Leaks

Its been a fun week for internet music geeks as several forthcoming spring albums have made their premature release on the web.

I had been eagerly anticipating the new Foals album since I got my first taste of lead track "Spanish Sahara". Foals have migrated away from their manic math-rock choppiness that was indicative of their 2008 debut Antidotes and instead have adopted a dancier poppier vibe. Total Life Forever is certainly a more mature sounding record with more harmonies and drawn out grooves. Definitely will have this one on heavy rotation over the summer.

Crystal Castles moved up the official release of their sophomore album to coincide with its leak earlier this week on the web. On their new self-titled album (their debut was also self-titled) Crystal Castles continue their unique brand of static and scream but with a decidedly more subdued approach than previous efforts (listen for the Sigur Ros sample). At the typical pop-length of four minutes, Crystal Castles waste no time forcing their Atari-inspired dance impulses right in your face, but do so with a more sophisticated approach.

The new Broken Social Scene also made a premature appearance to internet music fans this week. Lead track "World Sick" is a great album opener and leads to two more strong tracks that get the listener primed for a hooky rock album. However after this the album falls somewhat flat. As Hear You Now reported earlier, Forgiveness Rock Record was recorded with a relatively slim six core members but would feature "guest" appearances from the typical cast of collaborators. While Emily Hanes and Amy Milan each get lead duty on one track each, Feist is relegated to backing vocals on one of Drew's many all-too similarly sounding tracks and Jason Collett is absent, guitar-riff or otherwise, from the album completely.

Broken Social Scene has always been a bit of an enigma for me. They have some absolutely phenomenal songs and some absolutely awful ones. I suppose that’s what you get when you have an ever-changing cast of members. Tracks like "Sweetest Kill" would sound terrific on any summer mix tape, however, the album as a whole sounds a bit too much like a BSS Present Kevin Drew Sophomore album than a true full BSS-ensembled effort. Its kind of funny that they name the album what they did. Almost as if they are apologizing for not giving us something better, especially after waiting for over five years.

Band of Horses are also out prematurely with new album Infinite Arms. Upon first listen the album seems a little more emotive and melodic than 2007's disappointing Cease to Begin. This album certainly has its slower numbers but not of the coma-inducing variety that seemingly made up the majority of their previous release. The biggest redeeming quality of the band has always been Ben Bridwell's voice. Infinite Arms has got that easy-going lazy summer feel to it, but it will be interesting to see if this one sticks with so many other great sounding albums for it to compete with.

Foals - Spanish Sahara


Crystal Castles - Celistica


Broken Social Scene - World Sick


Band of Horses - Compliments

Compliments from Band of Horses on Vimeo.