What I Have Been Listening To: May 2023
The National - First Two Pages Of Frankenstein (2023)
This album is simultaneously new territory for the band and reminiscent of their past work. The melancholic refrains of the chords and simple vocals are a distant memory to the band’s first 3 albums. The modern production and simpler, more empty textures are what bring it to the new age. Aaron Dessner’s latest work with Bon Iver and Taylor Swift are clearly influences here. It feels like it is riding the coat tails of this success. The song structures leave more to want in a kind of nice way, as no song sticks around for long. It feels like this album will divide fans. If you are a hardcore fan you might think this is too modern, not a “true National album”. I like it because it feels like a modern indie album that will fly under the radar. Quietly good. Top tracks include:
New Order T-Shirt
The Alcott (feat Taylor swift)
Grease in your hair
Your mind is not your friend (feat Phoebe Bridges)
Inovo - Desmoterion (2023)
This is a fantastic album by Brisbane Prog outfit Inovo. There is an amazing selection of instrumentation. The electronics, guitars, drums and vocals are sublime. The group uses textural song writing. so well. The different guitars and electronics merge in an intriguing and considered manner. It isn’t too compressed either, with so many layers, it would have been easy to fall into this trap. Nicholls’ main vocals, were epic. They were made for this kind of larger than life storytelling. The production was done by James Lees and main mixing by Tryack (guitarist). It was incredible. It’s been a while since I’ve heard production this thought through. They were varied and fit with the narrative of the tracks, even with the longer length of some of them. The drums were varied in selection and had some great double kick moments!
Top tracks:
Swim Alone
One Less Fray In Mind
Incirrata
Equip and R23X - Nameless Dreamers (2022)
A great short number from Equip. The ambient synthwave group has gone full video game score with this putting with R23X. The track names and aesthetics all align. There is a nice background quality to this, that can still keep you hooked. The loops are short but lively. The synths are varied when mixed with the thick bass, slight percussion, noise and samples. Throwback to the 80s rad dude vibes all around here. The textures aren’t too gratuitous or over done. The little arpeggios are nice. Some quality (in how tacky they are) midi instruments like pipes, horns and strings to be found. It all fits nice. You know I love a short offering, especially when loaded with wavey synths. Lots to love here.
Top tracks
Menu Loop
Exploring Quartz Temple
Forest Jam
Unlock Ancient Magic
Yo La Tengo - This Stupid World (2023)
Yo La Tengo really know how to give and give. This new album of theirs harkens back to their more full rock style. Chocked through with great vocal lines, thudding drums and crunchy guitars. It also has some quieter moments that make you feel it, in the only way they can. The layers of vocals are cute, and make them stand out over the rocky chords. Little interlocking string and guitar lines help fill out the simple bass and drums. Feedback loops that this band has shown in the past, come through super well here. 10 years ago I got to see them and they were showing off their harmonics then! I love the variety of styles this band can do in a short offering. Very inspiring.
Top Tracks:
Fallout
Tonight’s Episode
This Stupid World
Miles Away
