After spending this glorious, patriotic weekend listening to five albums in particular, I’ve decided to write a paragraph on each, and give them a TWHP rating. This Sunday we’ve got albums from Mates of State, A Troop of Echoes, Darwin Deez, Neighbors, and The Young Veins.
1. Mates of State’s Crushes
With their latest effort, Crushes, Mates of State has taken to the task of covering gems by Girls, Fleetwood Mack, Belle & Sebastian, Death Cab for Cutie, and even The Mars Volta. While each track is a cover, Mates of State adds their own perspective in every aspect of the original by invigoration them with their uplifting male/female vocals and simplified instrumentals.
2. A Troop of Echoes’ Days In Automation [UPDATED]
I’m not one for instrumental albums, but if you are, you will most likely enjoy A Troop of Echoes’ Days in Automation. The nine track album is missing many key elements that set bands apart these days. I love The National, but imagine no Matt Berninger? Imagine The Antlers without the chilling voice of Peter Silberman? I need lyrics in my indie music, sans Explosions in the Sky that is.
3. Darwin Deez’ Self-titled Album
This album from New York’s Darwin Deez is an absolute joy to listen. Track after track is filled with sunshine, butterflies, clouds, love, and a dash of angst. Music this happy can bother some, but nothing delights me more than walking the streets of the city, blasting Darwin’s album. Pissed (angry for you Brits out there) at a girl? Bad Day. Sorry? Up In the Clouds. In love? Radar Detector. This is an album for those of you who want some terrific tunes from a Brooklyn musician that’s anything but “Brooklyn”.
4. The Young Veins’ Take A Vacation!
This irresistible album is familiar from the opening track until the very end. Yes, you’ll recognize former Panic! at the Disco member, Ryan Ross’ voice, yet this was a welcome comfort for me as I went through the latter year of high school listening to this particular “emo” band. Tracks like Maybe I Will, Maybe I Won’t, Change, and Take A Vacation! won’t strike you as remotely original, but anything that draws comparisons to The Beach Boys (how clever), The Beatles (even more clever), and The Kinks is alright with me.
5. Neighbors‘ Hooligans
The first track I ever listened to by Neighbors hooked me instantly. The rest of Hooligans, however, cannot possibly live up to the darkness and depth of the track Hooligans. While this track paints the picture of a band that is both mature and thought-provoking, tracks like Alright lack that power. The four song EP is nonetheless a great listen, and will leave you wanting much more from this Brooklyn band. It’s as diverse as the East Village (very), and nearly as haunting as the ghost on the album cover. A must buy!
