Bliss Release - Cloud Control (2010)

Bliss Release - Cloud Control (2010) In three words: Pastoral, Carefree, Spiritual

I am very grateful that my friend introduced me to this band. After listening to the first track on the record, I knew they were going to be one of my favourites. Cloud Control is an Australian band hailing from the Blue Mountains in Sydney. So it is not surprising that this band creates indie folk music which sounds organic, ethereal and is full of dreamy harmonies. The quartet consists of Heidi Lenffer on keys and vocals and brother Ulrich on drums, plus Jeremy Kelshaw on bass and guitarist and singer Alister Wright. Bliss Release is Cloud Control’s first full length album, which has received many auspicious praises from music critiques. This acclaim is warranted, as Cloud Control has produced a fresh sounding album and successfully blended several different genres across Bliss Release, without sounding obscure or directionless.

Bliss Release beings with 'Meditation Song #2 (Why, Oh Why)'. A suspenseful buzz leads to a soul acoustic chord while Alister and Heidi’s voices almost echo “Make my head a pool of water now.” Soon after a soaring harmony, the unique chorus bursts into the song, as they chant “Why, oh why” over chord progressions, distorted guitar riffs, drones, rhythm claps and tambourines. Cloud Control blends these elements together which somehow produces harmony instead of chaos. The combined rock and folk sounds are dreamy yet powerful, with surreal lyrics; “Peer into the centre of my soul. Find all the things I need to make me whole.” As an opener, 'Meditation Song #2' provides listeners with an almost psychedelic introduction to Bliss Release.

Then straight after the ending fuzz of the first track comes clear and shimmering electric guitar progressions with more boy/girl melodies. 'There’s Nothing In The Water We Can’t Fight' is upbeat and optimistic with references to Hinduism: “Mother Ganga take me higher. You wake up, you're on fire.”
After moving the album to a more eerie tone with 'Ghost Story', 'Gold Canary' wakes the listener up with Alister’s powerful voice and thumping afrobeats. The song is also centered around “nah-nah” chants and “whoops” while tambourines and hand-claps invoke a whimsical atmosphere. It is a great single which successfully broad casted Cloud Control to the Australian indie scene.

The next track, 'This Is What I Said', is bouncy and carefree as Alister asks "can you feel the tangible chill in the air? Is it here? Is it there?" A falsetto chorus and quirky bass and electric guitar chords also contribute to the general playfulness of the song. Then 'Just For Now' opens with modest acoustic strumming and bitter-sweet lyrics: "Twenty years on a steady slope, I'm all out of rope." It's a standard folk track until tribal drums liven it up.

Eventually, 'My Fear #2' kicks off with an ascending electric guitar and a jaunty baseline. This track so up-tempo that is has real dance-ability. To me, 'My Fear #2' displays Cloud Control's musical and lyrical confidence to a tee. Midway through the song, Alister adds a fuzzy guitar distortion and a killer solo, leading into surreal vocalizations from both singers. This song is lively and so enjoyable, it's probably my favorite song on the record.

The closing track is called 'Beast Of Love' and exhibits Lenffer as the vocal lead. Her voice is distant and soothing as she croons "love is foolish, yet we're fine. Waiting for the beast of love to smile." Slowly, complicated melodies of "you are all I need" are integrated into the song with folkly instrumentals. It's a peaceful and almost romantic end to the album. Bliss Release is a charming collection of songs which can provide a blissful escape from everyday life.

Chapter VII - Society

Basically I just wanted to share this video. It's very similar to my idea of an ideal society. This video is from the RSA's youtube channel. Please find some time to watch it the whole way through. The Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts is an organisation that funds and supports education and aims to enlighten and improve social thinking. This is their website: http://www.thersa.org/home

Hidden – These New Puritans (2010)

Hidden - These New Puritans (2010) In three words: Chaotic, Diverse, Unorthodox
Hidden is the second album from These New Puritans, (often abbreviated as TNPS) a band from Southend in the UK. TNPS consists of Jack Barnett, his twin brother George, Thomas Hein and Sophie Sleigh-Johnson. In 2008 the band released their highly successful debut album, Beat Pyramid. Their sound is heavily beat driven can be described as a mix of indie and art rock. However, in an ambitious step forward, These New Puritans bring classical influences and epic percussion to Hidden. It is almost impossible not to draw comparisons between TNPS and experimental band, Liars. Yet the band's front man, Jack Barnett asserts that These New Puritans are "anti-experimental. I'm into narrative, precision, clarity." In turn, preparation for the creation of Hidden was rigorous. A thirteen piece orchestra including clarinets, alto flutes, bassoons, french horns, trombones and a tuba were squeezed into the studio (the six-foot taiko drums would not fit).
Hidden commences with Time Xone, an instrumental piece. You could easily think that you've accidentally picked up something from the classical section. The track begins with swooning and mournful strings, woodwind, and brass. This piece could serve as music for a funeral or an overture for an orchestra. The fragile music starts to fade and move to the next song, We Want War. This track is unlike anything I have ever heard. It begins with an ominous sense of gathering storm clouds, created through droning horns and bassoons, electronic tremors and desolate drums. Then tribal wood-on-wood clacks and demonic choirs conjure images of a battlefield in my mind. Meanwhile, Barnett's vocals are quiet but distinctive as he mutters, "secret recording were made in the marsh, I bore a hole just to see. Knights dance in molecules, here's Gallahad. They're rising back up, they're rising back up." Overall, We Want War is epic and exhilarating.

The Next track is called Hologram, which acts as a shift in mood. This track, which centres around piano and stomping drums, is prettier and somewhat human. However, the violent and ruthless Attack Music destroys this. Track is very elaborate and hard to describe. It begins with massive drum and crunchy digital beats amidst shattering glass and drawn swords. It literally is attack music, with eerie chants and hallucinogenic coos; "It was September, harmful logic. It was September, this is attack music." There is also an appearance of brass and woodwind instruments which adds to the chaos. After Attack Music comes Fire-Power, which continues the delirium further. This is another heavy drum track. I would say that it's the only song on the record that contains any guitar. Toward the end of the song, the drum beats fade out and the sombre classical arrangements merge in. The sixth track on Hidden, Orion is malevolent and feels ritualistic or pagan. This is created through choirs and mysterious references to astrology; "Hidden exit after Osiris. All the stars are swords, I've never been so sure." The next track, Canticle, provides a soothing orchestral interlude. Further into the album is White Chords, which is mainly electronic beats and cathartic guitars through the chorus. This could possibly be the most comfortable moment on the record.

The album is concluded with an instrumental song called 5. From this song, the mysteries of Hidden subside and you are left to sit there and wonder what just happened. It commences with twinkling xylophones and slowly introduces a flurry of flutes, clarinets and brass. Eventually a children's choir creates an ethereal atmosphere as Jack whispers: "All the tree started to walk and the rivers started to talk, but only through digital manipulation." Then trumpets and tubas slowly groan Hidden to sleep. 5 is a sublime end to the immaginarium that is Hidden.

Chapter VI - Update

So I haven't written anything in a while because I was having a great time on mid-semester break. Turns out I actually had almost a month of time off. Also been working at a restaurant as a waiter. It's challenging but I enjoy it. I'd rather do this than sit at a register all day. Yeah, so that's the update.

My friends Alex and Kim have a channel on youtube (Alkimex), where they like to make video blogs and this is a shameless plug for them. Their latest video, one in which I also appear, is still in the making. I will be up putting it in this post when it's finished. I admire anyone who has the initiative to act on what really interests them and make something of it.

Over the holidays I also had some time to see my primary school friends Jess and Casey. It's a shame that they live 2.5 hours away from me, but it's worth it none the less. I also don't mind it because of the train ride. I like to sit in the opposite direction that the train is going, so out the window it looks like everything is going backwards really fast. Anyway, just wanted to explain how dear these girls are to me, even though I don't see them as much as I would like to. I value all my friends equally. Each has a special way about them that I love. Basically, I feel most accepted and loved as a person when I'm with you guys. A sort of sense belonging which is hard to describe. It's like being able to detach myself from anything important or stressful, have a great time and be myself. Jess, perpetually happy, I've even seen her in bad mood. Casey, a girl with an amazing voice, who told me something I'll never forget. Two amazing, beautiful people who mean a lot to me.

Veckatimest - Grizzly Bear (2009)

Veckatimist - Grizzly Bear (2009) In three words: Reflective, Harmonious, Earthy

Grizzly Bear is a Brooklyn based alternative rock band, Veckatimest is their third full-length studio album. Their music has psychedelic and folk tendencies, combined an abundance of vocal harmonies. The record is named after a small island Massachusetts, if you're wondering. After the success of their previous LPs, Horn Of A Plenty (2004) and Yellow House (2006), Veckatimest was released on the 26 of May and also received numerous acclaims and awards. To me, the fact that Grizzly Bear has produced an album almost every two years, demonstrates serious ambition. It is also shows though the band's observable planning and intricate details that was put into this fascinating and beautiful record.

Veckatimest opens with Southern Point, a mixture of bustling acoustic guitars and folk-jazz drums. The song then adds riffs and vocal harmonies that phase in and out, making the listener feel free, exhilarated and boisterous. The song is like a journey, frequently changing in tone and pace. Its both disorientating and intricate, a great opener. With lyrics like "our haven on the southern point is calling us" and "in the end, you'll never find" I think the track is about the Island on which the album was recorded and how it is a haven for the band. Next is the single Two Weeks, which is upbeat and cheerful. It centres around a simple piano melodie and indie rock sensibility. With its soaring harmonies, the singer asks "Would you always? Maybe sometimes? Make it easy?" I would say that this is the album's most real moment, the dealings of an intimate relationship. From here, Veckatimest wanders off into quiet, folk daydreams in All We Ask and Fine For Now. Then Cheerleader begins. This track is alluring and harmonious. It combines a choir, folk beats and calming guitar chords. "I'm shooting them myself, I shouldn't let it matter"; Despite its beauty, the song's lyrics come across as bitter or hateful.

The next masterpiece of Veckatimest is Ready, Able. This track has a verse, verse, chorus, chorus structure. This emphasises the slow build up to a surreal swell of riffs, vocalisations, keyboards and drums. This is my favourite track on the record, it's just drenched with an atmosphere that a lot of good bands can't replicate. Ed sings, "they go, we go, I want you to know what I did I did" like a mantra. Overall, I think Ready, Able is a depiction of another love relationship, where the two involved make to decision to seriously be together. After Ready, Able comes About Face and Hold Still. Then the single While You wait For The Others begins with a harsh and unorthodox guitar riffs to wake listeners up from the previous dreamy songs. Veckatimest concludes with Foreground, a simple but haunting piano based song. The album fades out with "This is the foreground. It is the Foreground." backed by an eerie choir. This song has so many possible meanings to me but ultimately, I think it's about the disjunction between intentions and actions. Stunningly beautiful, Foreground is the perfect closer to an incredible album.

Chapter V - Gaia Theory

This is about the closest thing I have to a religion. The Gaia Theory/Hypothesis is basically the idea that living organisms and their surroundings are part of a dynamic system that shapes the Earth's self regulating biosphere. Not to say I don't believe in climate change and global warming, it's very real. So really, the planet itself is an organism itself. I tend to take this idea a bit further. I think that the collective consciousness of every living thing makes up Earth's consciousness. In my mind, that's all any being is; Awareness confined in a physical body.

These kind of thoughts bring me to an idea of absolute equality between all living things. This is why I usually don't kill spiders or support the death penalty. To me every single living thing is equal, has potential and deserves life. You could call me a hypocrite because I'm not a vegan, but this is still a grey area for me. My actions are contradictory to my beliefs. I like to eat meat. I'm sure it's an essential part of our diet. But I strongly disagree with the mass production and exploitation of animals for human consumption.

If you think about, what we do to other species is a bit like racism or sexism. Humanity's disrespect and discrimination against other species than their own can be called specisism. Although we share the planet with other organisms, which contribute to our existence, we have no empathy or compassion for them. This comes from 'Earthlings', a feature length documentary. It's disturbing at times, but please have a watch: http://video.google.com.au/videoplay?docid=6361872964130308142#. Anyway, these are just my silly thoughts.

Chapter IV - Alcohol

In my Psychology course there is a Behavioural Neuroscience subject that is compulsory. This semester we looked at how different drugs work on the brain at a Nero-chemical level. So basically, I'm going to talk about what is happening in your brain when you get drunk. This will also work as revision for my upcoming exam. I have to admit, I am a binge drinker. I have alcohol more for the effect than the taste (except maybe whiskey, its yummy). Being intoxicated is like being someone else who has no worries, thinks everything is funny and is free from the rules that restrict our behaviour. So you can see why alcohol and other recreational drug are so popular. This is my simplified explanation of alcohol's effect on the brain:

The brain works through a system many different brain cells called neurons. Action potentials or neural messages move along the neurons to produce all the different functions or the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that help move the action potential from one neuron to the next. Inhibitory (blocking) neurotransmitters called GABA, are active through the brain. These neurotransmitters act to control neural activity along many brain pathways. When GABA binds to its receptor, the neuron is less likely to transmit a neural message. Meanwhile, somewhere else in the brain, another neurotransmitter called glutamate acts as the brain's general purpose excitatroy (makes the neuron more likely to pass on a signal to the next neuron) neurotransmitter. When alcohol enters the brains, it delivers a double sedative action. First it interacts with GABA receptors to make them even more inhibitory. Second, it binds to glutamate receptors, preventing glutamate from exciting the neuron. This leads to a decrease in neural activity in the frontal lobe, which affects motor movement, emotion, decision making and judgement. I'm not supporting binge drinking and alcohol, nor am I condemning it. The choice is yours and so are the consequences.

In Rainbows - Radiohead (2007)

In Rainbows - Radiohead (2007) In three words: Exhilarating, Atmospheric, Complex.
For the first album review, I thought that my favourite band's latest album would be suitable. Sorry if I don't use the right terms, this the first time I've tried this. Radiohead released their seventh studio album, through digital download on their website. They also allowed listeners to pay whatever price they wanted for the album, which created controversy and publicity for the band. Pervious albums like Ok Computer and Kid A were conceptual and took the listener on a journey. So I expected In Rainbows to be the same. However, after listening to the record once, it seemed as if there was no logical flow; just an album of different songs. But after further listening, this was quite true.
The first track, 15 Step, is a mix of skitter electronics, slinky drum beats and hand claps. The song even takes unexpected turns into classical arrangements and children's vocals. The lyrics in chorus are "How come I end up where I started, how come I end up where I went wrong?" All together, it comes across as a chase song; someone pursuing another person through seduction. Then Bodysnachters begins with sonic guitar riffs and progresses into one of Radiohead's best rock songs, in my opinion. Quick drum snares and strangled riffs really grab your attention. Thom Yorke yelps, "I've not idea what you're talking about, I'm trapped in this body and can't get out." I believe this song is about escaping the boredom and sterility of a marriage or being trapped in a role that doesn't fit you. The fourth track, Weird Fishes/Arpeggi, is very progressive and slowly builds up to a climax through repetitive drum beats and guitar arpeggios. Somehow, Radiohead actually creates an aquarium atmosphere. Yet the climax of rushing instruments conjures a feeling of urgency. I'd say it's the album's most ambiguous song, with lyrics like "I'd be crazy not to follow. Follow where you lead. Your eyes. They turn me." But my interpretation is that its another escapist song and also hints towards suicide.

Just like Weird Fishes/Arpeggi, House Of Cards creates a surreal atmosphere. Thom's vocals are the best, they've ever been in this track and this is possibly my favourite song on In Rainbows. Tender guitar tunes lull us into and almost unconscious state, while Thom croons "I don't wanna be your friend, I just wanna be your lover." The second last song is Jigsaw Falling Into Place. The song begins with hypnotic acoustic guitars and Thom's alluring hums, which really draw the listener in. It then moves to a climax of swelling riffs and falsetto vocals. There are references to stalking and obsession through lyrics like "Before you run away from me, before you're lost between my notes." and "Jigsaw falling into place. Nothing to explain." I also think the song might be about a date or one night stand situation, gone wrong. In Rainbows concludes with a sombre and almost mourning song, Videotape. The track centres around a piano line and Thom's desolate vocals. I understand the song as a reflection on what has happened and having saying goodbye to it. - "When I'm at the pearly gates, this will be on my videotape." I believe there is also references to the end of a relationship and leaving a record of it behind; "You are my centre when I spin away." and "This is my way of saying goodbye because I can't do it face to face." Then broken drum beats enter to signify a video reel and Thom's voice fades away. This ultimately leaves listeners with a sense of acceptance for what is finished.
Returning to the Idea of a conceptual album, I believe In Rainbows to be an depiction of a complex love relationship. It begins with chase and seduction, and then moves to uncertainty. It slowly progresses through and tackles all the different stages in a relationship; lust, ecstasy, disbelief, rejection, compromise, dependence, obsession and death of a relationship. I love and truly admire how Radiohead can create different worlds within their albums, through musical genius and experimentation and creative lyrics. This is an excellent album.

Chapter III - David Firth

David Firth is a video artist and animator from the UK. His videos are usually cartoons of a dark or humorous nature. Sometimes both. Many of his videos tend to explore disturbing or surreal topics like mental illness or dreams. He's really talented and all of his videos are great, I recommend them. The Jerry Jackson cartoons are especially hilarious.
This is his website: http://www.fat-pie.com/index.html
And this is my favourite video on the site. Enjoy.

A Detailed Analysis/Interpretation of "Pulch - The Good Times"

The term 'Pulch' means 'pretty' when used in categorising plant species. For example, Blanket Flower, Gaillardia Pulchella, is an annual wild flower with pretty blossoms. In terms of the plot, the video's title make sense, in that the pulch bring happiness that you would experience when walking through a lush garden in spring. It is my belief that the 'pulch' is in fact a plant. So through further analysis, one could come to think that this video is promoting the many properties of the earth that provide us with happiness, wellbeing and life. This exemplified when one character celebrates the air itself - "Three cheers for fresh air!" The character of 'Luxembourg' plays a crucial part in the narrative of the story. He is named after the country Luxembourg, which is a land-locked country that borders Belgium, France and Germany. It is a parlamentary democracy, yet it is ruled by a Grand Duke. The country is also divided into three districts. I think the 'Luxembourg ' character is so wise because of these divisions and the different cultures inhabiting him. 'Reassuring Arm' helps 'Luxembourg' cope with the stress of being a divided nation. The coincidental meeting of 'Terry' and 'Derek' shows how all people are able connect and be friends despite obvious differences in culture or background. However, the major problem the viewer will face is why the pulch dies. One important point is that when everyone begins to leave, one character tries to relace the happiness with material objects (Mandolin) but it just doesn't work. On a superficial level, the pulch dies because Luxembourg dies. If you analyse on a deeper level, the death of Luxembourg signifies the death of knowledge. In consequence, the death of the earth and it's inhabitants. The ultimate message is that we must strive for knowledge and truth and respect our planet because it provides us with so much.

Yeah, I've been thinking about this video for a while.

Chapter II - Salvador Dali

I don't have many 'heroes' or inspirations in life, but Salvador Dali is someone I really admire and look up to. If you dont know him, he was a Spanish artist who specialised in surrealism. He lived from 1904 - 1998 and was renowned for his eccentric and enigmatic personality. For some reason, i began to respect him and the things he said over his lifetime. He was so intelligent, different and so far ahead of his time. For this he was criticised by many people. This is his wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvador_Dal%C3%AD

These are some of my favourite quotes:

"Surrealism is destructive, but it only destroys what it considers to be shackles limiting our vision."
"The thermometer of success is merely the jealousy of the malcontents."
"Those who do not want to imitate anything produce nothing."

Chapter I - Introduction

This site is going to have a few purposes. I've always wanted to write reviews for music and albums, as music is one of my passions. So i figured this was a good way to do it. I will probably add things about my life, but i dont want it to be centred around me. When I find pictures, videos or articles that interest me, I'll also put them in. I want to become more aware of everything that happening around me; in my community and on a global scale. Sometimes it's like I'm detached from everything and just let it pass by. Well not anymore. In the long-run, I just want to make an imapct, change something for the better. I guess this will be a place where I can take everything out of my head, keep a record of it and maybe it will be useful for me or someone else.