What's new in music from the kids at KWLC
Date 10/9/2003 12:00 AM | Topic: Arts & CultureHey Mercedes' Loses Control diverges from past albums
Sam Drong
KWLC StaffThe much anticipated sophomore release from mid-west rockers Hey Mercedes is hitting record stores this week and is bound to cause some excitement. The band set the bar high for themselves after their 2001 release Every Night Fireworks, which introduced us to their catchy blend of pop/punk and emo. Loses Control takes somewhat of a departure from their original sound and lends itself to more of the group's rock sensibilities.
Loud dual guitars are used creatively to sculpt well-crafted songs that set the stage for Bob Nanna's lead vocals. Nanna's voice stands out throughout the album as it waivers confidently.
In addition to the stylistic alterations, the content of their songs has changed as well. Instead of treating the listener like their personal therapist: telling us about their deepest, most heart-wrenching love affairs, they choose to focus more on the state of the human condition.
Perhaps it's the record label, or maybe it's an attempt to ditch the much frowned upon "emo" title that caused the band to change some of its sound and lyrical content. Regardless of their motives, Hey Mercedes has put together a strong album that will continue to entertain their original audience and gain some new listeners.
Artist: Azure Ray
Zach HawkinsI've never been to Omaha, but I'm starting to think I should go. From what I hear the city itself isn't that spectacular - a fairly homogenous town of 390,000 middle-class Americans and the birthplace of TV dinners and Gerald Ford. But something is happening there. I can tell by the growing number of albums in my collection from bands that call Omaha home, or, in the case of Azure Ray, have moved there to bask in the rays of a shining indie scene.
Ironically, I've read that Omaha doesn't even have a good rock club for these bands to play. It doesn't seem to matter. Take, for example, Hold on Love, Azure Ray's third full-length release. It's an album that quietly stands out from any number of female folk/rock acts you can find wandering around the middle of America.
The band's label, Saddle Creek, describes their music as "neo-American gothic balladry." I'll just call it dreamy folk. It's stripped down, moody, and beautiful.
Saddle Creek's Web site describes Hold on Love as "so visceral and intimate you can hear lips pulling apart and piano hammers striking." It's true. The record plays like a dream you're having while you're half asleep. Orenda Fink and Maria Taylor have a way of making music that feels like someone is whispering in your ear. They're not afraid to be quiet, and it pays off. Check out other great Omaha bands like Bright Eyes, Cursive, and Desaparecidos at
Artist: The Mellsmatics
Lindsay KimballThe title of The Melismatics' new album and sophomore release, New Infection, has nothing to do with the random cold spreading around the campus, but it is contagious. The catchy pop guitar riffs and ultra power-rock sound create real rock 'n' roll. The tight sound and "don't mess with me" vocals combine for a ferocious intensity.
The Melismatics are based in Minneapolis on the Susstones label shared with singer/songwriter Mark Mallman, who appears on the album singing backup vocals and playing the organ in the slower and more contemplative, "Hate to Say It." Foot tapping and singing along to the "ooohs" are inevitable with the poppy stylings of "Transfixed."
Overall, the album is diverse in its mix of dirty, pop rock songs. As the album starts off, the title track proclaims "I've got it/you want it/I'm gonna spread the disease." After hearing this album, you're gonna want it.
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