Ratatat – LP3

Consisting of Mike Stroud and Evan Mast, this New York duo combines synthesizers, guitars, bass, and some of the best beats in a long time. It really must be heard to understand the amazing sounds these guys put out. Expected to be released on July 8th, 2008, this is the “third” major release by Ratatat.

The first two and a half minutes are eerie, letting the listener get ready for the ride. And it is just that. A ride. Welcome to the awesome hip-hop infused electro-rock sounds of Ratatat. Leaping from one hook to the next, this group seems to have an endless supply of catchy tunes, with sounds you wish you thought of. You can easily stick this album on repeat, as the songs have no vocals to get caught up in. Its purely the music. Its hard to single out the best parts of the album, as all the songs interweave and are all excellent. Sticking seemingly unrelated genres in the middle of their trademark sound somehow works. Mi Viejo is a perfect example of this, as Latin influences penetrate the otherwise alternative sound. LP3 is little different to their previous albums, self titled “Ratatat” and “Classics”, but somehow feels more whole. This album is fun, enjoyable and very easy to listen to. Definitely one to get.

Highlights include: Falcon Jab, Mirando and Dura.

MP3: “Mirando” – Ratatat

Death Cab For Cutie – Narrow Stairs

Narrow Stairs, the 6th studio album by Death Cab for Cutie, expected to be released on May 13, 2008 in the US, seems to lack the subtle but intriguing impact of prior albums. Upon the first few listens, only a few tracks stand out. The album starts out well, with “Bixby Canyon Bridge”, followed by the single “I Will Posses Your Heart”. The album version reaching a total of eight and a half minutes, which remains instrumental for just over halfway.

After the first few tracks, you begin to find something different, without quite being able to put your finger on it. Yes, its good, but something isn’t quite right. When Ben Gibbards vocals kick in, they remain somewhat lackluster (something I’ve never experienced in any of his other work). While his voice still remains as one of the most brilliant today, it somehow doesn’t reach the same level as once achieved in The Photo Album, or Give Up (Postal Service). The usual guitar and piano riddled songs are still there, but don’t enhance Gibbards vocals to the extent seen before.

On the other hand, the lyrics are still more than incredible. While it can be said that Gibbards vocals have less impact than usual, they are still more than enough to carry this album through and far way from mediocrity. Less frequent moments of transcendence keep you wanting more. Just as this moment comes along, and fades away, you wonder why they didn’t just keep going. This is perfectly exemplified in “You Can Do Better Than Me”. What seems to be a very average song, gains its appeal right at the end, before leaping into the next track.

Just as the album is drawing to a close, Gibbard sings “The Ice Is Getting Thinner”, which could easily have been heard on Transatlanticsm. It is in this song that everything comes together in a short, softly bound conclusion. The vocal tones and melodies, soft enchanting piano, and clean guitar arrangement reaches the brilliance of what you would expect from Death Cab For Cutie. It is this final remark that lets you know they can still bring it to the table.

While I am disappointed in this release, it still stands as a good album. Death Cab For Cutie seem to have experienced what many bands do on their sophomore album. That is, not a bad album, just one that does not stand up to the level in which previous releases have set. If this was taken as a first release, it would stand tall as a very good album, but unfortunately, Death Cab For Cutie set the bar a bit too high, and then continued releasing at that level. That is, until now.

Highlights include: Bixby Canyon Bridge, Grapevine Fires and The Ice Is Getting Thinner.

MP3: “Grapevine Fires” – Death Cab For Cutie

Islands – Arm’s Way

Islands first album “Return to the Sea” was generally well received amongst the indie/alternative crowd upon its initial release on April 4, 2006. Often quoted in must-have lists to indie newcomers, Islands have gained a great amount of recognition from their debut album, and rightfully so. The question that many people were asking was whether or not Islands could keep up the brilliance displayed in their first record. The answer, shortly, is yes.

After it was leaked on April 11, 2008, “Arm’s Way” was received with a bit of skepticism and mixed reviews – as most sophomore albums are. I can only add to the pro-Arm’s Way camp, as I find this album interesting and captivating. From the arrangements of the strings and guitars, to Nick Thorburn’s vocals, this albums soars through pop melodies into dark lyrical mysteries. Through clever song structures “Arm’s Way” somehow manages maintain flow throughout the album. Although this album is far from perfect, and at times seems to boarder on predictable, Islands throw enough change into the mix to keep the listener on their toes.

Highlights include: “Abominable Snow”, “Kids Don’t Know Shit” and “To A Bond”, amongst the other great tracks.

Islands new record “Arm’s Way” is scheduled to be released in stores on May 20, 2008.

MP3: “Abominable Snow” – Islands