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Wednesday, November 10, 2010

REVIEW: Home Video - The Automatic Process

8.75 out of 10

It seems like every time Home Video releases a new album I mention something about how it eludes me that these guys aren't a household name by now. Well? ..WELL? Anyone got an answer for me? Is it their pitch-perfect melodies, maybe their catchy post modern Electronica sound, maybe there aren't enough fans for bands like Woven, Sinner DC, Underworld, or Thom Yorke?? What is it? Why aren't these guys huge yet? I'm pretty sure most music blogs out there started for bands like these. Bands who deserve way more credit than what they're getting, however will most likely stay "under the radar" for as long as we live..(unless we try hard enough:) I often wonder, does it piss the fans or the bands off more? Seriously, Home Video, you know you are amazing right? Go buy everything this band has done, (now)please?

There's a certain type of music you can listen to that has that "Barry White" effect, you know what I'm talking about (wink-wink, nudge-nudge, blush-blush), it's smooth, laid back, sexy as hell, and just perfect to "make love" to. Sure there are the classics, but how about givin' some "love" to more of the modern acts like; Sinner DC, Lusine, Matthew Dear, Jimmy Edgar, Autechre (maybe a weird listing -- but true), Portishead, Massive Attack, etc (this list could go on for a while if I had the time). Band's like these are good for than just making love to though, they set a standard in good "underground" Pop sounds, they take simple and turn it into amazing, they are perfect for almost any mood (if you ask me). Not too "loud" or overbearing, not too fast, not too slow either, has a steady beat, and agreeable vocals. Home Video is all that and more. Sensual electronics accompanied by catchy drum beats underneath amazing piano pieces, catchy/clean guitar riffs, and (seriously) great vocal melodies. "The Automatic Process" is nothing short of amazing (as usual when it comes to Home Video), people with working ears should be obsessed.

"The Automatic Process" picks up where every amazing Home Video left off. Only this time around with an even stronger Pop sensibility, "radio friendly" piano melodies, even more experimental electronic sounds ("Description Of A Struggle" has some amazing things going on in that track), and as always amazing vocals (of course). Highly Recommended. Highly Recommended. You should get this. Highly Recommended.

Standout Tracks: All. (i'm certain about this)

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Cool Video Funtime #206 - I Can You Make You Feel It

New Asobi Seksu..!

Follow the link --> Asobi Seksu - Trails <--Join a mailing list

The new album "Fluorescence" comes out February 15th via Polyvinyl. I'm hoping it sounds as "4AD" as the cover looks..

Monday, November 8, 2010

Check into Pogo..

Pogo - Wishery (you may wanna hurry, these tracks don't "last" forever..)

OK, so Pogo has actually been around for a little bit, but I had to share this track (too catchy not to).

Did you hear his previous Disney Masterpiece..

EIC'S10Q'S w/Active Child

"..one of 2010's standout acts, as well as one of the most promising Nu-Gazer debuts since the term Nu-Gazer actually popped up.."

(Photo credit: Brent Mullins)

Active Child
Nu-Semblance Totality

Active Child Bio:
Active Child is the new project from choirboy-turned-indie pop musician Pat Grossi. His debut collection of songs features the skilled use of various 80s-tinged synths to create ethereal, soaring soundscapes, punctuated by crisp electronic drum samples and handclaps. All of this lays the groundwork for Grossi’s exquisite vocals, which, with their unearthly sound and evocative lyrics, take on an enchanting, hymnal quality that would not be out of place amongst the richly colored sunlight of a church’s stained-glass interior.

Active Child’s songs are an intriguing study in contrast. The organic elements of Grossi’s angelic vocals and the occasional delicate strumming of a harp cast light on the eerie darkness created by the haunting synths and cavernous reverberating of percussion.

Grossi cites the musical environment in his childhood home as an early inspiration for his own desire to make music. After participating in a school choir as a child, he joined the Philadelphia Boys Choir at age 10. The influence of chorale singing, along with the sensibility of non-secular music, is as apparent in Active Child’s work as the influence of 80s Synth Pop bands like New Order, Joy Division and Tears for Fears.

Hello, how are you?
I'm good, we have the day off in Tallahassee so its nice to stop and take a deep breath and see the city a little bit.

What are you currently listening to?
Right now on this tour we have been listening to a little bit of everything. But the new National album has been on high rotation as well the Twin Shadow album "Forget", really amazing piece of creation there.

How is the School Of Seven Bells touring treating you?
Tour so far has been a blast. Although its been really long and I think we are all ready to be home for a while, it's been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Just being given the opportunity to tour with School Of Seven Bells and play for so many new people is something I am incredibly grateful for and something I will never forget.

Where did the title “Active Child” originate from/is there a story behind this name?
No story on this one, sorry. I usually skip this question, ha.

Who/what are the main influences behind Active Child?
Big influences for me are The Knife/Fever Ray. I think Karin Dreijer Andersson has one of the best voices in music these days. Bjork is also a big influence melodically and production wise. And I am always inspired by big synthscape artists like Vangelis, M83, etc.

What kind of album were you trying to make when you made “Curtis Lane”?
I don't think I was consciously trying to make this or that. It all started with no expectations, just me sitting down putting together sounds that really resonated in my head, things that I was hearing in my head. Big drums hits, layer upon layer of vocal, sharp synth stabs, all that good stuff.

What’s your favorite track off it?
My favorite changes. "Wilderness" holds a special place in my heart mostly from the memory of when I made it, takes me back to a special time in my life Denver with a special person.

Is there a tentative title/release date for your debut full length yet?
No release date as of yet. Still need to get home and write more new stuff, but I am hoping for it to be out sometime in the spring of 2011...

You can only keep/listen to ONE album for the rest of your life ..which album would it be?
Wow, that's really not fair. Maybe I could live for a while with this old James Brown album "Live At The Apollo..", yeah I think that would have some longevity.

Are you living your dream?
I think I am starting to, I mean touring beats waking up for a 9 to 5 everyday right?

Thanx Pat!

Active Child recently signed to Vagrant (Congrats Pat!!). Look for the debut LP sometime soon!

REVIEW: Active Child - Curtis Lane

8.5 out of 10

Find it here.

One of my favorite things about M83 reviving the "dying/dead" Shoegaze scene years back are the countless acts that have followed since. Active Child is one of the (and yes, I'm picky about this) massively shiny examples that further prove my love/obsession for spacey music with that perfect amount of "Pop". "Curtis Lane" has all the things I want in a perfect Space Pop/Shoegaze album; strong compositions, catchy melodies, synth drenched soundscapes, and classic 80's drum machine sounds.

"Curtis Lane" starts with a hum, followed shortly by a harp, climbing drum beat, Pat Grossi's "Choir Boy"/falsetto vocal talent, and then the synths/synths/more synths. The major standouts are the yes, the synths (I love them and you will to if you like M83), the Harp (which he actually plays live! it's not sampled..!), and the vocals (this guy is pretty talented in the vocal department--amazingly so). There really isn't one sound here that my ears disagree with, I just wish it didn't have to end so soon :( Eh.. either way, not only is "Curtis Lane" one of 2010's standout moments, it's also one of the most promising Nu-Gazer debuts since the term Nu-Gazer actually popped up..

Definitely will be high up on my year end list. Do not pass this album up (YOU WILL HATE YOURSELF IF YOU DO!)..Also, besides just recommending the album I also HIGHLY RECOMMEND you go to a live show. Active Child are one of those rare artists that may sound better live then they do recorded. After you hear this album your mind may be blown away by that live statement, because this album ~~should~~will impress anyone (music snob or not). Highly Recommendedededdeded

Standout Tracks: I'm In Your Church At Night, She Was A Vision, Wilderness