ᕙ(‾̀◡‾́)ᕗ MUSIC REVIEWS ᕙ(‾̀◡‾́)ᕗ
Below are my opinions on some albums. Email me at vasco.a.madrid@gmail.com if you want my take on anything specific for some reason
- My New Band Believe - My New Band Believe : was kind of a hard listen because there is this musical theater aspect that I originally found a bit repulsive. I do recognize that there is a scene for folk music with this dramatic storytelling vocal delivery and intense orchestral and chorus backing, though. It seems to be growing more powerful in the 2020s, and I would love for someone to explain why.
The musicality of the musicians throughout the album is quite impressive though. These players have incredible control and the dynamics really sell the album. They would be great in a pit at the theater.
The lyricism isn’t really my favorite, but I understand. I think it goes back to that musical theater type of dramatic storytelling that originally threw me off. Which is kind of funny because I do like musicals and especially the dramatic ones. I guess I just don't really understand what warranted such dramaticism in this album and I guess I don't really understand the story. It is almost like it has a lot of action but no pain? I’ll get over it, probably
"Heart of Darkness" is a cool track, I really like the metallic and marchy drumming around 5 minutes in. Would love to experience a moment that sounds like this live. The drummer plays with time and space in the way only a drummer can to create like a different universe which is always pretty cool.
"Actress" is probably another favorite. There is a sweet and tender aspect that is captured by every musician on the track. I think it is generally pretty hard to get everyone on the same page like that when creating a track. Which is kinda funny because the lyrics are actually quite angry. I don't really get what has this guy so angry though, so I just chose to ignore that. An actress who looked down on me has also gotten me kind of pressed so maybe I do get it. IDK there is just something about the lyrics that doesn't actually connect with me.
Overall, this is a pretty cool album. It is nice that something this weird is getting attention too. I probably would have loved this around 10 years ago, when I was listening to Cassadaga by Bright Eyes everyday.
- Prositute - Attempted Martyr : walking around listening to this makes me feel pretty cool. Like I know something that other people don't. I tend to feel paranoid in public that someone is going to find me threatening for some reason and act on it but this music is taking back power by being the exact thing people are scared of. It is therapeutic.
This album feels like a response to the forced "double consciousness" of being in the United States, challenging the gaze of white society with authentic yet satirical aggression. And it is done remarkably well, which is what I think harsh music should be all about.
The mix throughout the album feels so intentional and perfect, both in production and in the composition like everyone knows their purpose. Great examples of this to me are the synths in "Body Meat" and balance "In The Corner Dunce". The way the drums and the guitars play around with eachother throughout the album is also so fun. And the sound is just absolutely massive.
My favorite song is probably "In The Corner Dunce". Favorite in the sense that I could listen to it over and over again. Kind of makes me feel absolutely devastated. But in a cool way.
Really cool album.
- As The Sun Sets - 7744 : so this is definitely some screamo. From the top, it has some cool drumming. The guitar parts feel very silly to me, like they are laughing at you for listening to this.
The album is most interesting in the moments where it is not hardcore. Like the random samples and the "Noise Track" and bits of synthetic sounding noises where nothing else is happening. These moments feel like gasping for air; the album never lets you fully drown though it is shoving your head under the water.
Sticking with the metaphor, song 77 is like floating on top of a pool and getting burnt by the sun. After all that drowning and humiliation, I'm glad they included this song. I really like the drum groove too.
I'm losing the metaphor but song 44 is like realizing drowning really sucks lol. But really, that was traumatic and this is kind of how it feels when you realize that what you experienced was really fucking awful.
Interesting album, it's brevity definitely works in its favor. I will definitely listen to it again and again.