Noise 101: CD Reviews for Dec. 5
Organs
Self-released
Score: A+
Each track is unique in its sound, structure, and style. “Take Me Out” has a soft psychedelic feel. “Having Fun” starts as a smooth track, but seamlessly switches to a punchy staccato sound after the introduction. With such an eclectic variety, Organs doesn’t seem like it should be a cohesive album, but it is wonderfully complete with no disconnect from track to track.
The tracks on Organs are not only extremely catchy and unique, but also come from unique inspirations. “Pipes”, for example, discusses the strange modern phenomenon of the Internet and the constant exchange of information.
This album is definitely much more experimental than what many listeners are used to, but Organs is beautifully put together. It is definitely something special.
— Becca Paterson
Reflektor
Merge Records
Score: C+
Arcade Fire are back again with Reflektor, and this time they are trying to make art as much as they are music. We are no longer in the age of Funeral, which had the band debut with calls for hope in a time where it was scarce.
Instead, Reflektor sounds drawn-out and introspective; it’s as if the band can’t stand the career they’ve carved out for themselves. It seems as though Arcade Fire is trying to make a statement opposing their past music, but frequently the album loses the theme. Reflektor starts out strong with the title track, and has great moments in tunes “Flashbulb Eyes” and “Here Comes the Night Time.” However, tracks like “Awful Sound (Oh Eurydice)” make it seems as though the Montreal band may be in over their head, and Reflektor will likely divide those who are sticking along and those who want off the ride.
— Nathan Ross
Word of Mouth
Island Records
Score: B-
This boy band is back with their third studio album, Word Of Mouth, with clichéd sounding songs about what boy-bands sing about best: love and girls. The Wanted haven’t left the spotlight since “Glad You Came” back in 2011, and since then they’ve released five singles, all of which appear on the album. This leaves only nine unheard tracks on this album unless you dish out extra cash for the deluxe edition — but it’s not worth it.
The latest single, “Show Me Love (America)”, includes a hypnotic orchestra sound which harmoniously complements the vocals — you’ll be hitting the replay button for this song.
The rest of the album includes their familiar European club trance sound blended with slower tracks. Overall, Word Of Mouth is definitely worth a listen if you’re into boy bands with accents.
— Hannah Cawsey