Celldweller-Wish Upon a Blackstar review

Also from the 'somehow we missed this' vat, Celldweller's new album is upon us.  We have mentioned this band here several times because many consider them to be the gold standard of electronic/synth rock. 

When you think Celldweller, think Blue Stahli.  Think I Will Never be the Same.  All of these artists share one thing in common--a propensity for thick, chunky, and groovy electronic rock tunes.  When listening to this album I almost thought it was too good for its own...good. 

Both undeniably glitchy and impossibly catchy, this album creates a fine balance between melancholic wandering, danceable grooves and fun electronic beats.  Not unlike the aforementioned bands, Celldweller uses distorted buzzing guitars in tandem with Reznor-esque singing with sparse screams. 

The one complaint I have with "Wish Upon a Blackstar" is that I feel it overstays its welcome by about 20 minutes.  The relentlessly catchy and singable tunes need a breather occasionally, but this album clocks in with a heft 16 tracks.  Some bands try so hard to create catchy tunes that they lose sight of the real purpose behind the music. 

This is a good album, but not in the same atmosphere as the latest I Will Never be the Same disc.  This music is fun to listen to but much like an amusement park, one can only take so much of it before they are ready for something else.  If you are in the mood for some poppy, dancy, groovy electronic synth rock music, then this album should fill the niche.  Don't take this disc too seriously or it will wear on you.  Just have fun with it.

Enjoy the full album stream via Celldweller's soundcloud page below.  As always, thanks for reading!

Inner Trip-Initiate review

The most interesting aspect of post rock music is that it can often take on other forms entirely.  One album may incorporate so much orchestral elements that it sounds like reverb-laden neoclassical music, while another may be more based on rock sensibilities.

Inner Trip, a solo act by Saman N, produces quiet, introspective post rock music leaning more toward electronic soundscapes and ambient structures with cinematic elements.  This artist is versatile.  While most songs on this album are purely instrumental, some include Trent Reznor-esqe industrial vocals that are sufficiently tasteful and not over-produced.  Put simply this is an interesting and unique listening experience.

Released by Fluttery Records, "Initiate" brings forth a certain charm that is not found in most post rock.  Middle-Eastern styled instruments sneak their way into the mix from time to time, never staying long enough to become overbearing or redundant.  At the same time, you get more of what you are expecting from post rock music, with a lot of echoing guitars and pianos, few drum sections, and long, drawn-out downbeat instrumentation. 

Fluttery Records' website mentions that Saman N, who resides in Iran, had to overcome a substantial amount of prejudice to win fans and land a record deal.  This is sad, because in my opinion, one's religious or political leanings should in no way determine how an artist is received, especially when such influences are not a focal part of the music said artist produces. 

Early on with this album, I found myself somewhat disappointed due to what i perceived as a lagging introduction.  This problem worked itself out later on in the album by building to a satisfying climax, where the varied instruments and electronic sounds reached a pitch that brought out a sweet atmosphere.  I feel confident that I can strongly recommend this album to fans of post rock music as well as those that are more interested in cinematic and contemporary music.  This is indeed a good listen that does not get old with repeated listens.  You can listen to the entire album below.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!