KCSU reviews
By Kevin Rigotti, Newscaster
Her Space Holiday
” The Young Machines”
The one-man band is back. Marc Blanchi of the band Her Space
Holiday’s newest album “The Young Machines” is now out. This unique
form of electronic rock blends guitar and other sting rhythms with
soft electronic beats. Blanchi’s voice resembles that of Eels front
man Mark Everett, but does lack the same level of despair. Some
songs on this album never reach the climax necessary to break up
the sometimes repetitiveness that electronic rock can have,
however, the album in general has a good flow of beats and mood
from one song to the next, making it easy to relax to. The mood of
the album stretches the full length of possible emotions. Some
songs make you feel sorry for the guy while others will raise your
spirits. The lyrics are especially well written and emotions are
well articulated. While some messages and moods might be on the
down side, the overall beats and rhythms are enough to keep your
ears up and your mind stimulated. This is an album to listen when
relaxing, but the beats might get a little repetitive after a
while.
Mike Santos, Production Director
Murder by Death
“Who Will Survive, and What Will Be Left of Them?”
Don’t let the name fool you. Murder by Death is really not what
you think they are. Their latest release, “Who Will Survive, and
What Will Be Left of Them,” is definitely not what you would expect
from a band with a name like Murder by Death. Instead, “Who Will
Survive” is a concept album following the journey of a wanderer
through a small town. The majority of the CD runs at a consistent
pace, utilizing Old West saloon effects as well as an Old West
sound overall. It kind of makes me feel like I should have been
watching a John Wayne movie while listening. At any rate, this CD
requires a couple of listens to fully grasp the idea. In a world
saturated by concept albums, what makes Murder by Death different
from everyone else? Well…uh…they have a cello player named
Sarah! Word.
John Holland, Assistant Music Director
Travis
“12 Memories”
As one of the finest exports from the mother country, Travis has
come stateside again with “12 Memories.” They gained their U.S.
popularity by playing catchy, emotional British rock, much like
Radiohead. And they have started to try new things, again much like
Radiohead. However, Travis is moving a lot slower in the
experimental process. This album does have the abrasive changes and
new sounds that can be expected when a band is doing something
they’ve never done before. It also has the familiar sound that made
them who they are. Tracks like “Re-Offender” and “Love Will Come
Through” feature that same Travis sound you know and love. This is
not the best album to become a fan with, but if you were already
familiar with their work and others similar to them (Muse,
Radiohead, even Nick Drake at times) you can bet your bottom dollar
this disc will please.
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