3.6/5
Hungry Kids of Hungary are a four piece Australian pop/indy band who are signed by EMI and have toured with the likes of OK GO and others.
Although Escapades came out last year, it’s only now becoming relevant due to the fluctuation with the direction pop and indy music takes today (arguably).
Right off the bat Escapades comes in with a fast, catchy quick hit – Wristwatch.
Why did the album only get a 3.6? Hit the jump and find out.
For links/videos/songs from each review, don’t forget to check the “hand picked” tab for a quick listen.
3.9/5
First of all – what the hell is a deluxe single?
Tags: Deluxe Single, Electronic, Electropop, Hey Champ, music, music review, New Music, Phenoix, Pop, Synth, Two Door Cinema Club
4.25/5
Kraak & Smaak are a trio originally from the Netherlands. They have three albums currently out, and their music is featured on everything from BBC’s Radio 1 to the Cohen Brother’s movie, Oh Brother, Where art thou? to Gray’s Anatomy and literally everything inbetween.
They’ve played SXSW, Cochella, Bonnaroo and the rest of the musical world.
…now Electric Hustle, this album.
It is one funky work of art.
If the 80′s, 70′s and 00′s had a lovechild orgy – this would be the child.
One beautifully smooth, stunning, sexy child.
Oh man is this stuff good. I dare you to listen to this album and not tap your foot. It’s impossible.
The atmosphere on this album is intense – jazzy, funky, smooth and new. I love the dark bass, the off-beat synths and the tempos that move up and down the number like it’s Kraak & Smaak’s job.
More later about this one. But when the album actually drops, go out and get it. For real. Bro.
-Vandy
Tags: Album Reivew, Electric Hustle, Electronic, Funky, Kraa & Smaak, music, music review
5/5
Foxy Shazam are a six member rock band from Ohio (Midwest!).
Foxy Shazam – Foxy Shazam came out in 2010.
So the obvious thing to say here is that Foxy Shazam sounds like shittier version of Queen.
But this is just the beginning. If you don’t like the resemblance, then stop reading this review right now and go elsewhere.
I love this album. Nuff’ said.
*Takes deep breath*
Classical, Ska, Swing, Jazz, Dance, Glam Rock, Alternative, Post 80′s, 80′s, Power Rock, Punk, Post Punk, Rock and Roll, Nostalgic, Passion, Artistic, Funny, Mocking and Originality are all huge factors in this album.
With the lone trumpets, to the dexterious strikes of a single key on an upright piano ringing throughout several tracks – This album is fucking wonderful.
By epic proportions. If you grew up listening to bands like Iron Maiden, Queen, Rage Against the Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Led Zeppelin and countless other classics – please give this album a chance.
Yeah there is an obvious new age overtone feeling.
Yeah some of the vocals are a little rough.
BUT THERE’S ENERGY!!!!
Electric guitars, memorable lyrics, various instruments, tons of arrangements, samples galore and enough style for 10 albums.
So plow throw this album; Sway during “Bye Bye Symphony” (Life’s a bitch, but she’s still do-able!)
These guys are the reason I’m going to warped tour this year. #sumitup
It’s spring anyways. Rip off those extra layers of clothing and throw on a happy tune or 9000 and shed your negativity, for summer is right around the corner!
-Vandy
Tags: Album, album review, Alternative, Alternative Rock, Dance, Foxy Shazam, Piano, Post Punk, review, Ska
4/5
The Dum Dum Girls are a 4 woman indy rock group hailing from the mighty coast of CA. They have a full length album that came out last year titled “I will be” and are signed by Sub Pop Records (The shins, the postal service).
Four out of five for each of the four tracks on this EP – all lovely to listen too.
On first listen there’s a lot to take in.
Goth rock, chick fuzz, ambient and post dance overtones, minimalist style and all sorts of swing, pop and indy rock influences.
Breaking it down quickly, I loved this EP.
Each of the tracks are blissfully layered and unique in there own sense, from the twangy plucks on Wong Feels Right to the grungy-chunky wa-wa chords on He Gets Me High – each track seems carefully stylized and just similar enough to bring similarity and fluency, yet breaks redundancy on par.
But by far, the best track on the EP is “There is a light that never goes out.”
A Smiths cover.
Do I dare say it’s better than the original? Maybe.
It’s full with a warm fuzzy sound; not overpowering nor distracting. It just adds to the sound. I likey.
Regardless it’s a wonderful rendition and take on a cult classic.
Final Word:
The only other thing I’d like to note about the Dum Dum Girls is that they give me the feeling as if they should be Zooey Deschanel’s band in (500)Days of Summer.
Yeah I said it. #Stickingtomyguns
Off the record
As I sit here and watch this girl to my left composite a ton of wedding photos (CLICHE?) I have to apologize on missing some big releases lately. Lack of sleep and school are really starting to grind my gears. The Tron Remix disk should provide some insightful words, until then
-Vandy
Tags: Dum Dum Girls, ep, indy, Lovely, music, music review
3.75/5
At first listen the lonely forest sounds like Modest Mouse.
Fight it all you want, it’s true.
And for a moment, it works.
Until you realize it’s not as good. Plain and simple, the riffs just aren’t as memorable, and the lyrics just aren’t good enough – they try so hard and you can really hear it across the album. The one saving grace that answers deliberately on the album is their dreamy-breakdowns, something you normally don’t hear off of a indy band.
But not to rip too hard here – after all they have been hogging the airtime on my headphones. Why? It’s catchy as hell.
I can dig the dream-downs. (Please don’t abuse this though, indy rock bands)
The best track on album is No. 2 – Turn off this song and go outside.
Catchy catchy catchy and the dreamdown at 2:07 is a wonderful crescendo that complements the song with passion and buildup – giving depth and a good vibe in all directions.
Other mentions:
Track No. 4 – I am the love addict (good driving song, hoppity hop)
Track No. 8 – Two notes and a beat (Sort of sounds like u2/coldplay a little, for better or worse)
If the lonely forest looks to improve, they need to lay off the lazy effects on their guitars, step up their drumming and pull those dreamy synths in higher direction.
Nuf’ said.
Tags: album review, decent, indy rock, jam, music, music review, not bad, passing, review, songs to listen to, sounds
