DIIV
Oshin
Captured Tracks (2012)
Before reading any further, know that DIIV are anything but overwrought. The NYC band’s debut, Oshin, reflects the sort of open air, free-flowing rhythms and harmonics fluent in the thriving genre of dream pop. Naturally, the music isn’t about following along or thinking too hard about it. Everything here is predictable and minimalist. That’s what makes it so enjoyable.Oshin is one of those albums best experienced through observation along environmental proceedings. The music plays on, though the tracks never seem to change. The brighter moments, mostly captured through catchy hooks (“How Long Have You Known?”) and breezy melodies (“Past Lives”), are absorbing because they exist as merely a part of something whole. The thrill of a great pop song is eminent—just without the feeling that there’s some form of structure involved. Hell, if you’re lucky, you’ll remember some of the lyrics. However, don’t expect to sing along to Oshin; much of the lyricism is rather indiscernible. But that’s what makes DIIV good at what they do. Their approach to hazily-surfaced song crafting creates an earthy aura, one that is appropriate for land or water. Hike a mountain to Oshin, surf the Pacific, or coast highways with the windows down; it … Read more
Royal Thunder
CVI
Relapse (2012)
Like many albums, I picked up Royal Thunder's CVI because I heard someone somewhere describe it as progressive metal. Like … Read more
Troubled Coast
I've Been Thinking About Leaving You
Pure Noise (2012)
I'll say, Troubled Coast are turning into one of the most steadfast bands I've heard. Their music has been on … Read more
Bosse-de-Nage
iii
Profound Lore (2012)
Pushing the black metal blueprint ever further from its roots, San Franciscan four-piece Bosse-de-Nage deliver a record of complex intensity … Read more
Memphis May Fire
Challengers
Rise (2012)
Ever since their debut full length, Sleepwalking, Memphis May Fire have departed from the southern tinged metalcore they were known … Read more
