Album of the Week: The War on Drugs – A

A Deeper Understanding by The War on Drugs

Bands that ride a sonic wave always provide a blissful listening experience. Sometimes they sound atmospheric and perhaps even a bit spaced out. Other times they create stellar progressions while basing off classic rock riffs. Philadelphia act The War on Drugs does a little bit of both with their fourth that was released Aug 25 by Atlantic Records. The album is adorned with face-melting solos and rhythms that are tight as a knot. It’s a blending of Tom Petty-esque Americana rock with reverb and distortion reminiscent of ’s glory days in the ‘80s.

As with each album from The War on Drugs, frontman and principal also handled the production duties on A Deeper Understanding. What makes this record special is Granduciel’s poetic lyrics that strike a nerve. Each song is poignant and profound. The musical structure strives for perfection and comes awfully close. It’s a fantastic way for a band to unveil their major label debut.

There’s definitely a fine line between music that has a lot incorporated into it and music that’s just pretentious. Where is the line drawn? It most likely all comes down to taste, and probably comes down to the feeling the listener gets after pressing play as well. The War on Drugs resonate a driving vibe that’s bound to invigorate the senses. Let’s see how that all plays out and more with my top tracks off of the Album of the Week:

There’s nothing boring about “Holding On” – the rhythms are at a fever pitch while Granduciel sings introspectively about relationships and longing. “Nothing to Find” is an excellent example the sonic wave mentioned earlier; synth shines from beginning to end to add a dimension that completes the song. It’s a bit more laid-back than the others but “Thinking of a Place” has a killer solo that makes a huge presence. New England live music fanatics have two chances to see The War on Drugs. They’ll be at the State Theatre in Portland on Sep 18 and then they’ll be at the Blue Hills Bank Pavilion in Boston on Sep 23. It’ll surely be an awesome experience to see Granduciel and the band live. While you’re at either show, grab a copy of the new album. It’ll take your taste to new heights while staying down to Earth.

Check out the music video for “Holding On”: youtube.com/watch?v=6-oHBkikDBg

Stream A Deeper Understanding via Spotify: open.spotify.com/album/4TkmrrpjlPoCPpGyDN3rkF

The War on Drugs web site: thewarondrugs.net

Album of the Week: – Villains

Villains by Queens of the Stone Age

Josh Homme has been feeling the urge to dance. The prime member of Queens of the Stone Age turned up the rhythms and changed things up a bit to give that sensation. Their seventh album Villains, due to be released Aug 25 by Matador Records, is a testament to the band’s sonic progression and fearless way of trying new techniques. It’s an album that has each song capturing a distinct groove. There’s also an abundance of distorted riffs that bring the noise.

The main ingredient for Villains’ danceable style comes from handling the producing, so there’s more of a new wave vibe with this album. Homme leads an arsenal of fast-paced with and joining the fray. Ferita also shows off his incredible synth skills on numerous tracks. Bassist teams up with one of the best drummers on the planet in to create rhythms that are responsible for the album’s particular vibe. By being one of the most consistent bands out there, Queens of the Stone Age would probably get a pass even if they released a dud of an album, but the funny thing is that it hasn’t happened yet. From what used to be an ever-changing lineup, the band has found stability over the past few years that has paid off musically. Villains is another chapter in a storied career for a band that built the bridge from ‘90s to the modern sound that a bunch of bands have adopted today. Let’s take a closer look at this and more with my top tracks off of the Album of the Week:

The lead single “The Way You Used to Do” is catchy and infectious, an excellent example of the rhythmic rock throughout the entire album. “Head Like a Haunted House” shows off Theodore’s fantastic drumming talents with a rapid fire approach; the track is an absolute ripper that’s full of energy. With a sly aesthetic, “Domesticated Animals” has a haunting chorus and a consistent downbeat that holds everything together.

Queens of the Stone Age will be playing two already sold-out shows in the New England area, the first at the Agganis Arena in Boston Oct 21 and the second at the State Theatre in Portland, ME, the following night, but tickets are still available for Madison Square Garden in City Oct 24. While you’re at a show, grab a copy of Villains. It’ll get your feet moving and your body grooving.

Stream “The Way You Used to Do” via YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=GvyNyFXHj4k

Pre-order Villains: store.qotsa.com/products/villains

Queens of the Stone Age web site: qotsa.com

Album of the Week: – Seekers and Finders Seekers and Finders by Gogol Bordello

It doesn’t happen as often as it should, but it’s enjoyable to see a band constantly progressing and adding to their sound with each album. Their discography becomes a time trip with each release giving a different vibe. Gyspy punks Gogol Bordello change things up with brilliant consistency. Original elements are preserved as new elements are incorporated. The band’s seventh studio album Seekers and Finders to be released Aug 25 via Cooking Vinyl shows that in multiple ways.

Musically, the album goes more towards the folk and acoustic route with electric guitars amping up the energy. Frontman Eugene Hutz maintains his political style of lyricism while reflecting on the current administration in the White House. He specifically examines their stance on immigration from his own perspective as an immigrant moving from his native Ukraine to the in the ‘90s. The album melds klezmer, polka, punk and dub. Ashley Tobias also has a bigger presence on vocals; at times she is the main focus of a song while mostly backing up Hutz.

The word “visionary” risks becoming old and tired due to idiots trying to associate themselves with it, and because of that I hate to use it. That said, it’s the best way to describe the reaches Gogol Bordello has achieved with their music. They have an uncanny style that brings a lot to the forefront. Let’s dive through that style and more with my top tracks off of the Album of the Week:

“Walking on the Burning Coal” has a post-punk essence while Sergey Ryabtsev’s rings in the chorus in stunning fashion. Going back to the band’s punk roots is “Saboteur Blues” with rhythmic emphasis and dynamic intensity; it’s also an instance where Racine contributes on backing vocals to add another artistic dimension. Another energetic shredder is “Break into Your Higher Self” – there’s a distinct loud-quiet-loud structure that builds up the chorus with immense vigor.

Gogol Bordello is just beginning a North American tour that will move to in November, including shows at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY, on Aug 20 and in Chicago, IL, on Sep 16. New Englanders have the opportunity to check out one of the craziest live bands on the planet at the Paradise Rock Club in Boston with two shows on Sep 20 and 21. While you’re at a show, grab a copy of Seekers and Finders. It’s a pristine record that’ll put your nerves in a stir.

Gogol Bordello web site: gogolbordello.com

Album of the Week: The Two Tens – On Repeat On Repeat by The Two Tens

Along with being the home for the majority of today’s pop music garbage, Los Angeles has become the epicenter for the 2010s garage-rock explosion. The Two Tens are a fiery duo from the City of Angels that can cause a ruckus. Their sophomore release On Repeat is coming out Aug 18 via Man Della Records and it’s a banger of an album. Guitarist and vocalist Adam Bones oozes endless swagger while Rikki Styxx brings the thunder on drums. Together they create a rad sound that’s intense and harmonious.

As each track rolls through, On Repeat pummels the eardrums with powerful beats and electrifying riffs. There are elements of surf and ‘60s pop that singe the garage-rock heavy tones. Both Bones and Styxx are unapologetically up-front and unrelentingly emphatic. Even the songs that ride the chorus more are still amplified and noisy. Nothing lets up in the album and there are no generic fillers: What the listeners hear is what they’re getting.

It must feel a bit weird for older music fans to be in an age where two-piece rock bands are the norm. They probably still ask “Where’s your bass player?” every time they see one live. I personally don’t care as long as a two-piece act can bring it as loud as a trio or a quartet. With On Repeat, The Two Tens definitely make good on that. To see how solid these guys really are, let’s take a look at my top tracks off of the Album of the Week:

The title track is a charismatic love song that absolutely shreds with the chorus being bound to stick in your head, dare I say it, on repeat. “Keeping Hope Alive” is one of those songs that leans toward the pop realm; Bones and Styxx also provide stellar harmonies. Distorted and dirty, “Not Alright” is anchored by Styxx’s drumming while Bones yells on vocals; it’s very angsty and it’s just what your pissed-off friend, or self, needs after a rough day.

The Two Tens will be ringing in the release of On Repeat with fellow Angelinos Go Betty Go and The Katellas at The Satellite in the bands’ hometown on Aug 16. They’ll also be doing a pay-what-you-want on-line celebration through StageIt! on Aug 20. Hopefully they come through the New England area sometime soon. By Aug 18, grab a copy of On Repeat: It’s an album that surely lives up to its name.

Stream the title track via Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/user-985902885-887977517/on-repeat Pre-order On Repeat (CD, vinyl, digital available): mandellarecords.com/shop/

The Two Tens’ web site: thetwotens.com

Album of the Week: People Like You – Verse

Verse by People Like You

Coming out of Boston’s DIY underground, indie jazz quintet People Like You explore musical boundaries with consistent brilliance. Poignant rhythms and abstract structure are the foundation for an act that keeps things interesting with each song. Their sophomore release Verse that came out Jul 28 via Topshelf Records dives into that æsthetic while achieving sustainable progression. Each track captivates the senses with impressive tones. There’s also a certain amount of unpredictability from start to finish.

The dual vocals from guitarist Chris Lee and keyboardist Michi Tassey provide mesmerizing harmonies. Drummer Sander Bryce and bassist Sai Boddupalli bring the abstract poignancy in amazing ways with breakbeats and improvisation. Matt Hull is the icing on the musical cake with his skills on trumpet and flugelhorn. It’s a creatively impressive melding of talents that makes Verse such a stunning album. Each song grabs hold of the ears and never lets go.

It can be the bane of a music journalist’s existence to encounter music that you enjoy but also find difficult to describe. Sometimes an act will incorporate numerous dimensions and the proverbial nail is hard to hit when it comes to telling the casual listener what the band sound like. It can be challenging, but that’s a good thing. People Like You bring a lot to the table with their music and Verse is a prime example of that. Let’s see exactly what they bring with my top tracks from the Album of the Week:

“You Need a Visa” starts the album off with an hypnotic chorus and a flurry of variety; Hull on trumpet accents the song well while amazing harmonies are conveyed by Lee and Tassey. With somber tones comes “Josephine Ave,” a sense of heartbreak and longing adorns the song from beginning to end. Bryce’s drumming is magnificent in “Thumbnail,” where he brings a rhythmic machine-gun style that backs the entire track up.

People Like You just finished up a summer tour of the eastern United States but since they’re from Boston be sure that they’ll be playing around the New England area for the time being. The next time they’re playing your friendly neighborhood music venue, grab a copy of Verse. It takes you on a musical expedition that encounters numerous dimensions.

Stream and buy Verse via Bandcamp: peoplelikeyoumusic.bandcamp.com/album/verse

People Like You on Facebook: www.facebook.com/peoplelikeyouma

Album of the Week: – Sacred Hearts Club

Sacred Hearts Club by Foster the People

Listening to mainstream pop music is much like ordering from a fast food restaurant: Everything is the same and there are no innovative surprises. Pop music always has a catchy chorus and a processed beat, while fast food has no thrills and fills your stomach with regret after you eat a high-calorie monstrosity. Los Angeles act Foster the People offer a refreshing antidote to pop’s saturation with their third album Sacred Hearts Club released Jul 21 by . There’s an abundance of substance in each track that gives the listener a jolt of excitement that the band’s contemporaries lack.

There’s a lot of funk within Foster the People’s latest release. Mark Foster and Ison Innis once again show their songwriting expertise while incorporating electronic elements. Each song the band writes tries to make people dance and achieves that from start to finish. Psychedelic æsthetics are present and the musical structure exudes rhythmic brilliance. Sacred Hearts Club is a testament to artistic consistency.

Great music has the power to contagiously induce positive emotions: Listening to a favorite artist or band can uplift the roughest of days. What makes that possible? Harmonies and lyrics definitely play a part; a groovy guitar riff and a fun drum beat also have something to do with that. Let’s provide a further examination with my top tracks off of the Album of the Week:

“Lotus Eater” is a hot jam that has guitars shining while the harmonies and lyrics convey an energetic vibe; it’s a prime track to play with a bunch of people in the room so they can start dancing and acting a bit crazy. With a soft tone at the beginning, “” has a soulful sound that is anchored by a pristine bass line, and the electronic elements mentioned earlier have a huge presence. A rhythmic voyage is undertaken when “Static Space Lover” invades the senses, and actress Jena Malone lends her vocal talents.

Foster the People will be heading back to the New England area when they play the House of Blues in Boston on Sep 13. It promises to be a wild time so make sure you head to the “Hub” and check out the show. While you’re there, grab a copy of the new album: It will give you a heavy dose of jive and make you feel alive.

Stream Sacred Hearts Club via Spotify: open.spotify.com/album/5lFvZh6pCTJzr9UStebyCF

Foster the People’s web site: fosterthepeople.com

Album of the Week: ’s Hug of Thunder by Broken Social Scene

There’s a sense of reinvigoration these days with the Toronto collective Broken Social Scene. and the crew have their first album in seven years out with Hug of Thunder released Jul 7 via Drew’s label Arts & Crafts Productions. It’s a triumphant return to form with each track capturing a vibe of electric unity. Rhythms and noise cover each track with a level of intensity that has never been seen before from the collective’s music. The new album is an immediate album of the year candidate from an act that has come back in a big way.

Brendan Canning, Charles Spearin, and rejoined Drew for the making of the record for the core writing of the songs. The end result was 18 musicians in total being a part of Hug of Thunder, including heroine Leslie Feist lending her vocal talents. It’s insane that so many musical abilities come together for each track on the album. There’s an orchestral aesthetic that’s apparent as well. This is what makes Broken Social Scene such an unusual band and it’s refreshing that they’re back.

Now if a person never heard of this act from Toronto before, how would you describe it to them? At the root of the band it’s a musician’s collective. With the wide range of members, it could also qualify as an orchestra depending on your flexibility of definition. There are multiple perspectives trying to see Broken Social Scene as what they are; it’s an excellent example of artistic versatility. Let’s explore that and more via the top tracks on my Album of the Week:

“Halfway Home” has a folky tone while moving at a steady pace; there are also numerous progressions and dimensions added to keep things interesting. Bringing the noise is “Vanity Pail Kids” along with a post-punk essence. Feist makes her presence felt on “Gonna Get Better,” and smooth notes on also serve as the backbone for a hypnotic song.

New Englanders have three chances to check out Broken Social Scene when they come through on tour in the fall. They’ll be playing at State Theatre in Portland, Maine, on Thursday, Oct 5; College Street Music Hall in New Haven on Friday, Oct 6; and House of Blues in Boston on Saturday, Oct 7. It’s highly suggested that you go for an unforgettable live music experience. Whether you’re at one of the shows or at all of them, grab a copy of the new album. It’s forceful music that’s honest and true. Stream Hug of Thunder via Spotify: play.spotify.com/album/3XfF7C3kpI1yo0np3HrtiC

Broken Social Scene’s web site: brokensocialscene.ca

Album of the Week: Haim’s

Something to Tell You by Haim

When the sisters Este, Danielle and Alana Haim put out their 2013 debut album , it took the indie rock world by storm. The melding of late ‘80s pop reminiscent of Wilson Phillips-like and -esque ‘70s melodic rock created a stellar sound. It had people captivated from the first listen and Haim quickly rose to stardom. Their sophomore release Something to Tell You came out on July 7 via , and it was well worth the wait. It lives up to the anticipation, with Haim putting out an album that’s progressing into new artistic territory.

Haim makes an effort to modernize their music with the new album, and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. There’s more of an electronic presence being felt while the instrumentation serves as a base for each track. Danielle’s voice shines with soul and a forceful vibrato. Something to Tell You is a fearless album that confronts heartbreak and personal struggle with unbridled honesty.

To avoid a sophomore slump, sometimes a band can rely on raw talent and nothing else. That’s exactly what Haim did with their latest album, and it’s evident. The harmonies are stunning and the structure is chock full of rhythm. In an age where pop music is extremely concentrated and formulaic, this trio from Los Angeles provides something different. Let’s examine this and more in my top tracks off of the Album of the Week: “Found It in Silence” has an orchestral vibe that surrounds the song; it’s a heartbreaker of a track that talks about depending on someone else for your own happiness. There’s a bit of funk within “,” and the chorus is catchy while the song itself captures a groove, riding it from start to finish. With a vintage new wave touch, “You Never Knew” is an excellent example of the band’s trademark harmonies.

After playing close to home at Alt Summer Camp at Queen Mary Events Park in Long Beach, CA, on Aug 19, Haim will be embarking on a West Coast tour starting at the Bumbershoot Music Festival in Seattle, playing on Sep 3, the final day of the three-day event. Hopefully they venture through the New England area before 2017 comes to a close. When they roll on through to your friendly neighborhood music venue, grab a copy of Something to Tell You – it goes straight for the soul and it never leaves.

Stream Haim’s Something to Tell You via Spotify: open.spotify.com/album/5m9rXTBF7mHFGQlFsiEHrY

Haim’s web site: haimtheband.com

Album of the Week: Pickwick’s LoveJoys

LoveJoys by Pickwick

Seattle soul-rock act Pickwick has always been about capturing a vibe. The band exudes infectious charisma that makes their music shine. Their sophomore full-length LoveJoys due out on Jul 7 via Small Press Records enters a disco funk realm that finds a groove. It’s a tad different than the raw essence of their 2013 debut LP Can’t Talk Medicine but there’s evidence of steady artistic progression. This sextet from the Emerald City manage to maintain a special pizzazz when it comes to their sound despite the change in direction.

Produced by Erik Blood who is known for his work with fellow Seattle act Shabazz Palaces, LoveJoys has a romantic aesthetic about it. It’s an album that you can either dance to or have playing while you turn off the lights and get close with your significant other. The vocals of Galen Daston really make the record special with his impressive range; Garrett Parker on bass, his brother Michael on guitar, Kory Kruckenberg on vibraphone, Cassady Lillstrom on keyboard and Alex Westcoat on drums also provide stunning musical versatility. While listening to LoveJoys, it’s hard to believe that Pickwick originally started out as a folk band.

The importance of lyrical structure in a song is extremely misunderstood. A song could be catchy but it also could be annoying. If the words are just gibberish, then why should the listener care? Pickwick’s lyrical structure is effective on multiple levels. Let’s explore their structure and much more with my top tracks off of the Album of the Week:

“Turncoat” has both Parker brothers bringing the funk on bass and guitar. The chorus has an abundance of harmony that sticks to the senses. Another funky track is “Thought It Was You,” also an excellent excellent example of the romance being conveyed. Lillstrom has a big presence on the keys in “Light It Up (Let It Burn),” the anchor for a rhythmic track that has a chorus hooking the ears in.

Pickwick will kick off their North American tour in the West at the Wild Buffalo in Bellingham, WA on Jul 27. Notable stops include the Rickshaw Theatre in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Jul 29 and the Valley Bar in Phoenix, AZ, on Aug 20. The band will eventually venture into the Northeast playing Great Scott in Allston, MA, on Oct 17 and the Mercury Lounge in on Oct 20.

Grab a copy of LoveJoys: It’s a stellar album that sparkles like a diamond.

Pickwick’s web site: pickwickmusic.com

Pre-order and purchase LoveJoys: lovejoys.kungfustore.com

Album of the Week: Bent Knee’s Land Animal Land Animal by Bent Knee

If you take a look around and venture through the cracks of the music spectrum, you’ll discover something that’s akin to a mad scientist combining a bunch of elements that usually wouldn’t go together to create a brilliant compound. Over the past few years, numerous bands are melding peculiar styles with each other to create uncanny sounds and new genres. One of those acts is Boston art-pop act Bent Knee. They blend orchestral tones, rock riffs and progressive structure in their fourth release Land Animal that hit record store shelves on June 23. The album guarantees a fantastic listening experience that’s abundant with variety.

Land Animal is Bent Knee’s major label debut with German Entertainment affiliate Inside Out Music. The band makes that grand introduction to a wider audience with a clear and poignant quality courtesy of producer Vince Welch. Courtney Swain brings a lot of soul with her magnificent voice while her skills on keyboards are present within each track. Ben Levin is stupendously dynamic on guitar and he serves as the base for the unique chords and progressions. Jessica Kion on bass and Gavin Wallace-Ailsworth on drums keep the pristine rhythms in check and Chris Baum on violin adds dramatic flair.

As a New Englander and as a person who’s been covering music in the region for nearly a decade, there’s a sense of pride I feel whenever a band from the area gets a dose of success. I couldn’t be happier that a talented act like Bent Knee got a bit of a being signed to Sony. It’s a pretty big deal for a band that was playing the dive bar circuit in both the Boston and Providence areas over the past few years. Anyways, enough with my own personal gush fest. Here are my top tracks off of the Album of the Week:

By incorporating faint distortion with electronic sounds, “Holy Ghost” is an emphatic track that finds a groove. Baum’s violin adds a special touch while Swain wails on vocals. “Time Deer” is raw and rigid: there’s a noticeable prog-rock presence that gravitates towards the senses. Another example of Bent Knee’s prog-rock sensibilities is “The Well,” where there’s an abstract structure that compliments the elegant tones.

Bent Knee will be embarking on a tour of the United States in July starting at The Iron Horse in Northampton, MA, on July 14. If they’re rolling through your friendly neighborhood music venue, go see them live. While you’re at the show you should also grab a copy of Land Animal. It’s an amazing record that’ll calm the nerves and excite the senses.

Bent Knee’s Land Animal, stream via YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bxsz-Hbgkio&index=1&list=PLfMBXSLZAyyfT7ogAZ68pibMrBzOP Daok

Bent Knee’s web site: https://www.bentkneemusic.com