auditory discourse

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Titus Andronicus
Way back when, there was this band called Guided by Voices. They were pretty much responsible for inadvertently bringing lo-fi rock into the mainstream. Since then, there have been no bands to really match that. they’ve either been all the way incoherent, or just grungy enough to claim they were lo-fi/garage, but ultimately tipping on the edge of just pure rock music. In other words, more accesible. Titus Andronicus (although I’m not sold on the name) break down that barrier, and bring back the lone genre once again. crucnhy, often off beat guitars. tin can vocals – that may or may not be in tune. all the quality ingredients you need.

Titus Andronicus – Upon Viewing Brueghel’s “Landscape With The Fall Of Icarus” {From The Airing Of Grievances}

Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson
In addition to having one of the longest names in music, Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson mixes his sometimes folky guitar work with light bits of punk influence. His new self titled album switches between the two like a choosy 3 year old, and both styles work very well with Robinson’s documentary-style diction and occasional rolling piano keys. It’s surprising that the guy has been backstage to some of the most well known names – TV on the Radio, Grizzly Bear – but it looks like he has learned himself well.

Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson – Woodfriend {From Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson}

Wovenhand
I can’t say that I’ve heard the whole album from these guys, but from the taste I have gotten (below), it’s got me craving more. Along the lines of Grinderman, or some aborigine Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Wovenhand plays with an attitude that is pungent. Hard hitting percussion and anthem chants makes this band a contender for future ticket buying at your local hole in the wall.

Wovenhand – Kicking Bird {From Ten Stones}

Cold War Kids
I’ve had a hard time accepting this band for some reason. You know when a bunch of people start to praise a band, you finally get to hear them, and it unintentionally turns into some art house movie critique where you’ve heard such good things, but you keep staring at the screen wondering what the hell everyone is talking about. That’s the way I’ve felt about Cold War Kids. The first album dabbled into conceptual music noise (sporadic sour piano keys, off kilter guitar noise, etc.), but I couldn’t see the correlation to the lyrics. On their new album Loyalty to Loyalty, the mood is pretty dark. Low tones saturate the album, Nathan Willett’s vocals are spot on. I actually find it a more succesful album in terms of unity and coherence.

Cold War Kids – Something Is Not Right With Me {From Loyalty to Loyalty}