The Two Hour Hiatus

Where Have You Been?

2009-08-19T15:35:00.003-05:00

I have not posted for a while. Why, you may ask. Well, I have been working on an album, it's about 20% finished recording, but I've gotten pretty far concept-wise. This is an epic, and as-of-yet untitled, project about the journey of a group of astronauts to the edge of the universe, and the edges of the mind! A free track and demo from the album can be found at:

Journey To The Edge

Here's hoping I can get this thing done! I will update my plight whenever I feel like it.

-l.

Live Review: Tales of the Uncanny: Do Make Say Think, Owen Pallet, and Robert Lippok (Luminato Fesitval)

2009-06-14T11:45:00.003-05:00

My friend contacted me a day before the show telling me he was going to be in town. I inquired what the occasion was, and he said that Do Make Say Think were playing a free show at Dundas Square in Toronto. I wasn't keeping track of the Luminato Festival going on at the square so this came as a surprise to me, but I knew I had to go. The more I read into it the better it got. Owen Pallet was joining them along with Robert Lippok, a german electronic artist, and they were performing a soundtrack for a 1919 horror film: Tales of the Uncanny.

The day came and a group assembled to walk a few blocks to Dundas Square. We got there about 5 minutes before the show, and the rain was starting again. Umbrellas were being raised and unfolded as the band filed out on stage. The film began and enormous thick distorted beats and sounds erupted from the speakers. Slowly, Do Make Say Think and Owen Pallet began to join in creating a deeper sense of mounting fear. As the section of the film was reaching it's climax, the music was rising along with it. The rain began to beat down harder as the sounds emanating from the enormous speakers grew more intense. This was truly a beautiful moment.

The rest of the show followed this pattern, as each of the many stories of Tales of the Uncanny unfolded one of the three artists would take the foreground. Owen Pallet had an entire section to himself of intricate and beautiful violin loops. At the height of the climax, Mr. Pallet stood up and ripped at his violin like a mad man. Robert Lippok wove drones of sound with deep booms of kick drum, shaking the audience to the core.

The film itself was a series of stories written by many authors, that horror story characters in a bookstore were telling to eachother. I couldn't see myself being interested in the film if it wasn't accompanied by these three incredible artists, but with the music and the cold rain, I was utterly enthraled.

We left Dundas Square at around 11:00, some of us utterly drenched, some us slightly moistened, all us of astounded, and most of us pissed off at the lady who decided to step infront of us and text on her iPhone blocking our view and pouring water on our shoes.

-Lucas Thurston

Album Review: The Decemberists - The Hazards of Love

2009-05-26T20:36:00.003-05:00

It was many years ago that I first heard of the Decemberists. I remember seeing the music video for "16 Military Wives" on the Wedge, back before Much had pushed it back into oblivion. I was still in high school, just getting into the music that I enjoy so much today. I enjoyed it so much that I searched them up on the closest peer-to-peer downloading network, and was surprised. I thought: "Hey these guys aren't just straight up indie, why are they writing about whales, and pirates, and street urchins?" For me this is what has always set the Decemberists apart from the rest of the independent scene that they are grouped in with, they write about what interests them and they do it with all honesty. The reason why "The Mariner's Revenge Song" was a such an ingenius piece of music was because they didn't play it with a sly "oh I'm so darn ironic" grin on their face, they played it hard and well and as if they were in the belly of that foul whale ranting at some wretched, unholy soul. So, naturally, when I heard that these guys were writing a rock opera I was pretty damn excited. And when I found out it was all based on an English folk tale involving evil forest queens, beautiful maidens, and a shape-shifting forest creature I nearly wet myself.

Now of course, people have been saying that the Decemberists are all pretense, and have been for a while. I'm not sure if I agree with that sentiment. This album, in all its awesome ridiculousness, sounds like the band is just enjoying themselves the entire time, instead of using the fantastical subject matter and the huge sound to show how they can handle such a huge album themselves. Mind you, the story does get slightly muddled up considering the fact that Colin Meloy sings as the shape-shifting forest guy and the narrator. Yet, despite some confusions here and there, the plot-line remains understandable and surprisinly engaging. Shara Worden (My Brightest Diamon) guests as the voice of the forest queen, as does Becky Stark of Lavendar Diamond. Hell, even Jim James makes an appearance once and a while.

Don't expect the quiet folkiness of previous albums when entering into The Hazards of Love, think "The Island.." but more, much, much more. The Hazards of Love is definitely a stylistic shift from previous outings. Huge, deep guitars and blistering riffs are all over this album. Shara Worden belts out frightening, and bizarrely sexy, lines amid an enormous blues riff and crashing drums. It has all the elements of a '70s rock opera, including incredibly sweet Hammond organ solos. Yes, they are sweet, I said it. The slow, love songs take elements '20s music and borrow heavily from country music with slow pedal steel guitar. Even a harpsichord makes an appearance. With the new sounds of this album, never once does it not sound like the Decemberists. There are still the recognizable vocal lines and the style of songwriting that is so very much Colin Meloy. The vocals are one of my few complaints of this album, there times when some of the songs sound a little too much like previous album's songs, but this is easily dismissed with the quality of this album.

I admit that I miss the songs of albums past that were just as sprawling but lasting only five minutes. They could fit so much emotion into a small slice of time, the kind of songs really left you with your hands open and your mouth open. This album is one of those five minute songs just fleshed out and spread over nearly an hour. This album, when listened in its entirety, is one of my favourites by the Decemberists, and I think it's intended to be listened to all the way through, or at least in segments. Seperately, some of the songs don't stand up as well as others, but all together it works well.

In the end I was conflicted between giving this album a slightly lower review than I did in the end, but I realized that The Hazards of Love had so many moments that truly surprised me. The huge Sabbath-esque distorted guitars and the dark plot truly tickled the fantasy nerd inside me. And really, I think that's why Mr. Meloy wrote this album, to satisfy the Princess Bride loving nerds in all of us, and there's nothing pretentious about that.

Rating: 4/5.

-Lucas Thurston

Live Review: Animal Collective - Sound Academy, Toronto, Ontario

2009-05-18T10:37:00.004-05:00

There are some shows that I've been to that have gave me a true sense of satisfaction, others that have made me drop my jaw in pure, and others that humble me with the performers sheer skill. Rarely have I had the chance to experience a combination of all three feelings in one night, but Animal Collective managed to do it. Boy did they ever.

I have seen the Collective once before, right before the release of Strawberry Jam. It was actually my first actual showgoing experience, so it holds a dear place in my heart. Naturally my anticipation was reaching ridiculous heights while waiting in the large crowd. The stage was already setup with tables that had white sheets over top of them and a giant background of the Merriweather album cover. After about half an hour of waiting in the venue, Grouper took the stage. Liz Harris, the single member of Grouper, played a beautiful set of folky ambience that maybe half the crowd appreciated. The music she played was very enjoyable, it's just coming on before Animal Collective perform their latest, I can see why some people weren't as interested in her as they should have been.

Grouper left the stage and the curtains closed. It was almost time! A fog machine was pumping smoke through the vents, obviously encouraging the crowd to contribute to the haze. After bearing through a couple songs played over the speakers, curtains finaly opened as the band of the night walked to their respective positions. A large inflatable ball with a projection on it hanging from the ceiling, had been added to the stage's arrangement. Animal Collective kicked off the show with a very unexpected song. "Chocolate Girl" from Spirit They're Gone, Spirit They've Vanished was their opening, updated to the new MPP sound. Next was a new song that I've here is called "Blue Sky" or "What Would I Want Sky?". Either way, as projections of the word "God" flickered on the inflatable ball, the crowd began to rock to the oddly timed beat of "Blue Sky". After that, another surprise hit. The recognizable yell sample began to arise with a straight 4/4 beat, and Panda Bear began to sing: "try to tell me how to do it..." "Comfy In Nautica" was one of the highlights of the entire performance.

Over the course of the show, diehard fans of Animal Collective were rewarded with a 10 minute jam around "Firworks" and a reworked version of the old favourite "Slippi". Of course, the new favourites were played. "My Girls" worked the crowd to a fervor as it never achieved its full climax, and "Brothersport" was a truly aweinspiring moment as Avey Tare's and Panda Bear's complex vocal harmonies transferred flawlessly over into a live setting. After much cheering and yelled, this Toronto crowd got the band to come out play a mindblowing encore of "Chores" and "Summertime Clothes". Inbetween every song were transitional jams that tied the songs all together, morphing into eachother. There were times when the lights, the visuals, and the music gave such a sense of joy, it was almost overpowering. The songs would reach such heights that I would be distracted from dancing, and I would just have to stare at how three men could create such incredible sounds.

Once the curtains had closed and lights turned back on, we all walked outside to get some air from the stifling heat of the Sound Academy. We all sat down in awe and began to attempt to put our feelings about the show into words. I think Derek put it the best way: "That was... humbling."

-Lucas Thurston

Album Review: The Rest - Everyone All At Once

2009-05-12T23:05:00.005-05:00

Hailing from the industrial wasteland known as Hamilton, the Rest play their haunting echoey indie rock with the beauty and skill of any of their more recognized contemporaries. Which brings up my point of this review: the Rest deserve to be known. Everyone All At Once is an incredible album, with all the ingredients of a very promising band. I have to admit, when I first heard of the Rest, I assumed they would be another local badly produced indie band that sounds like every other local badly produced indie band that is trying to be Modest Mouse. But no! They have layers of reverby guitar and cello, complicated turns in songs, and soaring buildups. Each track stands out on its own, but also keeps to the dark, expansive theme of the album. The album itself flows so nicely, each song going without a hiccup in between.

The first track "Coughing Blood / Fresh Mountain Air" is one of my favourites. It starts off with a dark bit of strings that quickly leads into an incredibly tender verse that builds and builds. Guitar lines become more complicated, strings move up in the mix, percussion slowly builds as the vocals reach there climax right before the song kicks into it's main theme. Incredible falsetto and crashing cymbals end to a sorrowful violin. Utterly stunning.

"Walk On Water (Auspicious Beginnings)" explores a more happy side of things. It works itself into a jumpy beat and upbeat vocals, before it changes completely to another happy little bit with a new vocal line, until finally it ends a joyous flailing guitar driven ending.

The title track, and also the final track, is split into two parts. The first, another upbeat number with little "ooo, ooo, ooo" backup vocals and sparkling guitar. The second half is another buildup that makes you want to stand in the middle of a misty forest, or on the edge of a cliff, or another location that would warrant such epic and beautiful music. The album takes you out the way you came in with a couple lines of strings that bring you down, mellows you out, and make you ready for a long deep sleep.

The Rest have crafted a beautiful album that is surely to please anyone looking for a reverby indie rock fix. And it makes me realize that maybe there are maybe a few good things that can come out of Hamilton.

Rating: 4 out of 5

-Lucas Thurston

Song of the Day #7: Art Star - Yeah Yeah Yeahs

2009-04-20T17:08:00.001-05:00

Finished an art history exam.
Did alright, methinks.
I feel like a star..
and art star!

-Lucas Thurston

Music Review: Crack The Skye - Mastodon

2009-03-27T20:05:00.005-05:00

I have never been a huge fan of metal. I listen to only a handful of metal, and some of them are debatable on the subject of their genre. Anyways, Mastodon was one of the first "metal" bands I started to listen to. The first thing that drew me to them was their subject matter. Moby Dick? Hell yes. A man climbing Blood Mountain to find the Crystal Skull? Amazing. A paraplegic who astral projects and meets Rasputin, tries to kill the Czar and meet Satan? Okay, woah. Honestly they have some of the most ridiculous, yet utterly coolest concepts I've seen in music.
Blood Mountain was an incredible psychedelic romp that showed that the members of Mastodon had only been progressing since Leviathan, and they have continued to progress.
The first thing that I noticed, starting the album with "Oblivion" is how melodic they have become, without losing any of the heaviness. Pounding palm-muted guitar, switches to a chorus with those enormous guitars and technical fills that Mastodon has become known for. Then the solo hits. The first thing I thought of was.. Pink Floyd? I mean yeah it does turn into a dueling guitar battle in the later half of the solo, but man are the first couple measures straight from the David Gilmour Handbook. And by no means is that bad. If anything it's exactly what Mastodon needs, it has the technical metal aspects with melodiousness of 70's psyche.
"Divinations" is a sprinting technical masterpiece with a *gasp* surf-guitar solo. I-I don't think I can handle this. And it keeps going like this. Song after song, Mastodon continues to melt your face with their abilities at bass, drums, and guitars.
"The Czar" is a near 11-minute long epic consisting of 4 parts. Interesting elements become more apparent in this, with more present keyboard and piano at the end of the song.
Overall, anybody looking for something new in the metal scene, or someone looking for true musicianship, this is the place to look. Every member plays absolutely amazingly, it is constantly blowing my mind. The psychedelic and classic rock influences are ever present. Instead of having just blisteringly fast solos, Mastodon relies on their melodic abilities to construct solos that are just as fist-pumpingly sick. Even as I listen to "The Last Baron" in the final moments of the album my mind continues to explode towards the outer reaches of my skull, and I hope it does the same for you.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

-Lucas Thurston

Song of the Day #6: I Luv The Valley OH!

2009-03-26T14:19:00.002-05:00

I was schooling my friend in Xiu Xiu.
I played her this song and she fell in love with it, and I remembered how much I love this band.

-Lucas Thurston

Song of the Day #5: Art Brut - Modern Art

2009-03-23T12:13:00.002-05:00

Art history class.
Vasily Kandinsky.
Modern art really just makes me want to rock out.
Art Brut knows how to rock out.
Plain and simple.

-Lucas Thurston

Song of the Day #4:

2009-03-20T21:19:00.002-05:00

Nothing quite like painting and listening to some post-punk, eh? Siouxsie and the Banshees are pretty well known for their music, some label them as post-punk, some as goth, some as new wave. Whatever we're "supposed" to call them, it remains some damn good music.

-Lucas Thurston

Song of the Day #3: Peter Sarstedt - Where Do You Go To My Lovely

2009-03-20T00:37:00.004-05:00

A friend of mine is working on a short film that is based on this song. Lately, him and I have been working on a ukulele and accordion cover of it for the soundtrack to his film. There's something bizarrely beautiful and melancholy in this song. Some serious longing. The reverb drenched accordion adds this surreal feeling to the song, almost comedic. I think Wes Anderson nailed its mood in Hotel Chevalier. So please enjoy this track that has been forgotten over the years.

-Lucas Thurston

Song of the Day #2: Phoenix - 1901

2009-03-18T20:54:00.005-05:00

Phoenix has been one of my favourite bands since grade 8. Yes, I have been listening to them for that long. They've changed over the course of their past 3 albums, slowly taking a more indie rock based feel, distancing themselves from their electronica beginnings. Their newest album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix is a blend of the two genres they've played in. Just listen and enjoy.

-Lucas Thurston

Song of the Day #1: School of Seven Bells - Half Asleep

2009-03-16T22:55:00.006-05:00

Here's a little something I am going to try out for a bit. We'll see how long this lasts.

School of Seven Bells is a relatively new group hailing from Brooklyn. To be honest the first time I heard this band was one of the mixtapes created for one of the characters in Octopus Pie (check it out too). This song continues to blow me away with how accessible it is, but at the same time how complex it is also. "Half Asleep" is expansive at times, huge thundering drums and incredible synth and guitar lines, while it also has quieter moments letting the two part harmonies shine. All and all, I am completely enamoured with this song and I want everyone else to be too. So there.

-Lucas Thurston

Dear Songsmith...

2009-02-15T20:21:00.001-05:00

Fuck you.

Sincerely,
Lucas Thurston.

Music Review: Blood Bank EP - Bon Iver

2009-02-12T14:11:00.002-05:00

It's almost been a year since the release of Bon Iver's debut release, For Emma, Forever Ago. About three months ago I finally picked it up and gave it a listen. I think it's a great album, maybe not as great as some reviewers said, but a very solid and touching album. You could say I wasn't particularly excited for this release but I was interested in hearing where Bon Iver had gone since last year.

The EP starts off with the title track, a subdued sombre piece, classic Bon Iver. The song slowly builds to something of a climax, though still a subdued one. It ends with quiet guitar feedback and some static buzz. This is definitely the highlight of these four songs. "Blood Bank" sounded like the
Bon Iver that we all know but progressing slightly.

The next song, "Beach Baby", really isn't that interesting. It's just an acoustic song, nothing more. The playing is adequate and it has the signature beautiful singing voice, but it just doesn't add anything.

"Babys" is a song I really like. It has piano riff that really reminds me off Sigur Ros mixed with Arcade Fire. It just has this really uplifting feeling, it just repeats and repeats, getting slightly more intense as it goes. It's the kind of music you want to run down the street to.

Right, I'm just going to come out and say that I hate vocoders/auto-tune, and Bon Iver doesn't make me hate them any less. It just sounds like he decided to mess around with auto-tune and record it. It adds nothing to the EP and ends up just being irritating.

In the end only half of this EP is really worth listening to. Two promising songs, 1 mediocre, and 1 actually awful song. But fear not, the "Blood Bank" and "Babys" are promising enough that one should definitely look forward to the next Bon Iver release. Let's just hope he doesn't try to be Kayne next time.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5.

Tracklisting:
1. Blood Bank
2. Beach Baby
3. Babys
4. Woods

-Lucas Thurston

Music Review: Tonight: Franz Ferdinand

2009-02-10T21:04:00.005-05:00

So, I sat down and put my headphones on. I started listening to this album, with only Lucas' thoughts on what it could was like: "It's bad. Save yourself the trouble of even listening to it!" Well, Lucas, I've got news for you! I'm listening to Tonight: Franz Ferdinand!

But it seems to me Lucas speaks in half-truths. Or perhaps, I should model my distaste for this album with a GRAPH?
See that bump in the middle there? Thats the song "Bite Hard", the only worthwhile track on the album. Other than that, every single song is a funky bass riff, some chords, and an unmemorable phrase repeated over and over again as the chorus. Example!

"Ulysses": Lets get high
"Turn It On": I know you turn it on, yeah

And many others, which I don't care to go through as of now, because that would be giving my ears a lesson in repetition. Now, the songs themselves are pretty alright, if not formulaic, but I'm willing to take a bet that most (and I know there's always an exception) people won't want to listen to the same thing for 42 minutes and 38 seconds. However, if Franz Ferdinand released an album that was just their bass riffs, my money would be in their pocket faster than you could say "funk".

Avid listeners of Franzie may notice that the demo "Can't Stop Feeling" made the cut onto the album. Avid listeners, heed my call! Stick with the demo, even if the copy you have has a crappy bitrate. Tonight: Franz Ferdinand's mix of this song completely took what was good about it (the classic, dancey Franz Ferdinand) and replaced it with what is new (the modern, we're-trying-to-be-different-but-we're-doing-it-wrong Franz Ferdinand). This album's cut of "Lucid Dreams" also replaced the climactic buildup with something much more disappointing. It just kind of, switched and petered out. Words cannot describe the look on my face when I was thinking "Oh man! 'Lucid Dreams' cannot be ruined! It was SOLID" and was proved wrong by Franz Ferdinand once again.

OBLIGATORY RATING OUT OF 5: approaches 2 but will never reach it out of 5

I haven't gotten the hang of ending blog posts yet, so heres a happy image I drew to counteract the latest Franz Ferdinand outing:

Music Review: Merriweather Post Pavillion - Animal Collective

2009-02-09T21:59:00.006-05:00

I'll say it right now. I am in love with Animal Collective. So far, by any of the changes they've made in their music, I have yet to be alienated. I admit though, "Winter Wonderland" from Strawberry Jam did have me worried. I mean it sounded just as weird as the Animal Collective I have grown to love, but there was something a little too poppy about it. That being said, Merriweather Post Pavillion has some of the best "pop songs" that have been written in years.

Now don't let that scare you away. Merriweather is still an acid trip and a half, it just happens to be fucking catchy at the same time. Many of the tracks just make you want to do more than just nod your head and shyly tap your feet. No, many of these songs don't ask, they demand you stand up and shamelessly dance infront of your family and friends. When the claps kick in on the chorus of the masterpiece that is "My Girls", it makes you wonder why this isn't played in every club across the nation.

"Brothersport" is yet another pop song on heavy hallucinogens. The song starts off with Panda Bear singing a catchy tune, then it moves into an experimental breakdown until the original tune finds its way back, slowly building and building, working itself into a fervor until it explodes into an enormous dance party in your headphones.

"In The Flowers" exhibits the giddy Animal Collective we are all accustomed to, with one of the most psychedelic synths I've heard in a while, and "No More Runnin'" is the slow moving chill-out staple of the album.

Panda Bear was quoted saying that he believed this is Animal Collective's best record so far. Do I agree? It's hard to say when a band changes their sound every album, but it's definitely up there. Merriweather Post Pavillion is perfectly produced, each song has sparkling highs and booming bass hits. Every piece of the album sonically jumps out and makes itself known. There isn't a track that could be called filler, each song fits onto the album without sounding too similar to eachother.

If you are going to listen to an album this year that has a man shouting "lyin' in a coma" make it this one.

Rating: 5/5

-Lucas Thurston

The Two Hour Hiatus: Top Ten Albums of 2008

2008-12-26T14:05:00.005-05:00

Looking back at the year, I have to say, it wasn't too bad for music. Sure there were some ups and downs. Sure Madonna hasn't hung up her tights for good, and sure Weezer haven't remember how to rock like they used to in '96, but still we had some amazing releases this year. I have to say that the top three were all competing for the top spot but after much deliberation I think I sorted it all out. Anyways, shall we get into it?
Note: You will see the word "psychedelic" a lot in this probably. It is really not my fault, it's just been that kind of year.

10. Seventh Tree - Goldfrapp
There is something about this album that is just impossible to not love. Maybe it's the psychedelic synthesizers, the occasional rush of crashing drums, whatever it is, this album just exudes a hazy feeling of summer. And the 1970s. Yes, it is a magnificent summer '70s album (look at the album cover, you'll understand). The big single "A&E" is an automatic favourite, "Little Birds" will enthrall you with it's churning keyboards and truly epic drum climax. "Some People" will make you want to walk into the street and sing on a car, thrusting your fists to the sky. Admittedly, this is the most pop-oriented album on the list, but there is enough aural nostalgia from the '70s pop-folk era (think Kate Bush) on this album to please even the most stuck-up indie snob. And really, who doesn't love sweeping mellotron-esque strings?

9. Hello, Voyager! - Evangelista
Two groups side-by-side both fronted by women, but Evangelista and Goldfrapp couldn't be more different. Evangelista is raw, brutally emotional, and for the most part, frightening. Nearly every song pushes you to the edge of your seat with its crackling, shrieking, recorded pain. Carla Buzolich's voice is truly the driving point of this album. Her voice makes every song that much more powerful. These aren't the kind of songs that you are going to walk down the street humming, unless you live in some kind of demeneted Southern ghost town. Never before has the line "It's gonna be swingin'" sounded so fucking scary. The title track is easily one of the most memorable of the year. Twelve minutes and 13 seconds of Ms. Buzolich preaching and screaming of the meaning of love. You have to hear it to believe it.

8. Parallel Play - Sloan
I'm just going to say it. I fucking love Sloan. I find that once you start listening to them, you can't stop. This truly Canadian band released their 9th album, and though it is not their best yet, it still sits above most rock music around today. "Burn For It" and "Otherside" are enormous rock-outs with choruses that are perfect for singing along to at the top of your lungs. "The Dogs" takes a more psychedelic take, and "Down In The Basement" is pure Dylan. Every song just seems to fit onto this album so well. If you like rock music, you will like Sloan, it just works that way.

7. Do You Like Rock Music? - British Sea Power
Speaking of liking rock music (honestly that happened by accident, really) British Sea Power may actually be "rock music". They are big and loud, and they show it on Do You Like Rock Music? in spades. Every song is slathered in a nice layer of reverb, giving it an even bigger feel. Even though the songs are so big and so injected with rock, they manage to keep an emotional side. The lyrics, though vague, are tender and feeling. Each song just flows into the other, making this album a cohesive unit instead just a collection of songs. "Lights Out For Darker Skies" is a must listen, everyone should have to hear this song. It will make you want to have an enourmous sing-a-long to the chorus.

6. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes
Okay really, where did these guys come from. One week it was all "Vampire Weekend are the best band of the year" and then all of a sudden everyone was listening to Fleet Foxes. I'd like to keep it that way, Fleet Foxes have a way better name, and a way better debut album. Starting off with a bluegrass acapella hymn it quickly switches to the folky reverby indie whatever-kind-of-music-this-is that Fleet Foxes are. The songs are reminiscent of decades past, and lull the listener into a calm feeling with its beautiful melodies and smooth reverb. Also, sometimes the vocals remind me of the choral singing from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, (cough, "He Doesn't Know Why, cough) which is a huge bonus. There is nothing scary here, no odd time signatures or grating walls of feedback, these guys have written a truly beautiful album and deserve every bit of publicity they get. Also, it is going to be really hard to find a more beautiful song from 2008 than "Blue Ridge Mountains".

5. Dear Science - TV On The Radio
I heard about the released of Dear Science about 4 days before it was released. Needless to say I was excited, and surprised that I hadn't heard about it sooner. I went to the record store before my twelve o'clock class and bought it. When the second track hit, I ran out of my room and got my friend Emma from Jon's room. I was feverish with excitement. "Emma, they have funk riffing. Funk riffing!" They were a number of surprise in TV On The Radio's latest album. Most surprising of all, this album almost seemed... happy? Maybe hopeful. The lyrics are still dark, but the instrumentation gives a lighter feeling. "Dancing Choose" and "Red Dress" both have rap inflections that just add to the surprises, but this is still mixed with the shoegaze electronics and guitars, and the classical TV On The Radio drum machines. I think we all just need to come to terms with the fact that when TV On The Radio release an album, it is going to be one of the best of the year.

4. Third - Portishead
I am going to be completely honest here, I never have listened to any other Portishead besides this album. I know, I know. Anyways, I have no way to compare this album to their other two releases, but what I can say is that this album has haunted me for weeks. I cannot get "The Rip" out of my head, or the pounding industrial drum beats of "Machine Gun". This is an opus of the unsettling. Every song just seems menacing, save for the lo-fi old school ditty that is "Deep Water". The vocals are quivering and gothic, and contrasts but at the same time fits with the stuttering and dark music. In fact this is album is more of a psychedelic rock album than a trip-hop album. Whatever you want to call it, this album is unforgettable.

3. Parc Avenue - Plants and Animals
Okay, people, for the love of whatever giant invisible guy you pray to, listen to Plants and Animals! This is one of the best Canadian bands out there and I have met three other people who listen to them. I saw them live early this year. There were enough people crowded into the tiny room we were in that the enormous windows behind the band were wet with condensation. They played their incredible set as if they were playing for an arena of people, and no one in the room knew who the fuck they were, and it was awesome. Parc Avenue is a beautiful collection of, what the band describes as, "post-classic rock". It's got the rock, it's got the folk, it's even a song with faeries in it. What more could you want? "Good Friend" is probably my favourite song of the year. It has the most delicious reverb you will hear, anywhere, and some beautiful lyrics. In fact, the entire album is full ingenius song writing, songs about love, recording an album, and keeping it real. Montreal just seems to be a birth place of a good music, and Plants and Animals is one of them.

2. Evil Urges - My Morning Jacket
I love this album, I love My Morning Jacket, and I love Jim James. This was so close to getting the top spot, you have no idea. I listened to this album for months, over and over again, and yet it stayed interesting. It was a hard descision, but sadly, My Morning Jacket came second, but about the closest second there possibly can be. Anyways! Evil Urges shows a band at the top of their game, mastering different genres and making everything sound so god damn easy to play. Seriously, track one MMJ are Prince, track two they are the Flaming Lips, track three they are '80s glam rock. That's not an easy transition to make between track without sounding all over the place, yet it works. It works so well. "Thank You Too" is a '70s love epic, while "Look At You" is tender and intimate. "Sec Walkin'" is pure country while "Remnants" is face-melting rock 'n roll. Rarely will an album blow you away with its sheer amount of variety and musicianship. I can't much more because I will begin to drool all over my keyboard. Ah, I almost forgot to mention the hilarious placement of the song "Two Halves" (hint: check the track number). Oh shit, there I go.

1. Microcastle/Weird Era Cont. - Deerhunter
Yes, Deerhunter, the winners of this year. What made me choose this album over Evil Urges was the fact that, this album is so utterly astonishing to listen to.Every time I listen to Microcastle/Weird Era Cont. it's just so god damn interesting. There is so much going in their songs. It is hard to explain the feeling when you hear this album, it's just that Deerhunter have nailed it on Microcastle. Every song is so dense with sounds. The guitars churns and chime out, fuzzing out into a shoegazey bliss. The metronomic drums keep time perfectly. It's a fascinating, tense album that keeps you listening. This is the sort of album that will leave you feeling so fulfilled. Once the last cymbal crash fades out on"Twilight On Carbon Lake" you will sit back, breath out, and just want to start over again. But wait! It comes with the companion album Weird Era Cont. which is just as dense and enthralling as the last 12 songs. What more could you possibly ask for. Honestly, an album that has to heard to be believed, go and get it any way you can and enjoy the everliving fuck out of it.

-Lucas Thurston

Okay, here's the deal..

2008-12-14T00:26:00.002-05:00

I want to talk about albums that came out earlier this year that I liked but it seems too late, I'll just wait a bit and do a year round up! Yay!

-Lucas Thurston

Oh Jesus! A Post!

2008-12-05T01:39:00.002-05:00

So 2008 is nearing its end and it has been over a year since I have posted here. I know, I know, all you adoring fans miss my writing, but hey, I have been busy. "Busy doing what?" you may ask, well let's just say university takes up time, even though that was only 3 months ago.
Anyways, just expect updates now, okay?
-Lucas Thurston

A DOUBLE BLOG EXBLOGOVANZA BLOG: The Hives, What The Crap

2007-08-26T12:33:00.001-05:00

The Hives, what the crap? Timbaland? Justin Timberlake? Pharrell "Timbo" Williams? To many "timb"'s. If you haven't heard, the Hives are coming out with a new album, The Black and White Album, due on October 9th in North America, the 15th in the UK. They've recorded 20 to 30 songs, 7 of which produced by Pharrell "Timbo" Williams. Some guests include Pharrell, Justin Timberlake, and Timbaland.
What has happened to my new favourite band? I've always known the Hives for their unbridled rocking RAWK. Alas, it seems time has changed, and hip-hop is now sneaking it's fingers into garage music. None of this makes sense to me. What does Timbaland want with these Swedish rockers, can't he be happy with, ugh, the Pussycat Dolls? And, Justin, bring your friggin' sexy back somewhere else! Leave indie music alone. Last but not least, Pharrell Williams. Does he even have an album? I swear he features in everything that has to do with hip-hop or pop music. New Toy Story movie? Pharrell is fucking in there being the sly looking bastard crooning over Mary!
All in all, I just wanted promising news about the Hives, not some crap about the recent flavour of the month rapper (Hint: It starts with a Timb)
-Lucas Thurston

A DOUBLE BLOG EXBLOGOVANZE BLOG!!!

2007-08-26T12:33:00.000-05:00

Review: Frienship Opprortunity by Deerhoof

2007-08-09T17:45:00.001-05:00

Every freaking time I hear a Deerhoof song I wish I was in the band. I can just seem them rocking the fuck out. They are one the most exciting and vibrant bands out there. It is always hard to explain Deerhoof to people who have never heard them either. To quote Jeph Jaques from Questionable Content, "Unlike your typical Guitar Center shredders, they take what is obviously a lot of technical ability and translate it into a batch of rock songs that are alternately rollicking, surreal, psychedelic, and HEAVY." The sheer amount of rock that Deerhoof produces in 2 minutes is more than some whole bands do in a lifetime. Ah, but that is the Deerhoof from the absolutely mind-blowing The Runners Four from 2005. The question every asks now, can they top it?
No, not really. This album is completely different than The Runners Four, but that doesn't mean it is not as good. Friendship Opportunity is more like Milk Man or Apple 'O because of its use of synths. The songs are more poppy, but poppy in the sense that they don't melt your face and then explode your skull. These songs make there way into your mind and imbed themselves over time. This is more like the thinking man(woman)'s Deerhoof album. The band is trying new things. For example, "Whither The Invisible" is an emotional piano/synth song with Satomi Matsuzaki singing softly. The most surprising thing is that it works.
Then there's "The Perfect Me". An odd organ with blistering drums beats drive this song along at break neck speeds. "Kidz Are So Small" probably is the most disturbingly odd song on the album. With lyrics like 'If I were a man and you a dog, I'd throw a stick for you' it's got to be good.
Of course Deerhoof does pull out the ol' guitars on some tracks "+81", "Cast Off Crown", and "Matchbook Seeks Maniac" all are more guitar driven. Yet, only "Look Away" is the most like the Deerhoof of the past. At 11:46, with the classic Deerhoof guitar tones, it takes the listener back to days of yore with Reveille.
Deerhoof is changing, at least they did for this album and I welcome the new 'Hoof with open arms.
Rating: 4/5
Tracklisting:
1. The Perfect Me
2. +81
3. Believe E.S.P.
4. The Galaxist
5. Choco Fight
6. Whither The Invisible
7. Cast Off Crown
8. Kidz Are So Small
9. Matchbook Seeks Maniac
10. Look Away
-Lucas Thurston

Review: Exit Decades by Cut City

2007-08-09T16:47:00.000-05:00

A couple months ago, news got out that the, at the time untitled, new Interpol album had leaked. With eyes alight with excitment at the chance of hearing the work by everyone's favourite gloomy New York post-punk band, everyone flooded to their respective torrents sites. A torrent of the album Mastodon was waiting. Eagerly, people downloaded it, and were oddly surprised. Some thought it was indeed Interpol, but no, Mastodon was obviously a false leak. False leak or not, this album wasn't half bad. As it turns out, Exit Decades by the Swedish bad Cut City was said false leak. It's lovely little mistakes like these that can turn out to be amazing discoveries.
I heard about this false leak and I was interested in Cut City. I aquired Exit Decades, and immediately the reason for the confusion with Interpol was obvious. Every song has a nice layer of reverb. The guitars are spiky and fast and the bass plays driving and jumping riffs. Hell, even the singing and lyrics sound similar. But, Cut City manages to constantly keep my interest. All too often some Interpol songs sound all too similar, but Cut City manages to keep me utterly enamoured.
The 80's definitely shine through on these songs. You can see Cut City really going back to the roots of the post-punk movement on this album. Unlike other 80's-ish bands, none of these songs sound rehashy or tired. In fact, each song can be easily imagined on college radios now or even in the 80's.
Certain songs stand out, of course, one being "Just Pornography (For M.E.)". Shimmering reverb-drenched guitars and interesting drumming make this song a must hear. The best song on the album, for me, is "The Dull Miles (Exit Decades)". The sorta-title track is driven by an amazing bass riff, which just keeps plowing on. Everytime I hear I can't sit still. Then it all fades into this janky soundy synth with odd feedback. It is a perfect song, utterly perfect.
My only small problem with the album is that it never slows down, ever. Nearly every song just rockets along. There is not a peaceful song on the album. Furthermore, it seems they may have just used almost the same tempo throughout the whole album. These are just small problems though, and it will never stop a band that was, at first, mistaken for Interpol, and is now one of my favourite post-punk bands.
Rating: 4.5/5
Tracklisting: Exit Decades By Cut City
1. Like Ashes Like Millions
2. Manoeuvers
3. Numb Boys
4. Anticipation
5. Damaged
6. Such Verve
7. Rival Trial
8. Just Pornography (For M.E.)
9. The Dull Miles (Exit Decades)
-Lucas Thurston

Howdy

2007-07-23T17:57:00.000-05:00

Hey, I'm Matt, no use really introducing myself since the only readers of this blog already know me, but I'm here to show off the thinly veiled musically inclined Matt, as seen on the Tricowinc blog. As my first order of business, I'm going to post a music video! Yeah!

This here is the D.A.N.C.E. video, by Justice. I first heard about Justice on some other indie blogs way back, but wasn't really formally introduced until Lucas here sort of forced it on us. Good thing he did, because I absolutely LOVE them.

Welcome To Matt

2007-07-23T17:51:00.000-05:00

We have a new writer now! Matt joins us here on The Two Hour Hiatus. He'll be writing things, posting some vids, it's all good. So, let's here a nice round of applause from Matt! *clapping*

Liars! All of Them!

2007-06-15T21:40:00.000-05:00

The internet is an amazing confounding place. Somehow, albums get leaked weeks, even months before their acutal release date. Everyone knows this, but I've lately been surprised by some. The new Spoon album was out quickly, let alone the Art Brut album, but most of all was the most recent. The self-titled fourth album by Liars has leaked.
I was reading some blogs a couple days ago, and one of them mentioned that "Plaster Casts Of Everything", a new song by Liars, was being streamed on Pitchfork. Giggling with glee I bounded my way over to the Fork and had myself a nice listen. Wait a minute, did I just hear a guitar that sounds like, well, a guitar? But wait again, those vocals, the same falsetto vocals remain. Yet, now a more rock-based backround has come into the picture. How very interesting.
When I read about their new song, I was slightly worried, by the idea of this whole "rock-based" business. Well worry not, it is executed with such musical prescision! Furthermore, the album is more rock-based, and it is just as good as "Plaster Casts Of Everything". When this album comes out, I'll be there, waiting to get my paws on it. Expect a full review in the next couple months when Liars actually comes out. Hmm, how confounding.

Review: Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer? by Of Montreal

2007-06-11T20:11:00.000-05:00

I remember the first time I ever heard of Of Montreal. It was around 11:30 at night and I was a television show that plays indie and underground music videos. "Wrath Pinned To The Mist And Other Games" came on. I was rather confused about it, I didn't know if I liked it. I downloaded it anyways, and over time, I gathered more song and gathered more interest. So, when I heard Of Montreal was releasing a new album, I was moderately excited. I wasn't jumping out of my skin or anything.
So, it comes out and I get ahold of it. I was expecting a sugary fairytale of poppy indie songs. I must say I was surprised at first. In the sense of the overall sound, it is what you'd think Of Montreal would do. Lot's of electronics and high vocals. But everything about this is album is some much darker than The Sunlandic Twins or Satanic Panic In The Attic. The synths are more grating, and the vocals is more pleading. 'Twas not surprising when I heard it was based around Kevin Barnes' (lead singer, writer) divorce. Hissing Fauna follows Kevin's transition from his old self to Georgie Fruit, a transsexual partying funk-machine. It adds to the dark feeling of the music, and the sombre lyrics.
The first half of the album has to do with the divorce and Kevin's depression. The second half is all about Georgie Fruit's exploits. The first half is all dark and sad writing, that is contrasted with poppy synths. It adds a nice unsettling feeling. The second half has more poppy synth goodness, but very funky. I mean, the funks been turned up to 11. In between the two opposite parts is a 11 minutes, 52 second long, claustrophobic masterpiece that documents the change from Kevin to Georgie. "The Past Is A Grotesque Animal" is where we hear the best of Of Montreal's newest form. The vocals are so full of pain and the backround music just keeps eating away at you. The 11 minutes goes by quickly because the song never becomes boring or irritating. Another standout track for me is one that people rarely talk about. "We Were Born The Mutants Again With Leafling" it flows directly in from the previous song, and it takes the whole album back to the original feel of the first half. It's almost a reference to the whole album.
And when the last song fades out into silence, you get this feeling of satisfaction. Hissing Fauna is a genius album that left me wanting more. It made more crave some more synth solos like in "The Past Is A Grotesque Animal", or more happy sounding songs about antidepressants like "Heimdalsgate Like A Promethean Curse", or even the unbridled funk of "Labrinthian Pomp". Unlike before, I am sitting at my computer waiting for any news of a new album.
Rating: 4/5
-Lucas Thurston

I Return From My Deep Slumber

2007-06-07T21:47:00.001-05:00

...woah...it's been a while. Sorry, non-existent reads, it has been a while. I've been busy with many things, but I promise you this: I will write again. Summer is close at hand, and thus, more time to write!
-Lucas Thurston

P.S. by the way, expect a surge of writing about post-rock. I'm kind of going through a phase. Hope you enjoy. Cheers.

The Junos

2007-04-13T13:51:00.000-05:00

Yes, I know, I'm late on the "writing about the Junos" boat. That's not going to stop me. Anyways, being a proud Canadian, I enjoy watching the Junos to see what Canadians are being recognized for their hard work. I must say, I was dissappointed. Nelly Furtado was the hostess of the evening, and it changed from the Junos to the Nelly Furtado show. Performers played one song, while she played a medley of 3 or 4. Furthermore, skits were filmed at an attempt to be funny. Guess what, they weren't quite as funny as they had hoped. It was alltogether a complete mess, people could not read the screen with their lines on it, unfunny skits, and Nelly Furtado is just not cut out for being a host of an awards show. There was one highlight though, DJ Champion from Montreal played. This performance was mindblowing. 1 singer, 4 guitarists, 1 bassist, and the DJ Champion (or Maxime Morin, if you want to get technical). Seriously, check out Chill 'Em All by DJ Champion if you want some good rocking techno music. I especially suggest the song No Heaven.
-Lucas Thurston

Yes, This Is My Singing Voice...

2007-03-27T15:27:00.000-05:00

Yep, it's me being behind the times again, but I'm not sure how many Canadians (or Americans for that matter) know who Art Brut is. Yet another NME endorsed British indie-rock band, but these guys are different. Not only do they rock with no shame, but their singer is quite unique. He more talks than sings. No, not rap, but kind of David Byrne-esque. I suggest checking out the song Good Weekend for its hilarious lyrics about the singers new girlfriend and their antics.
-Lucas Thurston

K.C. Accidental

2007-03-13T11:38:00.000-05:00

I'm pretty sure some of you have heard of Broken Social Scene. It's a supergroup of all the big people in the Canadian indie scene. Yet, before BSS was around the founders of the group, Kevin Drew and Charles Spearin, were KC Accidental. The name is pretty self-explanitory. K(evin)C(harles) Accidental. Anyways, if you can get your hands of either of their two albums, it will be worth it. Think Feel Good Lost by BSS, and you have K.C. Accidental.
-Lucas Thurston

300 or is it God Of War?

2007-03-13T11:14:00.000-05:00

Last night I had the pleasure of seeing 300 on the big screen. You may be wondering, "Is this movie worth the $7.50?" The answer: yes. Very yes. The first fight scene is better than some whole action movies. What made me love this movie so much was the fact that it was made differently than most movies. You know those epic comic book panels with the sun shining through the clouds over top of the heroes on a tall cliff? This movies dwells on epic shots. The best comparison I can make to anything is to God Of War. It is pretty much the God Of War movie, just without pastey ol' Kratos. It had the best slow-motion battles ever, and some of the coolest blood I've seen in a movie. If you're a person who's not afraid of a little gore, and you're not turned off by pure awesome, then go. Now, no really, leave your computer and watch it. I'm not kidding...GO!!!
-Lucas Thurston

P.S. (go!)

Movie Suggestion: Babel

2007-03-10T21:52:00.000-05:00

I just finished watching the movie Babel. Honestly, it is one of the best movies I've seen in a while. I found myself at points just starring at the beauty of the camera shots, instead of actually paying attention to the plot. The movie was a broken timeline that immaculately came together at the end. Long pan shots of lonely deserts in Morocco, beautiful scenes of a bustling Japanese city, I could have just watched the movie for its cinematography. But why would I want to that? That would result in missing the beautiful acting that everybody did. Anyone who wants to be a film-maker should watch this. The most interesting scene was when Chieko, a deaf Japanese teenager, was at a rave. The way unfocused lenses were used and crossfading, oh man, it was amazing. Also, I have never seen a strobe light used in a movie so well. If only Matrix: Reloaded had this good of a rave scene. Oh well.
-Lucas Thurston

March Already!

2007-03-01T20:18:00.000-05:00

I nearly forgot, happy March 1st!!! Wooo! Just wanted to say that Hoppipolla by Sigur Ros has one of the most beautiful openings ever. Also go to: http://www.last.fm/user/2HourHiatus/ to see what music I listen to all the time. Au revoir.
-Lucas Thurston

2007 In Music

2007-03-01T18:28:00.000-05:00

So I spent last night looking for information on the future of indie bands that I enjoy. Gladly, I discovered that either bands were recording, or releasing albums this year! Sigur Ros is recording, which makes me happy. They say that it may sound different than their other works. Rilo Kiley is planning to release a new album this year. Maximo Park is also releasing a new album. Yet, what intriuges me the most is the new Interpol album. Set for June 5th, it is yet untitled but the rumoured title is "Moderation". It's been nearly three years since they released the genius Antics and I am itching for some more of their odd style of indie rock.
-Lucas Thurston

Review: Sound Of Silver by LCD Soundsystem

2007-02-28T20:42:00.000-05:00

Sound Of Silver by LCD Soundsystem

I don't know what the sound of silver is saying to James Murphy, but whatever it has been saying must have been good. I've been a fan of LCD Soundsystem for a while now. I first heard Daft Punk Is Playing In My House about two years ago, and I fell in love. The first album was a
great mix of different genres all infused with an electronic feel.
Now, when my friend told me that LCD Soundsystem was releasing a new, I got excited. The 45:33 album/EP (whatever) really caught my interest, so I was really prepared for a good album.
The Sound Of Silver starts off with Get Innocuous. The beginning beats somewhat resemble Losing My Edge from the first album. It builds for a while, some electronic sounds come in and a piano. When James Murphy starts to sing though, that's when this song gets good. He sounds like a 70's funk singer, it's genius.
Then there's the funky Time To Get Away smooth keyboard tones, and next there's the rock-oriented North American Scum. I really like this song, it seems to be about how people view North Americans and look down on them.
Someone Great is one of my favourites. It is actually taken straight out of 45:33. The melody and everything, very little is added to it besides lyrics. The vocals do add to the original and I find that the heavy electronic bassline really sticks in your head. In a good way, of course.
All My Friends is my favourite on the album, though there's nothing much to say. The pianos that remain throughout the song add a nice flair to a very electronic album. The lyric writing in this song really gets to me though, they seem so real and sincere. Also I love the reference to Pink Floyd when he says, "we set the controls for the heart of the sun".
Yet again, the funk is back in Us v Them. Fast crunchy guitar with complex percussion, yet it seems a little too similar to Time To Get Away just with guitar. Still, the cowbells make the song fun and listenable. Watch The Tapes is the weakest song on the album. It has an intro that is remiscient to early punk sounds, but it's really not enough to make me really like this song.
The title track Sound Of Silver is just weird. It starts off with Jimmy singing this odd intro, and then drums come in. It honestly the coolest opening on the album and the most original. This song is where you get the neat electronic house sounds, which makes it the most danciest song on the album.
Finally, we come to the closing track, New York I Love You. It is a love song to a city that is a bit of a burden on our fine musician and is definitly the Never As Tired As When I'm Waking Up of the album. It's a nice quiet ending to the abum, that just puts you back down on the ground after the crazy electronic noise of Sound Of Silver.
Ultimately, The Sound Of Silver is a more cohesive album than the first and is a must-have for fans of the original or people looking for a fun electronic album. I give it a 4 out of 5.
-Lucas Thurston

Musings On Deerhoof

2007-02-28T18:06:00.000-05:00

I feel behind the times. I've only recently discovered such bands as Animal Collective, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, and Deerhoof. I find it odd to discover that I was so unaware of this good music for so long. I've been listening to alot of Deerhoof lately, The Runners Four is a great album.
Deerhoof really puts the "rawk", so to speak, in indie rock. Siriustar is a very heavy song with these wide open spaces. Wrong Time Capsule has a catchy riff that holds on to you after you've listened. It seems to take 70's rock and twist it with Deerhoof's style. The high vocals seem to contrast the crashing guitars quite expertly. Anyways, really, I recommend The Runners Four to anyone who is looking for some heavier indie rock.
-Lucas Thurston

First Post EVAR

2007-02-27T21:23:00.000-05:00

Hello there non-existent readers! Welcome to Lucas Thurston's (me) blog! It is a blog primarily about music, film, and other things that interest me. I'll post pretty much whenever I bloody want to, but I'll try to post as often as I can. Check out the other blog that I am a part of:

http://www.tricowinc.aihamsmayhem.com/blog/public_html/triblog.html

It's great! Anyways, I'm out. Cheers.
-Lucas Thurston