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TOP 5 HOME GROWN RELEASES OF 2011
5Here are my top releases of 2011. A fair warning to everyone, this may be very biased.
Arcadia – Parallels
Arcadia’s much anticipated debut album came out on March. This record presents the band’s talent and technical knowledge. One of the prevailing thoughts running through my head while listening to this album for the first time was I want to learn how to do that. This is one of the records that make me want to run around in cold sweat and punch holes in the walls. I have learned it is best to not listen to this within an hour from bed time.
Pupil - Limiters of the Infinity Pool
This is admittedly one of the most colorful albums I have listened to this year. I say colorful in a sense that one can perceive the layers of music laid down in each song as you go track by track. This record nearly exceeded my expectations. It is musically imaginative and entertaining without compromising the beauty of the lyrics.
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Typecast - How Your Influence Betrays You
The two words I would use to describe this album would be mature and angry. Yup, the band’s sound has become heavier. It is an amalgam of a number of post-rock, hardcore, grunge, and metal elements. For me it surpasses their previous material in terms of its illustrative sound and its technicalities. Another impressive fact about this record is that it is independently released — meaning the record is exactly how the band wanted it to be.
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Taken By Cars – Dualist
This album is one I would describe as a love child of all things you’re looking for in an indie-rock record. It has melodic instruments paired with impressively intimate lyrics. There are actual synths on this one, making some tracks totally danceable. I also feel the need to point out the impressive build ups in Thrones: Equals. It is no wonder they have been included in the lineup for South by South West 2012 in Austin, Texas.
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Bamboo - No Water, No Moon
If you have gotten used to the political nature of the songs Bamboo (the band) have released, Bamboo’s solo album has none of it. This record provides that same feel when you’re slumped on your couch on a Sunday afternoon. The instrumentation in this record gives a panoramic visual of your life in black and white. It is comfortable and technically dynamic. Lyrically, it is different from everything else you hear on the radio. If this album were a person, I would love to go on a date with him/her.
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RUNNERS UP*:
Kamikazee – Romantico
Sandwich - Contra Tiempo
Johnny Alegre - Human Folk
Squeezers - Auto Reverse 3 motor 4 head
Slapshock - Kinse Kalibre
*These albums have a number of commendable tracks. But overall did not quite make it to the great album category. Still, I recommend giving these a listen.
There you have it. Any other albums you think should make it to this list? Leave us a message!
-Robyn
