work

          well, I'm back from my incredibly amazing and mind-blowing trip from Paris and I still have a little time to get myself together and get back to my usual life. so in this time I thought I would write a new post, because with my diploma coming up I don't know if I will have the time to write new posts later on. but I will try!

          anyways, here is the review for the new Shout Out Louds album, which was released this February.

          I have to say that it's not quite what I expected. it has a softer feel and compared to their previous albums it's not as vivid and refreshing. still, their specific style is omnipresent on this album too, but maybe a bit lighter. also, i've also noticed that the female vocals aren't present on this album, and that's too bad, because the occasional appearance of Bebban Stenborg's voice (the only female member of SOL) could have spiced up some of the tracks and would have made a difference.

          all in all, it's a good and coherent album, but, compared to their previous work it lacks a certain something. I really don't know what that is..
          still, the thing I love most about this band an their music is the fact that it is the perfect "road trip music". I just love to listen to then when I'm driving. they exude a certain "youthish" and nostalgic feel and it's contagious.

WORK (2010)

 

by SHOUT OUT LOUDS  (since 2001)

>> laura recommends:

1. 1999

2. moon

 

3. show me something new.

>> released as single

walls

          the tracks I picked here are the most dynamic ones on the album, which, as I said before, is a little softer.
          1999 - another track with the name of a year (they're quite fashionable these days) starts with the haunting piano line which sticks to your brain, then along come the beat and the voice of Adam Olenius which is as charming as it's always been. what more do you need?! and the tales in the lyrics give this track a distinct and charismatic feel.
          the track moon gives me the chills (maybe it's the lyrics), but I love the drums and the general rhythm of the track. also the progression here is quite simple and clear, starting with drums and bass, then keys, vocals, strings, some catchy guitar riffs and there you have it folks: a simple, yet perfectly balanced track that surprises us at the end with a change of rhythm and a different evolution.
          walls is the single that doesn't quite catch you when you first listen to it, but after a few days, you find yourself humming it on the street, or subway or wherever you are. it starts out simple, but later on transforms into a lively mix of drums, recurring piano and guitar riffs, vocal patterns which vary from talking (in the beginning) to screaming (the chorus). toghether, these elements combine to form one of the best tracks on this album and a genuine "Shout Out Louds" sound.
          finally, show me something new, with it's different overlapping guitar patterns and the repetitive omnipresent riff, is a very well constructed track, but lyrics-wise, it lacks substance (I think most tracks on this album suffer from this).