Computerization a.k.a. Derek is a one man band from Brooklyn akin to the likes of Figurine. This comparison is particularly strong on “1Point14Me” where the artist’s friend Ashley does a fantastic job of imitating Meredith Figurine. The rest of the self-titled album realizes just how low-fi an electronica project can be. Aside from the opening track there is no vocoder within earshot, instead there’s an off kilter warbling whisper of sometimes too intimate lyrics. Some songs come out as straight up awkward like “MyBody” which sounds like a rejected carnie’s struggle with narcissism or “Fukuwinicu” which you can decipher by looking at for a little while. It’s not as eccentric and self indulgent as early Panther and Treasure Mammal releases, if you can get past the voice, there’s some nice melodies and analog keyboard sounds. That opening track is particularly sweet. Check it out.
May 28, 2008
Computerization
May 18, 2008
The Secret Life of Sofia and Seven Summits
I was fortunate enough to have received a message from Kyle the leader of the Secret Life of Sopfia, who found my page through playing with A Faulty Chromosome and looking up what blogs had written about them. He was also kind enough to compliment my cartoons, which you should also check out.
The Secret Life of Sofia is an indie band from Brooklyn, NY. The lead singer sounds like the best possible medium between Casiotone for the Painfully Alone and Coldplay in that it both soars ala Coldplay and hits with a palpable gravity ala Casiotone. The vocal harmonies fade in and out like celestial choirs and the guitars pluck and chime in a way that is melodically sublime. They’re not just easy listening alternative folk though, they’ve got some great beats and almost shoegaze like guitar effects on some tracks. Get motivated to enjoy a beautiful spring day by sampling their song “Outside”, it’s definitely worth checking out.
October 7, 2007
Disaffected Electro Sunday
The temperature dropped today, by 20 degrees. I also received some things in the mail that I was anticipating. One of them the Young Shields EP from CTFPA that features the addictive Prince cover of “When You Were Mine”. Somehow I lost that song when I switched over to my lap top. I’ve been aching for it for a while as it’s no longer available on the hype machine. When I put the CD in my drive and heard those first few happy plunky notes my day was made.
Also, I listened to the first Figurine album, “Transportation + Communication = Love” and it is a fantastic self aware adventure through synthpop sounds and endearingly simple pop songs. Like a loose blueprint for Postal Service songs.
Last, but not least is the Broken Spindles remix of the Good Charlotte song “Get Your Hands Off of My Girl”. The sinister synth and beefed up beats make this track enjoyable. Although the concept of me posting a Good Charlotte track kind of makes me kind of question my ethics, but trust me, the pop-punk has been removed and electronic dancy-ness has been placed in its stead.
MP3 – New Mate – Figurine
MP3 – When You Were Mine – Casiotone for the Painfully Alone (Prince Cover)
MP3 – Keep Your Hands off of My Girl (Broken Spindles Remix) – Good Charlotte
