Bright Calm Blue
Direct Approach for Casual Conversation
Level Plane (2003)
It was bound to happen sooner or later. I've come across a band that doesn't really sway me one way or the other, and that I really don't have much to say about. The whole thing is very DC-esque, with the attack element of Fugazi and Jawbox, combined with the quirkier elements of bands like Q and Not U, the Dismemberment Plan, and the Nation of Ulysses; there's also a very large Brainaic element going on in most of the music. Most of it's your average post-hardcore indie rock, a standard rock combo with a few bells and whistles here and there to spice things up. The only real standouts on the record are the two last songs, "Sources and Procedures" and "Rare as Radium." "Sources and Procedures" has a quirky little keyboard melody that serves as the only really memorable moment of the whole record, the one hook they have that sinks, albeit not too terribly deep. "Rare as Radium" has a strong vocal hook in the first few minutes, but descends into mathy stop-starts in its second half and ultimately loses its momentum. The only prior knowledge I had of this band to this record was a split … Read more
Melt Banana
Cell Scape
A-Zap (2003)
You know Melt Banana, right? Their guitarist has SARS. Doesn't ring a bell? They're arguably the best Japan has to … Read more
Broken Social Scene
You Forgot It In People
Arts & Crafts (2003)
It had been a long time since I'd heard an absolutely perfect pop record, until a few days back when … Read more
