Word: reverb
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Dates: during 2000-2009
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...heard in Jake Duzsik’s vocals. Whereas Kevin Shields and Bilinda Butcher’s heavily dubbed harmonies were central to that band’s sound, Duzsik attempts to recreate that kind of sound individually, singing between tenor and contralto through a rather liberal use of reverb. He successfully generates an effect of androgyny, but the vocals can feel insincere as a result. HEALTH’s originality has always been most evident in the sheer force and power of their sound. Their 2007 eponymous debut album was unrelenting in its fury, the repetitive, ear-splitting synths...
...heavy-handed instrumentality of the other tracks to highlight lead singer Jordan Pudnik’s high-pitched but attractive vocals. These vocals have been trimmed of the nasal stylings with which Pudnik intoned previous albums and work exceptionally convincingly over the track’s shifting tempos, heavy reverb, and bottomless chorus. But while it works when plucked out from the rest of the album, even “Truck Stop Blues” falls prey to the same pratfalls, which will continue to plague NFG as long as they remain rooted in making adolescent love songs?...
...several songs just as unexciting as the previous. Even when they mix up the formula—like when guitarist James Hanna makes a vocal appearance on “I Can’t See”—any notable differences are enveloped by the overwhelming reverb. “Me and Mary” stands out, however, as a pleasant surprise. This song gives the album a much needed shake awake with its faster pace and more aggressive tone. Cymbal and drum fills propel the song, hinting at the punk-ish attitude and raucous live shows...
...sixth solo album and his first since 2006’s politically-tinged “Post-War.” From his debut in 1999, M. Ward has made a name for himself at the national level, bringing his distinctive fingerstyle guitar, lush musical arrangements, and reverb-drenched vocal melodies to a wide audience. In 2008, M. Ward gained even more national attention with “She & Him,” a well-received collaboration with actress and fledgling songwriter Zooey Deschanel. Deschanel returns as a guest vocalist on this album’s second track...
...fans something different from his typical fare—a truly polished, commercial album. But don’t confuse “commercial” with selling out. By commercial I simply mean an album that’s well-mixed, well-edited, and heavily coated in spacious reverb. Adams has been a prolific songwriter since his days with Whiskeytown, releasing albums left and right, focusing more attention on the material than the finished product. This album may just be a turning point in his career. From the first bar of “Born Into a Light...