Music Reviews

The Derelict Brew

Amputated Feelings

mdg

2 stars

The Derelict Brew's Amputated Feelings, is a failed experiment from the start. While the music itself shows hints of promise from time to time, overdone sound effects and poor mixing draw away from the overall effect of the CD.

The lyrics are often hard to make out over the heavy bass guitar and interminable electric instruments. The band members themselves often seem confused as to whether or not they want to work on their groove or simply write a treatise on annoying neighbors. Many of the songs seem more dedicated to loud sexual encounters and boiling tea kettles than to the music itself.

The Derelict Brew formed in Rochester in 1998, but is now based in Boston. The group calls on inspiration from rock music greats such as Sonic Youth, David Bowie, and The Beatles. Amputated Feelings marks the group's second album.

_Sara Ludovise





Rubikon

Awaken

Independent Artists

1 star

Yeah, so there's this new album out by Rubikon, whom you've probably never heard of because (insert reason here). And even if you've listened to them, you would never be able to make out what they were saying. They don't sing, they scream. And I'm not talking Marilyn Manson screaming; there is no liberal off-beat message here. This is just a regular guy singing about problems we all have, only his are worse because he can scream about them and scratch the record a lot.

The second song sounds like it's going to be somewhat decent, but then once again begins the incessant, desperate screaming. You want to just lock this poor man in a padded room to let him scream his misery and get it out of his system. Where do people get off wanting to record themselves wailing in agony? Well, we can't help people like poor...wow, the band members don't even bother listing their names. So the only thing you can do for society in this situation, for the benefit of yourself and all future lineage, is to not buy this album. _ Hilary Lustick





Simian

We Are Your Friends

Source

3 stars

The sound of the British band Simian's latest album We Are Your Friends is the musical equivalent of a schizophrenic. Diving into the bin of music genres, Simian emerges draped in 60's psychedelic rock, electronica, and...hip-hop? Yes, that's right. This indie-rock band's laid-back sound is infused with many sub-woofer friendly beats. The result is an interesting, innovative album that works more often than not. The opening track "LA Breeze" is a carefree, trip-hop concoction. "In Between" is a more experimental, sober track with a terrific percussive beat and a disco flavor. "She is in Mind" is a beautiful, haunting song that showcases Simian's softer, melodic side. The lead singer's vocals have bratty, arrogant accents similar to those of The Vines' singer. Overall, We Are Your Friends is a risky musical endeavor that lands on its feet. Neptunes-style beats and typical indie influences combine to produce an album that is oddly addictive ._ Milady Ortiz