A couple of recent likable albums on heavy rotation are the Islands' Arm's Way (May 20, 2008) and Death Cab for Cutie's Narrow Stairs (May 9, 2008). When I am old and wrinkly I will listen to these two albums and think of this summer.
The Islands have mastered the essence of timing. They know when to slim down their heavy guitar and drum sounds to let their songs breath. Particularly in "Abominable Snow" they tend to alter tempo changes to allow for empty space. They perfect these dynamics by sometimes playing simpler guitar tremors then a few seconds later playing more aggressively and faster. Singer Nicholas Thorburn is very descriptive with his gory lyrics. He tends to talk about blood, guts, death, and body parts. Nonetheless the album is diverse and interesting.
Islands TOUR DATES:
You already missed the LA dates in Cali
06-19 Epicentre - San Diego, CA
06-23 Emo's - Austin, TX
06-24 Granada Theatre - Dallas, TX
06-25 Walter's on Washington - Houston, TX
Another impressive album is Death Cab's Narrow Stairs. Their most notable album to date is Transatlanticism (2003) and after their last upsetting album Plans (2005) I had almost given up on these boys. Much to my chagrin I purchased their new album anyways. It was a pleasant refurbished surprise. This album, Ben Gibbard seems to talk about personal failures instead of the more mythical lyrics he has used previously. An open diary that a listener always thrives for, to be let into the psyche of the writer's personal life. A nice production add-in is how they fade from one song directly into the next. A trick they used on Transatlanticism between the songs "Tiny Vessels" and "Transatlanticism." It's also shed on this album between "You Can Do Better Than Me" and "Grapevine Fires."Death Cab TOUR DATES in CA: (with Rogue Wave)
06-20 SDSU Open Air Theatre - San Diego, CA
06-23 Nokia Theatre - Los Angeles, CA
Side Note:
There will be a Sigur Rós ticket presale at 9am EST on June 20, 2008 through their website.
Sigur Rós TOUR DATES in CA: (more dates will be added)
10-01 Copley Symphony Hall - San Diego, CA
10-02 The Greek Theatre - Los Angeles, CA
