As much as people don't want to admit it, independent music is based on trends just the same as mainstream music. Five or six years ago it was all the rage to listen to screamo, and now look where we are now. Despite being eight years removed from the band and now fronting Hot Cross, Billy Werner will probably never be able to escape the phrase, "There is no happy here." If you're ever looking for a put-your-hand-in-your-face-and-shake-your-head moment, just listen to You and I's "Someday I'll Say Goodbye" and wait for the emotionally drenched "Wrap myself in a blanket of tears" line. Don't get me wrong, I love these bands and understand the impact that they have had on music, but it's still fun to listen and get a slight chuckle out of it.
Today's current trend bands revolve around the likes of Isis, Boris, Sunn 0))) and all things Southern Lord. Sure it's cool now, but I'm sure in a few years we'll look back on a band like Bloody Panda, playing with full robes and faces hidden except for the cute female Asian singer, and we'll think, "Wow, wasn't that fucking stupid."
Now to the point, you ask. Well, despite how much the trends may change, there are still people that refuse to give in, playing music with the bands of yesterday in mind. This is where this record falls into place.
Her Breath on Glass is one half Andy Maddox, of The Saddest Landscape, one of the most emotional bands to grace us with their music. The lyrics were over the top emotional, featuring Maddox screaming at the top of his lungs and on the verge of crying. Unlike The Saddest Landscape, Her Breath on Glass is only a two-piece, but the same emotion still applies. Her Breath on Glass opens up with "Our Love is Ours to Define," which begins with a lengthy instrumental introduction that leaves you begging for Maddox to break out with his signature yelp. The listener is quickly appeased, but unfortunately the production values leave too much to be desired, as Andy's vocals struggle to be heard over the music. The next song, "Having It Out With Distance", features the band at their emotional best, singing, "I know I must get out of my apartment before the tears start to fall / my headphones echo the broken hearts of others who must have been on similar walks at one time or another." The rest of the album follows suite, and ends on the bright spot of a very sad and melancholy trumpet ending Her Breath on Glass' side of the record.
The other side of the record (or CD, if a record player doesn't grace your household), features Championship, a four piece instrumental band. Although I can't stand the name Championship, as it makes me believe that nobody in the band has any sort of imagination, the band does play pretty good instrumental music. The band features two guitar players, as well as a bass player and drummer, and while the band might not play the most complex music, it's is still something you can listen to and enjoy. Listening to Championship reminds me of bands like The Saddest Landscape or The Khayembii Communique, as it is basically the emotional style of music without any of the lyrics. There are your drum heavy, bass filled sections, but largely the music is filled with jangly and discordant music.
Overall I would give the album a spin or two if you were interested in any of the bands listed above. It isn't anything groundbreaking, but it does give a warm sense of nostalgia that makes you want to go and listen to your old Saetia seven inches, even if it is to just look at the lyrics and laugh.
