The Sideways Box

"This is the soundtrack to my life"

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Vibin...

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Throwback vibes... and I CAN'T GET ENOUGH!

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Camera Obscura-French Navy

Camera Obscura are an indie-rock band from Glasgow, Scotland and are often (and rightfully so) placed into the "Twee" category of indie-rock. Twee was one of the earliest forms that would shape indie-rock by heavy-hitter bands such as "Belle and Sebastian", "The Pastels", and even "Kurt Cobain" (very..very early Kurt Cobain). Camera Obscura follow in the scene's defining characteristics such as jangly, "lovey-dovey" melodies and melancholy romantic themes.

The first thing that pops out about "French Navy" is the sweeping theatrics of the piece. Perhaps the main contributor to create this scene is the sweeping, dramatic orchestra arrangements. With a heavy stringed section featured in a prominent role, it is easy to miss the brilliant subtleties Camera Obscura has hidden like easter eggs throughout the song. What seems like a straightforward love song is actually a quite complicated mix of layers. The use of tambourines on this song are a nice way to keep an upbeat feel to the song. The guitar part is also subdued throughout the song. At times, the guitar's crystal clear tone cuts through and nearly mimics the vocals to add a nice backing effect only to blend back into the sweeping orchestral section. The bass was adjusted nicely to counter the busy strings with a simple, driving bass line. Finally, the lyrics are a nice blend of general and creative at the same time. By recounting a story of a failed love with a French Navy, Camera Obscura both present a fresh, original story to ultimately highlight a common theme of broken heartedness. 

Overall, a beautiful song tailor-made for romantic moments as well the lonely post-break up days surely to follow. I enjoyed and appreciated the band's use of an orchestra because it truly set the mood and thus becomes an essential aspect of the song. 

Pros: melody, mood, orchestra 

Cons: more guitar work, orchestra buried other parts occasionally 

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Voxtrot-Long Haul

In light of "Sideways Box"'s 10th post, I decided to use this entry to pay tribute to the post that started it all. Since my very first post was a review of a song titled "The Start of Something" by the band Voxtrot, I thought it only appropriate to post yet another Voxtrot song. I felt "Long Haul" was a fitting song to acknowledge the longevity of this blog (I only imagined this to be a short term hobby but has since become my musical outlet for personal opinions and analysis). So, here's to the long haul.

"Long Haul" is the fourth track off Voxtrot's first EP Raised by Wolves. It displays the typical traits of a Voxtrot song that I have come to adore. The instrumentals on this song are simple yet layered at the same time. The dual guitars mesh a beautiful melody and counter-melody into a buttery, warm feeling reminiscent of summer. In the higher register, some sort of chimes or xylophone like instrument rings at an airy, light pitch. Although the instrumentals do good in setting a sweet tone, Ramesh's lyrics and distinct voice once again take center-stage. The lyrics are comprised of a man's narrative on the feeling of being in love. Ramesh's ginger vocals are perfect for the troubled narrator yearning for love. 

I especially enjoyed the creativity of this song and the skillfully written lyrics. Unlike many (if not all) other songs, this song highlights a very deep and complex topic and shines lights on the realities of love. The narrator's thought-provoking subject has, no doubt, been contemplated by everyone at some point in their lives and the question of "is love worth the work?" proves a conflicted, not-easily-answered idea.

Pros: LYRICS!, instrumentals

Cons: production quality (a common gripe I have with all Voxtrot material)

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Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti-Beverly Kills

Ariel Pink is a wacky, disheveled, uber-talented musician from Los Angeles (go figure). He is known for his experimentation with lo-fi recording techniques and as a musical chameleon when it comes to his musical styles. His two albums with his backing band the Haunted Graffiti are musically more complete and uniformly more themed than his previous works.

"Beverly Kills" was actually featured on one of Pink's earlier albums however, the earlier version was much more stripped down and poorly recorded. This new version, with help from his creative bandmates, really creates a mood and sense of direction. Like usual, I'm a sucker for great bass lines and "Beverly Kills" does not disappoint. Tim Koh, Pink's bassist, possesses some serious chops on the four-string. On the higher register, heavy use of 80's style synths add a haunting, night-cruising vibe to the song. I really enjoyed the synths because it added a nice compliment to the bouncing bass line providing a balanced sound to the ears of the listener. To top off the song are Pink's odd lyrics that is as much scatter-brained as it is genius. His lyrics leave the meaning of the song all up to interpretation. Just the way he wants it.

Overall, a solid song that reveals serious musical and creative talent from a relatively obscure and unknown band. Nevertheless, "Beverly Kills" is a perfect example of those great songs that are waiting to be discovered by the curious ear.

Pros: bass line, overall vibe

Cons: ambiguous lyrics, voice

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MOOSE the Coolest-The Ride 3

Not much is known about MOOSE the Coolest. All I know is that he has A LOT of material that range from mediocre to very, very nice. It appears that he is primarily a youtube based rapper because of his constant youtube presence and his affiliations with other youtube singers such as Jeff Bernat and David Choi.

"The Ride 3" is a chill, jazz-tinged song that is both laid-back and catchy at the same time. What really shines through on this song is the outstanding beat. It opens with a clear guitar (or piano) tone that instantly puts the listener into that "chill-out" mode and is followed by a busy bass line that jumps all over the place. I also enjoyed the subtle, muted synths in the background that added a euphoric aspect to the song. The percussion is a classic boom-bap beat that keeps its hip hop integrity despite soft synths and pianos. As for the artists on this song, Adreene Joy (AJ) proved to be the best artist. Her voice on the chorus is able to draw in the listener and succeeds in setting up the following verses. "The Ride 3" reveals MOOSE the Coolest's producing skills and definitely could have been a hit with better verses and more publicity.

Though MOOSE the Coolest is quite mysterious, "The Ride 3" should be a testament to what this talented artist is capable of. Clearly a gem of a song, here's to hoping for similar material in the near future from this low profile artist.

Pros: vocals, BEAT!!

Cons: weak verses, too many featured MC's

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Elli Ingram-Poetic Justice

Elli Ingram is basically Adele.. if Adele dabbled in drugs, drank copious amounts of whiskey, and added a tough hip hop vibe to her music. Ingram is a jazz/soul singer based out of England and is still relatively underground. Having released two EP's, she is new to the game but definitely on the come up.

"Poetic Justice" is more of an interpretation than a cover of Kendrick Lamar's "Poetic Justice". I applaud her take on the intro, paying homage to the sample, Janet Jackson's "Any Time, Any Place" before dropping into a jazzy bounce on the first verse. Her version is slightly slowed down which is a positive thing because it allows her to showcase her smoky, soulful voice. The backing instrumentals are also very intriguing with perfectly timed piano-and-drum combinations ringing in and out of the song. The restrained blasts from the piano and drums further accentuate high points in the song and transitions into the next section. On percussion, I especially enjoyed the "heartbeat" like bass drum that is featured in certain parts and the rapid cranking on the high hat. Cranks on the high hat are a signature of recent hip hop songs and it shows her ability to incorporate hints of jazz, soul, and hip hop into one piece. Though a cover an already popular song, Elli Ingram's "Poetic Justice" proves to be more textured and completely different than the original.

Fans of Adele should definitely give this girl a thorough listen however, once  emerged in her music, you will find that the two actually differ greatly apart from the similarity in voices. Through "Poetic Justice", Elli shows her rugged appreciation for hip hop and her roots in the jazz/soul genres.

Pros: voice, creativity

Cons: not original material

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The Explorers Club-Forever

The Explorers Club are a indie rock band from Charleston, North Carolina. They have an adoration for vintage 60's music and The Beach Boys more specifically. In fact, it seems as if they've modeled their whole sound off of the famed surf band. Normally "biting style" is an instant turn off for me but I love The Beach Boys and their sound is so authentic you won't catch me complaining.

"Forever" is arguably their most popular song and the first song on their 2008 album "Freedom Wind". The defining factor that separates them from merely an imitation of the 60's is their mastery of the vocal harmony. In "Forever", the constant fluctuation in and out of harmonies are remarkably smooth and languid. Adding to this vibe, is the echoey, distant drums and jangle of the guitar-and-piano combination. I especially enjoyed the lyrics, though a bit generic, they add an almost dreamy innocence characterized by adolescents of every generation. The first time I heard this song, I instantly envisioned a sun setting on a California beach with surfers loading up their longboards after a day's surf. Is their music authentic enough? I'd say so.

The Explorers Club may have a niche sound and appeal to a smaller audience but they are so accomplished in what they strive for it clearly makes up for the fact. "Forever" seems to be the perfect song to represent the band. Its catchy tune and moving harmonies really show what The Explorers Club aim for and achieve in creating. 

Pros: authenticity, HARMONIES!!

Cons: All songs on album are Beach Boys based, no variety

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The Internet-Runnin ft. Tay Walker

The Internet is by far my favorite branch from the outlandish hip-hop collective OFWGKTA. They seem to have the most creativity and raw talent out of the group and have the ability to pass through numerous genres within a span of an album. Some of the genres they explore are jazz, chill wave, soul, and hip hop to name a few.

"Runnin" is one of their less popular songs off their album "Feel Good" but truly a gem. The sound quality on this song is squeaky clean and I enjoyed being fully immersed in its complex layers. The intro is what really drew me into the song, its bouncy piano and droning synths created an intriguing contradiction that sounded as euphoric as it did strange. The back beat is also interesting as it features prolific work on the high hat with hints of spacey sound effects. This makes for an energetic groove that drives the song a long at a nice pace. On vocals, Tay Walker definitely takes the award for the better performance. His voice is equally smooth and strong and contributes a nice soulful flavor to the mix. Syd's voice seems to falter in the lower register but is quite pleasant in harmonies.

"Runnin" is nice little song, showcasing the creativity and talent of Syd the Kid and featured artist, Tay Walker. Definitely a more slept on song, it proves to be up to the standards of some of their more popular songs such as "Dontcha" and "Sunset".

Pros: production, complexity, Tay Walker

Cons: Syd's voice, overused effects

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The Morning Benders-Excuses

The Morning Benders, now known as POP ETC, are an indie rock band from Berkeley, California.

"Excuses" is the first song off of their 2010 album "Big Echo" and arguably their most popular song. The song is very dynamic with lush string arrangements and epic percussion parts. The first thing I noticed when listening to this song was the numerous influences that directly shaped this song. I noticed instant similarities between the openings of this song and "At Last" by Etta James. Also, the overall sound of the song sounds like a tribute to the heyday of The Beach Boys. The Morning Benders (I will refer to them as their former name for continuity reasons) also draw influences from orchestral numbers which can be seen in their use of the tympani and crash symbol that make up the percussion section. Another great part of the song is the vocal break about two-thirds of the way through. This is where the The Morning Benders really show their talent, the harmonies are warm and the transition back into the instrumentals are flawless. I really enjoyed the sweeping highs and lows that this song offered.

In conclusion, "Excuses" reveals the expertise and vast musical knowledge of The Morning Benders. The vintage tones make this song a perfect tribute to sunny 60's pop music.

Pros: inclusion of various instruments, musical talent

Cons: production quality, percussion overpowering 

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The Vaccines- I Always Knew

"I Always Knew" is the second song off of the Vaccines' 2012 album "Come of Age". The Vaccines are an indie rock quartet based out of London that have been gaining notoriety and wide spread acclaim as of late. Furthermore, this song has also gained popularity after being featured on FOX's hit show "New Girl".

The song's most defining characteristic is its thunderous drums that create a driving pulse throughout the song. In the foreground is the distorted guitars and Justin Young's distinctive baritone voice. The song is about the subject coming to the realization that he is head over heels in love with someone he once viewed as merely a friend. Wanting something more yet afraid of the consequences, he is conflicted with what he should do next. A great aspect of the song is The Vaccines' contrast of dynamics. The verses are calm and quite restrained followed by a building hook and finally a climactic chorus. This seems to be symbolic of the subject's indecisive feelings.

"I Always Knew" is a clean, solid song that proves simplicity (little to no effects) never goes out of style. It's nice to see a straight forward rock song gain considerable popularity in today's culture.

*Side note: Justin Young's love interest in the music video is model Dree Hemingway, great granddaughter of infamous writer Earnest Hemingway

Pros: dynamics, instrumentals

Cons: guitars a bit too distorted

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Mayer Hawthorne-Designer Drug

Mayer Hawthorne is a throwback R&B/soul singer with a knack for dance-oriented, good vibes jams as well as straight-out-of-Motown, old-school soul. Though a native of Michigan, he is currently in Los Angeles making music under the eclectic record label Stonesthrow.

The song "Designer Drug" is off of his newest album "Where Does this Door Go" which features a more modern approach than his previous work. This song has an irresistible "feel-good" vibe and has just enough groove in it to get the crowd moving without inciting a full on sweat fest. Its "it factor" no doubt has to be attributed to the killer bass line which is as rhythmic as it is funky. Opposite of the bass line are the polished guitars, slight harmonies on the chorus, and Hawthorne's smooth falsetto vocals. Reminiscent of Hall & Oates or Michael Jackson, "Designer Drug" also includes 80's tinged drumbeats and deep, complex layers comparable to that of "I Can't Go for That" by Hall & Oates or "Rock With You" by Michael Jackson. 

Overall, an uplifting piece that can be equally enjoyed at your local house party or on the drive home from work.

Pros: Bass line, production quality, depth of layers

Cons: Repetitive, mediocre lyrics

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Voxtrot-Start of Something

"Is this the end or just the start of something really, really beautiful" Voxtrot’s "The Start of Something" seems like a fitting song for my first Tumblr post. I have been a fan of Austin, Texas’ Voxtrot for close to four years now.

Arguably their most popular song, "The Start of Something" sounds like a mellow take on much of The Smiths’ legendary material. Lead singer Ramesh pulls the listener through an emotional narrative about a restless man who engages in taboo activities with a taken (possibly married) women. With soft piano licks and fuzzy guitar work all wrapped in a lo-fi tone, the song seems to represent the beautiful mess our subject has gotten himself into. Though a common theme in many songs, what sets this song apart is the singers soft, aching vocals and the delicate, almost ambiguous lyrics.

All in all, an emotional piece suited for the heart broken, the introverts, and the late night loners.

Pros: instrumentals, LYRICS! 

Cons: Producing could be sharper, repetitive drum line