December 2004

Books on Tape

Eddie December 16, 2004 No Comments

The Business End

Todd Matthew Drootin writes unconventional electronic music aimed at the dance floor, using original and organic beats. One listen to his latest long-player—layered with sequencers, bargain synthesizer rhythms and processors—should convert both drum ’n’ bass enthusiasts and fans of the Warp Records roster. “Grey Matters,” infused with short blasts of keyboard calisthenics, moves along at a brisk pace. Tracks like “Patron Saints III” easily could be mistaken as lost outtakes from Richard Linklater’s movie Slacker. Whether you’re a devout electro-geek or looking for something for that long, midnight drive alone on Interstate 5, Drootin’s latest should work wonders. If noncommittal bass loops and fractured breakbeats make you salivate, The Business End will do the trick.
(SN&R)

The Killers

Eddie December 9, 2004 No Comments

Hot Fuss

Point of origin shouldn’t be an issue. That is, unless you’re a Las Vegas-based band called the Killers. Led by vocalist and keyboardist Brandon Flowers, this quartet already has drawn comparisons to bands as far-reaching as Boy-era U2, Duran Duran, Interpol and Stellastarr. Fortunately, the songs found within the Killers’ debut album are as good as the NME magazine hype. From the infectious “Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine” to the overly repetitive yet catchy chorus of “Somebody Told Me,” one can sense the urgency of a new band that has yet to unleash its full bag of tricks. Guitarist Dave Keuning knows how to play for the song and cautiously weaves a spell of reverb-laden soundscapes among the backdrop of an able rhythm section: drummer Ronnie Vannucci and bassist Mark Stoermer. Well done.

(SN&R)