Neufvoin: Robokop EP and Fake Musket EP

    One group, Neufvoin, and two EPs today, Robokop EP (2009) and Fake Musket EP (2010). Neufvoin is a Finnish indie rock group, more or less, formed in 2007, from Kuopio (central Finland on lake Kallavesi, the 10th largest lake out of 187,888 in Finland). Not much information on Neufvoin is out there, since they are up and coming with only these two releases to their name, some videos that are well done and professional looking; but, Neufvoin has five members and news/rumors exist of work being done on a debut album or third EP along side [quote] "Rubik people". I wonder if that means the band Rubik? That would be sweet. Critically, they have been well received in Finland, and their Record label, New Music Community keeps track of that pretty well, as you can see here.
    Musically, they sing in English, contain a little folk and a little pop influence, maybe a little post-punk or post-rock, or alternative because of their edgy guitar distortion at times, too--hard to say or pinpoint their genre. One song, "The Wooden Barrel Band" from Fake Musket EP reminds me of Mice Parade a bit and is their most folk influenced song. Overall, I think they have gone from more alternative to more post-punk from one EP to the next. But, their rhythmic drive is apparent, and solid drumming driving the pulse is the norm on most songs, with some great power chords (I mean they rock out, not that they just use power chords like a punk band) in places to really liven up and give electricity to their sound. New Music Community--or possibly self-described--uses the term variegated guitars, which I think is fitting. Melodically and harmonically, Neufvoin exhibits the quality I would expect from any non-American band, sorry guys we can mostly do better, but is not on the level of other notable Scandinavian bands, such as Sigur Rós or Rubik. Nevertheless, a good listen. And, they implement synthesizers well, which clearly front ends their melodic material.
    Check out some songs on New Music Community, here; some songs on their Facebook, here (EDIT: only "Polar Song"); the full Fake Musket EP on their MySpace, here (EDIT: Neufvoin is no more and has changed their name to NEØV, so they no longer have this album up for listening to) ; and probably my favorite track "Rat Race" from Robokop EP over on the right, under 'Monthly Sample Tracks', or here (EDIT: sorry out of luck, don't think this works anymore...working on finding places you can listen to Neufvoin). Enjoy!

Upcoming...Bon Iver: Bon Iver

    Understated, simple, flowing, subtle, heartfelt. All words that might describe the new take on the folk influenced genre Bon Iver presents in his upcoming sophomore release, self-titled, Bon Iver (June 21, 2011 in the U.S.). Justin Vernon is the front man of Bon Iver, hails from Wisconsin, and formed out of the breakup of Justin's former band DeYarmond Edison. At that point, he went into hiding in the cold of a Wisconsin winter, fought off mononucleosis, and created what would be Bon Iver's first release, For Emma, Forever Ago (2008). His current band mates have joined him along the way at various times and now are permanent members of the band. Bon Iver is on the Jagjaguwar label. The cover art for Bon Iver is by American contemporary artists, Gregory Euclide (see about him here).
    Bon Iver apparently leaked early, after being announced in April, when iTunes temporarily had the album available for sale on May 17th. I have my doubts, however, with how prevalent publicity stunts are these days--all ways for bands to raise hype for their upcoming releases. The ten tracks of Bon Iver are ethereal, an ideal catch word for indie productions lately, folksy and busy without being overbearing. There are always rhythms moving; sometimes horns, bari sax, flutes, steel guitar with its twang and slides; pulsating synths; and multiple vocals in chordal harmonies (an interesting note is that Justin Vernon was concerned that in concert this sort of album technique would not be transferable to live performances, so he hired extra people to sing and even gave out lyrics to audience members so they could sing along and create the desired effect). What Bon Iver really makes me think of is James Blake. It is as if the two of them sat down together and had a jam session, went their separate ways and wrote similar albums with patterns that can be traced between the two; except, James Blake wrote an album that is hip hop and dubstep influenced, while Justin Vernon went the folk route. The deep rumbles and vocal clouds that hover almost chant-like, and detailed intricacies that are so subtle; they point to each other's work. Only possible criticisms I have, so far, is the last track "Beth/Rest" is new wave-ish and yet almost elevator music too. Also, I'm not a huge fan of country music and the steel twang goes there at times and I wish it would not (but, that is simply my preference).
    So, listen for yourself. You can for a time hear the album in it's entirety on NPR's First Listen here (EDIT: no longer available), or listen here at the guardian.co.uk. Or, go to Bon Iver's website here and download a free track, "Calgary" when you join their mailing list. Finally, listen to the waltzy track "Michicant" under the 'Monthly Sample Tracks' or here. Enjoy!

DM Stith: Heavy Ghost

    It is about time that this album is shared. Not only do I know Buffalo native David Stith personally (OK, we don't hang out, but did play board games once at least), but his family too. That being said, you might assume that I am either name dropping, or that DM Stith's music is sub-par, because I am selflessly promoting an acquaintance's music. This is hardly the case, because not only is DM Stith on the Asthmatic Kitty label (yes, Sufjan Steven's own), but he tours with Sufjan, and I must permit that his music speaks for itself.
Initially, about a year ago, I was intrigued by the complexity of the debut album, which is mainly comprised of a compilation of smaller EPs, Heavy Ghost (2009), but did not fully come to appreciate it until more recently. There is a undefinable mystery to DM Stith's music, somewhat cacophany at times, highly rhythmic and complex, full of layers, while melodically Heavy Ghost contains haunting and yet beautiful enumerations. So many instances in this album remind me of Radiohead and Sufjan Stevens to be sure.
    Apparently, David Stith had difficulty coming to terms with his own musicianship, hailing from a bright tradition of music in his family, yet more or less in a classical tradition. Definitely, this influence can be heard in the sensitive harmonic structures and shifts between major and minor tonality that are seemless and subtle. Regardless, he was able to find his voice and overcome the fears of performing and revealing his output, which he speaks so openly about on his website and on Asthmatic Kitty. Thanks also to Shara Worden, of My Brightest Diamond, whom he met in Brooklyn while pursuing graphic art endeavors. Without that connection--Shara introduced him to Asthmatic Kitty and Sufjan--he may have never decided to fully pursue this musical career.
    Indeed, David Stith has a voice of unique quality, utilizing a falsetto often, but with successful balance. He also records over his voice to create intricate harmonies. It should be particularly noted that DM Stith is a one man band, as I do not know that anyone performs with him. I wonder how this detracts from a live performance and whether DM Stith is best left in the studio, on album, where it really shines with all the twinkling and idyllic goodness that machines can produce, of which one man is incapable. Lately, DM Stith has toured extensively with Sufjan Stevens, to Europe and everywhere else it seems. And snippets of info have been released that he is working on a new album, with a few song names spoiled (minus audio). Finally, there is a collection of Heavy Ghost Appendices in 2 CDs and more recently one new song, a Sufjan cover, on the charitable funds raising album, Seven Swans: Revisited (March 2011), listen here.
    Check out the songs "Pigs" and "Pity Dance" under 'Monthly Sample Tracks' or click the songs as links. Enjoy!