Hey everyone! This week I will be reviewing Interpretum (Tape One) by The Crux, a self-described folk punk band from Santa Rosa, California.
Before I get started, let me say that I would not exactly describe The Crux as a folk punk band. After listening to 2 of their full length albums (Be Merry and Ratcatcher) and the EP that I'm currently reviewing I would probably place them more in the folk category. There are some punk influences, but there are also some jazz influences, and about a half dozen other styles thrown in for good measure. Then again when I hear folk punk my mind immediately goes to bands like Flogging Molly, Dropkick Murphys, Larry and His Flask, etc. The Crux is like none of these bands, but by the same token they're not really like any of the obviously folk bands you could think of either. I'm not sure which circles they run in, but I think Steampunks could really enjoy this band. True, their lyrics aren't stereotypically steampunk, but their sound is definitely interesting. More over, while the vocalist probably won't make it on anyone's list of the greatest singers of all time (and to be honest, he doesn't need to be a great vocalist given the style) they are incredibly competent storytellers and musicians.
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The Antikythera Mechanism by Nathaniel Johnstone is a concept album based around Greek mythology. The album contains new perspectives on old stories and characters such as the flight of Icarus, Persephone's role in the changing of seasons, and the nature of Medusa. However these aren't the only offerings within the album. Dance With Me is a song about dancing when you know you're about to die as told from the perspective of two victims of Thera's eruption on the island of Santorini. It's folky, nihilistic, and more raucously fun than than it has any right. Lacrimosa Aphrodite is a sad and groovy retelling of Aphrodite's marriage to Hephaestus with a definite Steampunk bend to the lyrics. Flyover Country is a dark, electronic song with a hypnotic feel to it that gives voice to Odysseus' thoughts of Penelope. Steam (Prometheus) is a song from the perspective of Prometheus (obviously), but moreover is about deciding to do what you feel is right regardless of the personal consequence. In the song Prometheus is talking about how the regrowing of his liver is incredibly painful, but then he looks at the humans making use of his gift of fire and the tone in his voice lets you know he believes it was worth it. Then there's Snugglefish. It is definitely the most stylistically different song on the entire album. It's a bright and folky indie rock song about Poseidon's love for his pet in the vein of Johnathan Coulton or They Might Be Giants. Also, it has dueling kazoos! That's just awesome. There's also Stardust which is a straight forward rock song, and the hauntingly beautiful Epitaph.
Overall, The Antikythera Mechanism is a great album. I would have loved a few more low harmonies in Flight of The Ikarus and Cassandra Knows but their absence does not detract from how good the songs are. Stylistically speaking, it runs the gamut from folk to electronica inspired rock that shows Mr. Johnstone's versatility as an artist, but there's always this underlying Mediterranean/Middle Eastern feel to the music (except for Snugglefish) that ties it all together. The influence of bands like The Cult, Bauhaus, Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath, and maybe even a touch of Depeche Mode can be felt at various points on the album. Most of the songs have a very dance-able groove with great bass lines and wonderful tones. You really should go and check out The Antikythera Mechanism by Nathaniel Johnstone at www.nathanieljohnstone.com |