Album Reviews Erica Lansman Iowa State University

Volume 2 Article 9 12-2011 Album reviews Erica Lansman Iowa State University Allie Adams Iowa State University Follow this and additional works at: http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/revival Recommended Citation Lansman, Erica and Adams, Allie (2011) "Album reviews," Revival Magazine: Vol. 2 , Article 9. Available at: http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/revival/vol2/iss1/9 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Student Publications at Iowa State University Digital Repository. It has been accepted for inclusion in Revival Magazine by an authorized editor of Iowa State University Digital Repository. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Lansman and Adams: Album reviews MARCHING MAN ALBUM BY: ERICA LANSMAN REVIEWS DESIGN: ALLIE ADAMS BEIRUT, the rip tide BLUE SCHOLARS, cinémetropolis KIMBRA, vows The nine songs that compose The Rip Tide The Seattle hip-hop duo Blue Scholars Kimbra builds interweaving vocal lines and are lean and regal. Beirut’s album is tuneful created the album Cinemetropolis, tak- handclaps followed by shimmering harp-like yet offbeat, meticulous yet heartfelt. A work ing inspiration from the movies and their sounds, gliding synths, string washes, and to swoon over. The multi-instrumentalist vast influence on modern life. Many track insistent piano, particularly in her opening album sends you through a journey of self- titles are dedicated to esteemed individuals, single “Settle Down”. Her lead vocals are car- discovery. some directly tied to the film industry. This ried beautifully, her narratives full of lyrical The Rip Tide overflows with gleaming album represents how the moving image curiosities sung in a smoky, jazzy style. folk-pop. The harmonious sound of ukulele has become more of a reality than the world Her song arrangements are full of incred- to guitar, flugelhorn to trumpet, with accor- around us. ible mood shifts that take the listener on a dion, trombone, and tuba accompaniment Blue Scholars’ fan base donated money to complicated journey of sound. One of the creates layers that can only be described as finance the album’s release. With over 2,000 most impressive aspects of her musical style outright stunning. backers and over $60,000 in donations, rap- is her refusal to slip into standard singer- “Goshen”, an aching ballad march, has per Geologic and producer Sabzi were able songwriter mode. a calming vocal melody. The vibrato of the to release their most engaging and progres- This album is a mix of exotic incidental singer’s voice describes his pain in the telling sive album to date. sounds that pop up all over the place, creat- of his story. The first song of the album, “Cinemetrop- ing a punchy yet silky beat, allowing her “Santa Fe”, is an exciting foot-tapper. olis”, prepares you for an outrageous and vocals to drive the songs home. This work is When the percussion enters, you can get lost soulful experience. It’s an amazing hook a prime example of the “album experience”, in the building story, and the consistent layer- leading into a brilliant album. somewhat of a rarity these days, and shows ing of instruments excites your soul. The song “Slick Watts” is an ode to the city that Kimbra has arrived and means business. Whether you feel your heart aching, mind of Seattle and the Supersonics. Geo shouts wandering, or pulse racing, The Rip Tide is a out the various neighborhoods that make up journey to be savored. Seattle in the first verse and name-drops for- mer Sonic players in the second verse, tying the album to current events. Cinemetropolis is by far one of the best hip-hop releases this year. Published by Iowa State University Digital Repository, 2011 REVIVAL MAGAZINE | F/W 11-12 15 1.

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