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Ambler ( PA ) - United States
Admin of artists : Mr. Christina's P/A
Website : http://www.myspace.com/chrisispa
Joined : September 12, 2009
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Friend Owl continues on its own singular trajectory. The simplicity of the songs' constructions here (guitars, bass, rhythms, vocals and occasional synths) completely belie the complexity of melody lines that emerge then mutute, overlap then disintegrate. Guitars mesh and collide in ways I've never heard before, except in previous Friend Owl recordings. Here is one of the very few artists who is taking familiar elements and completely turning them on their heads, making brand new shapes.
As with previous Friend Owl albums, most notably "Antelope.", words don't do the music justice at all. "Reconnoiter" is amazingly adventurous, maybe even in spite of itself at times. It's a new kind of water.
The glitchy electronic backdrops are very nice and give it that almost prerequisite postmodern edge - but it's ultimately the intelligent, blistering, seductive, burning melodies that sets this group apart from so many others. THESE SONGS ARE SCORCHING. The electronics serve the songs, NOT vice versa - that seems to be uncommon, but very welcome. Track 3 "Everything Is Everything" in particular floored me, but the other three are not far behind. Influences seem all over the place, but I'm sort of reminded of early Hooverphonic (but the songs here are much stronger), with some Lush and Autechre thrown in for good measure. I hope there is more where this came from, because we sure need it... thanks Autorotation.
There is some insidious magic going on here; stylistically this album is very diverse without a unifying "sound". Imagine early Faust covering The Blue Nile and you may be on the right track. Many of the songs here moved me in a way I can't quite explain - and genre-wise: Easy Listening? With all due respect to the artist(s), no way. I can only hope there will be a Volume 2. The term "genius" is thrown around way too often, but I think it defintely applies here.
Trying to adequately describe Friend Owl's music is akin to trying to measure the speed of the wind with a ruler - it's largely impressionistic and so singular that each listener is likely to hear it a different way, rendering descriptions futile. The songs are generally anchored by sturdy, simple basslines (sometimes guitar), with other instruments such as keyboards and brilliantly unconventional violin weaving in and out... but there is still plenty of space left, which to me is one of the most attractive facets of Friend Owl's music.
To my ears, there is a strong dub sensibility here, and if I were to try to pick reference points, I'd say I'm reminded of a little Can, a bit of early Jandek, maybe even some Savage Republic (circa "Jamahariya")... but those reference points are tenuous, probably coincidental and ultimately inconsequential.
Like "Antelope." before it, "The Aokigahara Forest" is its own thing. It really doesn't have much precedent. Furthermore, it's music that brings new rewards on each listen, there are subtleties that reveal themselves when they're ready to... very highly recommended.
I pretty much echo what "Musictomyears" has said... I couldn't say it any better. This is an incredible album, whether or not it's better than Neo Phlegma's last "Low Slide Doberman", I'm not sure yet. BUT "Illuminatus" reaches some dizzying heights and I wouldn't change a thing. This is Neo Phlegma's third sraight knockout inside of one year...
How to describe this amazing band/album?? Maybe psychedelic indie-rock, with some tantalizing early 1990's shoegaze inflections... male and female vocals with surprisingly nimble harmonies... some unexpected raga-like guitar breaks here and there. Overall this band combines many disparate elements, but makes them all WORK through strong, sometimes heart-wrenching songs. No song on here is less than great, but my favorites would have to be "In A Conference" and "Night Train" (which has a coda that is beautiful beyond belief). Listening to this album will give you a much better idea of how masterful it is, rather than reading me trying to describe it. Overall, 2009 has seen many great releases - for me, "Necktie Troublespot" is probably at the very top. This band is amazing. I just can't say enough about it, so I'll stop now. Thank you Shark Bubbles! More, please...
Everything is rather mysterious-sounding. A lot is implied rather than spelled out completely, meaning that the listener can interpret the music in many ways. The artist claims no outside influences, but this does remind me a bit of Jandek - if Jandek were more diverse. Overall, "Antelope" has hushed atmospherics, sparse arrangements, and through the reverb-drenched sound, conveys much. I'm really into this album, even if I'm not describing its moody effect very well... but it works for me.
Never heard anything quite like this before... many influences converge... I'm hearing some Mouse On Mars, a little Neu!, maybe even some Residents (post 1980's) - but overall this music is masterful and completely of its own ilk. Brilliant.
Man do I love this album. I'm no good at conveying thoughts in musical terms, but "Go Away" is killer. It's rock made the right way - rough and raw, and with a sense of humor and humility. All in 24 minutes (which is great for me, b/c I have short attention span). There's no reason for anyone not to have this one.
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