New and In Review
Young Love, Too Young to Fight It (Island)
Essentially the brainchild of New York artist Dan Keyes, Young Love is firing up the charts with its thumping, catchy rhythms - most notably on the dance-floor hit "Find a New Way." Keyes' vision outpaces his pure musical abilities but his naivetÈ is all part of the charm, leading his debut LP to be one that a very diverse group of listeners could enjoy.
Stars of Track of Field, Centuries of Love and War (Wind-Up)
The premiere album from this crafty Portland, Ore., trio is a shining example of simple rock songs painted with a lushly beautiful brush. Love and War is easily digestible yet challenging in its driving emotion, especially in its pinnacle "Movies of Antarctica." The beneficiary of a label trying to broaden out of a stigma, Stars of Track and Field is something to behold.
Love Arcade, Love Arcade (Atlantic)
Michigan's own Christian Berishaj, who goes under the rather pretentious moniker of Snowhite, gets a chance to show his collection of talents on the 12 poppy ditties on Love Arcade's self-titled debut. Broad instrumentation backs a so-so pack of melodies - none of which are too memorable.
The Kooks, Inside in/Inside Out (Astralwerks)
Don't tell England's The Kooks that the vintage rock boom is over - the quartet's jamming style is far too thoughtful to be tagged "garage," but there's no doubt the group is partying like its 1969. In-side in/Inside Out is one of the year's fresher rock records.
Frank Black, Fast Man Raider Man (Back Porch)
The recent reunion of Pixies clearly gave Black Francis some time on the road to write songs - a lot of them - which fill up the two discs of Fast Man. Totally leaving the raw power of his main act be-hind, the set is a varying work of Black's singer-songwriter persona.
Saosin, Saosin (Capitol)
Sure, California quartet Saosin will be cornered into "emo," "screamo" and "pop-punk," but the truth is - and one listen to its self-titled premiere will show - the group is much smarter than most of the bands falling into that category. The opening 'It's Far Better to Learn" confirms it.
120 Days, 120 Days (Vice)
Drawing on the dark synth-rock influence of acts like Joy Division New Order - who were both fueled by atmosphere more than flash - 120 Days are very impressive on eponymous its first album. Consider it like U2 with a better rhythm section and vocalist.
Kasey Chambers, Carnival (Warner Bros.)
An absolute superstar in her native Australia, Kasey Chambers has crept further away from her country roots with every album and, with Carnival - her third for Warner Bros. - she's alas playing full-stride, extremely accessible pop music.
Someone Still Loves Your Boris Yeltsin, Broom (Polyvinyl)
Coming from one of indie-rock's most credible labels, this ironically titled act actually plays a delicate sound that is quite tangible - light, dreamy tunes that are easy to tap the toe and bob the head to. This debut makes a nice addiction to the mainstream CD collection.
Nick's Pick
Gamma Ray, Majestic (2005/Sanctuary)
The guitar-driven prog-metal act known as Gamma Ray created a appropriately titled album in '05's Majestic, a set of mind-blowing riffs with plenty of twists and turns.
Contact freelance music writer Nick Brandon at NickBrandonMusicBeat@hotmail.com
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