Indie!

Hey everyone! Vikki here with this week’s Indie blog post!

We got a few pretty great CDs sent to the studio this week, so I’m going to give you all a short little review of the highlights, along with a rating. Here we go!

Clea Roddick – Songs of the Year:  Vol. 1

The first in a collection of four seasonal EPs, the Songs of the Year set is an interesting attempt at a concept album.  Clea Roddick showcases her vocal range on this EP, but keeps it in her typical mellow style, causing it to lack the “oomph” that could have really pushed the CD above and beyond.

Rating: 2.5/5

Recommended track: 4

Similar Artists: Rachael Yamagata, Dawn Landes, Jaymay

Bear Arms – Burning Bush Supper Club

The album as a whole is a perfect blend of quirkiness and talent.  The four boys who make up Bear Hands have outdone themselves; this album showcases the instrumental and vocal ability of all the members.  And the witty lyrics (Dark circles or light eyes / I eat cats for their nine lives) only help to solidify the album as an all-around winner.

Rating: 4.5/5

Recommended track: 1

Similar Artists: Foals, Title Track, Young the Giant

Justin Kline – Triangle/Six Songs

If you’re looking for some good-natured, simple and fun pop music, Justin Kline is your man.  The album, heavily based in acoustic guitar, bells and whistles and such, is a great record to bop around to; even the sadder songs have a happy tempo!  This album is a definite winner as well.

Rating: 4/5

Recommended track: 3

Similar Artists: Motion City Soundtrack, The Morning Light, NeverShoutNever!

Until next week!

- Vikki