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A Moody Debut From A Stunning New Band: Glasvegas

This album was easily one of the most surprising and stunning debuts of 2008 in the UK, and will surely act as the same here in the States for 2009. But I must warn you, if you're not a fan of thick Scottish accents, it may take you a few spins to warm up to this band. With that aside, Glasvegas delivers an album full of emotion, spirit, and meaningful lyrics... a rarity among today's rock scene whether you wish to admit it or not.

One of the most refreshing aspects of this album is that it is made by musicians who know their craft and use real instruments. As ridiculous as that may sound, today's music scene seems more and more crowded with bands who have adopted the laptop as a musical instrument, flooding the airwaves with the newest crackles and synths courtesy of a make-shift bedroom studio. Glasvegas takes it back to basics and delivers what has been eluding modern music... heartfelt tales of average people told alongside well thought out and skillfully composed music.

The album kicks off with what many listeners deemed an easy pick for song of the year in 2008 among the UK, "Flowers and Football Tops - a song about a mother left without a son due to violence. The song clocks in at nearly 7 minutes, but not a second is wasted. The track is immense, giving off a sense of space with the help of some of the best placed reverb I've heard in a while. The track is topped by the raw emotion within the ending, where the refrain of "You Are My Sunshine" lingers on a chord that is sure to send chills down your spine. Other notable tracks include "Geraldine," "Daddy's Gone," and "Go Square Go." Geraldine and Daddy's Gone showcase the soulful aspects of Allen's voice (lead singer). The tracks also show his knack for recognizing social aspects in his songwriting, rather than penning songs that are self-consumed and repetitive in nature. Each track is cleverly put together and exhibits a sense of restraint that will have you begging for new material after the album has run through its 42 minutes.

There has been much hype surrounding Glasvegas worldwide, and often that's a sure sign to a brief 15 minutes in the limelight. But this band is an exception. Upon listening to this album, you will find yourself thoroughly consumed in its near perfect orchestration and commentary on human nature. I guarantee that this will be an album that you'll find yourself listening to 1... 5... 10 years down the road. It's an album of timeless rock and roll without the filler... an album you will find yourself listening to track by track without feeling the need to skip or fast-forward. It's rare that you can say such things about a debut album, but then again, it's rare that a band like Glasvegas comes along and delivers on such high expectations.

Simply put, buy this album. It will be one of the best purchases you make for your music collection this year. The album follows through on all the hype and curiosity from critics and listeners worldwide. This will definitely be an album to remember for 2009.

Glasvegas - "Flowers & Football Tops"

Check It! - HoneyHoney - "Little Toy Gun"

Vocalist Suzanne Santo and guitarist Ben Jaffe, have taken on the task of creating vintage sounds with a modern edge. Together known as HoneyHoney, they combine elements of jazz, rock, folk, and twang to create melodies that will have you tapping your feet, singing along, and maybe even dancing if you should feel so daring. Check out the video for their single, “Little Toy Gun.” Pretty sweet stuff, if I may say so.

The Beckoning of Mystery - Burial (Untrue, 2007)

Since releasing his self-titled, eponymous debut in 2006, Burial has continued to successfully raise the level of the UK's underground dubstep music scene. His debut found him being listed among many "Best of 2006" lists from critics and fans alike from all over the world... and his newest release "Untrue" seems to be following that same path - being cited among music staples such as Pitchfork Media, NME, and Wired as standing above the competition in 2007. But without the prestige accolades and praise from critics, this album is able to stand fully on its own as a near genius masterpiece from beginning to end.

When one thinks of electronica music, it's typical to imagine all kinds of senseless bleeps and vocal effects that have no place or relevance. This is not the case at all with Burial's newest release. "Untrue" breathes of a long walk home among empty fog-laden streets. It is infused with a keen sense of loneliness and mystery that builds a world that is as desolate as it is intriguing. Vocal samples create a sense of distance and hang in the air like old conversations begging to be remembered. Each track transitions into the next seamlessly, creating an album that is best experienced when listened to in its entirety rather than skipping tracks... a rarity among most music nowadays.

Another rarity among "Untrue" is its ability to draw emotion through simplcity, rather than suffocating the listener with ridiculous amounts of whining, vocal gymnastics, or metaphors. "Archangel," a standout track on the album, constructs around vocals that simply yearn for one to "tell me I belong." Building alongside heavy bass and the echoes of voices in the background, the track and album overall finds itself creating an atmosphere of haunting melodies that pierce the ears and continue playing long after the music has stopped. "Untrue" finds Burial doing what he does best... side-stepping heedless attitude and digging deep into the very psychological being of human nature, highlighting the feelings of isolation, bleekness, and curiosity that we try our best to keep tucked away.

Containing a sort of emptiness that invites listeners to draw their own conclusions, "Untrue" provides an audio encounter that never gets old. Like lying in bed on a rainy night... if one listens close enough, there are always new sounds to be heard among the presence of the album. It's simplicity, restraint, and aching vulnerability easily made Burial's "Untrue" one of the most fulfilling releases within electronica and the dubstep scene. Always a good listen. Never dull. Cop it.

Chris Garneau - "Relief"

I remember seeing him sing this live last year. I felt as if me being in front of that stage, him singing this song, and the silence among the crowd spoke volumes. It amazes me how a song will come into your life at the most random moments and form a connection where words and thoughts fail. It’s quite difficult to explain. It’s something that needs to be felt.