Looking for new music? DJs at WVAU share their thoughts on a range of recent releases.
The Magnetic Fields | Love at the Bottom of the Sea
When it comes to The Magnetic Fields, you can almost always count on leader Stephen Merritt to deliver concise, well-crafted pop songs that feature his gloomy yet humorous lyrical bent.
Such is the case on his band’s latest effort, which also marks a return to the band’s signature synth-dominated sound. And while it’s no “69 Love Songs” (though to be fair, few albums can compare to that landmark record), “Love At The Bottom Of The Sea” has its share of great tracks.
The best examples of Merritt’s talents are perhaps most evident in the album’s first two songs, the chastity-ridiculing “God Wants Us To Wait” and the oddly sweet single “Andrew In Drag.”
Although some filler is scattered throughout the album, this is a solid addition to Merritt’s revered catalogue.
Recommended If You Like: Jens Lekman, Future Bible Heroes or any synth-heavy project with Stephen Merritt
By Cameron Meindl, Rhyme and Reason,” Sundays noon-2 p.m.
Delta Spirit | Delta Spirit
There is an odd similarity between Delta Spirit and Dr. Dog. Both bands started off as roots-rock/psychedelic-esque bands, they attract similar crowds, and their latest albums are similarly most successful when approaching newer and delay-laden sounds.
Delta Spirit’s self-titled third LP has a very strong alt-radio sheen thrown over it, so don’t be surprised to hear any of these tracks surfing the FM waves anytime soon. Particularly strong is lead single “California,” filled with a sunshiny-beat and watery feel with slightly heartbroken lyrics to maintain its humanity.
Closing track “Yamaha” is another highlight, combining a My Morning Jacket-esque piano line and vocal melody with a hint of synth.
Overall, don’t be surprised if Delta Spirit takes on a Kings of Leon-style metamorphosis — scruffy roots-rockers turning into bona fide stars — over these next few years.
RIYL: Dr. Dog, The Morning Benders, Dawes, newer Kings of Leon
by Mike Creedon, “Grandmaster Flash Gordon Lightfoot,” Sundays 10 a.m.-noon
Frankie Rose | Interstellar
Jangle-pop veteran Frankie Rose (of Vivian Girls, Dum Dum Girls and Crystal Stilts) makes a bold foray into the intimidating world of solo releases with her debut LP. And given the material presented here, it is a wonder as to why she hasn’t ditched the backing bands earlier.
This is an echo-y kind of music, awash with synthesizers and reverberations, yet it exudes an undeniable confidence the entire way through that feels entirely organic. Much music of this style tends to be entirely devoid of personality, making it unable to really dig into an artist, a fate that Rose avoids with adept songwriting and masterful use of her voice.
“Interstellar” is an album that you can delve deep into but also allow to simply let its glow wash over you while you slip away from the world.
RIYL: Dum Dum Girls, Best Coast, Zola Jesus
by Richard Murphy, “Lionheart James,” Thursdays 2-4 a.m.
Lambchop | Mr. M
Between the elegant string arrangements, jazzy piano, light drums and stand-up bass, the music on Mr. M sounds like something you could play for your grandparents without any objection. Then singer Kurt Wagner begins the album with the lyric, “Don’t know what the fuck they talk about.” These opening seconds are the entire album in a nutshell: Wagner delivering pessimistic quips in his quavering voice, with the blows softened by the often beautiful instrumentation.
While Wagner’s vocal style isn’t so much singing as it is speaking, the arrangements are undeniably gorgeous, best showcased in the wonderful instrumental “Gar.” Still, this is an album that demands patience. The songs can sometimes drag in places and might even lull a listener to sleep. Regardless, the craftsmanship on display here is something to appreciate, even if it’s not your pace.
RIYL: Wilco, Bill Callahan
by Cameron Meindl, “Rhyme and Reason,” Sundays noon-2 p.m.
School of Seven Bells | Ghostory
With bands like M83 and Porcelain Raft leading the cluttered dream-pop scene, it’s increasingly hard for bands to make a name for themselves these days, especially if their shoegazy sound leans more towards electronica.
Enter School of Seven Bells, a band already subject to the “Oh yeah, I’ve never really given them a listen” syndrome.
Unlike others in the electronic shoegaze scene (let’s call it synthgaze), Seven Bells is constantly trying to dance on this new album. Between “Ghostory” pumping in dreamy layers and waves of synths, dry bass and drum machine rhythms, you’ll feel like you’re jumping apathetically in some checkerboard club from the ’80s to Siouxsie and The Banshees.
Sadly, this album isn’t nearly as catchy as it needed to be. Initially, you’ll be quick to praise tracks such as “The Night” and “Lafaye,” but they just won’t register later on. Although the album is impressive in its dark and dreamy nature, School of Seven Bells doesn’t do much to overcome the amnesia associated with them.
RIYL: Porcelain Raft, newer M83, “Drive” Soundtrack, Glasser
by Mike Creedon, “Grandmaster Flash Gordon Lightfoot,” Sundays 10 a.m.-noon
Islands | A Sleep and a Forgetting
The Canadian indie rock group’s fourth full-length album is by far the most honest to date. Simple guitar strumming and open piano chords complement heartbreakingly earnest vocals that detail the disintegration of band member Nicholas Thorburn’s marriage. Each song is a carefully constructed lament full of lyrics so sincere it hurts. Songs such as “In a Dream (It Seemed Real)” have a subtle ache to their lackadaisical style, as though something about them is too fast, too slow or just too truthful.
The brutally authentic songwriting is the resonant quality on this album as the vocal arrangements and lyrics bounce between melancholy melodies and nostalgic, nearly desperate falsetto. The sparse use of percussive instrumentation and the slow, heavy bass help to underscore the doom and gloom.
The simple beauty present in every tuneful line and the almost sprite-like anguish of “A Sleep and a Forgetting” makes it a lovesick yet pleasant album.
RIYL: Mister Heavenly, Of Montreal, Wolf Parade
by Brendan Principato, “This Radio Show Will Ruin/Save Your Life,” Mondays midnight-2 a.m.
