BEST NEW MUSIC: Bon Iver - Bon Iver, Bon Iver

"I am my mother's only one / It's enough"

Bon Iver's self-released debut, For Emma, Forever Ago, was a cogitative look at a man's deteriorating life. That man, Justin Vernon, "hibernated" in a log cabin for three months, pouring his personal heartaches of the past decade into song form. His widespread success critically and with a mainstream audience is a testament to his relatable desperation. We've all been there: depressed and fed up with life; but whereas most people bite their lower lip and move on, Bon Iver purged his negativity into one of the greatest introspective folk-albums of our generation.

The beauty here is that Vernon's zero-to-hero story hasn't changed the man's image at all. This is a guy who, around this time last year, had flown down to Hawaii to work with Kanye West on the sensational 2010 LP My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. There was a lot of head-scratching when news broke of Kanye's friendly relationship with Vernon. On one hand you had hip-hop's most well known egomaniac, and on the other, an introverted indie-rock legend; but it made sense really: Kanye, like all of us, connected with Bon Iver's passionate harmonies. By using Vernon's voice, he was simply conquering another step of his own healing process.

"I'm up in the woods / I'm down on my mind / I'm building a still / to slow down the time"

Vernon's affair into the hip-hop world was initially inspired by Kanye's request to sample "Woods", the closing song on Bon Iver's 2009 Blood Bank EP. Weirdly enough, "Woods" makes use of the ever-controversial autotune feature - a first for Vernon, and, for that matter, any folk rock musician ever - and as such, it remains to this day the most divisive in Vernon's catalog. The way I see it, "Woods" was an outreach of experimentation that was more of a statement than anything else. Yes, Vernon at his roots is a simple folk rock musician, but give him some time and the right equipment, and he'll be sure to raise some eyebrows.

"I'm tearing up / across your face / move dust through the light / to find your face"

At its heart, Bon Iver is as emotionally intimate as Vernon's previous releases. The key difference here is that dice of experimentation seen on Blood Bank. Look no further than album opener "Perth"; Vernon softly strums a clean riff that's seemingly innocent, but he's soon joined by a building choir in the background and a marching snare in the foreground. When the chorus hits, the guitar harshly wails and horns pander through in the mix. The build up reminds of the likes of Sufjan Stevens; it's an all around different man already, and we're only four minutes into the album.

"Minnesota, WI" follows shortly after, further promoting Vernon's new-found taste of using his band rather than remaining solo. There's slide guitar, distorted effects, and a rambling, plucked banjo that swiftly moves throughout the song. Bon Iver is jam packed with cute flairs and experimental whispers. "Lisbon, OH" is nothing more than a brief ambient interlude with beeping samples, but it somehow transcends into a heartfelt, Steve Winwood-1980s-slow-dance that has absolutely no direct comparison to the rest of the album. It's romantically cheesy and almost downright ridiculous, but Vernon's mature approach to the complete absurdity of this situation makes it work in the most bizarre way possible.

"Danger has been stolen away / This is us"

Despite all of these added nooks and crannies, Bon Iver sounds just as welcoming as he did on past releases. For Emma branched off as an intimate one-on-one conversation, but on Bon Iver, the same, tireless passion is shown wandering in an entirely different direction. The path is dense with surprises and a repertoire of bells and whistles played by his talented and equally modest band. Is this an improved Justin Vernon? Time will be a factor here, but the consistent melodies and overwhelming creativity are a good indicator that it just might be.

Confession: I typed the first half of this review almost two months ago. My brief hiatus from my blog was disappointing (mostly to myself) but my love for this album has stayed and arguably grown. One thing that hasn't changed, however, is my view on Vernon himself. Bon Iver shows an evolved Vernon, an experienced Vernon, a man that hasn't forgotten his humble beginnings. All of our past loves and our repressed doubts for the guy are somehow packaged into a 39 minute product that flies by in the best way possible. It's apparent briefness and it's lack of imperfection constructs a piece of work that is career defining. Maybe this is an evolution in Vernon's still-infant discography. Maybe this is a one-off experiment that will yet again be challenged by a future release. Maybe, just maybe, Vernon will move back into his log cabin and never record another album. I wouldn't be surprised; honestly, Vernon is just a simple-minded man with a gifted talent. But what separates Vernon from most other musicians is the connection made between him and the listener. He's genuine and upfront, and I like that. Such clarity on an album so left-field for a folk musician is rare, but instead of questioning this I'll just hit play, over and over again.

4.5/5

Reccomended Tracks: "Perth", "Minnesota, WI", "Wash.", "Holocene", "Calgary"

BEST NEW MUSIC: Iceage - New Brigade

My knowledge of the country of Denmark prior to this view consisted of; A: the country of Denmark is located in Europe and; B: It's small and near Germany. I was close enough with my initial predictions, however, as I sit here writing this review, I honestly haven't discovered much more about the Danes. If anything, the only musically relevant things about the tiny peninsula is the Roskilde festival - the second biggest festival in all of Europe surprisingly enough - and a small but thriving underground punk scene that's slowly gaining exposure. Among these artists include various noise-rock/post-punk outfits such as The City Kill, ADS, and Melting Walkmen, but whereas these bands step back to create some atmosphere, Iceage decides to shove a handful down your throat.

That's the beauty of Iceage. The group consists of four 18-20 year olds with a thirst for blood and a knowledge of the essential post-punk scene. It's a weird mix really, one that both calls for the UK invasion of the late 70s as well as the likes of Joy Division and Wire. But any sort of heaviness received from this album is mostly the bands in-your-face intimacy that they embrace so well. I mentioned something like this in my Cloud Nothings review, but production on a lo-fi record is just as important than on any general studio album. Iceage's New Brigade genuinely sounds like it's being played in-front of you. The yelled refrains seemingly fill the room while the guitars and percussion take what's left and boost the volume louder.

At times, this forceful approach may contradict the post-punk roots too much, but on a whole it works well enough to not even be close to a problem. Hell, this originality is key for New Brigade - without it's hefty set of balls you probably couldn't tell it apart from it's respective counterparts in the somewhat dead punk scene. "Count Me In" runs straight at you with a thundering guitar riff and a hesitating chorus-thing. It's fast, and surely eye-opening, but its then immediately answered by a chaotic yet relatively controlled Wire-esque track submerged under a wall of rolling floor-toms and bizarre-sounding chords. The difference between these two songs is obvious even to the most inexperienced listener, but the uncanny transitionss flow so mysteriously well that I guess you just have to take it for granted.

New Brigade is short and sweet, never displaying any weaknesses despite going all out. Tempo changes are omnipresent and almost expected, but even with all the flurries and subsequesent eye-of-the-storm moments, New Brigade works as well as it needs to. On "Broken Bone" the harsh chords and bombarding percussion somehow segues into an unexpectedly catchy dance beat. It's puzzling to say the least, one of the more random parts of an already unpredictable affair, but Iceage seem to consistently answer with an equally predictable response - Why not?

4/5

Recommended Tracks: "Broken Bone", "White Rune", "Never Return", "New Brigade"

Panda Bear – Last Night at the Jetty

“Last Night at the Jetty” is the third single released by Noah Lennox (known by the stage name Panda Bear) and yet another reason to look forward to his massively anticipated fourth LP Tomboy. Something to take note of is how the coveted, sample heavy Animal Collective/Panda Bear sound continues to be less relevant. Here, Lennox makes further use of synths and guitar, in turn creating an album that sounds live and organic.

This song's greatest success, however, is the improved production. Tomboy's first two singles “Tomboy” and “You Can Count On Me” were criticized for sounding quiet and uncharacteristically sparse. “Last Night at the Jetty” comes across as a dramatic shift in the right direction; with a new producer mixing the album, everything just sounds fuller and more refined.

You can say this about the synths and the samples, but the vocals are easily the most notable. Lennox has never sounded better, and at the two minute vocal crescendo, the repetition of “I know” along the building percussion and swirling samples transcend this song into an unpredicted level of aural bliss.

4.5/5

Tyler the Creator - Yonkers

This first thing you notice is the beat. Simplicity is a great thing, but Tyler the Creator takes it a step further with a hesitating low bass and a frightening, repeating sample. If you're not familiar with OFWGKTA, you're in for a ride here. Tyler raps of "threesomes with a fucking triceratops", wanting to murder B.O.B and Bruno Mars, and his dream of having Stevie Wonder as a wide receiver on his football team. The beauty here is Tyler's seamless transitions and the dark lyrics.

Actually, dark is a bit of an understatement here, but you don't need to look much further than the shocking music video that accompanies "Yonkers". A single camera remains focused on Tyler as he raps, eats a cockroach, coughs up blood, gets a nose bleed, and then decides to kill himself. It's surprisingly straightforward, but man if it isn't horrifying.

At one point, Tyler raps "Jesus called he said he is sick of the disses. I told him to quit bitchin’. This isn’t a fucking hotline." It's just a dope line in every meaning of the word, but upon further thought, I don't think he'd react to a call like this in any other way. This kid is crazy (oh, did I forget to mention he's only 19?), psychotic even; but when it comes down to it, the only word I can really choose to summarize Tyler the Creator is genius.

4.5/5

Sufjan Stevens - The Age of Adz

Click here to hear the entire album for free.


The Age of Adz is an ambitious record.

OK, that might be a bit too straightforward, but Sufjan Stevens' latest album is almost nothing like his previous 4 studio efforts. He's taken a completely different direction, most notably with electronics, and has completed an album which soars far above my expectations.

Admittingly, I may have gone into this album relatively close minded. I love Stevens for Illinois, Michigan, and the underrated Seven Swans; but even I must admit that I really want him to get back on track with the Fifty States Project.

Most fans can agree with me here. When it was announced that Stevens was releasing a triple LP Christmas album, we laughed and wondered what that crazy Sufjan would do next. When he re-released his Chinese New Year album, we quietly accepted it. When he released the BQE, we sighed and moved on.

Don't get me wrong, Stevens has yet to release a legitimately disappointing album, but I think I can speak for everybody in saying that I wanted something new. And by something new, I mean a studio album.

This all changed last month, when Stevens surprised everyone with the sudden release of the All Delighted People EP. At 60 minutes, it's hardly an EP, but it did provide the indie rock community with a great record.

And instead of making the fans wait any longer, Stevens announced the release of The Age of Adz shortly thereafter. The Age of Adz would mark his first studio full length in 5 years, the first since Illinois.

Yes folks, the Fifty States Project is presumably dead, and I really don't give a fuck.

The Age of Adz is essentially Stevens' Kid A: an album that utilizes the studio as a means of advancing the album to new territory. Unlike the folksy Illinois, The Age of Adz is full of electronic drums, synth bleeps and bloops, and even auto-tune. Yes, auto-tune, the much divisive pitch correction tool. Stevens doesn't care though, he'll find a way to make it sound great.

The amount of production that Stevens puts into this album is almost crowded, leaving hardly any room for a listener to dissect certain songs on a first listen. It's true. At times, you'll be blasted with a barrage of synth, glitchy cuts, vocal choirs, drum fills, guitar solos, electronic bass drums, flurrying woodwinds, demonizing horns, and fuzzed out guitar wankery. Stevens uses this well effect well though; both as a means of crescendo, as well as a nice contrast between the verses and choruses. Take "I Want To Be Well" for example: there are multiple times where the song builds up only to drop out to just Stevens and his good ol' guitar; In fact, these parts are arguably the quietest on the album.

Lyrically, it's clear that Stevens is heart broken. On the somber opening track "Futile Devices", Stevens admits he can't tell a girl he loves her. On "Now That I'm Over", Stevens sings "I wasn't older yet / I wasn't wise, I guess / Somewhere I lost whatever else I had / I wasn't over you". He's hurt, frusturated, pissed off, and it culminates in the fiery conclusion of "I Want To Be Well", where he repeats the phrase "I'm not fucking around" while the songs builds up into a fiery inferno.

The last song, "Impossible Soul", clocks in at a little more than 25 minutes. As far as indie-rock standards are concerned, it's quite lengthy. This is Stevens at his best though. The song is made up of 5 different movements, including a haunting middle piece which is fronted by Stevens singing in auto-tune backed by a chanting choir. A piano faintly plays in the background, weird electronical glitches zoom in and out; if there is a comparison as blatant as this to Kid A, then I don't know what else to say.

"Impossible Soul" ends with a beautiful 3 minute guitar piece. It really is captivating; something that will surely bring the new and the old fans together. And while this may be a bittersweet ending,I don't think this album could end any other way.

I guess we'll have to wait and see if fans of Stevens' folk albums will appreciate this turn in style. There's no doubt it will turn away many, but it goes without saying that this will definitely bring more people in. The Age of Adz is a remarkable achievement from a man who's released his fair share of indie-rock classics. Whether he keeps this electronic sound or not, it's clear that Stevens' doesn't want to be categorized as that guy who makes albums about states. He's definitely changed, and The Age of Adz proves it's for the better.

Deerhunter - Desire Lines

"Desire Lines" is the latest masterpiece from a band that just can't learn to take a break.

There will be a lot of comparisons to "Nothing Ever Happened", and I think that's perfectly all right. "Desire Lines" has the same formula, a slow, climbing riff that eventually extends into an outlandish jam. It's all held down by Josh Hauver's relentlessly addictive bassline, which the band plays against for 3 minutes. Incorporating many shoegaze elements from the band's past, Deerhunter has reached new territory in terms of melodic ecstasy. If that's not enough, Lockett Pundt surprises us all with an astonishingly professional voice. Deerhunter hasn't sounded so impressive until now.

Teenage Reverb -Summit Demos (2010) / Isolation Tape Night (2010)

I absolutely love finding obscure bands with a lot of promise. Earlier this year, I predicted the rise of Blackbird Blackbird. Upon discovery, his last.fm profile had around 9000 plays; now it's peaking at around 161,000. Excuse my language, but holy shit! This guy is getting a ton of hype now, and I really hope he can continue with more success.

Moving on, my latest bandcamp find is Teenage Reverb. He's young, unknown, and he makes really great music; basically, a perfect candidate for my blog.

His music varies from beautiful ambient, to deerhunter-esque indie, relying heavily on bass at times and making use of synthesizers and other effects. The songs are short, but sweet, and at times cross experimental plains; all the while remaining perfectly refreshing to the listener.

Teenage Reverb's first two EP's are Summit Demos and Isolation Tape Night . You can download both, for free, at his bandcamp here. Or, you can stream both albums below.

Song of the Day 8/11/10

Kanye West - See Me Now FEAT. Beyonce & Charlie Wilson

Click here to listen to the track

Family Trees - Dream Talkin

Purchase at Father/Daughter Records

The debut 7" from Brooklyn's Family Trees is a magnificent intro to this little known folk musician. "Dream Talkin" is my jam, fo' rizzle.

Song of the Day 7/23/10

Fucked Up - Year of the Ox

Click here to listen to "Year of the Ox"

The latest entry in Fucked Up's Chinese New Year 12" series might be their best one yet. "Year of the Ox" punches, and it punches hard. But even with it's standard hardcore moments, the song jumps on the experimental side with an extended, almost post-rock intro, beautiful violin solos, and even vocal appearances from Zola Jesus. Fucked Up have come a long way, and their consistency matched with their continuing development might rank them as one of the premier hardcore bands out there.

Menomena - Mines (2010)

The good people over at NPR have Menomena's fourth ablum, Mines, streaming in its entirety. You can check it out here. These tracks are full, and I mean full of subtle instruments and effects. Even the quietest moments in this album have plenty of hidden layers to discover. And even without it's fine production, to its core, Mines is just an extremely solid peace of work. Oh, and on a briefly related note, you can download the singles "Taos" and "Five Little Rooms" free of charge over at Stereogum.

Blackbird Blackbird - Summer Heart LP (2010)

Finally, Blackbird Blackbird has released his debut full length, which you can find streaming on his bandcamp. This guy really came out of nowhere for me, and I can safely say for the past month, he has been dominating my last.fm. Please, support this artist and buy this one if you like it. He's going to be big soon. I promise.

Sun Kil Moon - Admiral Fell Promises (2010)

Purchase here
Listen to the entire album streaming on Sun Kil Moon's Myspace

This one's really impressive. Sun Kil Moon, the solo project of singer-songwriter Mark Kozelek (of Red House Painters fame) makes incredibly intricate and beautiful sounding folk rock. His guitar skills aren't just chords though, to he honest, this isn't your standard folk album. It's technically superb and incredibly deserving. Don't take my word for it, check it out for yourself at the above link.

Song of the Day 7/09/2010

MillionYoung - Day We Met




This is the last chillwave song I'll do for a while. I promise. But in all seriousness, the closer to MillionYoung's second EP, Be So True, is a perfect end to an already brilliant album.

Song of the Day 7/2/10

Philip Selway - By Some Miracle

By Some Miracle by Philip Selway


Phil Selway, famed drummer of Radiohead, has announced the release of his debut solo album Familial. You can find details of purchase here, but in the meantime, check out the first track from his album (which Selway is posting online for free on his website!). I didn't know Selway had it in him, but I guess Selway is living proof that drummers can sing...and play guitar...and make really good music. I love how simple this one sounds; not a whole lot going on instrumentally, but the atmosphere created is perfect, further matched by Selway's profound lyrics. Really looking forward to this one.

Baths - Cerulean (2010)

Go here to listen to the entire album streaming, RIGHT NOW

Baths has been gathering quite a bit of buzz over the past year, but now I think it's safe to say that, after the release of this album, he is going to get pretty big. You can listen to the entire album at the above link, and if you like what you hear, you can purchase the album at that very same website.

The Roots - How I Got Over (2010)

Click the album cover to hear the entire album streaming on their myspace.

The Roots return with their 9th LP, and this one might be their best yet. If you like what you hear, you can buy their album on this website.

Blackbird Blackbird - Happy High EP(2010) / Let's Move On Together EP (2010)

Click above album covers for free downloads.


San Francisco resident Mikey S. is the sole songwriter behind Blackbird Blackbird. He is arguably the best unheard of chillwave artist out there. Do yourself a favor, and check out his first two EP's, which can be found on his bandcamp completely free.

According to this interview here, Blackbird Blackbird will be releasing "a 10” or 7” on Arcade Sound Ltd, a split 7” with Treasures on a new label called Double Denim (UK), and a sweet cassette on Orchid Tapes." Also, Blackbird Blackbird tells of a soon to be completed full-length, as well as a possible tour with Mathemagic (!).

Song of the Day 6/28/2010

Mathemagic - Breastroke

Mathemagic - Breaststroke by Surfing on Steam


Mathemagic are two brothers that live in Ontario who love to make chill music...really, really chill. The closer for their debut EP, "Breastroke", is a beautiful example of what's to expect from this up-and-coming act. Bliss out.