Chimp Spanner
All Roads Lead Here
Basick (2012)
I will say, right off the bat, the composition ability of Paul Ortiz, a.k.a. Chimp Spanner, is undeniably top-notch, as is his musicality. Sure, he can be a bit self-indulgent at times, but then again, as a solo artist, isn't that more or less the point? Regardless, it's clear that his latest album, All Roads Lead Here, is a visionary work; it was written with a level of complexity and sheer perfectionism that could only be obtained by an artist with the immense talent required to precisely articulate his ideas.The first thing I'll mention is, though the album is certainly not as aggressively melody-less as some of its djenty counterparts, it still seems, for lack of a better term, amelodic. If you'll forgive me a few moments of pretentiousness, it is certainly purposeful with its tonal choices, but they rarely seem to intentionally reference any kind of melodic framework. To put it another way, it's tonal music without having any clear melodies. The music rarely resolves itself clearly or satisfactorily, often proceeding on winding and (only somewhat) aimless doodles reminiscent of artists such as Buckethead; it's full of technicality and flair, but doesn't seem to ever conclude itself. The lack … Read more
Les Discrets
Ariettes Oubliées...
Prophecy Productions (2012)
France's Les Discrets have been active for nigh on nine years, yet are only on the cusp of their second … Read more
Sleigh Bells
Reign Of Terror
Mom + Pop (2012)
Derek Edward Miller and Alexis Krauss start this record like it's a Van Halen concert. They're tricking you into thinking … Read more
