Rating: 8.0/10
HAIM have had quite the year. After generating buzz last year with their three-song EP Forever, this band of sisters took 2013 with the hook-laced Days Are Gone. Melodious harmonies, plucky guitar riffs, and skittish drum beats characterized the indie-pop record that landed on numerous year-end lists. Several fesitval shows and an SNL appearance later, HAIM have been labeled by many as the best new artist of 2013. (Though they missed out on a Best New Artist nod at the upcoming GRAMMY Awards thanks to a confusing nomination process.)
Over the two months between my original review of the record and this one, my love for Days Are Gone has only strengthened, thus the jump up from a 7.1 rating to a flat eight. Songs like "Forever" and "The Wire" are undeniable pieces of pop-rock gold. On "Forver," the start-stop coordination between the bass and drums give the song a nervous feel as main vocalist Danielle is joined by sisters Este and Alana for the chorus. "The Wire" rides on the backbone of a riff that could've been plucked straight from Rumours, incorporating keys and thundering drums for the hook. "Always keep your heart locked tight/don't let your mind retire," urges Danielle. A miniture guitar solo takes prominence right at the track's conclusion.
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Showing posts with label guitar anthems. Show all posts
Showing posts with label guitar anthems. Show all posts
Monday, December 9, 2013
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Album of the Week: The White Stripes - "Elephant"
Rating: 8.6/10
From the arena-rocking riff that kicks off "Seven Nation Army" to the studio chatter that rounds up "Well It's True That We Love One Another," Elephant explores spheres of indie, folk, and blues rock in a way only The White Stripes can. The 2003 record combines influences from the aforementioned genres into 14 monsotrously powerful yet for the most part brief songs.
The rockier tunes, such as "Black Math" and the album-opening "Seven Nation Army," are riff-heavy romps with brilliant guitar work from singer/guitarist Jack White. The latter is famous for its so-called bass riff (which is actually played on guitar and utilizes a whammy pedal) that's been played time and time again at sporting events. Not to be overlooked is the march-style drum beat and eccentric guitar solo. The former is a shaky sludge of crash cymbals and another catchy guitar riff. "Black Math" then proceeds to suddenly switch tempo into a more deliberate snarl.
Continue reading by clicking the prompt below
From the arena-rocking riff that kicks off "Seven Nation Army" to the studio chatter that rounds up "Well It's True That We Love One Another," Elephant explores spheres of indie, folk, and blues rock in a way only The White Stripes can. The 2003 record combines influences from the aforementioned genres into 14 monsotrously powerful yet for the most part brief songs.
The rockier tunes, such as "Black Math" and the album-opening "Seven Nation Army," are riff-heavy romps with brilliant guitar work from singer/guitarist Jack White. The latter is famous for its so-called bass riff (which is actually played on guitar and utilizes a whammy pedal) that's been played time and time again at sporting events. Not to be overlooked is the march-style drum beat and eccentric guitar solo. The former is a shaky sludge of crash cymbals and another catchy guitar riff. "Black Math" then proceeds to suddenly switch tempo into a more deliberate snarl.
Continue reading by clicking the prompt below
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