The Indie Review

By Sean Duregger
April 24, 2008

Artist: Panic at the Disco
Album: Pretty. Odd.
Label: Fueled By Ramen/Decaydance
Rating:

I’ve always been one to encourage bands and artists to push themselves and to always try new things. Sometimes something really amazing happens leaving a lasting imprint on a generation; however, sometimes the risk falls flat and becomes utterly forgettable. The Beatles left a creative mark on music history with Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Their 8th Studio Album). Panic at the Disco, however, decided to use the Sgt. Pepper formula on their SECOND studio album, Pretty. Odd. Leaving fans of their first release, A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out, scratching their heads and wondering where the band they fell in love with went. Great production, great musicianship, and great vocals do not necessarily mean a great album. Something is missing from Pretty. Odd. making it Pretty. Forgettable.

It’s easy to respect what Panic at the Disco are doing here. They obviously were burnt out on their old songs and sound so they wanted to move in a different direction. However, the blatant Beatles/Folk influence is what makes this such an uneventful album. There is nothing new here. If you pool together all your parents old LPs from the Early to Mid 70s, this is pretty much what you will hear. While this is an interesting direction for a band today to move to, this makes Pretty. Odd. a slightly boring listen. Nothing really demands attention here, and every song (with the exception of a couple tracks) falls completely flat and has no where to go.

There is something to be said about the production, though. It is absolutely phenomenal. The use of strings, piano, horns and many more instruments requires a lot of talent to arrange and isn’t just tacked on to make these songs sound fuller or more complex. Vocals, also are well thought out and Brendon’s voice has improved since A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out.

While there are some positives to Pretty. Odd. there just isn’t the innovation and energy most people fell in love with in A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out. Pretty. Odd. just exists as a love letter to The Beatles while letting us know that Panic at the Disco is still around. Hopefully their next album will dig them out of this Pretty. Boring. sophomore slump.

Stand Out Tracks:

“Nine in the Afternoon”

“Northern Downpour”

“That Green Gentlemen”

read comments (0)

The Indie Review
By Sean Duregger
April 18, 2008

Artist: The Hush Sound
Album: Goodbye Blues
Label: Fueled By Ramen/Decaydance
Rating:

 Email This Post  Print This Post

I discovered The Hush Sound with their last release, Like Vines. It was a fresh departure from Powerpop/Emo/Screamo that was beginning to saturate the scene. Their Jazz infused Pop came off pretty irresistible and that album stayed in my CD player for an extended amount of time before it was placed into my gigantic iTunes Library.

The Hush Sound is back with their third studio release, Goodbye Blues. Instead of giving us more of the same, they have grown as musicians and songwriters; taking risks on new sounds while remaining true to their Jazzy overtones. For the most part, the musical strides they have taken pay off. Goodbye Blues is an album that isn’t as memorable as Like Vines, but a solid release nonetheless.

The main problem with Goodbye Blues lies in the vocals. It seems like they have taken a step back and just aren’t as solid as previous efforts. While I appreciate how Greta Salpeter and Robert Morris trade off vocal responsibilities, Robert’s vocals are overshadowed by Greta’s sultry and smooth voice. The most memorable songs on Goodbye Blues are graced with Greta’s voice. Hopefully on their next album, Robert takes the passenger seat a little more and lets Greta take over most the vocal responsibility. Her voice is extremely powerful and unique.

Musically, The Hush Sound show tremendous growth with Goodbye Blues. They are trying new things and not copying any formulas here. The songs take more time to warm up to, and are definitely less catchy this time around. Which is unfortunate. Like Vines had numerous gems, while Goodbye Blues makes you wait and dig a little bit to find it’s gems. But, I will say that the songs that stand out on Goodbye Blues have incredible weight and sincerity behind them. The solid production, interesting song arrangements and ingenious musicianship make up for any shortcomings.

With Goodbye Blues, The Hush Sound have shown they can evolve as a band and offer something new yet familiar. While not their best album, Goodbye Blues has it’s moments and solidifies The Hush Sound as a band to continue to pay attention to.

Stand Out Tracks:

“Honey”

“Medicine Man”

“The Boys Are Too Refined”

read comments (0)

To celebrate signing to Decaydance Records, Four Year Strong are giving their current album Rise or Die Trying away for FREE!! Get it HERE!

read comments (0)

 

 

 IndieUprising #12: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (654)

Featured Band: Ashcroft. Interview with Matt and Justin

Music By: Tokyo Rose. Anagoes. The Academy Is. Yellow, The Vertical. Darkmiracle. A Cadence of Sorts. Paramore. Ashcroft. Red Fox Grey Fox. Brailen.

News Links:

Every Time I Die looking for extras!

Glassjaw the first band announced for 2007 Saints & Sinners Festival.

EMI goes to Myspace.

Universal disses iTunes.

read comments (0)

 

 IndieUprising #11: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (676)

Featured Band: Pierce the Veil. Interview with Vic Fuentes (vocals, guitars)

Music By: Brandtson. The Prize Fighter Inferno. Love and Reverie. A Cadence of Sorts. Cobra Starship. Sirens Sister. Medicated Kisses. Pierce the Veil. This Providence. Nude.

News Links:

Thrice And Island Records Part Ways

Rolling Stone Articles On The Future Of Music
article #1
article #2

read comments (0)