Quick Review: Alvvays & Alex Cameron

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Alvvays - Antisocialites (Polyvinyl Record Co.)

Released: September 8th, 2017

Toronto, Ontario based indie/dream-pop band Alvvays are back with their second full length album, Antisocialites. Their self-titled debut from 2014 didn't intrigue me too much. I didn't think any of the songs from that album had the ability to last or hang around for a while. But my mindset has changed with this new album.

The production value, quality of tracks and overall sound has increased greatly. You can hear it on each song and it even pours out on some of the album's hits. Although it does include some misses, Antisocialites packs some nice indie-pop into ten songs.


Standouts from Antisocialites include "In Undertow", "Dreams Tonite" and "Not My Baby". Each song including elements of ethereal and glistening synth-work, reverb heavy guitars and lo-fi percussion.

My favorite song from the album "Dreams Tonite" has some gentle chord progressions tied to an extremely catchy vocal melody from lead singer Molly Rankin. I will argue that this is the best Alvvays song ever. The vibe allows the listener to get lost but not bored, which is rare when it comes to this type of music and genre.

The album includes slower ballads, punk-influenced jams and straightforward dream-pop. If your looking for something that is indie-rock based with hints of dream and shoe-gaze, check this album out. Listen below...


Genre: Indie-Pop/Indie-Rock/Dream-Pop/Synth-Pop/Alternative

Fav Songs: In Undertow, Dreams Tonite, Plimsoll Punks, Not My Baby, Hey

Genius

Alex Cameron - Forced Witness (Secretly Canadian)

Released: September 8th, 2017

Australian rocker Alex Cameron is back with his second solo album, Forced Witness. This is a follow up to his debut album Jumping the Shark (2014), which was a collection of minimal lo-fi indie-rock. On his solo work, Alex Cameron plays to the persona of a failed entertainer/musician/performer, and he continues that life on this new album. (Read More HERE)

Cameron expands on Forced Witness, adding some nice features along with thicker instrumentation. He gets away from the lo-fi aesthetic and adopts a more pop/soft-rock sound, which works towards his advantage.

Highlights from this record include "Candy May", "Country Figs", "Runnin' Outta Luck" and "Stranger's Kiss (Duet with Angel Olsen)". All of these tracks are standouts because of their upbeat tempo and positive sonics, even though the lyrics may be quite the opposite. On the song "Country Figs" he sings...

The worst part about being homeless
Is waking up from a dirty wet dream
With a lap full of cum and a head full of steam

It's lyrics like this that can make the listener laugh or even have empathy for how bad this man's life really is. Even though the song sounds pleasant, his lyrics might tell a different story.

Even the deeper cuts on this album are extremely solid, especially "True Lies" and "Politics of Love", which I'm pretty sure contains vocal assistance from The Killer's lead singer Brandon Flowers.

All throughout Forced Witness the vocal melodies are pretty, the drums are full and punchy, the synthesizers are either shining or buzzing, the bass lines are extremely groovy and danceable. And these themes are present on each track, combining for a great album.

This album caught be my surprise. I didn't think I was going to like this as much as I did, but it's a fantastic record. The singles are such enjoyable listens while the album as a whole is terrific. This is one of my favs of the year in terms of singer/songwriter, definitely check this thing out. Listen below...


Genre: Singer/Songwriter/Indie-Rock/Indie-Pop/Soft-Rock/Rock-Pop/Electronic-Pop

Fav Songs: ALL



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