Bloc Party
Atlantic
Like everyone else who wants to beat those pesky internet pirates, Bloc Party released their latest album,
, digitally before its Oct 27th CD release and leaked single 'Mercury', three days before that. For Bloc Party fans who were disappointed by , you'll be happy to know that Bloc Party is back to the original fervor associated with debut album, Silent Alarm</i>.
Don't be put off by experimental first track "Ares", it's not what you typically expect from Bloc Party but it's interesting and after a few spins, really cool. Russell Lissack (lead guitar) shreds it fairly heartily in radio friendly "Halo" and Kele Okereke mesmerizes with haunting vocals in classic Bloc Party ballads, "Biko" and "Zephyrus". The best part about Bloc Party is their ability to calculate and compose the exact amount of percussion and synth to pull off edgy, rather than cheesy; listen to "Trojan Horse" and you'll see what I'm getting at.
Utilizing chimes throughout "Signs" over an amalgamation of synth sound effects, warm beats and strings, we hear something different from Bloc Party; a captivating tune full of musical intrigue. This track proves the most inventive on the disc and my choice for the song you'll rewind over and over. Do we still call it rewind when nothing technically winds? Hmmmm.
The album continues to supply danceable anthems bouncing from riff heavy "Talons" and morphing into the dreamy, lighters-in-the-air "Ion Square". I've heard some stuff from skinny-jeaned hipsters complaining this album is 'over-produced', but I disagree and blame that opinion on cut-off circulation. Great production makes good albums even better, which happens to be the case with Intimacy.
A return to the sound of Silent Alarm</i> makes this Bloc Party album a fan-pleaser, one I can't wait to see performed live (hint hint, come to Toronto).
The Waking Eyes
Warner Music
We haven't heard much from Manitoba's The Waking Eyes since Alexisonfire defeated them for New Group of the Year at the 2005 Junos - and for the record - weak decision Juno jury.
The Waking Eyes are the kind of Canadian band we ought to be proud of. The bands made up of Rusty Matyas, Joey Penner, Matt Peters and Steve Senkiw. I could include what role each member performs, but honestly, it would be far too verbose as each "Waking Eye" performs every duty from vocals to keyboards to harmonica and guitar.
These boys are true musicians, drawing comparisons to Coldplay and The Fratellis, but with their own creative take. The musical palette presented on their latest effort, , showcases a band that has taken time to learn about themselves, their style and how to work as a musical collective to create an album both inventive and listenable. It's hard to classify the album into one genre, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Think about how diverse Queen was, and we all know that anyone who doesn't like Queen can't be trusted. Although they have a long way to go until they hit Queen status, these guys have a way of presenting rock and pop that would make even Brian Ferry shake his curly mane like a Pantene Pro V commercial.
"Keeps Me Coming Back" and "Masters of Deception" reminds us that The Waking Eyes know how to rock (even if they've dropped in a nod to Destiny's Child in the latter).
Cue the pop hits with 80s inspired "Boyz and Girlz" and potential soundtrack song "Trouble on the Patio", a sweet ditty about finding the right love. My favorite track is "Digital Glue", a soulful and full-bodied ballad sung over triumphant horns and heartfelt keys.
The Waking Eyes will open your eyes to what grassroots talent and well-thought out music is meant to sound like. They're touring this album, as we speak, so try to make it out to one of their shows; you won't be disappointed. , is in stores now.
