Music reviews from KCSU
Soulfly
“Prophecy”
By Nate Harper, metal director
Musical legend Max Cavalera has seen it all in his 20-something
years of recording and performing metal music.
Cavalera started out his career in Brazil with Sepultura in 1985
with the massively underproduced “Morbid Visions.” That album
centered on fast guitars, blast-beat drumming and plenty of
half-assed satanic imagery in Max’s broken English. Now the leader
of Soulfly, Max has come full circle with his latest release
“Prophecy.”
An espoused believer and born-again Christian, Max has worked
with several different lineups and sounds with Soulfly.
With “Prophecy,” Soulfly has departed from the alt-metal sound
of “Primitive” to bring back the rock with an all-new lineup from
their previous album “3.” Recorded in Arizona and Serbia, Max’s
rage feels more focused, as does the bands sound, with heavier
guitars and tighter production.
The title track kicks off the album with some signature Soulfly
power chords and “Execution Style” brings the band back to “Chaos
A.D.” era of Sepultura with its speedy riffing and growled vocals.
One of the highlights of the album and the biggest departure from
traditional metal music is “Moses” a six-minute-plus mixture of
heavy chords and reggae. Cavalera also delivers Porrada, one of the
hardest-hitting tracks on the album, in his native tongue –
Portuguese.
As always there is the signature instrumental jam track in
memory of Max’s departed stepson Dana.
With “Prophecy” Soulfly has delivered their strongest release
since their eponymous debut in 1998 and given their fans the album
they’ve wanted for some time.
The Living End
“Modern Artillery”
By Rachel Spannuth, Concert Director
The Melbourne, Australia group, The Living End, invade America
for the third time with their latest album “Modern Artillery.”
This long-anticipated album from the band was delayed due to a
near-fatal car accident that left the guitarist/vocalist, Chris
Cheney, unable to play for a year.
This album doesn’t stray far from their previous works of “The
Living End” and
“Roll On,” adhering to their signature combination of punk,
rockabilly and rock ‘n’ roll. But, as the saying goes, if it ain’t
broke, don’t fix it. This album contains high-energy songs like
“Rising Up From The Ashes,” “Hold Up” and “One Said To The Other.”
The first single off the album, “Who’s Gonna Save Us?” has Cheney’s
recognizable voice combined with some powerful lyrics.
The album is an amazing effort from The Living End, who is
currently on tour with Jet and The Vines on the Australian Invasion
tour, which came to Denver last week.
Toots and the Maytals
“True Love”
By John Holland, assistant music director
During my daily rummaging in the KCSU music office I noticed
that one of the greatest reggae bands of all time had a new record
out. Then I looked closer to see that this could become one of the
greatest reggae records ever.
Toots isn’t doing the typical “peace on earth, be happy, Mount
Zion” songs that are normally associated with reggae. Instead, he
has brought in some of the biggest talents in music as well as some
up-and-coming stars for the latest release. The record starts out
with a track featuring none other than the legendary Willie Nelson.
I was thinking “nice try” but then I heard the song and heard how
well Willie and Toots work together. The record continues with
Toots being joined by Bonnie Raitt, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Keith
Richards and then with artists from our generation. He works with
Rahzel, Trey Anastasio, Ben Harper, The Roots, Rachel Yamagata and
No Doubt among others.
It really is an all-star cast and they do not disappoint. This
is a good record for people who like good music and can be enjoyed
by just about anyone.
Trey Anastasio
“Seis De Mayo”
By Chris Hess
Have you ever wanted to pry inside the mind of a musical genius?
Have you ever wanted to explore the nuances of virtuosity? With
“Seis De Mayo,” the latest solo effort from Phish-frontman Trey
Anastasio, your opportunity has arrived.
“Seis,” which is an album of entirely instrumental pieces,
offers both the most loyal “phan” and the curious observer
something to sink their teeth into.
Those familiar with Phish will recognize intricately arranged
versions of “The Inlaw Josie Wales” and “All Things Reconsidered.”
The introduction from “Pebbles and Marbles” off Phish’s 2002
release “Round Room” has been arranged as an orchestral miniature,
a piece which Anastasio scored in his basement. A full orchestral
version of the Phish jam “Guyute” closes the record, leaving the
listener with goose bumps.
The Caribbean-tinged “Andre the Giant” (featuring Phish bassist
Mike Gordon) and Dixie Land infused “Coming To” (featuring Phish
drummer Jon Fishman) offer up fresh new sounds to please anyone’s
ear. Although short, the record leaves you wanting more.
“Seis De Mayo” is an album that you can take home this summer
and enjoy with your parents while making them think your musical
taste has matured. Listening to it will make you feel smart but hip
at the same time. From beginning to end, each song bests the one
before it, offering a glimpse at what one man from Vermont is
capable of doing in his spare time.
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