Broken Bells 'Meyrin Fields' review (for kevchino.com)

See the original article posted here: http://kevchino.com/review/broken-bells/meyrin-fields/2237

In September 2004, through the admiration of each other’s talents, James Mercer (The Shins) and Brian Burton (aka Danger Mouse) met at the Roskilde Festival in Denmark. Six years later these talents drew them together once more to create their debut release, the self-titled Broken Bells. The follow-up to this is the beautiful Meyrin Fields, an EP that gives you the depth of a full album in just four outstanding songs.

James Mercer’s distinctive vocals and the powerful production talents of Danger Mouse make this act a force to be reckoned with. Original and intriguing, it seems there’s no limit to what these two musicians can do once put together. Meyrin Fields is a roller coaster of experimental beats and trippy riffs that, coupled with Mercer’s voice, make for an ever-interesting ride.

The title track, “Meyrin Fields,” and following track, “Windows,” both feature macabre and spooky overtones—the latter possibly acting as the soundtrack to a robber or Peeping Tom crawling through back alleys and surveying unknowing victims through their windows.

“An Easy Life” then lightens the mood with its slight reggae feel and fully showcases Danger Mouse’s amazing production skills, especially in the bridge, which is reminiscent of The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s . . .” Closing with “Heartless Empire,” they opt for a slower, less-produced sound, using distant droning guitars underneath echoing and melodic vocals.

This is unquestionably a fine effort from Mercer and Burton that will leave you wanting more, and it seems the sky’s the limit for these two musical artisans, so who can tell what the future will bring? One thing’s for sure—it’s looking mighty bright.

Battles 'Gloss Drop' Review (for kevchino.com)

See the original article posted here: http://kevchino.com/review/battles/gloss-drop/2232

Battles have a unique and driving sound you can pick out from a mile away. And though their latest offering, Gloss Drop, often differs from their previous works, their originality and creativeness still make for an outstanding listen.

The second full-length album delivered by the experimental rock act from New York is their first without original guitarist, keyboardist, and vocalist Tyondai Braxton—the band now comprised of Ian Williams (formerly of Don Caballero and Storm & Stress), Dave Konopka (formerly of Lynx), and the always outstanding John Stanier (formerly of Helmet). What follows is a more structured, less erratic album featuring deep rhythms of guitar, drums, synth, and vocals, with simpler riffs and beats being eternally layered to create an epic feast for the ears.

Some tracks have a much more up-tempo feel, with the use of Caribbean steel drum effects on tracks such as “Futura” and “Dominican Fade,” and a heavy reggae element featured in “Sndome (featuring Ymantaka Eye)” and “Sundome (Instrumental).” The band's dark side is still ever present, however, and the use of haunting, distant organ sounds on “Futura” sends chills down the spine. The void left by their former vocalist is filled by numerous outstanding and well-paired guest appearances—Matias Aguayo on “Ice Cream,” Gary Numan on “My Machine,” Kazu Makino on “Sweetie & Shag,” and Ymantaka Eye on “Sndome.”

Gloss Drop is an excellent follow-up to their previous full-length effort, Mirrored (released 2007), and shows that even with the loss of a member, Battles can come out fighting and produce a work that explores new and varied creative angles, yet stays true to their distinctive sound.