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Emma Pollock The Law of Large Numbers

April 27, 2010 By alexandra Leave a Comment

First-time listeners beware.

The charming piano solo that is the first track of Emma Pollock’s The Law of Large Numbers sets the melody for the next full song, but not the tone for the entire album. Yes, this March release is overabundant with talented piano features, but that does not define Pollock’s music in general. The Scottish singer and songwriter steps it up with an edgy voice. Just when you think you have her figured out, the melody changes and a set of fiery lyrics are right there, too. This creates a sense of anticipation, and it is persuasive.

Consider the track “House on the Hill.” This song starts with nimble piano and quick vocals, causing listeners to sit on the edge of their seats, waiting for more, wanting more. Then the piano pauses, Pollock slows her voice, and you are floating. What’s next? Just when it seems as though the artist permanently suspends the lively melody, it picks up again. By the end of the song, Pollock eases the tension and the song feels complete.

“Red Orange Green” moves in precise steps. Again listeners are left in a state of anticipation for three minutes, yet Pollock’s vocals continue to compliment the music. Hear the onomatopoeia when the clock “tick tocks” and Pollock’s mind “flip flops,” among other word and sound relations within the song. This is the next single from her album, to be released in May. The video is out now.

Much of The Law of Large Numbers is noteworthy. The quality of Pollock’s vocals and the tension created and solved within each three minute section of the album are truly intriguing.

The Law Of Large Numbers is available on now.

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: emma pollock

Lost in Society's 'Eastern Empire'

April 20, 2010 By alexandra 1 Comment

eastern empire album art
It’s all in the name.

The members of Lost in Society are what they call themselves–lost. But it’s not necessarily a bad thing for us. Their latest release, Eastern Empire, embodies the world of young angst. A world where love, parents, sex, drinking, laziness, fear, loneliness, and suicide pile on top of one another and inflict mayhem upon New Jersey’s music scene. Don’t let subject matter discourage you from giving them a shot, the band tackles these issues head on with constantly upbeat melodies and stinging, confrontational lyrics. Besides, everyone can relate to love turned sour or overbearing parents, right?

Stay away from classifying this trio–each song on the album is different, some with an alternative, edgy-rock feel and others exhibiting electrifying pop punk. Let’s talk about the song “Plastered.” Sure, on the surface we hear drinking, drunk, and going after the girl. But step-back, and maybe “break[ing] down your door and keep[ing] you out all night” while “changing your mind” metaphorically means that the band’s music is coming after you, breaking down barriers, and keeping you interested. Lost in Society just may change your mind. (And in this song, the boys admit their parents aren’t so bad, after all.)

Eastern Empire is the band’s second album, but we’ll continue to watch these guys as they continue to progress. The final word: the lead singer Zach Moyle’s voice is smooth and infectious at times, so when is there going to be a local, acoustic set?

Eastern Empire is available on
Visit MySpace.com/LostInSociety123 for upcoming shows.

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: Lost In Society

'Cheap Sunglasses' Has Value

April 13, 2010 By alexandra 8 Comments

“I don’t know what they say anymore, I can’t hear them talk, but they will talk anyway.”

And so Status Green kicks-off their latest album, Cheap Sunglasses. The band may not care about what their critics have to say, but they have given their critics something to talk about. The new album, released Feb. 20 at none other than The Stone Pony, stays true to the New Jersey scene and pop-rock genre. Each song offers a catchy beat that may be simple, but the energy put behind the music is not. The lyrics are fun and catchy, backed by charismatic vocals. It would be difficult to listen to Cheap Sunglasses without bouncing your head, humming along, and dancing down the street.

For those who aren’t completely sold by the pop-rock scene, Cheap Sunglasses offers reasons to listen, anyway. “Big Debut” motivates, so there is no surprise it’s been played during halftime at the New York Giants home games. Meanwhile, “Heaven I Think” lets listeners feel what front man Lou Montesano is saying with simple, straightforward lyrics and a more mellow (in relative terms, of course!) harmony. The music of “Juggling Knives” is the album’s most creative, and is most likely to interest listeners outside of the band’s genre. And the next time you are headed to the Big Apple, looking for adventure with your lover’s hand in yours, be sure to throw on “Holland Tunnel.”

Status Green is currently touring in the Southwest, but returns home to the Garden State at the end of April. Get Cheap Sunglasses now on !

Filed Under: NJ Artists, Reviews Tagged With: Cheap Sunglasses, New Jersey, NJ, pop rock, Status Green

Anticipation Over for 'American Ghetto'

March 24, 2010 By alexandra 2 Comments

If poetry-infused, Alaskan-grown rock was made for you, don’t forget to check-out the Mar. 2 release of Portugal. The Man’s fifth full-album, American Ghetto.

“We worked very hard on this coming album and we did it our way and a bit different in a lot of ways to our past releases,” promises the band, via their website.

The best way to describe Portugal. The Man is with one word: indescribable. While maintaining a distinguishable sound, Portugal offered something different in each of their prior releases. Consider the trippy, synthetic sounds of their mini-album It’s Complicated Being a Wizard, or the sensual, jazz-like harmonies of Censored Colors. From the band’s start, their sound never shied away from bold percussion, electronics, and vocal bliss.

Portugal gave fans a taste of the upcoming album with a free download of “The Dead Dog.” One thing’s for sure, there is nothing dead about the song. The band finally perfected the combination of elements they experimented with in their first four albums.

If you plan on catching Portugal for the first time during their spring 2010 tour, you won’t be disappointed. Their feel-good vibes break down the barrier between performer and audience. In no time you’ll be brought back to that summer you spent jamming in your best friend’s basement until the sun came up.

Portugal. The Man’s American Ghetto is available now on !