EDWARD SHARPE AND THE MAGNETIC ZEROS : All Wash Out (Live in Parque México)

As per my previous post, here’s the impressively beautiful performance of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, playing ‘All Wash Out’ from their second album Here released earlier this week. The video was filmed in Parque México in Mexico City for Concierto Cable and CineUP. 

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - Here

So, as you may have noticed, I haven’t reviewed an album for weeks. The world hasn’t stopped. Plenty of bands/artists have churned out wonderful and not-so-wonderful records. I wanted two review a couple of albums, but somehow, I lost my inspiration. Alex Ebert and his gang inspired me to get back into writing music reviews again.

The very folksy American band from LA, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, has released their second album called Here through Vagrant Records and Rough Trade Records earlier this week.

Let’s start on a positive note. ‘All Wash Out’ is the “one” that made me write this review. I just like the fact that it’s the kind of song that will help forget all your problems. It’s very serene and a side that I’ve never seen from these guys before. There’s a video on YouTube that they did for Concierto Cable and CineUP, shot in Parque México, Mexico City, and it will make you fall in love with this song even more. 

Another song from Here that stood out is ‘Dear Believer’. The tempo is fairly slow at the beginning but the climax is when you hear those trumpet sounds. It really made a difference. It’s quite ironic that I prefer their songs with slower tempo this time (I discovered their music through ‘Home’). 

Listening to ‘Man On Fire’, you’ll realise that ESATMZ has taken a different route with Here. Most songs are more “preachy” and something you’d expect in a church. I’m not a religious guy, but for some reason, it didn’t alienate me. Even if they have a song called ‘I Don’t Wanna Pray’. 

On a negative note. The album is clearly lacking a song similar to ‘Home’ from their debut album. That unique sound that made me like this band in the first place. I just think some of their loyal fans will be put off. It’s a strong album on its own, but you can’t resist compare it with their past efforts. 

RATING: 3.7/5

Yeasayer - Henrietta

Sorry I’ve gone AWOL. I’ve been so busy with other things that I had to put this part of my life as a low priority. Anyway, what’s more important is music. One of my all-time faves, Brooklyn’s own Yeasayer, has just released a new song to the masses called ‘Henrietta’.

According to several sources, physical CDs of ‘Henrietta’ were distributed to fans on their mailing list. Very old school. I’m still warming up to the track but I’m sure I’ll get there. 

OFF BOOK : THE ART OF FILM AND TV TITLE DESIGN

PBS Arts’ Off Book recently showcased a video about the stories of some of the most creative people who worked on the title sequences of Se7en, Zombieland and Mad Men. The designers shed some light on what they have created and the reasoning behind those work.

It’s a must-see video for anyone with a penchant for Title Design, Zombieland and Mad Men. I’m very pleased with their examples. The first time I saw Zombieland, I was blown away with their title sequence. I thought it really made an impact to its audience and was a key part of the film. 

AU : OJ

I keep seeing Portland, Oregon everywhere. It’s linked from television to critically acclaimed musicians. Again, there must be something in their water. I bet you’re getting tired of me saying that.

Multi-instrumentalist Luke Wyland and his sidekick Dana Valatka are currently on tour in Europe promoting their new album, Both Lights, which is out now via Hometapes. 

In the middle of all this, AU has just released a new video for ‘OJ’ directed by Takafumi Tsuchiya. The same man who directed their ‘Ida Walked Away’ video. I think they’re pretty consistent with their showmanship and creativity. Both AU and the director. You can’t really walk away from this and not gasp. It’s bold, psychedelic and it has mind-blowing beats that will astound you.

ALLO DARLIN’ : Capricornia 

On May 1, London-based indie pop foursome Allo Darlin’ will release Europe, a 10-track collection of beautiful songs with awareness of a darker place but end up coming out the other side. Aussie’s own Elizabeth Morris & her troop kicked off their US tour last night in New York at the famous Mercury Lounge.

The video shows a montage of the band playing in an empty apartment and children playing on the beach. You wouldn’t want to watch this video if you’re in Melbourne right now (current temperature is 12°C and it’s been raining over the past few days) because it will make you jealous. 

If you can’t wait to get your hands on their new album, the whole thing is streaming now over at Paste. 

YOUTH LAGOON : The Hunt (Deer Lodge Session)

Trevor Powers aka Youth Lagoon taped a live session of ‘The Hunt’ for Deer Lodge late last year. The video was filmed in Powers’ home state of Idaho.

His stripped-down performance of ‘The Hunt’ showcased the natural organics of the track. Powers stated that “For me, this is how the song basically started before adding any production on top. It means something.”

Youth Lagoon is one of the acts performing at Splendour In The Grass in Byron Bay on the 27th July. 

Ex Cops - You Are a Lion, I Am a Lamb (Original Dram Session)

Brooklyn duo Brian Harding and Amalie Bruun will release their double a-side single (available on 7-inch) on April 24 via Other Music Recording Co. It’s a predecessor to an upcoming full-length album set for an August release. 

The band draws influence from a diverse range of styles such as classic British and New Zealand indie pop.