The Dirty Projectors Swing Lo Magellan
Trying to figure out the motives behind David Longstreth seems more and more a chore each album. After a decade of albums, tours and an ever changing lineup one has to wonder if Longstreth is finally happy with himself and The Dirty Projectors. Unfortunately Swing Lo Magellan doesn’t seem a give any indication of such a decision. What is does offer is a majestic Indie swamp of meticulous, embellished music. “Offspring Are Blank” lays the foundation as an A-Cappella style chorus rings in complemented by a hip-hop drumbeat bouncing steadily before an eccentric Rock guitar riff comes belting along, all while Longstreth rallies his moody, modulated voice. Longstreth’s poetry is often perplexing leading one to wonder if he has any true direction in his composition or if he lets his mind wonder to create a parade of lyrical mish-mesh. “Gun Has No Trigger” envelops the ears with its magnificent chorus that beacons on and on like an angelic roar and it resonates to the wonderfully innocent “Just From Chevron.” When I break down the tracks I cannot help but get this feeling of a Jazzy/Folk ambience tacked to each tune and maybe it’s a misguided interpretation but then again it seems very warranted. This album can be interpreted as crass, oblique and discombobulating but to those who are willing to invest themselves to the album, they will find it stark, tantalizing and all together refulgent.
Overall Rating: 4/5
Passion Pit Gossamer
Since their 2009 debut album Manners, Passion Pit has been making waves amongst audiences in particular on college campuses where they have had a tremendous following. After a long hiatus Passion Pit have returned to the studio and produced the album Gossamer. “Take A Walk” carries on the pedigree making up their first album with an alluring hook infecting the mind while a rigid dance floor beat cascades in the background all while the boys weave an arresting chorus around Michael Angelakos’ galvanizing, falsetto vocals. “Carried Away” feels like a dedication to the 80’s dance hall before being (carried away) by a childlike chorus. By far the most shocking track on the album “Constant Conversations” embellishes itself in contemporary Soul/R&B with Angelakos really pouring himself into the vocals. “Cry Like A Ghost” screams into the picture on high pitch note that strings the ears before a heavy pop beat takes hold of the track. ”Love Is Greed” and “It’s Not My Fault, I’m Happy” stirs the pot with worthwhile melodies only to be drowned out by the mellow lyrics and vocals of Angelakos. You can forgive Angelakos more saddened tunes as he pours himself into the riveting tune “Where We Belong” which traces the elements Electronica/Dance with a steady drum line that is married to a tantalizing string and keyboard waltz. Some might say Passion Pit kept to the script of Manners to much in Gossamer, So What, if retaining the elements of old means creating something spellbinding than by all means do such. To often bands try to change what made them, which can often destroy the band and cause their fans to retreat. If a band can do as they have done and keep themselves fresh all the while then do so and have no regrets.
Overall Rating: 4/5
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