Three weeks deep in my semester abroad in Denmark, one notion repeatedly arises: you can have a relationship with technology.
Spike Jonze's bizarro movie, "Her", may have kick-started this idea, but rest assured that this thought does not demand romantic ties. Humans' relationships with technology live within an international community that itches for information refreshable by the click, and in which, many hobbies, obsessions and professions rely on one bastard of a bit: Wi-Fi.
Self-proclaimed music enthusiasts may find themselves smack-dab in the middle of a love triangle between humans, information and Wi-Fi. Study abroad students often find themselves at the mercy of the ball-and-chain belonging to the vengeful ex known as Wi-Fi. Stuck with simple phone plans, many students studying abroad may share this plight as they scroll through their settings until stumbling upon the everlasting feign of connection. For music enthusiasts, Wi-Fi's game of hard-to-get makes searching for intriguing tracks, bands and albums online all but impossible.
The Wi-Fi complication is worsened by the current songful dry-season. Similar to cinema, many bands and artists wait until later in the year to release new material in hopes of making their work a mainstay in the memories of fans throughout the year.
Despite this waiting trend, two record releases have made early impressions in 2014. Sporting new, identifiable tactics along with their traditional sway, these records, luckily, have made their way to me through inconsistent Internet connection. These records can revive the musical soul that has been snowed-in over the song-free stretch.
BoomBox's "Filling in the Color"- The groovy duo of Zion Godchaux and Russ Randolph has made for 10 years of unconventional success. Godchaux serves as a singer and guitarist with a light, resonating coo. Randolph compliments electronically with turn-tables and sequencers. This combination tributes psychedelic groove and traditional rock tendencies while exploring electronic enhancers. To sum, BoomBox seeks the essential bass line to stretch out for a pleasurable ride.
Their notable record, "Visions of Backbeat", packs many tame dance tracks with bass lines that become signature in songs like "Stereo" and "Who Killed Davey Moore." The new album, "Filling in the Color," follows suit, but distinguishes itself by feeling like a trip of social interactions. Godchaux, whose mother played with the Grateful Dead, has more of a melancholy focus throughout the start of the album in songs like "Like A Feather." This emotional pit moves upbeat with the catalyzer "Planetary Mirror," stringing the record on to an upswing through celebration and seduction that lasts to the final song. The record is prime for reminiscent unwinding with a righteous bass foundation.
Broken Bells' "After The Disco"- With other acts like Daft Punk and Arcade Fire embarking on a bit of disco in their newest discs, Broken Bells starts off 2014 with an impressive venture. Comprised of The Shins' lead man James Mercer and music mastermind Danger Mouse, Broken Bells took an appreciated leap from their first record together, the self-titled "Broken Bells."
Broken Bells' debut album followed an expected indie rock fashion, showcasing slow-paced rock with a hint of conservative keys. It was a likable album, and the two gained an expected following. Now, as their second album, "After The Disco," propels the band to coast-to-coast acclaim, they're sure to have a much larger, bolder font near the top of festival lineups this summer.
"After the Disco," explodes in the beginning with one of the album's best tracks, "Perfect World." Sounding like a high-pitched synth rendition of the band TV On The Radio, "Perfect World" makes it clear that Broken Bells has mounted new heights. Singles "After The Disco" and "Holding on to Life" cement the band's new sound. "Leave It Alone," "Lazy Wonderland" and "The Angel and the Fool" best display Mercer's standard sentiment while highlighting a new, atmospheric backdrop. "Medicine" emerges as an early favorite with a slow-paced sway, a breezy chorus and a soothe-leading bass line. "After the Disco" can serve as a satisfying soundtrack to the everyday life.