The Raveonettes Lust Lust Lust Vice Records
Lauren Ventura, Staff Writer
Two disheartened Danes plus New York music-scene trends, along with the pulsating, angelic voice of Sharin Foo equals "Lust Lust Lust," yet another pleasing bout from The Raveonettes. As the lyrics "I hear the sound of falling love / As I wonder where you are / Hits the ground with a dead sound," from "Dead Sound" portrays, The Raveonettes aren't something to listen to if you are feeling blue - the slow, evocative beats will send most into the realm of nostalgia and longing. And as the title of the album suggests, its lyrics explore unreciprocated love and desire from afar. So, don't pop in this disc if your significant other just sent you to Dumpville. On the other hand, if you're relaxing, listening to the rainfall, cruising the Internet or cuddling with a new love interest, this album is your warm, fuzzy blanket. Reminiscent of The Velvet Underground, Slowdive and My Bloody Valentine, The Raveonettes lures listeners into its cavernous songs with subtle influences from tribal vibrations. The lingering feedback that resonates throughout the album will have most listeners lusting for more.
Grade: A
Hate Eternal Fury and Flames Metal Blade Records
Sheena Hamilton, Staff Writer
The prestige of once being a part of a popular band will follow a musician throughout his or her career. Name recognition usually only gets you so far. But for Erik Rutan, head honcho and guitarist for death metal band Hate Eternal, this esteem invites constant comparison to his previous gig in Morbid Angel, a feat seemingly difficult to sidestep. Similar to other Hate Eternal albums, "Fury and Flames," can't be fairly paired against the extreme prowess behind Morbid Angel releases. Nevertheless, with its new label, Metal Blade Records, a shifted line-up and heartfelt subject matter, "Fury and Flames" has the integrity to have actual potency - even when weighed against Rutan's Morbid Angel past. Anger over departed friend Jared Anderson fuel the fire for Hate Eternal's musical facelift - ultimately leading to Rutan's formation of an identity outside of his past project. Hate Eternal's fourth release, "Fury and Flames," polishes the band's knack for technical musicianship by tightening its past unruly sound for a more polished composition.
Grade: C
Atlas Sound Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel Kranky
Andrew Shrader, Staff Writer
With the stage name Atlas Sound, Deerhunter frontman Bradford Cox's solo debut finds the artist distancing himself from the rock 'n' roll of his primary band and experimenting with more mellow electro and ambient pop. "Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See but Cannot Feel" was released Feb. 19 on lesser-known indie label, Kranky. Cox was joined by Brian Foote of the band Nudge who also assisted in choice of musical equipment that would be exploited on the album. All of the lyrics were developed as they were being recorded on the first take. Beginning with a scratchy cassette recording of a young child telling a ghost story, the album slowly crawls and haunts, untangling in computer-created pieces of guitar feedback and drum circuits. The bulk of the album solemnly portrays personal pictures of Cox's private life - it's dedicated to and inspired by his best friend, Lockett Pundt. The spellbinding sound of "Recent Bedroom" and the lush, laid-back melody of "River Card" are perfect pieces of experimental pop. "Winter Vacation" blares to an obscure techno beat as Cox succeeds and the result is a collection of texture that's as fascinating as its creator.
Grade: A
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