A New Fix: Album Reviews by the CoolJunkie Staff

March 7, 2008 7:38 PM
by CJ Staff [email]

Hot Chip - Made in the Dark

For any music band or artist, the pressure of producing two stellar albums back to back is sizable. Not only is the label expecting more, but more importantly the fans and critics wait in anticipation as the release date approaches or a song or two leaks out. Few acts actually feel this pressure and flawlessly enter the studio and produce hit after hit. Hot Chip definitely falls into this category.
With their recently released third effort, Made In The Dark, the seemingly dorky British electro-pop quintet have once again struck gold. Packed with punchy lyrics, catchy beats and energy filled dance anthems, the lyrically smartass groovesters are staking their permanent claim on the indie dance scene. The first single released, Ready For The Floor, is already a staple on innumerable dance floors with its quirky samples, mellow synths and Alexis Taylor’s choirboy like vocals. The classic guitar riffs accompanied by the noise that is their infectious percussion makes One Pure Thought a principal and addictive track.
What the band seems to offer on this album that may not have been the highlight on their previous efforts are the upgrade on the ballads. Showing off their songwriting efficiency on tracks like We’re Looking for A Lot of Love and Made In The Dark creates an excellent balance and offers more points of view for the listeners. This album not only makes you want to dance till you drop, but also slows things down for the romantic two-step. A full on party in one album.
Aesthetically comparable to their DFA label mates’ (LCD Soundsystem) last effort, Sound of Silver, Made In The Dark is sure to be one of the top ten albums of 2008. Already given a less than credible review by the kings of pretentious music journalism, Pitchfork Media, a look back on 2008 in December will definitely be the tell tale sign of the impact the record will have.

Erykah Badu – New Amrykah

Badu’s first musical effort in eight long years of drought in the realm of insightful R&B simultaneously hits and misses its mark. While tracks like “Me” and “The Healer” cruise along on a funky-fresh tip, they’re loaded with the singer’s religious, ideological and political messages. Luckily for Badu, she has the unique distinction of balancing the soulful and feel-good aspects of her music with the increasingly more emphatic display of her standings. The albums first single leaves something to be desired and is the only track that seems to have been built with radio airplay in mind. Badu has already scheduled the release of New Amerykah: Pt. Two for the summer of ’08. Apparently, all Kemetic references aside, this songstress still has a great deal left to say.

Rogue Wave – Asleep at Heaven’s Gate

This West Coast import is on their third album and proving to be more versatile with each release. Asleep at Heaven’s Gate lacks the sunny, candy pop vibe of their former release and exudes the organic and humane sound of the jam band experience. This aesthetic is particularly evident in the twilight track “Harmonium” where the group toys with different chords and arrangements for the first 30 seconds of the track before finding their groove. The songs on this release are mostly over five minutes, providing for plenty of room for experimentation. This awkward science works into musical melancholia that carry surprising moments of simplistic genius.

Sam Friend - Secure and Fastened for Daisy Buchanan

Miami’s independent music scene doesn’t get the attention it deserves. It may not be as robust as the scene in other cities like New York, Los Angeles or Seattle, but there’s still noise being made here that everyone should take note of. That’s why the Junkies will now be providing all with a weekly local EP or album from Magic City natives.

First up to bat is Sam Friend, a graduate from the University of Miami who’s trying to make a name for himself not only in Miami, but also on the West Coast as he goes on tour with Emily Westman, another notable UM music grad.

Secure and Fastened for Daisy Buchanan includes six tracks that carry an array of punchy lyrics, strummy guitar riffs and Friend’s warm and inviting voice. The opening track, Mister Huggins, is by far the principal track of this album. The song is an overall achievement both lyrically and instrumentally. The perfect balance on the build-up to the chorus has Friend crooning to orchestral violins, bluesy guitar sections and playful chimes. Other notable tracks include Left to Write and Blue for Summer, songs that also carry mid-tempo heavy harmonies and are a gift to the ears on a long drive home.

The album could use a bit more consistency. Songs like "Smile for the Camera" and "Confines" are decent, but don’t seem to follow the same formula as the other tracks. Regardless, this is a strong first effort that should serve as quite the steppingstone for stardom.

Comparable to Ben Kweller and Sondre Lerche in some aspects, Friend seems to get it. It’ll be interesting to see what happens when he heads back East. Could his tour out West catapult him? Either way, Secure and Fastened for Daisy Buchanan should be seen as a good first draft. Whatever Friend records next will definitely be a more polished and seasoned hit.