Beck. Johnny Cash. Moby. Bob Dylan. David Bowie. These men and many more paved the way for Computer vs. Banjo, a band combining soulful blues rhythms with energizing electronic tones. Wavering in between the two genres, Computer vs. Banjo's self-titled debut album never once loses sight of its unique niche and consequently creates an album that grants nothing less than pure audio ecstasy.
The album eases into the electronic overtones by starting off with "Jubilee" which has mellow bars of electronic keyboard giving way to altered vocals. While mainly electronic in the first track, the lyrics and pacing have a distinctly folk feel. The slow somber melody eventually gives way to a faster beat setting the stage for the rest of the album. Lying on my bed as my stereo released the first notes into the air - my skin got goosebumps.
"Guitars Need A Sinner's Touch", one of the stand out tracks on the album, features the full musical style of C vs B brought to bear. Strong vocals with a meandering melody keep the lyrics of heartbreak and healing sounding original despite being the most frequently used musical topic of all time. It ought to be said that the electronic tempos and beats laid beside the expertly played banjo create a truly inspiring sound.
The third, and my favorite, track is "Give Up On Ghosts". When this track was first premiered in a JPP article a few months ago, I had the site bookmarked and would play it over and over again. Remnants of a chain gang song are refreshed with wailing vocals laced between a grungy percussion beat - this song represents everything good that comes from this Blues/Electronic hybrid.
"Outerspace" immediately brought to my mind phantoms of Bowie's oft parodied and covered track. With otherworldly sound effects and a sound that can be described as nothing less than lonely, "Outerspace" allows the album to take a breather before packing it back in for the faster tracks that follow. Beginning the tempo lift off from the previous track's lull, "Low" has a slow and funky sound that reminds me of the Postal Service. "Low" starts with a slow beat similar to "Outerspace" and rises to a gleeful crescendo of piano and electronic pulse.
Steeping into the bluegrass sound that one can't help but associate with the banjo, "San Joaquin" features minimal electronic presence in favor of a classic mellow ballad. The vocals here are especially incredible. The choral effect mixed with the banjo belong in a western soundtrack. This track stuck with me for weeks. You'll find yourself humming it. In the shower. At work. It's got an easy, sweet sound that just carries. "San Joaquin" is a beautiful song.
Like "Low", "Magazine Queen" has a very Postal Service feel. The steady rocking beat with the light male vocals keep the song on track, but lacks the character that some of the better songs have. Following on the heels of "San Joaquin", "Magazine Queen" feels like considerably lighter, less serious fare. Whiel the song feels comparatively immature in this light - it similarly shows the scope Computer vs Banjo can achieve on one album. In that sense - it's impressive in every way.
A review doesn't do this album justice. Computer vs Banjo's mix of various genres and styles has led to a musical mayhem that's simultaneously wondrous and awesome to behold. I recommend the album with the highest possible praise and can't wait to see how these guys perform in concert. This is the kind of album that threatens to cross boundaries and make fans of every listener it makes contact with. Soulful, uplifting and wrought with feeling - Computer vs. Banjo's freshman album...it just...I can't even....goddamn it's awesome. Have I said something to that effect yet? It's just tremendous. The aforementioned influences should be proud of what's been created from the tracks they laid.
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August 18, 2008,
Kyle Ezell
said:
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This band is the future and the world takes a while to catch up with what's coming, and it's coming soon. I am their biggest fan and convinced that the coming years will be marked by this great band's influence. |
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Votes: +0 |
