I don’t have enough of a true music background to create an outstanding music review. However, I know what I like and what I don’t like. I was lucky enough to get a preview of the new album by Midnight Juggernauts, The Crystal Axis. There are some fantastic reviews on this album, so don’t stop after reading this one! However, in order to get the real picture, I would suggest listening for yourself in addition to trying to catch a few more reviews. For whatever reason, it seems that the reviews I found for this new album were exceptionally well written. In fact, in one case, I’d offer a body part to write as well as the author. Sometimes reading a great piece of written material is such a turn on, but I digress. The point of a review is more to offer an opinion and/or describe a piece of work. In the case of The Crystal Axis, the album doesn’t have everyone claiming it’s epic, but it is a noteworthy effort. The album flows and sometimes darts from the start to the end, but there are two songs in particular that stood out to me.
The first song off the album that eventually pleased my ear was Vital signs. I hate that I’m about to admit this, but on first listen, it almost seemed a tad too long. Maybe if I had been on the dance floor, this wouldn’t have been the case. At first, it dragged just a little and became repetitious. I’m not the only one who believes this is a song that needs to grow on you though, and after a few listens, it becomes a welcome ear-worm. Funny how songs can do that. In other words, it’s nothing that catches your “oh wow!” antenna right away, but it’s interesting enough to keep listening. Eventually, it becomes almost an addiction. It’s not quite experimental, but there are some interesting and rhythmic sounds that, despite being a bit out there, I predict will be quite appealing to the masses. The Australian band took a risk on this song, and it payed off well.
While the album is an overall success, Lara Versus The Savage Pack, in particular, got my attention right off the bat. This song has the “wow” factor, and it’s catchy and cool from start to finish. Pretty much everyone can agree that the funky, toe-tapping beats make the song a highlight on the album. The three band members venture into something that could still definitely be considered electropop throughout the album, but the added layers of sound, from their garage rock beginnings to their more recent influences, help explain why this band can be hard to define. Lara versus The Savage Pack, while having a slightly moody side, will leave listeners wanting more.
The music on the album isn’t the only thing that is above average with this latest move by the Midnight Juggernauts. There are other reasons why this band is grabbing center stage at the moment. People have been talking about their exceptionally creative videos and the cover art for their albums. In the case the video Lara Versus the Savage Pack, here is what the band’s lead singer had to say when introducing it:
“Here’s a paper-animated clip by our friends Lucinda Schreiber and Beatrice Pegard. They shot us frame by frame in various paper animated scenarios, and then further reprinted those scenes and again re-shot those layers in further inventive scenarios.”
The video, among others from the new album, is truly spectacular and artistic.
One great way to check out new and interesting happenings in the music world is to go to Co-SignCollective.com. That’s where I found the Midnight Juggernauts latest album. I also found out that Dirty Vegas has new music out too! So definitely take a look.
Happy Holidaze and new year to everyone.
Don’t forget to catch all the fabulous stuff going on at Green Light Radio. Check out our schedule for daily shows and other important information.
More blogy words to come, so check back here. I skipped out on an X-MAS show, but I did play Patton Oswalt’s “Christmas Shoes” for a laugh on Thursday. Not to offend anyone, but that was about the funniest thing I have heard in a really long time.
Cheers!
Ggirl
