http://www.silentuproar.com/ Silent Uproar features daily music news, reviews, downloads and interviews http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2148/white-rabbits/fort-nightly/ Fort Nightly, the new album by the New York-based outfit White Rabbits, cuts straight through the smog that's been polluting rock for the past several years. It's got all the pulse and creativity that has been missing from the bands currently dominating the airwaves. The Rabbits hit you hard from the jump on this one—the opening track, "Kid On My Shoulders" is a thumping, riot of tune that sets off the record like a roman candle. The rest of the album is a musical journey that weaves its way through punk, folk and infectiously global grooves. In a few songs, like the hypnotic "March of the Camels," the band dances back and forth between Middle Eastern and ska vibes, layering bouncy guitar licks over rolling drum beats. It's a celebration of sounds that very few musicians can pull off—and the Rabbits clearly know how to stir the pot just right. A band hasn't been able to rock the kasbah like this in quite some time. - Rating: 4.2/5, Released: May 22, 2007]]> Mon, 19 May 2008 09:42:00 -0400 http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2148/white-rabbits/fort-nightly/ http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2147/rem/rem-live/ Around the Sun, but one wonders why they chose this particular set with nearly 30 years worth of gems in the vault. Other than nailing the obvious hits and a few choice classics—"Cuyahoga," "Orange Crush" and "The Great Beyond"—it's a showcase for newer tunes like "So Fast, So Numb" and the "Masters of War"-esque "Final Straw," which thrive on stage. The DVD is a mere re-hash of the CD, with no bonus footage beyond Michael Stipe painting his Ninja Turtle bandana across his eyes and witnessing his bizarrely captivating stage persona. It seems Live is an invitation for fans scared off since Berry's departure to come back and hear the best of what they've been missing. - Rating: 3.0/5, Released: October 16, 2007]]> Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:11:00 -0400 http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2147/rem/rem-live/ http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2146/band-of-horses/cease-to-begin/ Everything all the Time. Ben Bridwell steps up his writing to almost folktale precision, weaving tales of small-town romance that are simultaneously hopeful and haunting through woodsy, reverb-tinged vocals. Serene and mellow while able to rock as hard as My Morning Jacket, the band effortlessly switches from the sweeping guitars and Southern-inspired rock of "Ode to LRC," to the foot-stomping backwoods folk of "The General Specific," to the sleepy country of "Marry Song" without losing their fire. Wherever they are, the water is swampy — let's hope Band of Horses keep drinking it. - Rating: 4.2/5, Released: October 9, 2007]]> Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:36:00 -0400 http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2146/band-of-horses/cease-to-begin/ http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2145/goons-of-doom/the-story-of-dead-barbie-ghost/ Wed, 09 Apr 2008 09:38:00 -0400 http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2145/goons-of-doom/the-story-of-dead-barbie-ghost/ http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2144/the-horrors/the-horrors-ep/ Fri, 28 Mar 2008 09:44:00 -0400 http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2144/the-horrors/the-horrors-ep/ http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2143/manchester-orchestra/im-like-a-virgin-losing-a-child/ Tue, 25 Mar 2008 09:37:00 -0400 http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2143/manchester-orchestra/im-like-a-virgin-losing-a-child/ http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2142/prophet-omega/the-natural-world/ Mon, 24 Mar 2008 09:12:27 -0400 http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2142/prophet-omega/the-natural-world/ http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2141/jose-gonzalez/in-our-nature/ In Our Nature is a quiet, calming album that calls to mind Iron and Wine and Elliott Smith in its ability to calm and soothe an overloaded mind. It's quiet and intimate, making it a great album to listen to while sitting alone, attempting to work or trying to go to sleep. You may have even heard the single, "Down The Line," on one of your favorite TV shows recently and not even known who it was. Either way, In Our Nature is worth a listen for any fan of soft, acoustic pop. - Rating: 3.7/5, Released: September 25, 2007]]> Tue, 18 Mar 2008 09:30:00 -0400 http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2141/jose-gonzalez/in-our-nature/ http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2140/thrice/the-alchemy-index-vols-1-2-fire-water/ Vhiessu, saw them abandon previous sonunds in favor of more post-hardcore/prog-rock. 2007 finds them releasing half of their follow-up, a massive collection of songs known collectively as The Alchemy Index, made up of 4 EPs inspired by the four elements—Fire, Water, Earth and Air. Volumes 1 and 2 (Fire & Water) come first, with vastly different styles. Fire feels a lot like Vhiessu, featuring a Thrice most people are used to. Water, on the other hand, delves into electronic elements and softer vocals. All the while, you never lose the fact that this is Thrice, which is key to the success of the entire project. Fire & Water works well on its own, but the power of the two volumes together is really what should make this work. - Rating: 4.2/5, Released: October 16, 2007]]> Sat, 15 Mar 2008 12:58:56 -0400 http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2140/thrice/the-alchemy-index-vols-1-2-fire-water/ http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2139/david-byrne/the-knee-plays/ CIVIL warS, David Byrne’s The Knee Plays stand well enough on their own—enervated, funereal jazz mixing with mostly surreal slices of life. But it's the set of cryptic prophecies on “In the Future” that proves to be the most compelling. The song itself may be over twenty years-old, but it, like its creator, still has an awful lot to say about today. - Rating: 4.2/5, Released: March 7, 2008]]> Mon, 10 Mar 2008 23:35:00 -0400 http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2139/david-byrne/the-knee-plays/ http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2138/deleted-scenes/deleted-scenes-ep/ Fri, 07 Mar 2008 09:14:00 -0500 http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2138/deleted-scenes/deleted-scenes-ep/ http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2137/eisley/combinations/ Combinations is the second full-length album from pop wunderkinds and blood relatives Eisley. They've always been known for their ethereal pop music, but this new release shakes things up a bit—exhibiting a slightly darker and more intense sound that really shows their maturity and willingness to explore new avenues. With that said, it's still not a huge departure from earlier material. If you were a fan of any of their prior releases, you'll more than likely dig this one as well. - Rating: 3.7/5, Released: November 23, 2007]]> Mon, 03 Mar 2008 21:44:00 -0500 http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2137/eisley/combinations/ http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2132/the-dearhunter/act-ii-the-meaning-of-and-all-things-regarding-ms-leading/ Sat, 01 Mar 2008 12:56:00 -0500 http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2132/the-dearhunter/act-ii-the-meaning-of-and-all-things-regarding-ms-leading/ http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2131/keely-smith/the-essential-collection/ Wed, 27 Feb 2008 19:19:45 -0500 http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2131/keely-smith/the-essential-collection/ http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2130/eastern-conference-champions/ameritown/ Tue, 26 Feb 2008 20:09:54 -0500 http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2130/eastern-conference-champions/ameritown/ http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2129/matt-pond-pa/if-you-want-blood/ If You Want Blood, is yet another successful recording for Matt Pond PA. The EP isn't just a one trick pony, though, as there are also folky/alt-country tunes to hit with the radio friendly indie-rock of songs like "Reading" and the title track. If You Want Blood is definitely a success and a worthy addition to the stellar catalog. - Rating: 4.0/5, Released: June 5, 2007]]> Mon, 25 Feb 2008 21:30:25 -0500 http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2129/matt-pond-pa/if-you-want-blood/ http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2128/ryan-ferguson/only-trying-to-help/ Only Trying To Help, his debut solo album. Drawing heavily on influences that could easily include The Beach Boys or Matt Pond PA, the album has a warm, summer time feel to it that makes me wish it was beach-going weather again. Standout tracks include the electronically-enhanced "The Imposter," the overwhelmingly Beach Boys-esque "In The Sea," and the somber tune "Must Be Friday Night." - Rating: 3.5/5, Released: August 21, 2007]]> Fri, 22 Feb 2008 09:30:00 -0500 http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2128/ryan-ferguson/only-trying-to-help/ http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2127/emery/im-only-a-man/ I'm Only A Man, will prove to be even more separating than ever. It's an album of truly great moments ("World Away"), but also one that will leave you unsure of what the band is trying to do ("Rock-N-Rule"). Overall, I can't seem to totally dismiss the album because of the talent I know this band has. If nothing else, I'm Only A Man is an album that you should experience rather than letting someone else tell you what they think. - Rating: 3.2/5, Released: October 2, 2007]]> Thu, 21 Feb 2008 11:44:00 -0500 http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2127/emery/im-only-a-man/ http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2125/jimmy-eat-world/chase-this-light/ Chase This Light, the fifth full length from this Mesa, Arizona quartet, they continue to prove why that is the case. They cover the huge choruses "Big Casino," "Electable (Give It Up)", the acoustic-driven "Carry You", the moody pop "Gotta Be Somebody's Blues" and even, this time around, dance rock "Here It Goes" and even though this is what we expect from JEW, they still do it better than anyone else. - Rating: 4.6/5, Released: October 16, 2007]]> Wed, 20 Feb 2008 10:18:51 -0500 http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2125/jimmy-eat-world/chase-this-light/ http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2124/vega-4/you-and-others/ Grey's Anatomy, Vega4 actually plays a lot more fun, upbeat rock music than their huge single, "Life Is Beautiful," would suggest. While "Life" isn't a bad song, it doesn't even come close to tunes like "You And Me," "Traffic Jam" or the moody "Papercuts." I think that a year after its release, its time to give You And Others a listen. - Rating: 3.2/5, Released: October 30, 2006]]> Mon, 18 Feb 2008 14:23:10 -0500 http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2124/vega-4/you-and-others/ http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2123/fionn-regan/the-end-of-history/ The End of History, Irish artist Fionn Regan has delivered a refreshingly stripped down, unpretentious record focused on intricately played folk guitars and fine songcraft; it's an album for people who love great singer-songwriter records. Regan's music has already garnered Regan comparisons to beloved songsmiths Nick Drake and Damien Rice (there's a hint of early Dylan present as well). Tracks like "Put a Penny in the Slot", "Noah (Ghost in a Sheet)" and "The End of History" are the most shining examples of Regan's talent, consistent in tone and quality. - Rating: 3.5/5, Released: July 10, 2007]]> Thu, 14 Feb 2008 09:37:00 -0500 http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2123/fionn-regan/the-end-of-history/ http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2122/jason-isbell/sirens-of-the-ditch/ Sirens of the Ditch. Marked by colorful narratives, a ragged rock sensibility and earnest, everyman vocals, these eleven songs mix shades and tones of alt. country, blues, rock and gospel to create a sound that will appeal to fans of artists ranging from Ryan Adams and Leeroy Stagger to John Mellencamp. Especially resonant and winning are "Brand New Kind of Actress", "Chicago Promenade" and "Dress Blues." - Rating: 3.2/5, Released: July 10, 2007]]> Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:03:56 -0500 http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2122/jason-isbell/sirens-of-the-ditch/ http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2121/oakley-hall/ill-follow-you/ Fri, 08 Feb 2008 09:43:00 -0500 http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2121/oakley-hall/ill-follow-you/ http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2120/arthur-and-yu/in-camera/ Thu, 07 Feb 2008 09:08:00 -0500 http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2120/arthur-and-yu/in-camera/ http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2119/earlimart/mentor-tormentor/ Mentor Tormentor. With fifteen solid tracks, from soft Eliott Smith-esque "Happy Alone" to peppy Fountains of Wayne-ish "Fakey Fake," Earlimart's fifth album continues their striving for intimate reflective tunes and it's a success. - Rating: 3.7/5, Released: August 21, 2007]]> Mon, 04 Feb 2008 15:07:57 -0500 http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2119/earlimart/mentor-tormentor/ http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2126/gustafer-yellowgold/wide-wild-world/ Thu, 31 Jan 2008 10:33:00 -0500 http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2126/gustafer-yellowgold/wide-wild-world/ http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2118/art-brut/its-a-bit-complicated/ Bang Bang Rock and Roll, the English indie-rock band is back with It's a Bit Complicated, which unfortunately has the earmarks of a sophomore slump. With a goofy art-house punk vibe, Art Brut hasn't pushed themselves in any new way from their first album. Sure "Post Soothing Out" makes you bop your head and "Nag Nag Nag Nag" is a thriving thing that could have replaced "My Sharona" in that famous Reality Bites gas station scene. But with this much talent, and this much energy, Art Brut could have pushed the envelope. In fact, they should have for this album, pushed it onto the floor and recorded that. - Rating: 3.4/5, Released: June 19, 2007]]> Thu, 31 Jan 2008 09:31:00 -0500 http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2118/art-brut/its-a-bit-complicated/ http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2133/stereo-total/paris-berlin/ Wed, 30 Jan 2008 03:06:00 -0500 http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2133/stereo-total/paris-berlin/ http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2117/bat-for-lashes/fur-and-gold/ Fur and Gold is Bat for Lashes' first album. It should go gold, if it hasn't already, because it is a beautiful album. A bit like a Cat Power/Tori Amos mash-up, the group, led by English/Pakistani Natasha Khan, is a gorgeous intermingling of Khan's thrilling voice and involved instrumentation; from viola to autoharp, harmonium to trombone. "Tahiti" sounds like Kate Bush meeting Loreena McKennitt's back-up musicians. "I'm on Fire," is one of the best Springsteen covers you'll hear. Fur and Gold is golden and it'll be interesting to see how they progress. - Rating: 4.6/5, Released: July 31, 2007]]> Tue, 29 Jan 2008 09:16:00 -0500 http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2117/bat-for-lashes/fur-and-gold/ http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2135/various-artists/transformers-soundtrack/ Transformers: more than meets the soundtrack! I've go to admit, I wanted to review this because I figured it would be a good primer into nu-metal, or whatever it's devolved into these days. I mean, if you're already a fan of these bands, you've probably already got these songs. But still, this soundtrack is kind of like reliving the lost art of the perfect mix tape. By including tracks from Linkin Park's, Him, Smashing Pumpkins, The Used, and Taking Back Sunday, among others, the folks who put together this soundtrack—not to mention the effects in the film itself—had a clear plan in mind. And, save a fairly wussy interpretation of the Transformers theme by Mute Math and an inexplicable ballad by Goo Goo Dolls, they succeeded. Viva la testosterone! - Rating: 4.0/5, Released: July 3, 2007]]> Sun, 27 Jan 2008 13:31:00 -0500 http://www.silentuproar.com/reviews/2135/various-artists/transformers-soundtrack/