Album Release Tuesday: Vox Humana Preview

Vox Humana

by Papertwin

Impression:  I'm not a big fan of techno and electronica. If I do listen to it, it tends to be lyric heavy and very pop-py (I know...that's barely even a description....it's been a long day). But, I approach life with the assumption that practically everything is an acquired taste and I'll try anything once - twice, thrice, maybe even 15 times! - until I like it or at least until I don't want to bash my brains in. It worked with sparkling mineral water and it even (sort of) worked with Maroon 5 -- now I wait about 25 to 30 seconds before I change the radio station, which, coincidentally, is the amount of time it takes me to decide if I want to deal with that shit for 3 to 5 minutes. Anyway, when I started listening to Vox Humana, I was concerned it was going to end up being a half hour plus of the same crap I could go to a nightclub to hear if I was really feeling masochistic. It was all synthesized beats and scales and I was all like "Oh noes!" But then the intro to "Alkaline" ended and the dream-like waves of sound began. The guy has a very mellow voice and the overall sound reminds me of a more energetic Walter Meego track mixed with New Wave punk a la Depeche Mode and The Cure. Not surprisingly, they list The Cure as one of their influence. I don't mind -- Who doesn't like The Cure? Am I right?! Anyway, their first EP provided excellent background music while I worked on a project for work. I would like to delve into the lyrics more because it sounded like there was more to them than just pretty words, but for right now, it's enough to get lost in the beats.

Songs I Enjoyed:  I loved "Sonar." I listened to the whole album (it's not very long) a couple of times to get a feel for the sound but I listened to this song probably like 6 or 7 times. I also enjoyed the mirrored vocals in "Whale" - while the lead singer sung the melody, a distorted track of what I assume was his voice was layered over top. I think the goal was to give the impression that it was part of a whale recording. Pretty much hit the mark -- it's super creepy but in a good way.

Sounds Like:  Dreamy synth-pop heavily influenced by early 80s punk

Buy it on:  June 17th, 2014

ICYMI-Song Du Jour: Go To Go by ADAM

I've be listening to "Go To Go" by dutch girl band ADAM basically on repeat. The repeat of the mind! This song has a serious power to get into your head and stay there, waiting, until an inappropriate moment springs up -- usually while I'm at work, on the phone with a customer -- to slither its way through your brain and out your mouth. I've spent a number of boring Fridays humming it to myself just out of audible range.

If you are a denizen of the Interwebs and have ventured anywhere near a "cool" news source within the last month, you probably are familiar with their work on the Sybian...if not, feel free to *ahem* enjoy the video below.

And orgasms are great and all, but I really think it's worth a listen without all the moaning and voice cracking. The lyrics aren't much, but the tune is catchy as hell and even if the Sybian was just a publicity stunt, clearly it's working. ADAM is enjoying the boost in notoriety, ooh-ing and ahh-ing all the way to the bank, I'd imagine. Video of the actual song below.

Happy Friday, fellow Music Sluts!

Check This Out: Jordi Clapes-Bot

A little back story:  I just joined twitter because I threatened to do it as soon as I bought a smartphone and I never go back on my word.  Well, I do, sometimes...but you get the point.  Anyway, Jordi Clapes-Bot was one of my first followers.  When I clicked to see who the hell he was, I noticed he was an artist and decided to check out his stuff.  Thus, our story begins.  Well, it's where this post begins, at any rate.

I'll be honest -- it is really hard for me to listen to instrumental tracks.  I miss the human connection that vocals provide and, as a writer, I find a wealth of beauty in the written lyrics.  That being said, when I do find instrumental music that I like, I enjoy it for one of two reasons -- it involves the use of the harpsichord or it ignites an emotional spark.  The songs I consider my favorites are listed as such because they either remind me of someone or I can picture a story behind them.  They inspire me to write or even just imagine them in a scene from a movie.  The music that fills my daydreams will always have a special place in my heart and on my iPod.

So, when I say that the music by Jordi Clapes-Bot is enchanting, I'm not just saying that to be nice.  The music swells up beneath you and envelopes you in this wonderful place--personally, I can envision myself walking through rainy Parisian streets....although I've never had the pleasure of experiencing that in real life.  Not to mention that the artist himself is immensely talented, being equally deft at playing the piano and layering that on top of the other instruments he plays.  The music makes use of a wide variety of mediums, from guitars, banjos and flutes to bells and synths.  The overall effect is one of calming peace at moments to intense reflection.  A moment that put me in a place of awe during "Right Sides" begins at about 2 minutes 20 seconds in, when the music just overwhelms your senses.  Definitely listen for it. Check out more at http://jordiclapes-bot.bandcamp.com/.

Note:  Thank heavens for YouTube.  The embedded player from the website wasn't showing up right, so I switched to plan B.