indie rock

Modern Vampires of the City – Vampire Weekend

Vampire Weekend, an indie pop band from New York City, released their third full-length album, Modern Vampires of the City, and seems to give the band more of a fluid sound than their previous releases. The band consists of Ezra Koenig (lead vocals and guitar), Rostam Batmanglij (keyboards and guitar), Chris Tomson (drums and percussion), and Chris Baio (bass). Although there is a new sound on this album, there are still elements in these songs that are reminiscent to Contra and Vampire Weekend, such as Koenig’s bright vocals and their rich melodies. Vampire Weekend seems to experiment more on this album, especially with pitch shifting on various aspects of the instrumentation and Koenig’s vocals.

Throughout Modern Vampires of the City, the lyrics touch upon more mature themes, such as religion, in an imaginative way. It seems as though Koenig questions his faith in God throughout many of the tracks on this record, such as “Unbelievers” and “Ya Hey.” Even with these themes, Koenig keeps his vocals seemingly effortless, much like Vampire Weekend’s previous works. The effects Koenig puts on his voice in this album gives the album an exciting result. The choruses in this album are sweeping and yet catchy which makes them compelling.

Instrumentally, this album is far different from Vampire Weekend and Contra in the sense that Vampire Weekend seems to pull away from their world music influences and tries to create their own style on this new record. There are some beautiful orchestral arrangements throughout the album that are combined with experimental melodies. Staccato percussion in “Worship You” seems to drive this song in a fast tempo and this type of instrumentation has always seemed to play a key role in Vampire Weekend’s sound. The plucking cello and the piano in “Young Lion” bring this mostly energetic album into a quiet and subtle end.

Overall, Modern Vampires of the City seems to be a step away from Vampire Weekend’s typical sound and yet, there is still something about it that remains characteristic to the band. Vampire Weekend seems to strip away the elements they are most known for in this new album as they head into a different direction.

Reflektor – Arcade Fire

Arcade Fire, a Canadian indie rock band that combine extravagant instrumentals and thematic songwriting, seems to have a different approach in their sound in their new album, Reflektor. This album has a more groove-oriented feeling to it, in comparison to their previous albums. Known for their first three critically acclaimed albums, The Suburbs, Neon Bible and Funeral, this new album seems to be a step away from their typical lavish sounding music. The band consists of multi-instrumentalists, Win Butler, Régine Chassagne, Richard Reed Parry, William Butler, Tim Kingsbury, and Jeremy Gara. Reflektor maintains the expansive sound and deep lyrical themes of Arcade Fire.

Lyrically, Arcade Fire seems to put out their themes in a more obvious way than their previous works but nevertheless, Arcade Fire does maintain their complex meanings. Much like their previous albums, Arcade Fire sings about being an outsider, especially in the songs, “We Exist” and “Joan of Arc” which deals being ignored by a majority that they don’t agree with. Vocally, Win Butler and Régine Chassagne, the lead vocal duo in the band, remain subtle but powerful throughout. The darkness in the vocals seem to add to the various themes in the lyrics which has always given Arcade Fire their original sound.

Reflektor goes into something much different from their previous works, and rather than having instrumentation as layered as previous albums, there is a mixture of genres, varying from new age to disco. Tempo wise, Arcade Fire maintains their epic sound but seems to slow it down a bit and seems to draw out some of their instrumentation more. Although not as layered as older albums, Arcade Fire maintains their large sound and shows that they can perform different genres but it seems that they put all of these experimentations into the one album, Reflektor. 

With an eclectic mix of sounds, Arcade Fire came back with a semi-new sound in Reflektor, and although lyrically they have remained the same, the band has changed up their sound instrumentally. Even though this album is not what many expected from Arcade Fire, there is still something in Reflektor that everyone will enjoy.

Warpaint – Warpaint

As their first album that they have written together as a band, Warpaint’s self-titled album, Warpaint, is a minimalist sound that seems to suit Warpaint and their music. Formed on Valentine’s Day 2004, the current line-up for the band consists of Emily Kokal on vocals and guitar, Theresa Wayman on guitar and vocals as well, Jenny Lee Lindberg bass and backing vocals, and Stella Mozgawa on drums. Written mostly onstage during soundchecks, Warpaint worked on the songs more with acoustic guitars and percussion once back in the studio. Warpaint has a different sound to it than their first album, The Fool, as Warpaint has a much richer depth to it.

With ghostly vocals, Wayman and Kokal have an alluring appeal to their voices, which can draw an audience in. Lyrically, Warpaint is focused more on the distant and vacancy vocals rather than emotional depth in the writing. However, they do still have a kind of urgency to them that make the vocals even more intriguing. There is something entrancing on this album when it comes to the vocals. Whether it is the softness of the voices of Wayman and Kokal or the hypnotic tone of their voices.

With fascinating rhythms and an abundance of interesting guitar melodies, Warpaint is something that is full of lovely and layered music. Dynamics are subtle but ever so important throughout the album as the music climaxes and then meet its quiet end. There are few parts throughout the album that this subtleness is a bit off putting, such as in “CC,” but then again, this is what makes the album what it is. Also, their mixture of electronic sounds with acoustic guitar and drum machines seem to add an effect to Warpaint’s music that makes them unique to themselves.

Warpaint has certain sound to them that draws listeners in from the first lesson. Whether it is their soft vocals or intriguing mixture of electronics and guitar, there is something that anyone can find in Warpaint that they like. Warpaint’s psychedelic ambience in their experiment of a second album is something that will take patience to fully appreciate but worth the experience.

Supermodel – Foster the People

In their new album, Supermodel, Foster the People seems to send a message through their music about their opinions on current social issues. With darker lyrics and less electronic influences in the songs, Supermodel seems to be somewhat of a shift from their previous album, Torches. However, there is still the classic neo-psychedelic sound that seems to give Foster the People their popularity. Members of the band consist of Mark Foster (vocals, keyboards, piano, synthesizers, guitar, programming, percussion), Cubbie Fink (bassist and vocals), and Mark Pontius (drums and percussion). Supermodel sounds a lot like a toned down version of Torches, using more guitar driven melodies rather than a heavy electronic sound.

With an easy falsetto, Mark Foster seems to explore his range well throughout Supermodel and still maintain his one-of-a-kind voice. Much like Torches, Foster seems to have a sort of distinct tone to his voice that gives audiences a reason to come back to Foster the People’s music that is hard to find elsewhere. In the song, “Are You What You Want to Be,” Foster combines a catchy chorus with clever lyrics. Lyrically, the themes on this album are considerably darker than previously, dealing with Foster’s personal feelings towards issues with consumerism and “the ugly side of capitalism.” Foster the People recorded Supermodel in a two-step process, recording the instrumentals first and then writing lyrics and recording vocals second.

The instrumentation on Supermodel focuses more on the guitar aspect of their music rather than the electronic, unlike Torches. Hoping for a multicultural sound on this album, Foster the People used various instruments in different environments than what they were used to. With this natural sound, there is still electronic influences throughout that fuses the two sounds together in a seemingly stunning way.

A step away from their previous album, this new, eclectic sound on Supermodel will give listeners a fresh perspective on what Foster the People are trying to be. This vibrant collection of pop songs will keep listeners coming back for more.

Build Anyway – The Rocketboys

Austin, Texas, the Live Music Capital of the World, home to a broad selection of bands and venues. From a city with a rich musical history, the Rocketboys seem to have the sound straight out of the large Texas sky. Brandon Kinder, singer and guitarist, Justin Wiseman, keyboards, Josh Rodgers on drums and Josh Campbell, bass, make up the Texan band. Their most recent album, Build Away, gives them a distinctive sound that is hard to find. With rich melodies and heartfelt vocals, Build Away proves that the Rocketboys know what they are doing.

The lyrics throughout the album are sincere and Kinder’s alto range helps him soar through Build Anyway. The vocals are smooth which allows everything to blend together without giving too much focus on one specific instrument. The harmonies in this album are strong, especially in the final track, “The Best.” With powerful vocals, the Rocketboys allow themselves to present their lyrics with vigor. Kinder knows his voice and throughout the album, he never tries to be overpowering nor does he try to sing out of his range.

With energetic instrumentals, the Rocketboys have the expansive melodies of Coldplay but the liveliness of Kings of Leon. Layer and depth seems to play a key role in the sound of Build Away as there are enthusiastic piano compositions backed with eager guitar riffs. The drums in the album are persistent and they never try to push the song further than what is best for it and other the musicians.

Considerable competition within the indie rock scene does not stop the Rocketboys from excelling with what they do. Bright vocals and textured melodies gives the Texas band what they need to expand and continuously improve. Currently recording a new EP, Talk, in Los Angeles, the Rocketboys will no doubt bring the positive elements of Build Anyway into their new music and bring their distinctive sound to a new level.

Tears You Apart – Finish Ticket

Over the years, indie rock has grown in massive popularity with bands such as Haim and Modest Mouse. However, as this genre continues to rapidly expand, it is hard for up and coming bands to set themselves apart from other bands. Finish Ticket has the energy and musicianship that is unique to themselves. On May 19, they released their debut album, Tears You Apart and the band seems to have a powerful sound to it that will give the band some momentum. With strong vocals and melodic instrumentations, Finish Ticket shows that they have the ability to grow as musicians as the band progresses in this new album. Member in the band are Brendan Hoye on vocals and the keyboard, Alex DiDonato on guitar and vocals, Michael Hoye on bass, Gabe Stein on drums, and Nick Stein on the keyboard.

The vocals, although delightful, seems to be too reminiscent of Young the Giant’s frontman, Sameer Gadhia. However, that does not mean it isn’t unique, it simply means that both singers share a control in their voices and know how to use it. Throughout the album, the tone in Hoye’s voice remains vibrant and bright. Knowing his ability, Hoye is able to channel it in a way that strong but not overpowering.

The instrumentations on this album, especially the drums and piano, are significant in Tears You Apart and do not hide behind the vocals or focus solely on the guitar. It is hard to put a finger on a standout track off of the album as there was nothing absolutely unique. Yet, two song in particular, “Doctor” and “In the Summer” are memorable, both in its instrumentation and lyrically. The guitar dominants through the songs and leads the rest of the band with a mid-pace tempo. The lyrics in these songs are definitely not cutting edge but they will stay in your head for days after listening to them.

Finish Ticket are currently wrapping up their tour. They will open for Ed Sheeran on June 14 and will play at the festivals Music In the Park (July 17) and Outside Lands (August 9). As they continue to tour and support their album, there is no doubt that Finish Ticket will garner a substantial following with their spirited sound and high energy performances.