TAG: Prog

Jul01

Midnight Juggernauts – The Crystal Axis (Review)

Midnight Juggernauts

The Crystal Axis

Released by Siberia


On the surface, The Crystal Axis, the Midnight Juggernauts’ sophomore record, has all the same elements as their excellent debut Dystopia: various swooping and oceanic synths, cascading vocals and an appreciation for a good beat. But while Dystopia played around with nu-disco and 80s pop, always focused on the movement, the hook (and catchy ones at that: I still challenge anyone to name a better opening than the one to “Into the Galaxy,” which is memorable without ever being annoying), The Crystal Axis feels more like something done by ...

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Jun16

Blitzen Trapper – Destroyer of the Void (Review)

Blitzen Trapper

Destroyer of the Void

Released by Sub Pop Records


Blitzen Trapper are back with their 5. album Destroyer of the Void, following their highly acclaimed 2008 album Furr. This will be the year where they can enjoy the fruits of their own labor, after 10 years of releasing records. The album is chock-full of American music influences; from the ‘60s folk to the country and prog sounds of the ’70s, to the pop balladry of the ’80s. The Portland sextet is not afraid to experiment, and their singer/guitarist Eric Early effortlessly adjust his voice to any musical vibe.  Album ...

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Jan29

Lindstrøm & Christabelle – Real Life Is No Cool (Review)

Lindstrøm & Christabelle

Real Life Is No Cool

Released by Smalltown Supersound / Feedelity


The Norwegian maestro of disco, Hans-Peter Lindstrøm, teams up again with Christabelle (also known as Solale), and together they craft a masterful 10-song pop album. They have worked together since 2001, and begun working on the album before 2008’s epic Where You Go I Go To. Even though Lindstrøm is famous for his retro futuristic space disco, it never sounds like he’s working within a format. Real Life Is No Cool lacks the long masturbatory jams, and is tighter and more formal than his last few releases. The album is filled with new-wave pop melodies and piano house keys. It's sharp and chunky with heavy stomping basslines and wobbly arpeggiated synths. Wrapped in a warm and organic analog production, it's as dreamy as its title suggests.

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