The Six Parts Seven/ The Black Keys

Eddie December 25, 2003 0 Comment

Split EP

The EP starts off with “A Blueprint of Something Never Finished,” a lovely number by Ohio’s finest instrumental ensemble, the Six Parts Seven. Formed in 1995 by the brothers Karpinksi, the band has become quite the force on the indie slow-core circuit, which has given rise to such acts as Maserati, Mogwai and the Mercury Program. The Black Keys throw the somewhat somber mood into a tailspin with cuts from an on-air performance at a college. Such tracks as “The Moon” and “Thickfreakness” restore faith in the two-man-band configuration. Singer and guitarist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney tear through some bluesy, distorted numbers that not only recall but also stand up against any Junior Kimbrough or T-Model Ford release. Odd pairings rarely ever work. Somehow, this all makes sense.
(SN&R)

U2

Eddie December 18, 2003 0 Comment

Go Home: Live From Slane Castle

Everybody’s favorite figurehead, Bono, returns with his Irish companions in tow to rock you in their hometown of Dublin, Ireland. This DVD compilation finds the band digging deep into its early repertoire, including “Out Of Control,” “Sunday Bloody Sunday” and “New Year’s Day.” Larry Mullen Jr. and Adam Clayton are still a competent rhythm section, and The Edge still churns out wall-of-sound, effect-laden leads like no other. Even frontman, Bono, seems energized and enthusiastic as he waxes nostalgic about the first time the band played in Ireland as support for Phil Lynott’s Thin Lizzy. Some may scoff at U2 for its indulgent live shows and Bono’s politics, but one thing is certain: U2 is still a great live act. “Where The Streets Have No Name” and “One” didn’t make the pop charts on good looks alone.
(SN&R)

Erase Errata – At Crystal Palace

Eddie December 11, 2003 0 Comment

Although gender shouldn’t be an issue, San Francisco’s Erase Errata has gained more attention for its femininity than for its musical prowess. At Crystal Palace should lay to waste any ill-conceived notions that female bands can’t play. The girls in Erase Errata rock as hard as any early Sonic Youth or Alice Donut and have a stunning live show to back it up. The new album picks up right where the previous release, Other Animals, left off. Songs like “Driving Test” and “White Horse” feature the odd, juxtaposing rhythms of bassist Ellie and guitarist Sara against the snarl of vocalist Jenny. Sure, there are moments of sloppiness where the use of a metronome might have helped. It’s these moments that make the Erase Errata experience such an aural, blissful, psychotic hodgepodge.

(RN&R)