Mostly Autumn (neon)
You know, I was quite unsure if 3 songs was a good number to use, since I basically chose it arbitrarily as I was unwilling to listen to 25 full albums... this group has convinced me that 3 may have been the perfect number.
I liked the first track well enough, although it quickly became clear that the aspects of their music that I enjoy, aren't the aspects of their music that they enjoy. My favourite part of "The Second Hand" is the little melody that opens the song which repeats a couple times throughout the duration(0:01-0:08 and 0:15-0:22), but it's just way too short... if it was the main backing rhythm for the track, I would love the hell out of it.
Now the second track surprised the hell out of me. I had no idea there was a female vocalist in the group, but listening to "The Second Hand" more closely, I think she's on the backup vocals during the chorus. I liked "Shrinking Violet" much more than the first track as I generally enjoy female vocals more than males (at least of my favourite bands are fronted by dudes, but I'm just talking generally here) and I like the melodies in this track more as well. What I don't like about this song? The chorus. More proof that me and this band just don't agree with each other musically. I mean the hook is supposed to be the part of the song you want to sing... but I ****ing hate it. It actually ruins the song for me. Or so I thought... until the song just ran for another 4 minutes (I don't look at track length before listening) without being the least bit interesting. Since I've only heard three songs from this group, I may not be qualified to make this judgement, but this song just seems overly ambitious. Maybe 8 minute songs are nothing out of the ordinary for them**, but this is just too much. I'm not sure I've switched my opinion on a track so harshly before. I went from "Whoa, maybe I misjudged them on the first track, these guys are really good" during the first verse to, "**** these people" at the 6 and a half minute mark.
I'm not even sure I can elaborate on why I hate "Winter Mountain". I'm don't feel confident identifying the instruments used used in the main rhythm, but I can assure you that I don't enjoy any of them. The lyrics also leave a lot to be desired, although I would be lying if I told you that great lyrics would change my opinion on the track.
"Winter Mountain" basically proved that myself and Mostly Autumn do not enjoy the same things in music. The aspects of their music that I dislike the most are the ones they choose to repeat mercilessly, and my favourite moments are cut short or ruined by the chorus and ridiculous length. Augh.
Two clunkers in a row... I wanted to get three done tonight, but now I'm unsure. It's a full album next too...
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http://soundcloud.com/thundersheep/lunatic-asylum
http://soundcloud.com/thundersheep/summer-rain