"Indie" albums of 2011

“Indie” is a futile way to describe a particular band; it only indicates their status in regards to record companies. However, among youth, it seems to harbor some sort of reverence, not for its politically correctness, but for its non-conformity  from mainstream music. I used to ignore most bands that were self-labeled “indie” because they all started to sound the same after a while, and lacked luster. But the tables have turned in recent years and independent bands have started to gain prominence. Arcade Fire took a Grammy last year (well-deserved, too) and Mumford & Sons are nominated in some major categories this year.

Here are my thoughts on some of the indie rock albums released in 2011.

Mumford & Sons

Sigh No More*

My picks:

[Little Lion Man] [The Cave] [Thistle and Weeds]

Mumford & Sons is primarily a folk group, with lots of emphasis on acoustic instruments like the banjo. I used to have very low tolerance for folk, but this album has great charisma, soul, and strong narrative lyrics. The vocalist doesn’t simply sing; he tells stories and cajoles and reprimands. What strikes me the most are the lyrics- they rhyme flawlessly and flow like poetry. It is poetry. And sometimes lyrics seem like something taken from the Bible (“plant your hope with good seeds, don’t cover yourself with thistle and weeds, Rain down, rain down on me”** “For you were made to meet your Maker”) or a potential maxim (“In these bodies we will live, in these bodies we will die. Where you invest your love, you will invest your life”).

My first impression of the album though, before I started paying attention to lyrics, was that it was sort of repetitive in terms of sound. It all sounded the same after a while, and the album sort of seemed to drag on. I guess it’s because I’m not very familiar with folk music, and it’ll probably grow onto me after a few listens. Overall, I think Mumford & Sons has a lot of potential, even though I’m not crazy about them. They appeal to the heart and have a very solid, genuine sound.

My Morning Jacket

Circuital

[Circuital] [Outta My System][Slow Slow Tune]

Circuital opens with a fanfare in “Victory Dance” with a smooth transition into their single, “Circuital” (go figure). I was starting to get excited this was going to be a rock-opera type thing but I was sorely disappointed, as each succeeding song was just its own entity. Did MMJ get lazy, or was that on purpose?

Anyway, the rest of the album was relatively happy, with a potpourri of sounds with upbeat backup choruses, sentimental acoustic pieces, cute rebellious tunes (“They told me not to smoke drugs, but I wouldn’t listen, never thought I’d get caught and wind up in prison”), and even a full brass section in “Holdin On To Black Metal.” MMJ seems to have a sense of humor too, as they break the fourth wall and directly address the listener in “Slow Slow Tune” (“You, somewhere in the future listening, I hope the present is glistening, with notes that ring so true, this slow slow tune”). And yes, it is a pretty slow song.

The only really attractive piece in this album is its namesake, “Circuital.” It’s sophisticated and catchy and interesting, unlike the other songs in the album. In fact, “Circuital” and “Victory Dance” sound entirely different and detached from the other songs, which is odd. It’s almost an insult to put these two songs in the same album as the others because the rest of the album just gets progressively worse and more shallow. Maybe it’s just my own taste (I tend to prefer darker music) but I think MMJ was sort of confused as to the direction of Circuital when they were making it.

Airborne Toxic Event

All At Once

[Changing][Half of Something Else][All I Ever Wanted]

Airborne Toxic Event is a pretty new band, having just debuted on the radio (KROQ) this year? Last year? I stumbled upon them when a classmate told me the band had a female violinist in its ranks, and downloaded All At Once. For a debut, it has some promise, but as a record it is disappointing. Their catchy single, “Changing,” is cute but very elementary in terms of how sophisticated the music is. In general, I think that the band is trying to imitate other rock bands instead of creating something new or creative or innovating, even with a violinist. It doesn’t have to be experimental or avant-garde or anything, as long as you don’t sound like generic shit. I’m probably being too hard on them; I’m sure it takes a lot of time and experience to find a foothold and mature as a band.

Also something that bugs me a lot is how some songs start with the drummers rapping their drumsticks together four times. And this isn’t just limited to ATE, plenty of bands do it, and it just annoys me because this should be routine in rehearsals, not on recordings. You shouldn’t have to be reminded of the tempo of a song in a recording studio; you should’ve played it together enough already to know how the song goes. Surely there are more creative ways to initiate a song.

The Black Keys

El Camino

[Lonely Boy][Run Right Back][Gold On The Ceiling]

This was the most anticipated album this year for me. The Black Keys is a band that you really can’t criticize; their music is rollicking fun, and the band members are totally lovable. It’s like trying to condemn Jimi Hendrix. Who doesn’t love Hendrix? How can you not like the Black Keys? Speaking of Hendrix, the essence of his music is sort of similar to BK. Or vice versa.
El Camino is classic feel-good American rock (sex, drugs, and violence- woo!), and the Black Keys avoid being generic by throwing in some fun, bluesy guitar riffs and vocals, and even a dash of house-influenced synths. To be honest, I can’t really pinpoint the success of their music- it’s totally relatable and familiar but fresh at the same time. Talent, I guess.

 There isn’t really a difference between El Camino and last year’s Brothers, except they are more famous now. It’s the same head-banging (it does get a bit tiresome after a bit) song after song in a disconnected fashion. But who cares? I love the Black Keys oh yes I do

Also, is it just me or does the singer remind me of Amy Winehouse’s voice? Listen to Lonely Boy. Couldn’t you just imagine it replaced by Winehouse’s voice? If only she was alive… they’d make a sick collab.

* Included this because it was recently nominated for Grammy’s and I thought it was still relevant even though it was released in 2010 in the U.S.

**All lyrics may not be accurate; I typed them out as I was listening to them so there may be errors. :x