show, which got them tons of attention from the local Virginia scene. From that, MySpace's name sections have been filled with display names like this “Your Name Here [tbl.].” So how could a band so unknown, receive so much attention? Great marketing. The Bigger Lights aren’t the average band. I mean, they don’t have someone running their MySpace account, they write back to everything you say. All the members are very friendly, which enabled ties with the right people. This probably opened the eyes of Nano Tissera and Absolute Management Group (All Time Low, Friday Night Boys).

Now how do you market this band? By releasing the self produced EP, Third Act Stories, which opened the eyes of Doghouse Records. Now it’s time to show the world what TBL can deliver. Fiction Fever doesn’t really bring the same “oomph” that TAS brought. However the album shows many comparisons to other bands. During “Apocalypse!”, one could hear a Cartel feel. The comparisons filter more throughout “Goldmine Valentine.” Vocalist Topher Talley belts notes previously heard on releases from Gatsby’s American Dream to This Providence. The song also includes catchy lyrics, guitar pokes similar to The Matches, and just an overall feel of Kanye West’s “Gold Digger.”

Now can this product sell? I’m sure it will sell, but I doubt it’ll bring in new listeners. Fiction Fever includes three previously released songs (Reved and Ready, Romance In A Slow Dance, When Did We Lose Ourselves), which will only slow down the release. Also, I feel the album's track list could be organized better. I mean, at least rearrange it so the tracks are flowing and the listener isn’t fighting the sound changes. Here’s one more suggestion to Topher Talley: try to get away from the similar vocal patterns, as other bands in the scene. By this, create your own sound, don’t be that band that gets compared to every other band in the scene. To conclude, The Bigger Lights can only improve from this release.

Artist: The Bigger Lights
Album: Fiction Fever
Label: Doghouse Records
Release Date: October 7th, 2008
RIYL: Motion City Soundtrack, Hidden in Plainview, This Providence
Reviewed By: Kyle Schnitzer

Score: 7.2 (Previously posted @ The Daily Chorus)