Film Review: 'What We Do Is Secret'

Last night I was fortunate enough to catch an advance screening of What We Do Is Secret, a forthcoming biopic centered around legendary LA based punk act, The Germs. The film stars Shane West & Bijou Phillips amongst others. While the acting was, at times, imperfect, the movie portrayed the late '70s scene and its star players beautifully. Additionally, Shane's vocals are shockingly, yet eerily similar to those of former frontman, Darby Crash. A highly enjoyable 90 minute feature. New Yorkers can catch a pseudo reunited version of The Germs, featuring SW, on 8/8 @ The Gramercy (the official date of the flick's NYC premiere).

Learn more about What We Do Is Secret here.

MP3: The Germs - What...

Review: The Walkmen - You & Me

It's been slightly over six years since The Walkmen released their landmark debut LP, Everyone Who Pretended To Like Me Is Gone. The instantly alluring record was a passionate, immediate, unique and groundbreaking affair. The Walkmen followed Everyone with even more vigor on Bows & Arrows & A Hundred Miles Off. Sparks fly once again on the band's latest opus, You & Me. Recorded in Mississippi & New York, the album shines like a diamond in the rough. Key tracks include 'In The New Year', 'Postcards From Tiny Islands' & the majestic closer, 'If Only It Were True'. Another stunning collection!

You & Me is out on September 16th.

MP3: The Walkmen - The Rat

Review: Jeremy Jay - A Place Where We Could Go

Intelligent, concise, melodic, distinctive & ravishing. If I was forced into summing up Jeremy Jay's debut LP with five words, these are the few I would select. The 11-track, 29-minute album is one of the most glorious records I've heard thus far this year. Part vintage singer songwriter, part modern day wordsmith & part futuristic narrator, J's simplistic style transcends genres & confines, alike. A Place Where We Could Go is not only a much-needed breath of fresh air, it represents a tidal wave of ingenuity. The full-length is out on May 20th via K.

Visit Jeremy Jay at his official MySpace page.

MP3: Jeremy Jay - Beautiful Rebel [alt link]

Review: Senryu - Oh My Darling, Quarantine

In Zen & The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance, author Robert Pirsig defines the now lost word Chautauqua as "an old-time series of popular talks intended to edify & entertain, improve the mind and bring culture & enlightenment to the ears & thoughts of the hearer." When listening to the new album Oh My Darling, Quarantine by Senryu, I couldn't seem to shake that term from my mind. When I delved further into what exactly a Chautauqua was, I discovered that those talks on politics, morality & science were always accompanied by "musicians (opera ensembles, string quartets, but also more lighthearted music), dramatic productions, entertainment of all sorts." I smiled when I read that & thought, "yeah, sounds about right."

This Saturday, Senryu will release their fourth album (see the previous Stars & Gartars, Bath Of Broken Glass and Pssst), a short recording with the quirky title of Oh My Darling, Quarantine. Yes, Saturday is not the normal day for a new album release but the band that has grown, recorded and flourished outside the sometimes restrictive rules of the music industry & is doing what they do best - releasing a rare, short run CD at a concert (Pilot Light: Knoxville, TN with Jucifer). A recording you may not be able to find again, or even beg of the band, that is full of gems their true fans will go to any lengths to buy. These rare EPs and albums are Senryu's Chautauqua, bringing "enlightenment to the ears & thoughts of the hearer." On this Tuesday, the traditional day for the release of new music, I find myself in the extraordinary position of being the first person to possess a copy of Oh My Darling, Quarantine. I feel as if I have been initiated into a hidden society.

Oh My Darling, Quarantine begins with an introduction, 'Hey Gravity,' a short schoolyard style chant about hidden angel wings, and quickly moves into 'Posture Perfect', a song that begins reminiscent of The Strokes' 'Last Nite' and evolves into a Shout Out Louds, Boy Least Likely To style pop sing-a-long. 'Plastic Sugary' is without a doubt a single, you can listen to it on the band's MySpace, the single that will have you jumping around at their next show. I have no idea what 'Plastic Sugary' is but, hey, whatever, this tune is punk, and shout-y without being too punk and shout-y. Senryu has a particular knack for being able to do that, take a listen to 'I Am A Battering Ram', a staple on their MySpace, and you'll see what I mean. 'The Glory Of The Morning When I Met You For The 2nd Time', is a song I thought meant something different than what you are probably thinking as well. It starts off light and silly and slides into a surprising sweetness mid-song with a Muse-like downturn in tempo. Next is 'Alstublieft' during which I find myself wanting to be that girl on a plane, 'Cannibals And Missionaries,' a strange and haunting song, and to end it all perfectly, my pick for a single, 'The Breathing Machine.' When I first listened to 'The Breathing Machine', I could think of only one word of description: epic. With threads of I'm From Barcelona & Avett Brothers, it soars with indie pop brilliance that makes the entire LP hard to forget.

What makes this latest installment from Senryu stand out most is that each song is distinct and interesting, incorporating different musical genres and devices which together cry Americana. It's a little ragtime, punk, country soul and old fashioned rock and roll stirred into one and reinvented in a manner that comes off as both intriguing and endearing. As I listen, I find that what I really crave are the lyrics to interpret it all. Every song gives off a premonition of future performances where the words will be sung loudly back to the band and now that I'm in this secret society, I want to be able to sing too.

I would like to thank Senryu for a first chance to listen & for once again creating a group of songs that I am finding extremely difficult to get out of my head... not that I would want to.

MP3: 'Plastic Sugary' [alt link] [alt link 2]

Review: The Lisps - Country Doctor Museum

Dedicated slutloyals may already realize that one of our most delicious finds of the past twelve months is Brooklyn's very own, Lisps. Their debut EP, The Vain The Modest & The Dead, had us instantly hooked with its unexpected fusion of quirkiness, subtlety & merriment. The band's first proper full-length, Country Doctor Museum, begins exactly where Vain left off. Each of the LP's thirteen tracks blur the boundaries between anti-folk, vaudeville & vintage country (circa late 1950s). Furthermore, the record's highly enjoyable vocal dialogs between Sammy Tunis & Cesar Alvarez provide a charming and unique balance. A symmetry that is fresh, innovative & endearing within the current landscape of independent music.

Visit The Lisps at their official site.

MP3: The Lisps - Heaven

Review: The Glass - Couples Therapy EP

Habitual readers of The Music Slut may already realize that we have a constant and growing fascination with New York-based electro duo, The Glass. Ever since the very first time I witnessed The Glass's mesmerizing live show (mini-review here), I was eager to hear more. Much more. With Couples Therapy, the band quenches that undying thirst in the most delectable way. The EP's seven tracks showcase The Glass's incomparable ability to meld together New Order-esque keyboard riffs with Studio B-ready techno anthems. With an endless array of new dance acts popping up on a near-daily basis, The Glass manages to tower above the vast majority with great ease. Check out the short-player's opening track, 'Mad At You', below. Learn more about The Glass here. Download a multitude of Glass remixes via this link to the band's official blog.

MP3: The Glass - Mad At You

Review: A Brief Smile - Now We All Have Horns

Instantly epic. Those are the first two words that come to mind when attempting to review A Brief Smile's stellar debut full-length, Now We All Have Horns. From the opening My Bloody Valentine-esque slow-burner, 'Escape Art', to the electrifying and downright breathtaking closing track, 'Vicious' (download the MP3 below), Horns somehow manages to greatly exceed my irrefutably atmospheric expectations.

For fifty-seven minutes, A Brief Smile's Now We All Have Horns plays like an astral roller coaster to the moon. With a flawless balance between vocal melody and instrumental distortion, I could tout the album for an eternity if given the opportunity.

Learn more about A Brief Smile and stream Now We All Have Horns, in its entirety, right here.

MP3: A Brief Smile - Vicious

Review: Calvin Harris - I Created Disco

The Scottish James Murphy (LCD Soundsystem), the second coming of Jamiroquai, Mylo's musical step cousin, synth-pop's new king & heaven-sent beat maestro. These are just some of the terms used by critics and bloggers over the last few months to describe Calvin Harris's fourteen-track, fifty-five-minute debut record, I Created Disco. Since March, Calvin has been creating quite an international stir with his dancefloor-ready singles: 'Merrymaking At My Place', 'The Girls' & 'Acceptable In The 80s'. The buzz is about to reach fever pitches as I Created Disco plots its North American attack next month.

2007 is shaping up to be one of the finest years in recent memory for electronic releases. Simian Mobile Disco, Justice, LCD Soundsystem and !!! have all delivered thrilling, imaginative albums over the course of the last eight months. Now, as I can assure you, we can officially throw Calvin's name into that elite pool. I Created Disco is simply put, a fantastic album, from start to finish. It'd be a near-impossible task to give Disco a listen without feeling the urge to bust a move, or rather, multiple moves. With scant pausing/interludes, Calvin brings the pre-party, party and post-party with his premiere full-length. As described in Calvin's bio, he began fiddling with his Casio at the ripe age of fifteen. Now, at 23, with over eight years of adeptness under his belt, Disco just may become the debut record of the year. Download one of my favorite tunes from the LP below. Learn more about Calvin Harris here at his MySpace page or here at his official site.

MP3: Calvin Harris - Vegas

Review: Roddy Woomble - My Secret Is My Silence

Earlier this year, I begrudgingly gave Idlewild's latest record, Make Another World, a less than stellar review. For as much as I adore the Scottish act, I was beyond underwhelmed with what they presented on their fifth proper full-length. Fast-forward six months later, and Roddy Woomble - Idlewild's frontman, is set to release his solo debut, My Secret Is My Silence. The album, which was recorded over a nine-day period in South Yorkshire during March '06, is thankfully, a much stronger and coherent release than World.

Judging from snippets of reviews I read prior to hearing Silence, I was expecting a Nick Drake-esque melancholic folk record. In actuality, Roddy's solo album falls somewhat closer to Bright Eyes' Fevers & Mirrors, Nick Cave's recent recordings and early Tim Buckley more than anything else. If Idlewild's Make Another World was a tepid two-star release, than My Secret Is My Silence would surely garner close to four. A truly pleasant surprise. Take a listen to the album's second track, 'As Still As I Watch Your Grave', below. Learn more about Roddy here on his official site.

MP3: Roddy Woomble - As Still As I Watch Your Grave

Review: Ash - Twilight Of The Innocents

Today, Ash will release their final studio album, Twilight Of The Innocents (Europe only, US date TBD). In case you missed the news last month, the band has promised us myriad singles over the next few years, but no future full-length albums.

For someone who has been following Ash's career since the mid-'90s, such as myself, this declaration was slightly disillusioning. It also raised my expectations for Twilight Of The Innocents to astronomical heights. Thankfully, my disappointment has completely vanished upon hearing Twilight in its entirety this past weekend.

Twilight has the vigor and radiance that I've come to know and love from Ash. Each of the album's 12 tracks are classic, in their own right. From the soaring opening riffs of 'I Started A Fire' to the closing chords of the album's title track, Twilight is truly spectacular. Kudos, boys. Check out one of the LP's catchiest tunes below.

MP3: Ash - You Can't Have It All

Review: Mogwai - 'Zidane' Soundtrack

Upon its initial UK release, Skye gave a fantastic review of the Mogwai-induced soundtrack to soccer-based film, Zidane. Now that the work has finally arrived in the States six months later (officially in stores as of this Tuesday), I figured it was time for a second Slut's perspective into the glowing post-rocking piece.

For those unfamiliar with Zidane, IMDB explains: 'halfway between a sports documentary and an conceptual art installation, "Zidane" consists in a full-length soccer game (Real Madrid vs. Villareal, April 23, 2005) entirely filmed from the perspective of soccer superstar Zinedine Zidane.' Though I've yet to see the movie, I can see why Mogwai would be an appropriate band to score the film (in similar fashion to Explosions In The Sky's contribution to Friday Night Lights, which turned out to be a rousing success). Deeply emotive music weaved with slow-motion sports clips is, somehow, a magical marriage.

While Zidane is not the official follow-up to Mogwai's '06 release, Mr. Beast, the soundtrack takes a natural step in Beast's direction. Mogwai's famously undulating tracks are relatively short in length (most tunes average around the five minute mark) compared to their earlier work and the pieces seem to be much gentler than everything they've put to record prior to and including Rock Action. Another magnificent collection from the Scots.

Check out my review of Mogwai's Webster Hall show, dating back to last May here.

MP3: Mogwai - Wake Up And Go Berserk

DVD Review: Screaming Masterpiece

Regular readers of this site already realize that I have a strange fascination with all music stemming from Iceland. I've been a fan of Amiina, Sigur Ros, Bjork and Mum for as long as I can remember and have everything they've ever put to record displayed flamboyantly all over my iTunes library. When Screaming Masterpiece, a DVD highlighting the current state of the Icelandic music scene, arrived in my mailbox earlier this week, I was elated.

After watching the documentary, it became impossibly clear to me that one of the strongholds of the Icelandic music scene, that sets it apart from all others, is its strong sense of camaraderie. Whether it's the country's burgeoning punk, hip-hop or electronic circles, all bands love, respect and admire each other's work. As mutliple artists explain throughout the film, they are truly out to create music that they enjoy playing, because they don't anticipate a major record deal or mainstream radio attention. With a total population just over 300,000, it's rather mindblowing to think that so much powerful, unique and heartfelt music is coming out of such a (relatively) small country.

While the DVD does a fine job circumnavigating the entire scene, there is undoubtedly a focus on Iceland's most successful musician to date. Of course, I'm referring to Bjork. In addition to an in-depth interview with the star, there are two live videos from her visit to Brooklyn's Keyspan Park in 2003 highlighted on Screaming Masterpiece. 'Pluto' and 'All Is Full Of Love' are included in their full glory on the documentary, as is a stellar performance of 'Untitled #8' from Sigur Ros, dating back to that same glorious evening (I was there and can vouch that there was magic in that air that night).

In summary, the film is a must-have for both the musicologists and curious music aficionados amongst you. Even as someone, like myself, who dares to claim that he or she has a vast knowledge of Icelandic music, will honestly learn a great deal more about the scene after watching Screaming Masterpiece. Further details on the film, alongside purchase info, can be found HERE!

The full list of artists featured on Screaming Masterpiece is as follows: Múm, Slowblow, Apparat Organ Quartet, Eivör Pálsdóttir, Björk, Mugison, Odin's Raven Magic, The Sugarcubes, Ghostigital, Quarashi, Amiina, Sigur Rós, Singapore Sling, Vinyl, Mínus & Nilfisk.

Would you like to attend Iceland Airwaves 2007, all expenses paid? Of course you do! Enter the contest to win a pair of tickets plus hotel stay and airfare via this link as arranged by Milan Records. Good luck!

MP3s: Bjork - Pneumonia + Sigur Ros - Untitled #8 + Amiina - Blafelder + Reykjavik! - All Those Beautiful Boys + Mugison - 2 Birds

Review: Panda Bear - Person Pitch

When Uncut touts Person Pitch as 'magical', Coke Machine Glow declares the LP as 'odd, joyous and wonderful', Drowned In Sound describes it as 'masterful', all in addition to a glowing review in Urb magazine, it becomes a daunting task to try and append the love even further.

However, I'll give it a shot.

Animal Collective's Noah Lennox, better known as Panda Bear, has truly released one of this year's most inventive and captivating albums thus far.

Person Pitch's seven tracks are a forty-six minute psychedelic shuttle ride into outer space. I've heard the LP casually reviewed as 'The Beach Boys on heavy hallucinogens' and that sums the album up surprisingly well. While the songs don't stray extremely far from Animal Collective's standard experimental fare, there's an added sense of pop sensibility that gives the album a dinstinct glow.

From the album's undeniably hook-y opening track, 'Comfy In Nautica' extending all the way to the album's final track, the gentle & surreal 'Ponytail', Panda Bear has painted a beautiful aural landscape, of which I never wish to vacate.

MP3: Panda Bear - Ponytail

Review: The National - Boxer

I'll be the first to admit it - I was doubtful that The National would release an album as genius as 2005's masterpiece, Alligator. It's not that I had lost faith in the band but it's just that Alligator was so close to perfect that I was unsure if Brooklyn's finest could pull it off twice in a row. I'm thrilled to report that all my uncertainties were put to bed upon my first listen to the band's fourth full-length, Boxer. The band has struck gold twice.

It's not so much the band's much-buzzed collaborators that make this album so remarkable (although it never hurts having Sufjan Stevens, Marla Hansen and Doveman in the recording studio); more so it's The National's uncanny ability to consistently transform while simultaneously enhancing and updating their one-of-a-kind sound with each forthcoming album. Frontman Matt Berninger's bittersweet voice is one of the strongest in indie rock today. At times conjuring up memories of modern-day Tom Waits, while at other points bringing to mind a morose version of a young (and pre-cocky) Bono circa '81. The band has opted to provide decidedly more mellow tracks on Boxer than its predecessor, Alligator. The resulting dichotomy of gentle piano and the aforementioned rugged vocals from Berninger is a winning combination.

Perhaps one of the strongest tunes on the album, 'Mistaken For Strangers', features an intense drum beat, a dark guitar riff and a heavy bassline that makes for a spectacular three-and-a-half-minute melody while wonderfully highlighting the signature National sound. Spotlight should also be given to the album's closing trio of 'Racing Like A Pro, 'Ada' and 'Gospel'. An ideal trifecta if I've ever heard one. All in all, Boxer is one of this year's finest releases thus far. An engaging, distinctive and passionate album.

Boxer will be out on May 22nd via Beggars Banquet. Check out song samples, video clips & trailers from the album at TheNationalBoxer.com

Review: The Noisettes - What's The Time Mr. Wolf?

The Noisettes are rapidly becoming the next British buzz band, and with good reason. The band's soulful yet alarmingly hook laden tunes demand your full attention on the band's debut LP, What's The Time Mr. Wolf? The Lonon-based trio is probably most discussed, at this early point in their career, for frontwoman (and bassist) Shingai Shoniwa's unique vocal stylings.

Often illustrated as the bastard child of Karen O and Billie Holiday (although I personally hear a tinge of PJ Harvey thrown in there as well), Shingai's singing voice is a breath of fresh air amongst the sea of male-fronted post-punkers all over your (and my) iTunes playlists. Internet critic, Music Emissions, went so far as to say that Shingai has "the widest and most commanding female range in this modern era." As far as the music itself is concerned, the heavy guitar riffs and the three-minute timestamp on the majority of Wolf, is particularly reminiscent of Music Slut faves - Sons & Daughters. Though the line-up is a rather conventional combination of guitar, bass and drums, there's something about this record that truly puts itself in its own league.

Take a listen to Wolf's second track below and judge for yourself. Our suggestion - play it LOUDLY.

MP3: The Noisettes - Scratch Your Name (via Myself Myself)

Review: I'm From Barcelona - Let Me Introduce My Friends

29 is a magic number for I'm From Barcelona.

For the Bitchfork literate amongst our readers, you're probably familiar with the Swedish collective and their glowing review from a few months back (their 8.4 can be found here). For others, let me give you a brief intro.

I'm From Barcelona is a band consisting of 29 members, based out of Jonkoping, Sweden that records with the following laundry list of instruments: clarinets, saxophones, flutes, trumpets, banjos, accordions, kazoos, guitars, drums, & keyboards.

While the seemingly absurd number of band members may sound a little gimmicky, I'm From Barcelona has very little in common with fellow 20-plus membered, The Polyphonic Spree. While TPS describes themselves as 'choral symphonic rock', I'm From Barcelona would fit much better in the category of, simply, indie-pop.

Let Me Introduce My Friends is the band's first LP, and it's spectacular. Whereas The Polyphonic Spree's tracks can escalate towards 6, 7 or 8 minutes in length, the vast majority of I'm From Barcelona's tunes are just around three minutes. For those aching for a reference point, try to imagine The Shins, Belle & Sebastian, Eels and M. Ward trapped on one everlasting road trip across the country. All that plus a healthy dose of high school choir to boot. It's glorious, trust me.

The album's strongest tracks, 'We're From Barcelona', 'Barcelona Loves You' and my personal favorite 'Chicken Pox' truly hint at greatness on already dazzling debut. The choruses are hook-laden, the marriage between all the instruments is heavenly and the vocal harmonies are inimitable.

Let Me Introduce My Friends just got its US release (finally!) this past Tuesday, nearly a full year after it was unleashed overseas. Purchase it here or sample tracks via the band's MySpace page by following this link.

Review: Amiina - Kurr

I've been waiting for this album for approximately five years.

It's been just shy of a decade ago that I first fell in love with Sigur Ros. As most Sigur Ros aficionados already know, Amiina, an all-female Icelandic experimental quartet, supports and performs with the band on most of their tours and in the studio, as well. Ever since I first saw Amiina and Sigur Ros together back in '02, I wanted more.

Over the last few years, the band has released two stellar EPs totalling just seven tracks. When news broke earlier this month that their first full-length was complete, I was glowing with excitement. Luckily, after listening to Kurr extensively over the last week, I am thrilled to report that it was well worth the considerable wait for the album.

Amiina incorporates the use of laptops, bells and even (my personal favorite) the saw into their work. The result is a beautifully painted landscape of sound, unlike anything you've ever heard before. Attempting to describe individual tracks on the LP would be fruitless, as the album demands your full attention, at once and as a whole. That said, this album can serve as the perfect soundtrack to a children's lullaby or a walk in the park or a film about the dangers of environmental pollution, alike. It's a pretty, cohesive and glorious fifty minutes.

As the song titles are all in Icelandic, some may be curious as to what exactly they translate into and you're in luck! The fine folks over at Amiina's message board have done an amazing job with translation and song meanings. Take a look here.

Amiina just began their US tour this week, click here to check out all those dates! Lastly, you can purchase Kurr here! It is only available online at this point in time and gets The Music Slut seal of approval.

MP3: Amiina - Lupina

Review: CocoRosie - The Adventures Of Ghosthorse & Stillborn

CocoRosie is not a band most folks can instantly fall in love with. Their sound is pointedly original yet begs you to question their work and further analyze the band's motives.

Luckily, I've seen CocoRosie three times (all opening for Antony & The Johnsons) and have not only gotten accustomed to their 'neo-freak-folk-ish' sound, I've fallen sucker for everything that sisters Bianca & Sierra put on record. Their third full-length, The Adventures Of Ghosthorse & Stillborn, gets its proper release next month and it's surely their most accessible album to date, as well as their most diverse.

The core of CocoRosie's music revolves around Sierra's operatically trained vocals and Bianca's high-pitched Bjork-esque squawking. In addition to the unique vocal stylings, the band's instrumentation includes harp-centered songs to random noises created from children's handheld games (a la Fisher Price's educational toys) to beatboxing and even simply, the piano. On Adventures, the ladies mix it up a bit. Probably the most noticable difference would be the sense of melody throughout the album. Bianca's rapping takes on an entirely new form on Adventures, while Sierra's voice has never sounded stronger. The merging of the two completely draws you into CocoRosie's world.

On the album's stongest tracks, 'Rainwbowarriors', 'Japan' and 'Werewolf', the duo really shines their brightest. Lyrically and musically, alike, these are easily the band's best songs to date. CocoRosie will be touring all over the US this spring, check out those tour dates over at their MySpace page.

MP3: CocoRosie - Japan

Review: Pela - Anytown Graffiti

With influences ranging from The Replacements to The Pixies to The Boss himself, it's difficult to not inherently want to pick up Anytown Graffiti on these terms alone. Brooklyn-based Pela has been making a name for themselves over the last couple of years and have just completed their first full length, Anytown Graffiti, out in late April via World's Fair. I've been a believer in Pela since the early days but even I was surprised and astonished at what a truly terrific LP they've put together.

The album commences with 'Waiting On The Stairs', a tune full of blaring guitar riffs, and a Walkmen-esque bassline alongside howls of 'I've become your enemy' a la The Constantines. Vocally, lead singer Billy McCarthy's voice is most reminiscent of a cross between Stellastarr*'s Shawn Christensen, Interpol's Paul Banks and Aaron Closson of one of our favorite acts here at The Music Slut, The Hourly Radio.

As the album progresses toward its end, the dark layering, the axe to grind, and the call-and-response attitude make this album sound distinctly New York, there's absolutely no denying that. Whereas their previous EPs/demos hinted at greatness, this LP surely delivers it. It's clear that Pela are a force to be reckoned with.

Pela recently opened for Rainer Maria at one of their final gigs (quite the honor, I must say) but can just as easily be paired alongside The National as a tour partner. Speaking of tours, the band will be embarking on a brief US East coast stint next month. All those dates here on their MySpace page, including a record release party at NYC's Mercury Lounge on 4/24. Feeling impatient? Check out the band this Friday for Brooklyn Vegan's showcase at Sin-e! Don't get too hungover though, because you still need to check out OUR SPRING FLING THIS SATURDAY @ THE DELANCEY (deets on the flyer on the upper left-hand side of the site).

But going back to Pela, keep an eye out over the next few months. Hell, you may even want to open both, they're THAT phenomenal.

Review: Animal Collective - People EP

In similar fashion to Bright Eyes, people either love or hate Animal Collective, with good reason. The band's unique amalgamation of post, psych and completely leftfield-rock has made them a household name on most indie record shop clerks' top 10 lists, while simultaneously generating faces of disgust on all non-fans of the group.

The People EP comes roughly a year after the success of their latest full-length, Feels. While some online communities (ahem, ILM and At Ease) have dismissed this EP as leftovers, the short-player's 4 tracks actually hold a relatively decent flame to Animal Collective's earlier work. Continuing in the jubilant/circus Animal Collective fashion, 'Tikwid' and the title track are easily the EP's strongest tunes. The former, sounds like Feels highlight 'Grass', if it were a little more ballad-y. The latter sounds like 'Did You See The Words?', err, minus actual words other than 'yeah yeah yeah'. The third track of the EP, 'My Favorite Colors', is two minutes of CocoRosie-esque randomness while the last track on the album is a live version of the title track.

Twenty minutes of brilliance, if you ask me. The band's next full-length is scheduled to be released in the fall.

MP3: Animal Collective - Tikwid