.Rai Posted April 29, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 29, 2012 [quote name='Tqne' timestamp='1335721936' post='5928515'] Sure thing. So if I post a review, should I just edit that post every time when adding new ones as opposed to adding them separately? I'll hopefully have that review up later on today. What kind of word count are you looking for? [/quote] Yep, when you post a review, edit that post and feel free to post a post saying you've posted a new review or advertise it in the status bar. You have free choice here. You can do anything really. Preferably 500 words and above, but if you just want to kinda do a quick mention of an album so people can go find it, go for it. [quote name='John A. Zoidberg' timestamp='1335722439' post='5928526'] [b]Preferred Name: [/b]I guess my real name, Daniel, would be more appropriate for reviewing music that Zoidberg. [b]Genres you prefer to review: [/b]Um. A lot of stuff. I guess the genres I'd be most interested in reviewing would be Hardcore Punk (i.e. Black Flag), unbastardized emo and screamo (as in if someone requests modern bands like Hawthorne Heights or Asking Alexandria or something, I'll probably laugh then say no because that's, well, not true to the genre), and I guess I can do some Prog. Rock (i.e. Tool) as well. I'm open to any genre though. Just don't send requests like, "Oh, do Nickelback!" or, "Oh, do Lil Wayne!" I will do Hip-Hop, though. Better artists like MF Doom. [b]How often do you want to put out reviews?:[/b] Whenever I can. Reviewing stuff is fun. I could probably do bi-weekly reviews, I guess. Though if I need to skip on one every once and awhile, I'd hope that that's alright. [/quote] If you miss a week, absolutely fine. There's no strict schedule. Just put one out when you feel like it. When you feel like posting your first review, go do it. No rush, but accepted mainly since you review a lot of less mainstream stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John A. Zoidberg Posted April 29, 2012 Report Share Posted April 29, 2012 Well, I may as well do one now, then! [center][spoiler=Zoidberg Review 1][/center] [center][img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f4/Circle_Takes_the_Square_-_Rites_of_Initiation.jpg[/img][/center] [center][img]http://i48.tinypic.com/2r451g9.jpg[/img][img]http://i48.tinypic.com/2r451g9.jpg[/img][img]http://i48.tinypic.com/2r451g9.jpg[/img][img]http://i48.tinypic.com/2r451g9.jpg[/img][img]http://i42.tinypic.com/2nr3uo6.jpg[/img][/center] [center][url="http://ctts.bandcamp.com/"]Listen to this EP for free on Circle Takes the Square's Bandcamp Page![/url][/center] [center][b]Circle Takes the Square,[/b] being one of the bigger names in the modern Screamo scene, has always had good releases. [i]Decompositions: Volume 1, Chapter 1: "Rites of Initiation, [/i] their most recent release as of 23 August 2011, is an [i]excellent EP. [/i]Unlike their previous releases, CTTS went with a tribal feel on this one, and god damn it works. While they do not by any means lost their Post-Hardcore and Screamo roots, they manage to give it a nearly ethereal feel throughout the entire EP, the feeling of which is not forgotten in the lyrics either. Seeings as this is a four-track release, I think I may just review each song![/center] [center] Song 1: [b]Enter by the Narrow Gates[/b][/center] [center]It begins with some form of well-timed percussion and the band members chanting. Shortly after, it continues that, the percussion picks up, and the guitarists join in with some chords, all in key. While all that is going on, the vocalists decides to add their touch on it. It all works incredibly well. One of the memorable lyrics are [i]bring forth the light.[/i][/center] [center]Anyway, I won't describe the entire song. That would be a boring review! Regardless, this is a rather long song, but it makes good use of the time it spends and uses many interesting lyrical themes and musical themes. Regardless, there's not a [i]whole lot [/i]to be said about this song, think of it like an intro to the rest of the album. A really interesting and memorable intro, at that.[/center] [center]If this track was just a bit more interesting, I'd definitely give this EP a 5/5.[/center] [center]Song 2: [b]Spirit Narrative[/b][/center] [center]Oh yes, it begins.[/center] [center]Just give me a moment to say that this song is good old CTTS. Such frantic noise and beauty.[/center] [center]Regardless, this song is a lot shorter than the first, but A LOT more is going on. If you listen closely to each instrument, you'll notice every little thing going on and how quickly the mood of this song changes. The vocalists are, as always, on the top of their game. It really picks up around the two-minute-mark. It's kind of the climax, I guess. From there, it's mostly preparing you for the next excellent song, which is the longest on the EP.[/center] [center]Song 3: [b]Way of Ever-Branching Paths[/b][/center] [center]It continues directly from Spirit Narrative and switches off and on between an interesting guitar/percussion/vocal trio and the full band playing. Like a lot of other CTTS songs, the mood isn't exactly consistent, and this song is rather frantic as well. I guess frantic is a good way to describe CTTS in general, huh?[/center] [center]I'd also like to point out that the guitarists show how talented they really are in this song. If you listen very closely to the guitar section, it's very noodly, which, especially in this genre, is incredibly tough to play. Regardless, the song eventually goes back to a less-frantic version of the intro, slowly building up. In my person opinion, it sounds beautiful (especially since it's rare to the female vocalist actually sing instead of scream, and it sounds really nice). Also, if you listen to the lyrics, you can see more and more themes and whatnot.[/center] [center]Regardless, this is probably my favorite song off of the EP. It's just very beautiful in a rather wild and inhuman way.[/center] [center]Also get ready for the ending of this song because it's just excellent.[/center] [center]Song 4: [b]The Ancestral Other Side[/b][/center] [center]Ah, yes, the big finale. And oh, believe me, it's a good one![/center] [center] The beginning of this song is rather creepy. That's really the only way I can describe it. Unnerving could work, too, I guess.[/center] [center]This goes on for a little while, but it's nothing to worry about if you get bored of it.[/center] [center]Plus the lyrics of this song are just great. My favorite line is "Silent flakes of snow bite your tongue." Regardless, this song is just kind of repetitive. In an awesome and totally listenable way.[/center] [center]So sit back and enjoy it![/center] [center]The last minute is just excellent. Really. It closes out the EP in a really great way.[/center] [center]All in all, while a full length would have been cool, CTTS didn't (as usual) disappoint, and gave their music an entirely new feel that I personally feel could definitely work. Like I said, I could have called this EP flawless had it not been for some slight issues with Enter By the Narrow Gates.[/center] [center]Overall, I thought it was great.[/center] [center]~Daniel[/center] [center][/spoiler][/center] [left]Yaaaaaay contribution![/left] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.Rai Posted April 29, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 29, 2012 Added to front page as Daniel with Zoidberg Reviews. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L0SS Posted May 1, 2012 Report Share Posted May 1, 2012 Well, here goes. This is my review section. I'll mostly be reviewing indie stuff, but I might throw in some 70's stuff when the situation calls for it (when I'm high...) Anywho, here is my first review. Find a comfy chair, grab a cigarette and crack open a can of beer. (Unless you're below the legal age in which to consume such a beverage). [spoiler=Indie Review 01 - Stivey Pond - Sleepy Sun] [center][media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0FVN3lYozE[/media][/center] [center][img]http://i48.tinypic.com/2r451g9.jpg[/img][img]http://i48.tinypic.com/2r451g9.jpg[/img][img]http://i48.tinypic.com/2r451g9.jpg[/img][img]http://i48.tinypic.com/2r451g9.jpg[/img][img]http://i39.tinypic.com/33z8eb4.jpg[/img][/center] [center][u][b]Sleepy Sun - Stivey Pond[/b][/u] The first word that drops into your head when listening to Stivey Pond is 'moody'. It has a thick layer of grunge metal and a light country pace, which gives it a rustic, honest feel. Influence from both Pink Floyd and Nirvana can be heard in the edgy grime of the harsh bass; while a dreamy bridge section breaks up the tone in order to keep things fresh. But this is all wrapped up in a soft, light-hearted package. This isn't a heartfelt, dramatic ballad; it's more truthful than that. This is a love letter to those hazy summers and cool city nights. It's the kind of song you would play out the back of a bright red pick-up. Whilst passing a bong around with your mates. Quite raw, quite soft-edged, but very pleasant and easy-going. It isn't forcing you to invest a huge amount of time in milling over the social messages, but rather, it acts as a background to enjoy yourself upon. A meaty guitar and bouncy drumbeat are juxtaposed with coarse vocals and mellow pacing to produce a subtle fix of grunge, which is a rather refreshing take on the usual indie musings. Don't expect this song to be a heavy-handed ballad on the struggles of our consumerist-led society; but instead treat it as a three minute stint of escapism. Chilled, atmospheric, and, it could be argued, insignificant. But despite this, it has undeniable charm. Acres of it. It's like one of those really likable people that don't have a care in the world. And lets face it, we all want a friend like that. It may not be the deepest song around, but it still manages to resonates with the listener. It has this kind of unsophisticated wisdom, the kind you would liken to your own grandma.[/center] [center]The inclusion of this simple, supple backbone makes this one of the most enjoyable songs I have heard all year.[/spoiler][/center] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.Rai Posted May 1, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 1, 2012 le added to the front page as a contributor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rapidfire Posted May 2, 2012 Report Share Posted May 2, 2012 Well i was just using classical music. But I still think you should do something unexpected. :/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John A. Zoidberg Posted May 2, 2012 Report Share Posted May 2, 2012 That's what I'm here for. I think. I'll be doing Orchid's Chaos is Me EP soon, if anyone's curious about what's coming up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rapidfire Posted May 3, 2012 Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 Alright sounds good! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisa Kirisame-ze Posted May 31, 2012 Report Share Posted May 31, 2012 Alright loves, welcome to my alternative reviews! I'll hopefully have a review up a few times a week and I plan to start with Florence's "Ceremonials" album review, Lana Del Rey's "Born To Die" album review, Death Cab for Cutie's "The Open Door EP" album review, fun.'s "Some Nights" album review, Birdy's "Birdy" album review, and Ellie Goulding's "Lights" album review. Let's get started. [spoiler=SongReview - Maps (Acoustic/Strings Version), Yeah Yeah Yeahs] [center][media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-36hNsPtozA[/media][/center] [center][img]http://i48.tinypic.com/2r451g9.jpg[/img][img]http://i48.tinypic.com/2r451g9.jpg[/img][img]http://i48.tinypic.com/2r451g9.jpg[/img][img]http://i48.tinypic.com/2r451g9.jpg[/img][img]http://i42.tinypic.com/2nr3uo6.jpg[/img][/center] The acoustic/strings version of the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s top rated single “Maps”, which was released on the “Maps – EP”, is highly regarded as one of the best love songs of the 2000s. With such minimalistic lyrics and a soothing melody, how could that be? Most of the time, love is conveyed in a passionate, overflowing frenzy, but in this song, written by Karen O for Angus Andrew, her boyfriend at the time, love is shown as tender and sensitive. At the beginning of the song, you’re given some background of why it was written in the first place. O’s personal story unravels with the image of someone packing up to leave, but then the simple line that repeats over the course of the song comes in as a reason to stop the departure. “[i]Wait, they don’t love you like I love you[/i].” O sings it in such a touching way that doesn’t sound pleading, but instead, expresses the sincerity and affection of her love. As the song goes on, the repetition of that elegant line never loses meaning and instead grows with emotion and makes you experience how deep and delicate O’s feelings were. Singing the symbolic word of “[i]maps[/i]” in reference to the song title also smoothly adds to the image of two people parting with each other. It could be interpreted as O being lost if Andrew leaves her, thus needing maps to guide her, or it could be thought as Andrew needing it to find his next destination, which might’ve been another woman’s heart to call home. This song is a perfect example of fighting for love that you wish would stay. “[i]My mind’s your kind / I’ll stay the same[/i],” is the change up of lyrics and also another reason to convince that loved one to not walk out. There’s a saying that goes “there’s beauty in simplicity” and this song just takes the cake. The simple nature actually makes it more meaningful and makes it easier to relate to. Karen O even shows just how genuine this song is in the [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIIxlgcuQRU"]original version of the song’s music video[/url], where she started crying and explained, “They were real tears. My boyfriend at the time [Angus Andrew] was supposed to come to the shoot – he was three hours late and I was just about to leave for tour. I didn’t think he was even going to come and this was the song that was written for him. He eventually showed up and I got myself in a real emotional state.” “Maps” is definitely a memorable song that I’m sure will be used to communicate the love people have for each other when any other words aren’t enough.[/spoiler] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mehmani Posted June 2, 2012 Report Share Posted June 2, 2012 [b]Preferred Name:[/b] Botvinnik, or Alfred [b]Genres you prefer to review:[/b] Jazz is a personal preference, but I offer a different, more talent-based perspective on pop. As a musician for seven years I know the technicalities and the methods with which songs are written, so I understand how music works from the ground up. I have an excellent knowledge of vocal and instrumental technique as I sing and play myself. I know a lot about the history of music and how pop developed, so I can use that knowledge to provide insight into the influences of artists. [b]How often do you want to put out reviews?:[/b] Whenever they are required. Without any constraints I will probably put out one every ten days, but if need be one a week would be easy to manage. I stick to my deadlines. If you want an example, give me a popular album and it'll be up ASAP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.Rai Posted June 2, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 2, 2012 Oh god, almost forgot about this ._. Absolutely both accepted under: Miranda - Alternative Reviews Alfred - Jazz Reviews Feel free to take reviews anytime you want. No requirements, so just work at your own pace. Just edit your application posts into your little hub for your reviews, so you don't have to post a new post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enrise Posted June 3, 2012 Report Share Posted June 3, 2012 [quote name='.Rai' timestamp='1338664127' post='5951089'] Oh god, almost forgot about this ._. Absolutely both accepted under: Miranda - Alternative Reviews Alfred - Jazz Reviews Feel free to take reviews anytime you want. No requirements, so just work at your own pace. Just edit your application posts into your little hub for your reviews, so you don't have to post a new post. [/quote] Thunderharlots! I forgot about this too. D: .-. I'm sorry Rai. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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