Courtney Barnett - Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit (Album Review)

          I need to clarify a statement that some of my viewers/readers don't even know about, most likely. I stated "I don't really feel like I missed out on anything in 2015 all that much." What a dumb thing to say, especially after hearing this gem of a record. Courtney Barnett is an alternative rock artist from the wonderful land of Australia, a country that's easily #1 on my top 10 places I want to see in the next 10 years. 

Barnett's music didn't grab me at first, I tried out a few songs because of all the acclaim, but "Avant Gardener" was the first to stick. A friend sent me a few tracks from her then upcoming record, but I don't feel I gave them a fair chance to sink in. Months breezed by, and I finally queued up the long winded Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I just Sit. "

Elevator Operator" plays. "Okay, this is fun" I'm thinking to myself. Not only this track, but really all throughout, we see Barnett allowing her thoughts to run wild, without feeling messy in the slightest. Imagine your brutally honest friend that spews out a stream of consciousness. Now imagine that same friend making an album. THIS IS THAT, AND IT SOMEHOW WORKS MAGICALLY! 

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to yell. Don't go please. I just want you to know that the indie rocker's debut is worth your time, and your money. I bought a copy recently, and you bet your Rolling Stone collection I don't regret it. I've been kind of vague up to this point, so let's briefly talk about what went RIGHT with this record. 

Musically, this is top notch work. Her backing band kills it on nearly every song. From the lighthearted swimming pool love story "Aqua Profonda!", to the scorching single "Pedestrian at Best", they keep things fresh with ridiculously entertaining surf punk meets alternative riffs and drum patterns. Do they line up with Barnett's semi droll (not a criticism, just her style) vocals? Hell yes they do! In fact, I couldn't picture Courtney being backed by anything other than this garage rock-ish style, other than maybe grunge or...okay I'm not getting into Barnett conspiracy theories. 

I've already mentioned some of my favorite tunes, but I haven't even named some of the best yet. "An Illustration of Loneliness" is the perfect ode to the lonely lazy mind, sitting back and watching the paint dry while the clock circles round, as you think of that special someone. The fuzzy guitar line seems to have a few pedal effects thrown in there, and I really really dig the sound that it provides. "Dead Fox" has some damn catchy notes as well, and I can't fail to mention the wonderful build to the blissful little guitar solo in "Small Poppies" either. It's never a bad thing when you have a hard time narrowing down your favorite moments, now is it?

The album doesn't take itself too seriously either, Barnett has a snarky (and wonderful) sense of humor that pours in on "Nobody Really Cares If You Don't Go To The Party", which would have easily been in my top 25 songs of 2015, if I had actually heard it last year. I already mentioned the cackle worthy "Aqua Profonda!", which is quite simply just the best, but we've got "Debbie Downer" stealing the spotlight right out from under it. I love how 90s this song feels, featuring those splashy and colorful keys, a sunny sing along chorus where Barnett swears "I'm not fishing for your compliments", and the lovely drumming that is quite frankly some of the best percussion on the entire album. 

It goes without saying that the epic 7 minute "Kim's Caravan" kicks ass, as Barnett proves here and on "Depreston" that she can crank more down-tempo songs and still win. Lyrically, these are two of the more interesting cuts, in the sense that they require a bit more thought in order to absorb them. 

There's moments of songs here and there that I don't care for, as songs like "Dead Fox"get a little repetitive for me, "Small Poppies" overstays its welcome by a slight bit, and then the dull closer "Boxing Day Blues" really just dragging this album to its final resting place. It's a bummer to go out on a less than captivating moment, but the rest of this record more than makes up for a few moments that stall out. 

If you were like me and missed out on this album in 2015, give it a listen on Spotify and see what you think! It gets a glowing reccomendation from me, I hope you it enjoy it as well.

Thanks for reading! You can find me posting reviews every week on my YouTube channel, be sure to subscribe!

"Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit"
Release Date: 3/20/15
Album Rating: 4/5
Mom+Pop Records

-Jon from ARTV





















 

Nothing But Thieves - "Nothing But Thieves" ALBUM REVIEW

 

         What do we when the lights go down? That's the burning question this Essex based band brought when their hit "Trip Switch" crossed over to American success. The band bring a balance of self questioning relationship centered tunes and hard hitting alternative rock jams, so its easy to find something to please listeners of all tastes. 

"Trip Switch" gained play on AltNation in the states, which was my first exposure to the band. I also have the satellite station to thank for turning me on to the likes of Big Data, and of course fellow UK rockers Royal Blood. One thing I've unfortunately noticed about a good chunk of the bands played on that station, other than the ones with established careers; a history of lackluster full length albums after dropping a hot single. Not naming names, but to say I've been disappointed a few times with a debut album from an artist I've liked a song or two from is an understatement.

I wasn't expecting a ton from this album. Hell, I had forgotten about the single before my viewers started requesting a review of the self titled album. I queued it and follow up single "Itch" on Spotify one night last week, and upon hearing them, I knew I had to give the record a shot. It's more than I could've hoped for guys, I'm thoroughly impressed. Now not every song is an instant dose of ecstasy, but there's a reason detectives cross examine the witness. You've got to look at things from every angle.

While it may not be the most cohesive record in terms of how it sounds, I think there's one thing that connects all of these songs. Conor Mason's voice is, naturally, the guiding light, but I think the poetic musings are the element that stay the strongest throughout. Whether it be on the urgent "Drawing Pins", the distant mood swing "Graveyard Whistling", or even the Snow Patrol-esque chiller "Lover, Please Stay", the talent will not go unnoticed, even if I might not enjoy some as much as others. 

"Itch" burns away at my eardrums more and more with each listen, playing with a strong lead guitar and a large burst of energy once things really get started. I'm really jamming to "Hostage" as well, and I'm really starting to realize something about this band as I unpack their record. They may present themselves as an alt rock outfit, but "Hostage" and others proves that its not all about rocking out to pack a punch. There's some pounding drums and riffs for sure, but notice the dancing vocals that range all the way up to falsetto, and the spacey synths that haunt the chorus, sounding like a combination of 80s new wave and modern rock. 

Falsetto mode gets a little bit old, I'll admit that. Especially when the instrumental doesn't suit it, like on the closer "Tempt You", or at times on the mainly excellent "If I Get High", which gets a pass for its well penned narrative. Mason has the range to pull it off, and things like the poppy hook on "Trip Switch" show when it can used to the band's advantage. Sadly on some of the more slow lit fuses, his voice proves to be less enigmatic than expected, but I definitely see room for growth in his blossoming career. 

Nothing But Thieves mined for coal, but actually struck gold a handful of times of this promising debut LP. It may seem spotty at first, but give it a few listens, I have a feeling you'll see that the power lies in repeated listens. Rock out, cry, tell a friend...whatever this record makes you want to do, really. You have my full support.

"Nothing But Thieves"
Released: 10/23/15 (US)
Album Rating: 4/5
Genre: Alt Rock/Indie/Pop
RCA Records

Thanks for reading my review. Find most of my reviews on my YouTube channel, and follow the blog to make sure you don't miss a post here. 

-Jon (ARTV) 

State Champs - Around The World And Back (Album Review)

 So I'm sure there may be a few of you guys that are upset that I'm doing the State Champs review in a text format instead of my "business as usual" video style that I'm known for. Well, here's the thing. I've been feeling a bit burned out as of late, especially whenever I try and film certain reviews. This one was especially tiresome for me just because I didn't have a ton to say. I didn't feel like the reviews I recorded for Around The World And Back added enough to the conversation to merit an upload. From time to time, you may see me link to a blog post, and just know that it's saving me the headache of uploading something that I don't have my heart in. (I've only done that a handful of times, and let me tell you, that sucks to post something you aren't proud of.)

Pushing that aside, State Champs are a pop punk outfit that have been rising in the ranks over the past few years since the release of 2013's The Finer Things. Even though they really haven't reached a huge audience with their music yet, they do have a very devoted fan base, one that has requested this review of me quite often since it was announced back in June.

This band plays pop punk and pop rock music like its the early 2000s, or maybe even the late 90s, all over again. I say that because they bring a certain sense of energy and charisma that lacked for awhile in popular pop punk music, but I'm happy to see the torch being carried by bands like this. You'll notice strong and driving guitars, peppy vocals, and a sense of fun that really helps this album stand out.

Now before I praise some of the tracks I like, I have to note this records major flaw. A lot of these songs are very similar. There's a very clear formula being used, big sing along choruses, bouncing riffs, and lots of build up in the verses, three elements you'll see plenty of in this album. This may sound like the perfect idea on paper, but trust me, it wears thin on some of the cuts that don't have enough variety in their instrumentation. 

I loved the energy and attitude that the lead single "Secrets" brought, and in fact, its turned into one of the best pop punk songs of the year! I love the thumping bass work, and the angst that fuels the vocals on this track. The problem is, I heard the same idea and vibe cashed out on several other moments on the LP.

I'm stoked about some of the creativity I'm hearing in songs like "Losing Myself", which has some awesome guitar work going on, as well as "Perfect Score", which puts a nice fresh take on the 'girl I can't have' story. "Shape Up" drives home a solid message about being responsible for your own actions, with the backing vocals feeling particularly strong on this song. Super catchy as well, so this could be one of the tracks that has some staying power long beyond some of its peers. 

The token slow song comes in the form of the title track, but I was actually pleasantly surprised at what we got. I'll admit that the chorus is fluff compared to the verses, which are where the real meat of this song lie. The female voice in this track belongs to Ansley Newman of the band Jule Vera, and pairs up really nice, adding a sweet change of pace to this mainly high tempo album. 

When the album fell of its game, it seemed like it was mainly because it let certain areas drown in their influences rather than taking and making them something new. "Back and Forth" felt like a copy of a bad New Found Glory song about not being happy with ones own self in the context of a relationship. Shaking off "All or Nothing" isn't hard either, it just exudes standard on all levels. The trickling guitar, the try hard emotionally charged vocals, the basic drum work... you've heard it before, I promise. You've also heard it done a lot better, this is skippable at best. 

I was pretty bummed that the album went out on a couple of merely 'in one ear, out the other' jams in the form of "Breaking Ground" and "Tooth & Nail". I don't want you to be confused I genuinely like a good portion of World, but it's a spotty release. It's unfortunate, but the spirit is often brought down with a mediocre song here, or a visibly weak one there. The album goes on its strongest run from the single "Secrets" until "Perfect Score", with things getting a bit inconsistent after that point.

State Champs are oozing with potential, and I can't wait to see what they accomplish in the future as a band, especially once they start to incorporate new influences and ideas into their songs. This just wasn't the album I was hoping for after loving the key track "Secrets". Overall for Around The World And Back, I'm feeling a strong 3/5 with a moderately low replay factor as a whole body of work.

This was just my opinion of course, feel free to let me know yours in the comments section, or on Twitter @ARTVReviews. If you've stumbled onto my blog and aren't familiar with my work, you can find me on YouTube which is where almost all of my reviews are posted. Thanks for reading, I'll see you soon with reviews of Beach House, Coheed, and Demi Lovato. 

-Jon

Kelly Clarkson - "Piece By Piece" ALBUM REVIEW

It's been a few years since we got a proper studio album from the original American Idol, Kelly Clarkson. Sure, the Christmas album was a thing that happened, but I honestly never got around to hearing it. Her last album Stronger was okay, but as per usual, it featured plenty of filler content and a few songs obviously intended as singles.

It happens. The record labels want a few really poppy songs that they can market easily, and they're probably extras cautious with Clarkson after the lukewarm response to 2007's My December, which many praise as her best work but, you guessed it, didn't really have a hit single. 

With Piece By Piece, we find the superstar back for another album full of pop rock jams, ballads, and electronic elements, to give her music a modernized feel. Are there some halfway decent songs on the album? Sure. Lead single "Heartbeat Song" is harmless pop fun, with a strong enough hook that succeeds because Clarkson is, of course, a talented vocalist. The only problem? It's not exactly blasting off at the speed of light on the charts, a trend I've noticed among artists who saw tons of success throughout the mid 2000's. 

Daughtry, Nickelback, The Fray...I could go on, but you get the point. People have moved on to new things. Clarkson has managed to hold her ground more than most of her pop music peers through the years, even scoring a #1 single on her last record in 2011. The problem with her new record is that I don't hear a smash hit on the album. Not that she has to have one, but most of these songs feel very basic and predictable at their core. 

There are a few unexpected moments that I'm enjoying, such as the EDM influenced "Take You High", which actually manages to pull off a bass drop and vocal distortion without sounding super obnoxious and cheesy. 

"Dance With Me" is a pleasant piece of pop that sparkles with enough of Clarkson's persona to make it succeed. 

The album gets bogged down with a large amount of slower, more atmospheric and moody tracks, including a collaboration with John Legend on "Run Run Run", a cover of a hit song by German group Tokio Hotel. I honestly expected more in terms of the instrumentals on the album, especially with the likes of Greg Kurstin producing and writing on the album.

If I said this album was engaging and entertaining, I'd be lying. It's passable as a pop rock album from a once mega-popstar, but nothing more than that to me. If you'd like to see any more of my reviews, you can always check out my YouTube channel where I post multiple video reviews every week. 

"Piece By Piece"
RCA Records
Released Febraury 27th in the US
Album rating: 2.5/5 

-Jon from ARTV
 






 

Sir Sly - "You Haunt Me" Album Review

You know when you go to a concert and the
band puts on such an entertaining show that you just HAVE to check out their material when you get home? 

Yeah, that's what happened with me and Sir Sly. I had heard the single "Gold" a few times on XM station Alt Nation, but had never listened to the group beyond that. They were one of the opening acts on The 1975's spring tour this year, and they absolutely killed it. 

The band is a blend of dark synthesizers, noisy backing guitars, and poignant lyrics that really bite quite hard at times. A past relationship that failed seems to be the inspiration for the majority of this record, as tracks like "You Haunt Me" and "Ghost" capture that bitter essence perfectly.  

This album works best when all of the dark gears are moving at the same time. There's an eerie quality to much of the music here, most notably on hit single "Gold", which disappointingly never quite gets topped on this debut album. There's a brooding sense of bitter lust in vocalist Landon Jacobs' throat as he speaks of one's desire for acquiring riches and fulfilling dreams. It all may sound like a nice farewell, but there's some fangs behind these lips as he fires off phrases like "I don't owe you a single thing, not a g**damn thing", presumably to an ex-flame, or at the very least, an old friend.

The record is split between these darker moments, and then moments of light on cuts like the catchy "Inferno" and the melancholy but somehow bright "You Haunt Me", in which Jacobs' vocals sound a whole lot like Tyler Glenn from Neon Trees. I can't say the title track is doing a whole lot for me, blending a rather drum pattern with some lazy vocals that only really capture my attention during the hook, which at least can be complimented for it's catchy synth line.

I found it interesting that the band decided to make a "part 1, part 2" set of songs on their debut record with the tracks "Nowhere / Bloodlines Part 1" and "Helpless / Bloodlines Part 2". The former is lead by a sense of despair as Jacobs sings "I know that I'm going nowhere, follow me there", possibly speaking of his own self destructive tendencies when it comes to relationships. 

The dismissive attitude found in "Floods" is balanced out by a clap effect and light guitar to create an odd but certainly interesting feel. The lyrics mainly revolve around a man that had a relationship go down the drain, and his reaction, which was mainly swearing her off and saying "it doesn't matter, now you're gone". 

Two of my favorite tracks come in the galloping and catchy alt pop jam "Inferno" and in the powerful "Too Far Gone". "Inferno" has a haunting sense of urgency brought out by a looped synth and piano that both consistently bring auditory pleasure throughout this short but sweet track! "Too Far Gone" comes in a close second for my favorite track on the record, with an acoustic guitar line reminiscent of something from the latest Portugal the Man  album. The vocals are hooky and introspective,  leading into a huge soaring chorus that is backed not only by that guitar, but by a bumping drum and synth combo.

You Haunt Me is a reflective and moody record, one to really appreciated in times of despair or vulnerability in life. The majority of these songs are really well crafted, but some tend to feel stale and unmoving which is unfortunate since there isn't a song on here that doesn't show at least a little bit of potential.  
 
4/5

-Jon (ARTV)

If you enjoyed reading my review, consider subscribing to my YouTube channel where I post 2-3 video reviews each week on current albums.

Favorite tracks: Gold, Too Far Gone, Inferno, Helpless, Ghost

Least favorites:  Leave You, Found You Out, Nowhere