Toro y Moi: Underneath the Pine

Well, what can I say? It seems Toro y Moi has taken an entirely different route with the release of his newest album, Underneath the Pine. This thing is all soul-jazz-funk to me. This ain't no disco or any kind of chillwave I've ever heard. I keep hearing this and expecting a 2 minute sax solo to break out. Almost exactly like MGMT, Chad has completely changed his sound of music. There will be no doubt a plethora of haters; however, I still find this album quite enjoyable, though it has not taken a place in my top albums like Causers of This accomplished. The use of live instrumentation is heard all throughout, with some of the most diverse tracks being "Elise", "Still Sound" and "Go With You". There's a lot here to digest here, less flashy than Causers of This, but still good in its own right. All things aside, I would say this is an underwhelming release.


Toro y Moi's Underneath the Pine gets an 8.3 out of 10. It's worth a shot, that's for sure.

This could definitely win the "Most Appalling Album Cover" award.

Alvin Band: Mantis Preying

Honestly, who has ever heard of Alvin Band? The only reason I figured them out is because a girl in my PreCalculus class told me to listen to them after we raved about Animal Collective. All I can say is, thank you Kathleen, and where has this band been all my life? Alvin Band is said to be an artist who sings in a "stream of consciousness". This means, in lay man's terms, that he sings whatever comes to mind, or so I think. His intro to the album begins with a heavy bang, sounding like a monster coming down a hall. When the first words hit Alvin Band's mouth, feelings of hearing his before occur. This is mistaken, however. The mistaken artist is Animal Collective. I couldn't believe the similarity to them after I heard the first song, and so forth. "Cyberspace 2008" really stands out as a song to not miss. The slurping, the bopping, the mood. All coexist with AC perfectly. "With the kangaroo at the local zoo" are just a few lyrics in this song, showing the stream of consciousness mode. This is not a bad thing at all.  Unto the rating.



Mantis Preying gets an 8.6 out of 10. They aren't exactly AC, but they sure are close.

This looks like it was drawn on LSD.

Sunglasses: Sunglasses

Sunglasses' eponymous debut EP has not caused a large stir anywhere. Yet. The Savannah duo consists of college students bam bam (Samuel Cooper) and Baby Seal (Brady Keehn) with two totally different college majors. This EP is something to reckon with, however. Although only containing three songs (two are useless placeholders), the exploratory, eccentric and admittedly odd style grows on you. The tinkling chimes, the claps, the water dripping. All of these cause for a weirder experience than ever experienced before. "Referee" is my favorite track, having a slow and steady rise in action from its conception to its ending. "The words we spoke...of before", "the waves, they crash upon my shores" are just two sets of lyrics in the catchy tune. In all, Sunglasses' debut EP is best said as having tenfold the effects under the influence (not supporting doing drugs, just saying what I've heard).



Sunglasses' Sunglasses EP gets a 9.0 out of 10. By the way, here is their MySpace page so you can go buy the EP goodness. What's not to like about this EP, other than its shortness? 

How to Dress Well: Love Remains

When I first read the album title before reading the review on Pitchfork, I didn't have high hopes for this album, even though it was given a "best album" tag. The name sounded too generic to me. I thought it was going to be some pop songs about love and desire, and heart breaking and emotional pain. However, something compelled me to venture out and get the album. This would in turn become one of the best decisions I've made since I first got Tame Impala's album. This blew me away. Enough of this rant, though. Let's get to the review. Love Remains is the essence of Tom Krell. The quiet and entrancing songs are really a hit or miss for some people. To me, he outdid himself. Check out the album for your assumptions of the album, since this isn't one for everyone. Some people may be hardcore haters, saying that the artist sounds like garbage. I respect their opinions; however, I would have to disagree. The nostalgic tone of his voice really sets the high quality for this.

Suicide Dream 2


How To Dress Well's Love Remains gets an 8.8 out of 10. Sweetness right here.

Just realized it says the artist name.

Panda Bear: Tomboy

When I first heard about Panda Bear being extremely similar to the infamous Animal Collective, I was skeptical. The psychic sounds, the crazy lyrics; all are so good for Animal Collective. I did not think anyone could emulate those sounds without sounding too banal. Then I heard about the new release by Panda Bear. I can officially now say that after listening to the singles for more than a week, I can finally give these singles a solid score. The similarity to Animal Collective is striking. I figured out Panda Bear himself is part of the band Animal Collective. Listening to the singles continuously on the bus for a week, I noticed bits and pieces I wouldn't have noticed in a loud setting. This is truly what makes the singles so much better.

Panda Bear's Tomboy gets an 9.0 out of 10. Go get the singles from wherever possible.

Just noticed something in the background. What could it be?

Cults: Cults

The Cults are definitely still a cult. Secretive and sly, they barely hit over 200,000 plays on the internet music player Last.fm. The use of childish singing really helps bring out a unique band, along with the elementary style beats. The single, "Go Outside" with its "youuuuuuu" and "IIIIIIIIIIs" really work for the better. Since the EP is only three songs, not much can be said other than it tries to bring out the kid in you. I'd say it succeeds.

Cults' debut EP gets an 8.4 out of 10. Go get that FREE download from their Bandcamp page right here. As Cults have already said, "Go download it kids."

Let's prance around and look like idiots for the album cover! K!

Animal Collective: Strawberry Jam

I must admit, this album wasn't to my liking when I first heard it after discovering Merriweather Post Pavilion. Yet, it grew on me...immensely. First, the album art. A picture of Strawberry Jam. Very original, I know. However, it does prove something; stating the obvious helps. The album, which is a bunch of experimental sounds and very deep lyrics, is just fantastic when it is mixed together. Put it on shuffle, go on a long trip, and enjoy life. Ahh. Anyway, "For Reverend Green", with its screaming shows that death-metal type beats can be great, if placed at the right time. The short, yet insanely boss track of "Winter Wonder Land" sure is a treat to listen to, even if it isn't winter time. "I have headlights reflecting in my face" is just a glimpse of what is heard in this 2 minute and 45 second long song. To conclude, this album now is on my top Animal Collective albums/EPs, along with Merriweather Post Pavilion and Fall Be Kind.

Animal Collective's Strawberry Jam rightfully gets a 9.8 out of 10. Get this oldie as soon as possible and listen to it around five times before giving a final verdict. Trust me.

Yum, Strawberry Jam.