Inhibition by Dot Hacker

Wed, 02 May 2012 05:12:24 +0100

Dot Hacker’s debut album, Inhibition, escalates and decreases skillfully in its energy, lyrics, and use of instruments over its 52 minute span. The album features established musicians John Klinghoff Dot Hacker’s debut album, Inhibition, escalates and decreases skillfully in its energy, lyrics, and use of instruments over its 52 minute span. The album features established musicians John Klinghoffer, Jonathan Hischke, Eric Gardner, and Clint Walsh. Their collective influences can be heard in the diversity of sound between each song as one builds upon or digresses from the one before it. The contrasting sounds work off of one another to create a rollercoaster of high intensity, sultry vocals, smooth melodies, electric lyrics, randomness, and everything in between. Overall the instrumentals of Inhibition alone could be described with the name of the first song on the album, “Order/Disorder,” but the visceral lyrics create a gloomier and more tribal finished product.

“Order/Disorder,” leads off the album with mismatched lyrics, crashing symbols, and steady guitar riffs. Layered drums, riffs, synths and vocals push the concept of order/disorder as the song builds before it dissolves into the drearily upbeat “Idleidolidyl.” The third track “Eye Opener” stands out for John Klinghoffer’s passionate and dreamy vocals over a slow melodic instrumental. Its flowing soundscape and lyrics make it one of the smoother songs of them all. That same mood carries over to the slow-building but explosive percussion featured in “Discotheque.” Other standouts on the album are “The Wit Of The Staircase” and the closer “Puncture.” The first takes things to another level with dynamic synths, piano, and singing that produces a triumphant feeling during the song. The latter builds a lot slower, but delivers equally with its own a wave of joy and gratification, ending the album on a high note.

Dot Hacker’s album Inhibition can be streamed here.

For more info on the band visit their website here.

Time EP by JD Samson & MEN

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 22:21:17 +0100

Brooklyn-based collective JD Samson & MEN teamed up with CHAINS (Alex Suarez and Ryland of Cobra Starship) to produce their latest EP, Time, which packs a more intense punch than its predecessor. The second of four EP’s scheduled to come out this year takes their already established dance sound to another level by use of high energy riffs, and pulsing drums. With lyrics and vocals in mind, the EP paints the picture of a relationship beginning and ending after rapidly taking its course on the dance floor.

“Time,” the first song, sets the tone as the beat builds then climaxes over the chorus the high tempo combined with lyrics such as “time is the only thing I won’t give away” inspires a sense of living for the moment. “Take It Away” follows with a more grunge-like sound than the other two lyrically and instrumentally. It maintains the level of energy, but it’s not as rave-inspiring as the others. JD Samson & MEN offer a remix of “Make Him Pay,” from the EP NEXT, as the final track. Booming drums, a growing soundscape, and lots mixing, sets it apart from the other two featured. Sounding like music from an action film trailer, this fully realized version of the original, closes the EP on a high note and sets the stakes high for the one to come.

Overall, its good piece of work that doesn't lose its appeal over the first few listens so its definitely worth grabbing when it comes out on May 8th. Until then, you can check out their previous work here.

reviews

Inhibition by Dot Hacker

Time EP by JD Samson & MEN