Monroe Johnson & The Cloudhanger Band - 2011 - What's the Dream Now, Kitty?

Pop/Rock

[FOR FREE]

http://monroejohnson.bandcamp.com/album/whats-the-dream-now-kitty

• 6 songs to download
• You name the price (min 0,-)
• You get the link if you register your email address
• Listening recommendations: Lights Off Main, Little Heaven

Impressions

This record proves that we need to allow a wider range of musicians more possibilities to grow. The musical growth and improvement this guy made in his three EPs since 2006 is nothing short of astounding, culminating in his two best songs Lights Off Main and Little Heaven, which are quite frankly among the best songs in the genre I've heard in quite a while. As it happens with most records I review lately, I have this album in my playlist rotation for almost 3 years now and the energy and evocative power these tracks are conveying can be extremely inspiring. Lights Off Main comes together incredibly well, with poetic imagery, a driving instrumentation that supports the change from the somber mood in the beginning to the motivational, powerful and hopeful end of the song, a sound that makes me reminisce and finally wanting to grab at the possibilities life is offering that I might have passed on too much in the past. In contrast, Little Heaven is less subtle in its overall approach and more of an immediately upbeat and uplifting sound that is surprisingly catchy and helped lighting my mood whenever it crossed my ears. Unfortunately the other tracks cant quite keep the same standard, despite Push and When the Wolves Turn in Their Coats still being rather good tracks. The whole record still manages to feel somewhat consistent even with Monroe Johnson trying different approaches in these tracks (for example light country touches in Wolves), but I get the impression he is not equally good at all of these styles.
Full circle, it would be incredibly painful to see such musicians stop making music because they are not noticed and lost in obscurity, especially considering there is still so much unfulfilled potential. Lights off Main could easily stand up there with genre greats from Keane and Coldplay, and the only reason it doesnt is because of a lack of visibility and public interest. If there are smaller bands you love, let others know, scribble their names on your friends facebook walls (or on their foreheads once they start ignoring your messages), create a small music blog to report about your discoveries or even reach out to the bands themselves to tell them that their music is being loved. This review is my way of saying thanks for 3 years of enjoyment and lighted mood, hoping his most recent EP wont stay his last.

TRNT BRNT - 2013 - TRNT BRNT

Math Rock

[FOR FREE]

http://trntbrnt.bandcamp.com/

• 6 songs to download
• You name the price (min 0,-)
• You get the link if you register your email address
• Listening recommendations: The Rabbit Hunt

Impressions

Ever since I started reviewing releases from a very wide selection of artists all over Bandcamp, I’ve been (obviously) exposed to some pretty interesting genres of music. Sometimes I recognize the genres, and sometimes I don’t. This album fits the former description, and right off the bat TRNT BRNT screams math rock. I don’t listen to math rock myself, but like everything I review, it caught my interest enough to want to talk about it.

First off, let me just say Dance! is a very strong track to open an album with. It’s undeniably catchy without having to hit or strain any high frequencies like the majority of pop songs we can’t seem to avoid. Both bass and lead guitars rip away simultaneously with ear-pleasing lines, and lead to a neat pause-for-a-moment chorus break. It displays good old-fashioned song writing with a math rock twist. Actually, this can be said for all of the songs here. The tapping’s poppy, active, and bright; and this drummer is way past arithmetic, he’s what keeps this so flavorful and entertaining. I would highlight the more unpredictable fills and punchy timing in Tache.

There is no doubt that we’re dealing with a talented band. Some of the riff combos carefully control songs through and out of the fire like the noisy scene in Rabbit Hunt, which sounds like a feeling of unreliable anticipation. So yes, TRNT BRNT has its interesting moments; but it does so without breaking any boundaries. This progressive math style is just on point, and I’m expecting more. I’m currently in a position where there’s not a high chance of me coming back to this album. This album sets up all the right alleys with the cool lead parts but I’m not feeling an oop with something to reel me in. Listenability matters a lot to me, and at times I wish I could get hit in the face more with a jab (like a shout, faster picking parts, anything). The vocals are just, there… and the lyrics are passable. This would probably be more of a hit with me if it was instrumental because it’d be more likely that the song wouldn’t have to adjust for the scattered and almost unnecessary singing on some tracks.

This math pop rock set gets a pass, but I’d love to hear more for these guys, and something with attitude that can catch me off guard. I’m not suggesting that they be fiercer, because it’s not their style, but there’s nothing wrong with showing off if you got it. That’s my challenge..