Obscure Sound

Caribou – Swim (2010) (0)

3/17/10 •

Dan Snaith’s newest album, Swim, strives for a versatile type of dance music. While different than his usual offerings, Swim is a fascinating success regardless.

Recent Posts

Throw some Wu-Tang, an orchestra, and Euro-pop into a blender. It would probably taste sour since the differences in expectations surrounding tempo and instrumentation between the ingredients are evident. Kammerflimmer Kollektief have found a recipe for success though, mainly in their ability to prioritize various strengths over personal interests in their selfless presentation. Despite [...]

Paul Weller Wakes Up the Nation (2)

3/10/10 •

Following up a feature on Damon Albarn implies a drop in quality and prestige, especially considering how few artists are able to stay relevant for over twenty years. Even if they cannot be deemed “obscure”, many figures are worth exposing regardless of their original prestige. The work they are producing is just that good. Like [...]

Gorillaz – Plastic Beach (2010) (5)

3/08/10 •

With cameos ranging from Lou Reed to Snoop Dogg, Gorillaz’s Damon Albarn continues to tout unbelievable consistency and stylistic prowess on his most selfless release yet. It is also one of the most stunning of his storied career.

ODDSAC: A Review (6)

3/04/10 •

Animal Collective’s visual album, ODDSAC, is reviewed. Taking influence from the horror-film genre, its thematic cohesiveness may come as a surprise to those anticipating a series of discordant images and sounds.

Obscure Sound: Best of February 2010 (8)

3/02/10 •

The best songs from February are rounded up for your convenience. Among the 11 stars are The Morning Benders, The Radio Dept., Lali Puna, The Kissaway Trail, and Wilderness Survival.

Wilderness Survival 101 (8)

2/26/10 •

Musical collaborations can work a number of ways. A uniformly legalistic partnership for every song regardless of its actual writer is one method (Lennon/McCartney), while splitting songs up equally (like on OutKast’s Speakerboxxx/The Love Below) is another. The latter seems to be the norm lately, probably because quality songwriting partnerships are so rare these days. [...]

Son Lux’s Secret Weapon (5)

2/24/10 •

Classical training is generally regarded as a positive influence on pop music. No one wishes to restrain ideas that originate from the theoretical intricacies of music, so the knowledge is neither looked upon as extraneous nor pretentious. To commit oneself to intensive training in this vein is exemplary of artistic passion in its own right, [...]

The Radio Dept. – Clinging to a Scheme (2010) (3)

2/22/10 •

One of Sweden’s premiere electronic-pop acts releases their first full-length album in four years. With both infectious and atmospheric moments, its inconsistency issues are overshadowed by several gems.

White Hinterland’s Chronos and Kairos (2)

2/19/10 •

It is easy to rave about Casey Dienel’s voice, which recalls Joni Mitchell’s eclectic stylistic arsenal as much as Victoria Legrand’s ghostly croon. Even those that do not like her project, White Hinterland, are still enthralled by her voice for a reason. She recalls the classic feel of Mitchell or Joan Baez and gives it [...]

The Kissaway Trail (5)

2/18/10 •

Anthemic rock music really has to soar to earn its name. To rouse an audience because they are already familiar with your work is one thing, but to come out anonymously and take a crowd by storm is the most blatant asset in this glossy depiction of “anthemic indie-rock”. For a band like The Kissaway [...]

The Morning Benders – Big Echo (2010) (6)

2/17/10 •

The Morning Benders’ highly anticipated album, Big Echo, finds the four-piece at a place of confidence and cohesiveness.

Lali Puna Show Their Inventions (2)

2/16/10 •

Despite what its name entails, the concept of a “super-group” is becoming increasingly relative with the gradual expansion and appreciation of emerging styles and genres. The days where unanimous and successful super-groups – like Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and the Traveling Wilburys – sell out concerts are long gone. Trends are more important in [...]

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