Holy Fire by Foals

Released:  February 12, 2013
Rating:  ééé1/2
Genre:  Post-Punk Revival
Demographics:  English band, formed in Oxford.  Six piece that recorded their first album 2007.  This is their third album (and I have all of them).

I was lucky enough to see these guys at a small club in downtown Sacramento, shortly after this album came out.  Their poppy, jittery, upbeat, math rock/post-punk sound is a lot of fun on disc; but live, it becomes something entirely more powerful.

Give a listen to:

• Inhaler - Slow burn, with an explosion of fuzz guitar.
• Everytime - A lesson in math rock.
• Milk & Black Spiders - Just a great tune.

Wonderful, Glorious by Eels

Released:  February 5, 2013

Rating:  éééé1/2

Genre:  Post Grunge

Demographics:  Essentially a one man writing crew on their first 11 albums, this is the first time "E" (born in Virginia) involved the whole band in the writing.  They've been around since '96 and had songs in both the Shrek soundtracks.

This is far and away my favorite album this year. Citing influences including the Beatles, Elvis Costello and Todd Rundgren, they had a great foundation.  But this is my favorite Eels album, too.

There are so many great songs here.  I recommend the following:

• New Alphabet - Funky and dark.  My favorite song on the album.
• Kinda Fuzzy - Super-cool bass line and as smooth as E gets on a rocker.
• Open My Present - Great guitar solo and E's rasp are killer.

 

II by Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Released:  February 5, 2013
Rating:  ééé
Genre:  Indie Electronic Pop
Demographics:  The Founder Ruban Nielsen is from Portland, transplanted to New Zealand as a member of the Mint Chicks.  The second album as UMO.

The album is a big hit with the critics (averaging 4 out of 5 stars).  Psychedelic, mellow, slightly melancholy, innocent.  The closes comparison I can make is Andrew Bird in a sad state of mind.

Suggested songs:

• Swim and Sleep
• No Need for A Leader
• Faded in the Morning

Pedestrian Verse by Frightened Rabbit

Released:  February 5, 2013
Rating: ééé1/2
Genre: Alt Folk Rock
Demographics:  The 4 piece from Scotland, formed in 2004, was founded by two brothers.  This is their 4th studio release (my first.)

The sound is big, especially from a four piece, but then, U2 is a four piece and they can fill an arena with sound.


Recommended sample tracks include:

• Backyard Skulls - The Scottish accents are thick here.
• Holy - I just love the pain:  "You're acting all holy/Me I'm just full of holes."
• December's Traditions - The language is not for the kids.

The Village by Monoswezi

Released:  January 29, 2013
Rating:  ééé1/2
Genre:  Scandanvian Jazz, Percussion from Mozambique and vocals from Zimbabwe



It's too different to explain, but worth your time.
Suggested tracks include:

• Hondo - Starts more like traditional African music, but begins to morph about 90 seconds in.
• Mapfunde - Begins almost as a children's sing along
• Heya! - The beautiful flute reminds me at time of Henry Mancini.