It's been too long since I rashly began this Blogger/Blogspot/Blurrrrgh before moving quickly to Tumblr (dieanalogdie.tumblr.com), but in light of the recent awesomeness that has been 2010 for music, I felt it only appropriate to raise the volume a little and talk in an outside voice. Highly appropriate that my last post dealt with Colorado-based rock group Cure For Madeline, as well as audio-enema spazzsters Rolo Tomassi. Let us open a window, let in a little air, and take a journey for a minute.
Today I found a message in my inbox from a certain "Giovanni". Also certain was the fact that I do not know anyone named Giovanni. I was curious about this little message. I decided to open the bastard up and take a look-see. What I found was a charming note from one of the guitar players of Fort Collins' own Cure For Madeline (HERE, BITCHES). Upon discovering this fact, I was immediately surprised that none of the message contained the usual "fuck you"s and "you wouldn't know good music if I called it David Bowie and put it in a dress" (this. has. happened.). The note was very polite; Giovanni explained that he had come across my earlier blog entry and was "intrigued" at my opinion. He asked that I head BACK to their MySpace (I admit, I shuddered a little at the thought) and listen to their newer material.
Oh, fine. Let me pack a bowl first.
Reason #1 on why I am here. I did go back to their MySpace, and I listened to their two newest (citation needed) tracks - "Cherries & Lemonade" and "ADDICT". Thoughts on both follow.
"Cherries & Lemonade", on first listen, sounds like Paramore. I am not making a comparison in style here. It flat out sounds like a slow Paramore song. Think "Let This Go" from All We Know Is Falling. Now, let me explain how this isn't necessarily a bad thing. I dig on Paramore more than I really should, but at the same time...who the hell thought it was a good thing to sound exactly like someone else? Maybe it is the fact that I am seriously bored with every genre of music you find on popular radio nowadays - especially when it comes to so-called "alternative" rock - but once again (SURPRISE!) nothing truly grabbed me about this. Fun fact: This track also features Joey Barba formerly of The Brotherhood Of Dae Han and now of my second-favorite Colorado band, Tickle Me Pink. Even the Barba could not kick out the jams to make this song anything more than okay.
After a couple more listens, I do have to say that vocal work has gotten a lot stronger and the harmonies of the chorus are the most decent parts of the song. I didn't find my face melting-off Raiders Of The Lost Ark style...which, in this context, means this band could still be making leaps and bounds in their style and songwriting skills.
THIS IS WHAT SHOULD BE HAPPENING WHEN I HEAR YOUR MUSIC.
Now, what can I say about "ADDICT"? It's definitely a lot different from "Cherries & Lemonade"? It starts out with a pretty typical Coheed & Cambria guitar line (which you achieve by mixing together power metal, prog rock, and any riff ever written by any guitar player who has ever listened to a single At The Drive-In song), and then fleshes out a bit with the best vocal work I've heard from front-woman Whitney Leigh so far. It's got a little attitude! A little snarkiness! Then suddenly, it hits me. The Donnas. It REALLY REALLY REALLY reminds me of The Donnas, and hilarity ensues. I couldn't get the image of Donna A thrashing out next to Claudio Sanchez and that huge hair of his out my head.
There. I did it. I tried. My best attempt at giving Cure For Madeline another shot. I guess it's getting better...? Keep it up and maybe they'll find a voice that more closely resembles their own. It might seem like I get down on what might influence an artist, or can only determine the quality of an artist's product based off what else it might sound like it - but that's only half true. Everything is the result of what has come before, but I would like to see the next step from there. So, that is the question that I propose for Giovanni and the rest of Cure For Madeline - what is it that makes your music YOU and ONLY YOU?
Now, speaking of thrashing and face melting and blood-thirsty bears, may I immediately recommend to our more advanced readers/listeners (those who appreciate the Votolato brothers, want Sean Nelson's life, and know who I'm talking about when I mention 'Zooma'): Rolo Tomassi's "Cosmology".
Chocobo says DIE!
There probably is not a worldwide government conspiracy dedicated to creating the most kick-ass band of all time, but Rolo Tomassi is pretty good evidence to the contrary: Five British teenagers (EDIT: never mind, as of May 18th, they're all over twenty years of age) with extreme technical prowess and a mutant understanding of musical composition. Hypnotic synth. Wicked breakdowns that almost guarantee dancing. Unbelievable power. A female lead singer who can growl and scream like Satan. Who could ask for more?
While this style of music is definitely not for everyone, it has definitely converted a fair number of my colleagues into fans. I guess you just have to hear it for yourself:
Visit the official Rolo Tomassi MySpace and find out how you can make the right choice and purchase a copy of this wonderful record. It's definitely on the fast track to becoming my favorite record of the year.
