Review: Daft Punk - Random Access Memories

Daft Punk’s much anticipated album “Random Access Memories” has turned out to be, for the most part, a success.

Despite the lulls scattered throughout the album, the band returns with their electronic/funk sound that will bring a smile to any face of a previous Daft Punk fan and will most likely entice new fans to the addictive sound of Daft Punk. Sounds of funk guitar, and slightly Michael Jackson-esque vocals are much more entertaining that it might seem. The album brings a very relaxed feel to the listener. I found myself battling between sitting back and enjoying the songs and getting up and dancing.
 
One song that especially sticks out is “Get Lucky”. This song was one of the first to be heard before the album dropped and it definitely sets the mood for this album. Although it’s hard to put a finger on this band and this album, this song sums up the sound that Daft Punk represents very well. Sporting catchy, natural vocals (in an album mixed with speaking, robotic singing, and tasteful auto-tune) that will make anyone sing along. Another song to check out would be the opener “Give Life Back to Music”. This song introduces the sound of the album accurately and gets listeners pumped for the rest of the songs.

Although this album is not a complete flop, there are some notable issues that come up throughout the album. One song in particular “Giorgio by Moroder” starts off in an interesting direction with spoken word throughout the song, but doesn’t reach any type of climax. For the first minute or so it’s a very cool song, but as the song goes on it doesn’t change too much. Other songs in the album have dead parts of just drums and funk guitar jamming around for minutes on end. This type of part in a song can be very fun to listen too, but many of the jam parts on this album drag on too long. Although these parts stick out, they don’t overpower the pros of the album.

Overall this album is very entertaining and will definitely do the job for someone looking to change up their usual mix of bands. Old fans of Daft Punk seem to really love it, and “Random Access Memories” will easily prove to attract new fans of all genres. Despite the few cons of the album, “Random Access Memories” will achieve its anticipated goal of relaxing yet energizing feel. There are many notable songs on the album ringing of catchy vocals of all kinds, backed by funky guitar and bass synced with drums that rock a dance beat to go with it. Definitely check this album out if you are someone looking for something new!

Rating: 8/10

-Nic

Hawthorne Heights post track by track video for Zero

HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS and Kerrang! Magazine are pleased to exclusively reveal a track-by-track album concept explanation video featuring personal descriptions by frontman JT Woodruff. The video is available for viewing now only via Kerrang!, so head to this location to watch the video now.

They will release theirnew album Zero, produced by Brian Virtue (30 Seconds To Mars, Chevelle, Audioslave), on June 25, 2013. You can pre-order Zero via the band here: http://myplay.me/1195, via iTunes here, via Amazon here, or via Newbury Comics, where you can get a limited autographed CD booklet with purchase!

The Amity Affliction drummer injured at Warped

During The Amity Affliction’s set at Warped Tour in Portland a few days ago, the band’s drummer Ryan sustained an injury while performing. A piece of his drumstick chipped off going right into his cornea which caused a cut and required immediate eye surgery. The band did not perform at yesterday’s Warped Tour set in San Diego however they are expected to return in Pomona tomorrow. Chad from Glass Cloud will fill in behind the kit for the rest of the tour

Whitechapel premiere Spring Tour Documentary

Whitechapel just posted a tour documentary shot on the “Don’t Pray for Us” Tour in the Spring of 2013 with Asking Alexandria, Motionless In White, Chimaira, and I Killed The Prom Queen. This video takes an in depth behind the scenes look at the lives of the members while on tour. It can be seen below

Kevin Lyman Extends Mother’s & Father’s Day to All Warped Tour Dates

This past Sunday at the Portland, OR stop, the tour announced that all Dad’s could get in free in honor of Father’s Day. The program, which allows one parent a complimentary ticket into the festival if they are accompanying a paid ticket was an immediate hit and tour founder, Kevin Lyman, a Dad himself, has decided it will continue for the rest of the 2013 run so all Warped fans under 18 can attend without hassle. *Patrons can pick up the ticket at the Vans tent out front.

 ”We’ve been noticing on our boards lots of fans without transportation,” explains tour founder Kevin Lyman. “We decided everyday for 2013 should be Mother’s and Father’s day, so we will celebrate by giving any parent who is bringing someone to the Warped Tour a ticket to enjoy the fun.”

The program is also an extension of the Reverse Daycare tent. Located inside the vendor village on the Warped festival grounds, theReverse Daycare is a special enclosed oasis—with air-conditioning and movies and cold-beverages—where festival goers can drop-off their parents. This year, organizers have expanded the Reverse Daycare tent which continues to grow every year.

Additionally, those looking for a green way to attend Warped can check out Rock & Bus which provides round trip shuttles to venues. Some venues have shuttles that are dedicated to Warped shows. Check the venue website for more information on easy public transportation routes and venue shuttles for specific Warped shows.

Check out the WARPED 101 section  which contains more information:

Chimaira Debut New Music Video

CHIMAIRA have debuted a brand new music video for their single “No Mercy" today via their own web page. The single, as well as the full album preorder, are now available via iTunes. Vocalist Mark Hunter weighs in:

"We are pumped to present the first official video for our new album ‘Crown of Phantoms.’ Directed by Cleveland native Patrick Finegan, ‘No Mercy’ is a ferocious, twisted, cerebral ride through hell and back. Enjoy the trip!"

FYE Offering 15% Off New Music & Movies

This exciting sitewide offer runs this weekend only Thursday 6/20 - Sunday 6/23. Use the code LFIFJUNE on fye.com for your discount. They’re also offering FREE shipping on orders over $30

TRC Announce Brand New Album

British band TRC has announced plans to release their new, full-length album, Nation, in the U.S. on September 24th via No Sleep Records.  The record was recorded in their hometown of London with Steve Sears (Gallows, Lethal Bizzle, Hang The B*stard). The trailer can be seen below

Interview: Zak from Sworn In

Zak, one of the guitarists for Sworn In discusses The Death Card, pre show routines, and their time on We Are Triumphant.

Tell us your name and position in the band, please

Zak, guitar

What do you think draws people to your music, specifically?

I personally would say literature and film. However I can’t exactly speak for everyone else who is involved with writing our music.

What would you say is the biggest non-musical influence on the music?

Simple stretching really, it’s key to making sure we don’t pull any muscles.

How do you prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …

Tyler our vocalist doesn’t really do warmups, and I usually just do a few scales before we play to loosen up. Drinking a lot of water helps as well.

What is your favorite album or songs to play on the long travel days?

Everyone is different, but when I drive I listen to nothing but Deftones, Limp Bizkit, and Mars Volta. I’ll also be playing the new Boards of Canada album a lot the next tour.

Being in a band is a struggle even when things are going well. What keeps you driven and pushing forward?

You know, I ask myself the same question every day. As cliche as it may sound, I would say the kids who come to our shows, buy our merch, and offer us kind words are what keeps me driven.

When a band reaches any level of success, it’s not uncommon to find covers of their songs on YouTube. Do you listen to these covers? Have any stood out to you?

We often times have fans post covers on our wall and we always watch them. One that really stood out however, was a guitar and vocal cover some kids from Canada did. They completely rerecorded the song and did a great job. I thought that was so cool.

Any guest vocalists on The Death Card? Like say, Drew from Stray From The Path?

No, we were originally considering reaching out to vocalists for a guest spot, however we decided it would be best to have it all us instead.

Can you comment about your time on We Are Triumphant? I know they had a recent controversy with Silence having their FB likes cut in half. Did you guys experience anything similar?

I can’t go in depth as it would be too long, however, Greg Long is a very snaky person and I would suggest no band ever work with him in any way shape or form.

Any other tour dates this summer for those who missed you on this tour with FTFD?

We’re taking off July to prepare the release of our debut album ‘The Death Card’ however a tour to support its release in both August and September are currently in the works.

Review: August Burns Red - Rescue & Restore

With every release, August Burns Red seems to expand their sound and individually the members push themselves to a new highs. “Rescue & Restore” finally is the push that takes the band from a familiar sound to a fresh new take on a trademark style.

The band’s previous LP record “Leveler” showed immense creativity growth in songs such as “Internal Cannon” and “Carpe Diem”. “Rescue & Restore” is an album that comes full circle with the band’s style, creativity, talent, and shows how much the band has grown since their early days in 2005. Every aspect of this album has been done bigger and better than ever before.

The first song, titled “Provision”, is probably one of the heaviest things ABR has ever written. Guitarists JB Brubaker and Brent Rambler are at the top of their game with this album, not only with their skill, but also with their creativity as musicians. Instead of going with drop C tuning and chugging away for an entire album, the band has switched up the key of most songs to add variety. It was also very appealing to hear Dustin’s bass tone more audible in this record. Personally, it makes me wish that I could hear more of his bass in previous records because he did a fantastic job on this one. The reoccurring theme I noticed with “Rescue & Restore” is the usage of clean guitars in almost every song, and Matt Greiner’s downplaying on the drums to slow the mood down. This by no means makes ABR less heavy, rather it demonstrates ABR’s expansive talent and creativity with their music.

Jake Luhrs absolutely destroyed my expectations for how he would perform on this record. “Leveler” was an honest and heartfelt record (more so than their previous albums) so I was expecting something similar to that. Some of these songs are my favorite ABR has ever done simply because the vocals are THAT phenomenal. Luhrs does not hold back what so ever. His talent and creativity with his vocal patterns has grown so much since “Leveler” and his lyrics are honest and inspiring. His vocal range has grown (once again) and I believe this album is his most passionate one to date. Faith is still very much a huge part of what August Burns Red stands for and lyrically the messages behind each song are extremely uplifting and encouraging to all. These 11 songs will absolutely kick your butt and have you hooked for a long time.

August Burns Red is moving forward with their music. This isn’t just metal anymore; this is art. This album has a distinct identity and feels more like “music” rather than metal. Some of these songs are the heaviest ABR has ever done, some are the most melodic, some are the lightest, but each song sticks to the deep roots of August Burns Red’s true original style. “Rescue & Restore” is August Burns Red’s best album to date.

9/10

- Ryan