The Ithacan

‘Up All Night’: Boy band finds the right track

By Allie Healy, Assistant Accent Editor • March 21, 2012

Proving to be the ultimate comeback kids, One Direction is breaking out onto the boy band scene with their high-energy album “Up All Night.” Hitting the radio waves with their smash hit “What Makes You Beautiful,” the floppy-haired X Factor contestants are wasting no time with their in-your-face pop tracks. With catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics…

‘TRST’: Demonic Canadian rock duo revives grave-wave sound

By Jared Dionne, Staff Writer • March 21, 2012

Lately, all manner of gothic and grave-wave electronic acts have been crawling out of their cellars and bedrooms. The scene’s latest addition is Trust, a menacing duo that calls Toronto its home. Their debut LP, “TRST,” is both sonically impressive and sinister. Band members Robert Alfons and Maya Postepski channel Nine Inch Nails with industrial…

‘Some Nights’: Indie band stays true to roots

By Beverley Reynolds, Contributing Writer • March 7, 2012

The New York City-based band Fun. plunges into the mainstream with their album “Some Nights.” The release features a drastic change from the band’s acoustic sound in “Aim and Ignite,” its first album. Filled with heavy electric sounds, “Some Nights” showcases electronic beats and autotuned vocals exemplified in “Why Am I the One” and “Stars.”…

‘Ghostory’: Electric spectacle charged with bone-chilling synths

By Jared Dionne, Staff Writer • March 7, 2012

American shoegaze duo School of Seven Bells are back on the scene with their spooky new album, “Ghostory.” As the title suggests, the LP draws inspiration from everything creepy and mysterious. School of Seven Bells sticks with the gothic electronica that made their last album, “Disconnect From Desire,” a beautiful and ethereal listening experience. Lead…

‘Breakfast’: Rap duo serves up fresh tracks

By Allie Healy, Assistant Accent Editor • February 29, 2012

“Breakfast,” the latest release from hip-hop duo Chiddy Bang, is served as a full course of infectious choruses and hard-hitting beats with just a hint of sugary-sweet pop. Back and hungrier than ever, Chiddy Bang reminds fans of their sizzling sound in their second studio album. Serving a healthy helping of flavorful tracks, rapper Chidera…

‘Reign of Terror’: Hard-hitting electric tracks ring out loud in fiery album

By James Hasson, Staff Writer • February 29, 2012

Noise pop serves as an understatement to describe Sleigh Bells’ newest release. The second album from the youthful band, “Reign of Terror,” combines electric guitar with techno beats. Sleigh Bells rocks on with a fair diversity of sounds cranked up to 11 in attitude. Lead singer Alexis Krauss invokes the grungy spirit of Joan Jett…

‘Sweet Sour’: Garage rockers soften sound

By Jared Dionne, Staff Writer • February 22, 2012

British trio Band of Skulls has made quite a splash over the last three years with their tenacious brand of energized garage rock. On its new album, “Sweet Sour,” the group turns down the volume for some moments of meditation. The band’s first album, “Baby Darling Doll Face Honey,” lived and died by its gargantuan…

‘Kisses on the Bottom’: Romantic cover collection reflects on strength of love

By Robert Rivera, Staff Writer • February 22, 2012

Paul McCartney takes a nostalgic stroll down memory lane as he recollects songs from his childhood in “Kisses on the Bottom.” The album is a collection of tracks including songs from the American Songbook, which features hits that McCartney’s jazz-performing father played for him as a child. McCartney shows a personal connection to the album…

‘Attack On Memory’: Abrasive sound shocks senses

February 15, 2012

With the release of their new LP, Cloud Nothings have now put forth three albums in less than two years. “Attack On Memory,” their new effort, is a grunge-punk manifesto filled with feisty angst. Frontman Dylan Baldi and company employ clashing guitars, rapid-fire snare drums and guttural screams to deliver an energizing blast to listeners’…

‘Scars & Stories’: Emotionally charged album exposes band’s hidden scars

February 15, 2012

For their third studio album, The Fray delivers 12 highly emotional and candid songs to their fans. The band exposes their emotions in a way they never have before. In their sensibly titled release, “Scars and Stories,” The Fray openly discuss accounts of their trips abroad — but with a twist. All the songs relate…

‘Born To Die’: Del Rey lacks lyrical creativity

February 8, 2012

In the wake of a harshly received “Saturday Night Live” performance, songstress Lana Del Rey has emerged as a bizarre, experimental artist. While the vocals on her latest album, “Born To Die,” are pleasing to the ear, the lyrical components lack a real depth across the work as a whole. A number of songs follow…

‘100 Proof’: American Idol sweetheart calls on country diva roots

February 8, 2012

With a public persona that includes big hair and unfavorable comparisons to Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler has created a new caricature in her latest album “100 Proof.” The release came with a promise from Pickler that her attempts at shimmery country-pop à la Taylor Swift are far behind her and that a more traditional country…