I thought I'd lost the Static Of The Gods

Sometimes I lose CD's. Even ones I like. I listened to Peluche, the new EP from Boston's own Static Of The Gods weeks ago. I thought it was great. It reminded me of fellow Boston rockers, The Sheila Divine mixed with B-more's Avec. I actually left the three song EP in my CD player for three days. And then I'm pretty sure my car ate it. I can't blame my car, as it is a delicious EP, but yesterday I managed to dig it out from between my drivers seat and E-brake.

Static of the Gods have a great sound: Poppy enough to grab you right away, but deep enough to keep you coming back. For those who can't be in Boston, catch them at The Fire in Philly on May 16th.

This EP is the follow up to their 2006 LP release Cycles Follow Signs, which also rocks.

Mp3: Static Of The Gods - Jaguar Song
Mp3: Static Of The Gods - 2.33 (from Cycles Follow Signs) ---- Website ---- Buy

Album Review - Nada Surf - Lucky

Lucky has absolutely nothing to do with luck. It has everything to do with talent, vision, innovation, and perseverance. The 5th full length album by Nada Surf may be their best yet, gleaming with passion and growth. Lucky is a branching out for Nada Surf. This is the first time they have widely incorporated extra instruments on a record, including strings and piano on Weightless, xylophone on Weightless, and horns on Ice on the Wings. The versatility in song structure and instruments reflects a mature band that really knows how to write songs (Are You Lightning especially). The album is both fresh and grounded in the Nada Surf tradition, with exceptional drum work from Ira Elliot, hooking bass from Daniel Lorca, and ever improving vocals from Matthew Caws. Seriously, his vocals seem to get better every day.

I think the new album is absolutely phenomenal. It has all the rockin' elements of their earlier work, and includes some of the more innovative tracks you're likely to hear this year, especially The Fox. Please, please, please go see these guys live. They are amazing. And getting better with age.

Their live show itinerary is HERE.

The pasta crew will be in attendance April 11th at Terminal 5 in NYC and April 12th in D.C. at the 9:30 club. Come rock out with us.

Mp3: Nada Surf - See These Bones
Mp3: Nada Surf - The Fox --------------- Website ---- Buy

JEW - Chase The Light review

So, Chase the Light was released last Tuesday, and I'm here to give you the Evil Homer take on it.

My initial impression was a little bit of a let down. Both Futures and Bleed American their self titled album had at least one song that grabs you on the first listen. Chase the Light lacked that for me. However, this is a really solid album, and I found several favorites upon a second listen.

Jim Adkins continues to put together powerful lyrics about life's troubles. "Always Be" expresses a deep sense of loneliness, whilst an almost chipper beat slaps along in the background (yeah, I used "whilst"). Many JEW songs have that odd dichotomy of having dark lyrics, but still make you want to crank up your stereo.

"Carry You" continues JEW's ability to weave guitar harmonies and background vocals to create a really pretty song. For me, Carry You reminds me of the songs from the indie/emo masterpiece that was Clarity. It paints a picture of a couple that cannot last long, but must enjoy the moment.

However, Chase the Light doesn't get it right on every track. "Gotta Be Somebody's Blues" feels like it was produced by someone listening to a Phil Collins album in the 80's. For me, the song lacks enough content, but is overflowing with reverb on the vocals and drums. Folowing that is "Feeling Lucky," which for me also lacks any depth. It feels way too polished with no real style to begin with.

Speaking of producers, I was greatly surprised to see that Butch Vig of Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins and Sonic Youth fame had something to do with this album. I'm not sure what kind of drugs he must have been on, because this album most noticeably lacks the edge that he is known to bring to a project. The vocals and keys on "Here it Goes" sound more like a boy band project than a rock band.

That all aside, if there is one thing that JEW always nails on their albums, its the closing track. And "Dizzy" continues that awesome tradition. The distinctive double tap kick drum lets you know this song is not here to play. It builds into a beautiful and powerful crescendo that leaves the album feeling full and strong.

Overall, I think this album adds another good notch to the catalog of quality music by Mesa, Arizona's finest. I give it 6 Homers.


Carry You

Website ------- Buy