- Release Info -------------------------------------------------------------- -
Artist: Silversun Pickups
Album: Better Nature
Label: New Machine Recordings
Playtime: 51:03 min
Genre: Rock
URL:
Rip date: 2015-09-24
Street date: 2015-09-25
Size: 94.70 MB
Type: Normal
Quality: 246 kbps / 4410Hz / Joint Stereo
- Release Notes ------------------------------------------------------------- -
"Los Angeles in 2002 was only the beginning for a band that got their name
from a liquor store across the street from a club they used to play. It took
four years of playing clubs and a small EP before the band released their
first full-length album ôCarnavas.ö The album launched the band into
mainstream notoriety, earning a place on the Billboard 200 at No.
80.unnamed-57-560x560
It has been over three years since the alternative rock band Silversun Pickups
released an album, and the wait is finally over. The bandÆs fourth full-length
album ôBetter Natureö is out and switches things up for the band.
This is the first album the band has put out under their own label New Machine
Recordings, which allowed them to go back to their indie roots. With a
impressive 10 tracks and just over 49 minutes long, the band had complete
creative control over this record. It shows.
The band sounds similar to music from The Smashing Pumpkins and My Bloody
Valentine, due to the use of heavy amounts of distorted guitars in most of
their tracks. The signature style for the band is often a slow jam melody with
intimate harmonies. However, they are also an alternative rock band thatÆs not
afraid to pick up the pace and lay down some riffs.
Musically, ôBetter Natureö slows down considerably from previous albums. The
band found a new groove that differs substantially from their last album,
ôNeck of the Woods.ö They have less emphasis on the rock aspect and more on
the alternative side of their music.
Experimentation isnÆt rare, even for a 13-year-old band. Most times, it is
often necessary to survive.
This album stands out as one of their strongest because of the overall length
of the tracks. In fact, half the tracks on here are longer than five minutes.
This provides ample time to build up, release and come back down with no weird
transitions or abrupt endings.
ôNightlightö is the overall standout track of the album. ItÆs a fast-paced,
upbeat jam ù a throwback to the bandÆs old sound. There are plenty of catchy
beats to tap your foot along too. There is a solid bass line throughout the
track, as well as some perfect harmony and backup vocals to provide the track
with some depth. Once that first chorus kicks in, youÆre hooked.
On the other hand, ôCircadian Rhythm (Last Dance)ö could easily be labeled as
pop. It starts off with a slower tempo, but it builds up to a dance-like
rhythm. This track manages to stick to this basic melody for the rest of time.
The drum tempo manages to stay the same throughout the whole track, which is
catchy and does not necessarily take away from the overall appeal but does
have that get-old-quick vibe to it.
Lyrically, ôBetter Natureö is about the same as past Sliversun Pickups works.
There isnÆt a whole lot of depth to the lyrics.
Like countless L.A.-based bands before them, mainstream recognition has been
long overdue. The Silversun Pickups are looking to mix things up with ôBetter
Natureö and stand a real chance at having a campy chart-topper. ôBetter
Natureö has some genuine promise in the alternative scene with tracks like
ôNightlight,ö ôConnectionö and ôLatchkey Kids.ö The rest of the record feels
at home in a pop crowd.
Needless to say, if you have been a longtime fan of Sliversun Pickups, then
this album is a must-have for you. ôBetter Natureö not only has plenty of new
twist to keep the bandÆs sound fresh, but it also delivers plenty of fan
service to long-time listeners. New listeners might only like a few tracks off
the whole album, but itÆs still worth checking out.
This album is far from a let-down and deserves a listen-through no matter your
musical preferences."
- Track List ---------------------------------------------------------------- -
01. Cradle (Better Nature) ( 5:21)
02. Connection ( 4:33)
03. Pins & Needles ( 4:42)
04. Friendly Fires ( 5:28)
05. Nightlight ( 4:52)
06. Circadian Rhythm (Last Dance) ( 3:49)
07. Tapedeck ( 6:01)
08. Latchkey Kids ( 3:41)
09. Ragamuffin ( 6:00)
10. The Wild Kind ( 6:36)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- -