Plain
Different Not Strange
Independent (2008)
One could say Lugano, Switzerland’s Plain is a risk-taking collection of artists simply for the sheer bravery (or stupidity) of giving themselves that moniker. For those that wouldn’t care for their brand of music, professional critics and aural consumers alike, the door is wide open for the same kind of juvenile puns that your typical Garbage naysayer would dish out. Hopefully, there won’t be any of that in any form in this review, as Different Not Strange is a standout debut LP that’s anything but plain. (You see that? You see what I did there instead?) Again, the group prefers to conjure cheap one-liner ammunition since Different Not Strange is a not too subtle way to describe this album in its entirety. Mixing parts of alternative, hints of progressive, small dashes of keyboard ambience and synth, and wrapping it all up in a classic rock package, Plain’s overall sound is fairly difficult to pigeonhole. Moreover, the unusual pacing of the vocals with the rest of the instruments creates a unique listening experience. The concoction seems a little awkward on the first few spins, but when given time each song eventually defines its own special identity. Considering how scatterbrained this record … Read more
Gnarls Barkley
The Odd Couple
Atlantic (2008)
Since the arrival of the 80's and the consequent death of the era when there were true funk/soul titans, each … Read more
Tides / Giant
Split
Teenage Disco Bloodbath (2007)
Level Plane Records and Teenage Disco Bloodbath Records have partnered together as they team up two extremely underrated artists, at … Read more
Polar Bear Club
Sometimes Things Just Disappear
Red Leader (2008)
Every once in awhile a new band comes down the pike and reaffirms your love for music. A couple years … Read more
