Diamond Eyes

Some 22 years ago a group of high schoolers were learning how to play their instruments in a garage, as many aspiring musicians do to this day. Six years later, this same group of guys released their first full length album. Four more albums and sixteen years pass, and the once garage band from Sacramento has their fans eagerly anticipating the release of their sixth album.

While I do not consider myself a rock-metal enthusiast, I have enjoyed following the Deftones over the years. The group's versatility is made more and more apparent with each subsequent album release.  And Chino Moreno (lead vocalist) is the most captivating vocalist among his genre.  While the band has experienced nothing but success from day one, they are also familiar with loss... as bassist, Chi Cheng, remains in critical condition as a result from a car accident (over a year ago).  But the other members of the group use their tragedy (as all musicians do) as inspiration.

As I explore the latest release by Deftones, I notice influence of each of the bands prior albums serving as muse for the Diamond Eyes.  And for those who immediately dismiss anything by Deftones simply due to their genre; I suggest you listen to "Beauty School" and/or "Sextape". Both songs omit the prototypical "yelling" that deters many to venture away from their comfort zone and listen to a band classified as "metal". I promise, you shan't be disappointed.

Beach House - Teen Dream

The third album release from Beach House, Teen Dream, has been my favorite album 2010 and the review is long overdue. After buying the album on a whim, I was instantly rewarded. The most simple description of Teen Dream is comparing it to daydreaming. Whether or not my description is simply my subconscious forming this idea, coming from the name of the band and album, is up for debate. But, even so, there is much about the sound and mood being created that justifies this conclusion.

Victoria Legend's vocals echo throughout most of the songs creating a lofty, etherel feel, one that reminds me of Swimming by The French Kicks. This, combined with the simplistic, yet melodic guitar and keyboards fading in and out, creates a mood that personifies daydreaming. While at first glance, one might assume the album to be juvenile, mostly due to the word "teen" appearing in the title, the album is in fact, very mature. Lyrically, the album touches on subjects of lost love, the inabilities to commit, and even the futility of love altogether. However, it is not a bleek or hopeless theme throughout the album, but a back and forth between the two emotions that seem to play off each other. Regardless the actual message of each song, continuity is maintained by the mood. From start to finish, one can get lost in the sound and catch themselves drifting away, being carried solely by Legend's vocals.

After having listened to Teen Dream several times through within the first day of owning it, I made the bold statement that this album will be one of the best of the entire year. It will be an album perfectly suited for the approaching summer months, being listened to in the car with the windows down and feeling the warmth of the sun, truly completing an ideal mood. I only hope that being released so early in 2010 does not hinder Beach House when the critics come to chose their elite of the year.

9.5/10

Copeland's farewell tour

It has been a while since I've reviewed any albums, and there has been some very good music released in the past few months. However, the above picture is from Saturday night, March 13th - Copeland's farewell show in Pontiac, MI. This was my third time seeing Copeland live and it was their best performance. Aaron Marsh, the frontman of Copeland, amazes me each time I see him perform. The range and quality of his vocals are, in my opinion, unparalleled among the indie-rock/pop genre. While many indie-rock bands became notorious for their compromised quality of vocals, Copeland stood apart.

The setlist contained a variety of songs from their first album released in 2000 all the way to their newest release from 2009. Personally, the highlight of the show was hearing "When Paula Sparks" and seamlessly transitioning into "California" (with a slight twist). The Crofoot in Pontiac was packed full as fans watched from above and below as Copeland said goodbye to Michigan. Many have never heard of the florida based group, but their following was made apparent that night as the crowd provided backup vocals (and took the lead twice) throughout the brief, two minute "Brightest".

Few bands today are able to create such an endearing sound as Copeland. They're honesty and passion are littered over each of their albums, but they still are able to rock out and get your pulse racing. There is no doubt that they will be missed, but fans will be eagerly anticipating new projects to come from each of the members.