Double Review: "Reign of Terror" & "Some Nights"

It's been a good past couple weeks for music fans on the Internet.

Last week, the sophomore efforts from fun. and Sleigh Bells made their way onto various streaming sites and the two albums were released for purchase on Tuesday. And though one band has made a name for making noise and the other has made one for having, well... fun, it's fitting the two were released on the same day as there are a few similarities between them.

Both feature artists that found success with previous bands. Derek Miller of Sleigh Bells made waves with Poison the Well and Nate Ruess still has fans from his days with The Format.

Both have been featured in various commercials and TV shows that has taken them from indie darlings to future stars.

And both have made a musical impact doing something that's hard with today's genres - being unique.

So how did the recent releases rank on The Sight of Sound? Read below to find out.

fun. - Some Nights (4 stars)

I'm just going to say this upfront - I am a huge fan of this album. It's only February, but it has set the bar as far as my favorite of 2012 (you hear that Silversun Pickups?) because quite simply put it's a wonderful release.

On the band's debut, Aim and Ignite, Ruess and bandmates Andrew Dost and Jack Antonoff put together a selection of songs that highlighted strings and poetic wordplay. It seemed to have a sense of being serious without taking themselves seriously.

Enter Some Nights and from the very start it's clear the band wanted to go bigger - and they succeeded (look no further than the song currently taking over the world, "We Are Young" featuring the very underrated Janelle Monae). Comparisons have been made to Queen in the opener "Some Nights intro" but the band also employs hip-hop beats on "All Alone" and big bass with an 80s style riff on "It Gets Better."

"Carry On" and "Why Am I The One" call back to the simplicity of the band's debut, but I respect them branching out and trying different styles because when you listen you can tell they were having fun (look, it's a hard pun not to use).

The only issue perhaps is that it's greatest strength does become it's weakness. That is, employing a bunch of different genres and sounds will make for a good shakeup but can be hard to keep up with at times. For example, after the uplifting "All Alright" it's sort of a step in a weird direction when it's followed up by the big band sounding "One Foot."

And the autotune. When I listened to this album for the first time, I live tweeted my thoughts and here is what I said during the closer "Stars" (one of my favorite tracks on the album):

It's simple, but it's how I still feel. Ruess has an amazing voice that doesn't need any help, but the way the band uses it here it's like an additional instrument. Point: I like it.

In summary, fun.'s sophomore effort takes one or two missteps, but overall is a really joyful ride. The greatest albums are about the experience and from start to finish I enjoy my time with Some Nights.

Sleigh Bells - Reign of Terror (3 stars)

The New York duo (Miller along with Betty Page reincarnated into punk form in Alexis Krauss) bring the noise on Reign of Terror, that's for sure, but how much of it is really substantial. Or for that matter, how much of that matters?

I struggle with this band, I really do. At first, I liked their sound. Then hated it. Then loved it. And finally I came to the conclusion that my reasoning for the flip flops is because at times they have a sound that can fill an arena and other times a sound that could barely fill a basement.

Treats provided that same mixture, but where the album dipped with the overplayed "Rill Rill" it bounced back heavily with "Crown on the Ground" and "Infinity Guitars." On the follow-up, they seem to settle down a bit more.

And for me, that's a bit of a setback. I think Sleigh Bells is at their strongest when they absolutely shred speakers and the chaos only picks up sporadically here. But when I got past that, I still recognized a well put together release.

One thing they did beautifully was somehow find a way to be both light and dark at the same time. Take future single "Crush," which swoons quite simply "I got a crush on / I got a crush on you" and then a few tracks later the band goes full on into 80s heavy metal meets Skrillex-style noise in "Demons" ("you'll be taken down brick by brick by brick").

It's a chaotic compromise found throughout the album, at times dragging you to hell with bass in your face and elsewhere lifting you to the heavens with guitars as wings.

Simply put, if you were a fan of Treats then you shouldn't hate Reign of Terror. And if this is your first time hearing any of it, be prepared for some big sounds and lulling vocals. And have some aspirin ready for any possible headbanging.

sidenote: "Demons" is by far my favorite track on the album and right now is my favorite track of the year. It's an absolute beast that should be listened to with the sound turned up as high it can go.

2012 Most Anticipated Albums

Full disclosure: this post was supposed to show up here about a week or so ago. Alas, I blame life. And stupid things like moving and not having an internet connection in the in-between.

However, this post did show up when it was supposed to elsewhere on the net. Specifically, over at This Song Starts a Craze, hosted my musical partner in crime Mike. I came to him with the idea of continuing our tradition of the two of us looking ahead at what the year had in store. He accepted and like warriors of old, we dusted off our keyboards and went to work. Below is the result of that effort.

(slight author's edit: Just because certain artists may be on one of our lists and not the other doesn't necessarily mean we aren't anticipating them as well. I can honestly not wait for the fun. and sleigh bells albums)

Shared Picks

Green Day - "TBA" (Summer 2012)

Mike: Something interesting is brewing in the world of Green Day, something they can’t quite contain due to sheer excitement. After holding several secret club shows last fall, it’s evident that the Bay Area natives are sitting on an explosive stockpile of new material. Of the 15 new cuts they debuted live, there are brash bar burners like the stutter-stop punch of “Carpe Diem” and sweet, acoustic picked ballads like “Amy.” Rumors are swirling that the yet to be titled album will be reminiscent of nimrod. or Warning:, but what ever it sounds like, you know that the group’s signature energy and snide sense of humor will remain firmly intact. 

Matt: Whether you like the Ramones-style punk of earlier Green Day work or the Queen-style punk (yes, I’m going to say that’s a valid description) of the recent albums, here is one thing to consider - you don’t have to choose between the two. Not much is known about Green Day’s ninth studio album, but I could be happy with it being a call to the Dookie days or a continuation of the storytelling found on American Idiot and 21st Century Breakdown. Or a combination of the two. Just give me some new music from this band and I will be happy. 

Muse - "TBA" (Fall 2012)

Mike: Though The Resistance was a bit of a grower, Muse have promised fans that their latest musical concoction will be “radically different” than anything they’ve done before. Does that mean more face melting solos? Heavier synthesizers? Symphonic art-rock? Probably all of the above. Boasting the tightest rhythm sections in modern music with Dominic Howard and Chris Wolstenholme, and one of the most recognizable falsettos in Matt Bellamy, Muse sound like they have their sights sets well beyond the Milky Way. Expect it to be brash, expect it to be bold, and expect it to bee 100% Muse. 

Matt: With the expected release date to be sometime late in the year, there is a chance that new material from Muse could be pushed back to 2013. I’m going to still hold out hope that we get it before the world ends. Reports have stated that the material will be something “radically different” and a change of pace is always good. Personally, I think Muse is at their best when they go for a sound that employs the best of their instrumental work (“Knights of Cydonia,” “Time is Running Out”) so my hope is that it at least stays in that direction. But the success of The Resistance shows that the piano-heavy tracks can be a factor too. I expect big things out of this band.

Silversun Pickups - "TBA" (2012)

Mike: Quaintly dubbing their new material 3 via Twitter, the Silversun Pickups seem to be hard at work on the follow-up to their massively successful sophomore album, Swoon. While their last effort incorporated a fuller, thicker wall of sound, and some dramatic strings as accents, it’s still unclear what sonic direction this new material will take. Though the group dropped a glacial and fuzzy 7” a couple weeks ago, those tracks were outtakes from previous recording sessions, rather than a teaser of things to come. In the end, we’ll simply have to keep an ear on the Pickups. Odds are, there will be plenty to swoon over come spring.

Matt: Silversun Pickups have been the dark horse in the alternative scene for a few years now, mainly because their sound is one that you can’t really pinpoint. At times it can be played alongside the heaviest Manchester Orchestra songs and at times alongside the slowest Death Cab for Cutie songs. Using those two bands as comparisons, you can sense my excitement when it was posted that 3 (as it has become unofficially called) was to be “darker.” I’m not sure what this means, or if it was a joke among the band, but I can tell you that I am salivating for this spring release after still giving Swoon some heavy rotation.

Mike's Picks

Bloc Party - "TBA" (Summer 2012)

After quieting the rumor mills revved up over front man Kele Okereke’s supposed exit, Bloc Party confirmed their studio efforts to create new music for this year. Whether it borrows from the spiky energy of Silent Alarm or the heavy electronic stomp of Intimacy, the silence surrounding what kinds of sounds they’re exploring is simply tantalizing. No one knows what Bloc Party is going to sound like in 2012, and that might just be the most exciting part.

Garbage - "Not Your Kind of People" (May 14)

Though Butch Vig has been busy producing everyone from the Foo Fighters to Green Day since Garbage’s 2005 effort Bleed Like Me, it’s exciting to see him back in action with Shirley Mason and the rest of the Garbage crew. Not only that, but their reunion seems fruitful. Vig and Manson and described Not Your Kind Of People as extremely noisy and abrasive, while channeling their energy of their self-titled debut. With the 90s coming back in force it’s nice to see one of the more dynamic groups from that era still kicking out meaty, attitude drenched jams.

Sleigh Bells - "Reign of Terror" (Feb. 21)

Guitarist/producer Derek Miller and hipster siren Alexis Krauss have shared similar sentiments regarding the new Sleigh Bells album, namely, that it’ll be BIGGER than their raucous debut. Reign Of Terror has been billed as a twisting hurricane of Def Leppard guitars, winding arrangements, and machine gun-like beats. If the dizzying helicopter patter of “Born To Lose” and the blitzkrieg R&B onslaught of “Comeback Kid” are any indication, it’s gonna be an atomic bomb of noise pop.

Honorable Mention: 

Best Coast- “TBA” (Summer 2012): Bethany Cosentino swears that the new Best Coast record will boast a “mature” sound and concept. Even if it doesn’t, Jon Brion’s often-pristine production will certainly be an interesting contrast to her typically choppy-surf overtones, and retro fuzz.

Every Time I Die- “Ex-Lives” (Mar. 6): When Keith Buckley isn’t proselytizing about the ills of social media, he continues to contribute grisly vocal performances for the next Every Time I Die record. Judging by the chainsaw frenzied single “Underwater Bimbos From Outer Space,” Ex-Lives alludes to an effort just as punishing as their past records.

fun.- “Some Nights” (Feb. 21): Aiming to prove something past the sunshiny baroque pop of their debut, fun. is looking to really break through with their sophomore album Some Nights. Based on the soaring electro-buzz of “We Are Young (Feat. Janelle Monáe),” this proves to be a more sophisticated effort than their debut.

The xx- “TBA” (Summer 2012): “Club music” seems to be the loose/ambiguous influence on The xx’s new record. It remains to be heard if they can surprise the world via an Achtung Baby style departure, but hopefully The xx won’t lose their signature sense of space and silky bass lines in the process.

Matt's Picks

Mumford and Sons - "TBA" (Spring/Summer 2012)

A friend of mine once told me that you can’t really call an artist one of your “favorites” until they put out a second album. Until then, you are just a fan of that debut record. And believe me, I was a HUGE fan of Sigh No More, the debut release from Mumford & Sons. In fact, it was the album that introduced me to the folk genre and allowed me to explore other acts. What this new album brings will be the turning point in whether Sigh... was just a fantastic collection of songs or if M&S is a band that is here to stay. If “Ghosts” is any indication, I may just have a new band to call my one of my favorites.

Neon Trees - "Picture Show" (Mar. 27)

I have been itching for new material from this group since 2010's Habits, mainly because the debut album was nothing more than a glorified E.P. Eight tracks clocked in at around 30 minutes that left me wanting more when it was over, especially "In The Next Room" and the smash single "Animal." The Christmas song "Wish List" and the newest single "Everybody Talks" show that the band isn't aiming to change much, which is a good thing. If it ain't broke, why fix it?

Paramore - "TBA" (Spring/Summer 2012)

Four songs have been released since Paramore went through a lineup shakeup that essentially changed nothing: Hayley Williams is still the focus of the band. And her voice carries with the modified sound on released singles such as "Hello Cold World" and "Renegade" as well as "Monster" from the latest Transformers movie. I don't think these will be on Paramore's newest release, but if the new material sounds like those tracks then count me in as a supporter.

Honorable Mention: 

All American Rejects- “Kids In The Street” (Mar. 27): AAR have been a bit all over the place in the near decade since their self-titled album. Along with Fall Out Boy, there are one of the few bands that has strayed into pop that I have actually stuck with. If the new album is anything like “Someday’s Gone,” I’m definitely in. 

Linkin Park- “TBA” (Unknown): Talk about a band that has refused to stay in one genre over the years. I initially hated 2010’s A Thousand Suns but grew to appreciate it. I have no idea what the new material is going to sound like and for that reason alone I’m intrigued. 

No Doubt- “TBA” (Unknown): Will they or won’t they? This reunited album has been in the works for a couple years now but the stars are seeming to align and indicate that something will happen from Gwen Stefani and company in 2012. I sure hope so. 

Pierce The Veil- “TBA” (Unknown): PTV is a band I fell in love with after seeing them live at a time when I had no idea who they were. They've continued to blow me away at shows, and I'm honestly looking forward to their third album so I have new songs to go crazy to at a future Warped Tour.

-- And there we have it. Are you looking forward to some of these? Or is something else on your horizon? Let us know below.

Top Albums of the Year - 2011

Recognitions and Honorable Mentions

Before we get to the countdown of the top 12 Albums of 2011, there are just a few that I have to acknowledge that didn’t make it on the Year-End Awards post.

Hailing from the United Kingdom, The Joy Formidable came out with a spectacular rock debut with The Big Roar. Opening for such acts as The Foo Fighters, the band did what they were supposed to do: make people go from “who is that?” to “I LOVE THESE GUYS!” Look no further than the album version of “Whirring” to see just what this group is capable of.

Though I think they put themselves in a corner by coming out with a part 2 to their debut album, Gym Class Heroes still ended up offering a nice collection of tracks with The Papercut Chronicles II. The original PC album infused rap into the growing emo-rock genre, but the followup (three albums later) displays a pop side with guest vocals from Adam Levine and Ryan Tedder. Want some swag with that pop? Check out “Martyrial Girl$”

Speaking of returns, there may not have a better call back to glory days than Hot Sauce Committee Part Two from The Beastie Boys. Bringing a sound straight from 80s boomboxes that gels well with iPods of today, the Boys go all out on their eighth studio album. Nearly a year after its release, “Make Some Noise” is still a track that can make anyone Bust a Move.

An import straight outta Iceland, Of Monsters and Men bring an indie-folk record that is set to take the states by storm in 2012. BUT it was released elsewhere in 2011 so it gets mention here. At times a jam-session similar to Edward Sharpe (“Little Talks”) and at times giving Mumford and Sons a run for their money (“From Finner”), My Head is An Animal is an album that should definitely be on your radar.

Florence + The Machine exploded on the scene with "Lungs" but the followup seemed to take on a grander existence. The sounds, and the voice, seemed to just continue to get bigger on Ceremonials. Why did it not make the list? Simple because I haven't spent enough time with it. But the few spins I've been able to give it, I have loved it and thus this spot is given here.

Finally, we come to the newest release from The Black Keys, El Camino. It’s actually a shame this was released in December because if there was a little more time to digest, I’m sure the follow-up to the Grammy-winning Brothers would have made the Top Albums cut. El Camino shows the natural progression of the two-piece, leaning more towards the feet-stomping anthems of their discography than the raw-sessions they are also known for. “Little Black Submarines” is the closest hint of the early days, but even halfway through the intense drumming kicks in and the song gets taken up a notch. El Camino is a toe-tapper, a hip-shaker and a damn good record.

Top Albums of 2011

12. Red Hot Chili Peppers - I’m With You

 
The newest inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame do what they do best in a release coming in their fourth decade as a band - have an all-out jam session. Yes, they were minus John Frusciante, but Josh Klinghoffer did more than just fill-in; he truly became a member of the band. Anthony Kiedis has had better wordplay, but he still brings the fun. The MVP of this record though? Flea. Never before has the bass sounded brighter on a brilliantly-styled album.

11. Grouplove - Never Trust A Happy Song

The first of three debut albums to crack the top 12, it would have been easy to dismiss this hippified band with their single “Colors” as a one-hit wonder and move on. But the full album saw a combination rarely found: sweet, fun and talented. “Tongue Tied” has also gained mainstream access by making its way into Apple commercials, but its tracks such as “Chloe” and “Betty’s a Bombshell” that show the band’s range. As a challenge, try to listen to “Itchin On a Photograph” and not begin instantly handclapping. Go ahead, try it. It’s actually pretty fun.

10. Foo Fighters - Wasting Light

 
In an era full of an increasing number of sub-genres of rock, it was refreshing to see a band get out there and wail on their instruments and be brutal on the mic. Foo Fighters gave a lesson in Rock 101 with Wasting Light and it would be a testament if up and coming bands took notice. “Bridge Burning” is a beast of a track and “White Limo” is a similar face-melter. The ballads slow things down, but the talent in the band shines through. Even in “Miss the Misery” you can practically see the veins popping out of Dave Grohl’s neck.

9. blink-182 - Neighborhoods

 
To judge whether you would like the blink reunion, just answer the following questions. Did you like the last album? Do you like Angels and Airwaves? Did you like +44? If you answered yes to all of those questions, chancing are Neighborhoods was the album for you. Any no answers and you might have had a hard time digesting the band’s comeback. And it’s a shame because while they have gone on different paths in recent years, each member of the Mark, Tom and Travis show brought everything they picked up along the way. “Ghosts on the Dance Floor” has excellent verbal usage while “Heart’s All Gone” is a track that grabs hold and never lets go. If it ends up being the band’s swan song, what a way to go out.

8. Taking Back Sunday - Taking Back Sunday

 
On a personal note, I struggled with where I wanted to put this album. Admittedly, TBS is one of my top 2 favorite bands of all time so their reunited lineup was heavily anticipated. I think the expectations were set so high that it was going to be a disappointment no matter what, but after a few listens later in the year I realized it’s a well put together release. The band is in an evolving stage from emo band to rock band and they seem uncomfortable in their own skin at times. However, it’s the songs with full on confidence and swagger that deserves merit. “El Paso” still stands to be one of their heaviest, and best, tracks while “This is All Now” serves as a highlight of the entire discography. Simply put, Taking Back Sunday deserves recognition for being one of the best rock releases of 2011.

7. Jay Z / Kanye West - Watch the Throne

 
Speaking of high expectations, I don’t think the bar could have been set any higher than taking arguably the two biggest names in rap and putting them together on one release. So even though the duo stumbles on a few tracks, why is it ranked in the top 10? Well, honestly: the shit’s cray. In today’s hip hop world, the attention span seems to be getting shorter as people just want to hear jams. And while that shines through on tracks such as “N****s in Paris” and “That’s My Bitch,” it’s the storytelling found elsewhere that defines WTT. The two seem to push each other to their limits and no where is that more evident than “Murder to Excellence.”

6. Sleeper Agent - Celebrasion

 
One of the best feelings as a music fan is discovering new music. A runner-up to that feeling is when a debut album complements the lead-off single. Both of those fell in to place with Celebrasion, the introduction to the world from Kentucky darlings Sleeper Agent. The entire disc sounds like Joan Jett’s niece decided to form a punk band but mix in some pop tendencies. The dual vocals here make for a nice exchange and the band’s sugary-sweet combination with a knockout punch will leave you dazed and confused while absolutely loving all 35 minutes of play time.

5. Foster the People - Torches

 
Hands down the best debut of 2011, Torches was Foster the People’s calling card to let the world know they were here. It could have been easy to dismiss “Pumped Up Kicks” as an MGMT knockoff and expect them to fade away as quickly as those guys did. But that wasn’t the case as the hits kept on coming. From the can’t-sit-still boom of “Houdini” to the car commercial featuring “Don’t Stop (Color on the Walls)” every song on here is carefully crafted, which aren’t words you would normally expect with an electro-esque band. Another unique facet to that statement? These songs sound even better switched to an acoustic setting. A not often talked about highlight? The soaring vocals on the dubstep-borrowing (but not heavy usage) closing track “Broken Jaw.”

4. Death Cab for Cutie - Codes and Keys

 
Early in 2011, my friend Mike and I did a Most Anticipated List for the rest of the year. and we had a few shared picks, among them was the newest from Death Cab for Cutie. Codes and Keys plays on the best qualities of each member while bringing, dare I say it, a ray of sunshine into their music. I bring up Mike at the beginning of this entry because in his 2011 list he said the following about this album: “Most of the time, Codes & Keys comes across like a vintage photograph, evoking vivid/arresting moods while seeming distanced from the harshness often displayed in modern production.” I couldn’t have said it better myself - so I didn’t. I stole it from him and you should check out the rest of his list here. The band is up to their old tricks with "St. Peter's Cathedral" and "Doors Unlocked and Open" but it's "Stay Young, Go Dancing" that is the highlight.

3. Manchester Orchestra - Simple Math

 
First there was “I’m Like A virgin Losing A Child” that introduced to the world the strings, bangs and vocals of Manchester Orchestra. It was subtle and low-defined, counteracted by the followup “Mean Everything to Nothing” which saw Andy Hull rip the chord on his voice and go for it with a bigger, more rocking sound while still staying true to a band that seems to show the struggle to get the most out of every song. The hat trick came in 2011 with “Simple Math,” featuring the best of both worlds. “Leave it Alone” and the title track show the band can still lay it down with a soft-side, but “Pale Black Eye” and “April Fool” can whip the crowd into a frenzy at a live show. The defining piece is “Virgin,” a haunting track that takes a hold of you before you even realize what happened.

2. Cage the Elephant - Thank You, Happy Birthday

Surprised to see this album so high on this list, or even on the list at all? For the record, I am too. I had TYHB in my top 10 all year (this was the earliest release on the list, coming out in January) but recently decided it needed to be in the top three. The reason why is that when doing when my top 50 songs of the year, my criteria was that I couldn’t choose more than one from any album. And when I got to the sophomore effort from Cage the Elephant, I realized it was a struggle to select just one track to go off of. The band delivers a sound mixed with 90s grunge inspired and the sounds of today’s indie scene that features a schizophrenic lead singer (and one that has great stage presence in live shows). At times tracks make you want to turn the radio up and break everything around you (“2024”; “Sabertooth Tiger”) and at times can you make you lie back and chill - or perhaps catch your breath (“Rubber Ball”; the acoustic version of “Right Before My Eyes” found at the end of the album). If you haven’t given these guys a chance, pop it in and discover a great band on the rise. Just make sure you don’t have any perishable items around you.

This is where the #1 Album of 2011 should go, but quite frankly - there is a lot of text on this page. And I plan on talking a lot about what was, in the opinion of this blog, the best album of the year.

So you can find that here - as soon as I get it loaded up.