Xay Cole – Young Money
Music evolves. Sure. But, that’s something for people who’ve spent a lot of years in school getting a diploma in philosophy or musicology to consider. The rest of us don’t necessarily always see a benefit in this.
It’s true that all musical styles have within people who play and sound much better than the originators of those genres. There are punk bands nowadays, for example, that would make heads of people from Yes or Genesis whirl in amazement.
But being tall doesn’t make you a basketball player, and playing a musical instrument well doesn’t make you an artist. And, more often than not, it doesn’t make your music very exciting.
Sometimes rock music just needs a bit of chaos. Sometimes, the instruments need to be out of tune and the mix needs to have all the sounds bleed together. Xay Cole’s “Young Money” does sound like modern punk rock made on a cheap computer with gear that hasn’t been used since the 2000s. It’s anarchic, wild, and danceable, just like a great night out in the town. I would hate to know what a top producer or a jazz guitarist would do to this because I know that trying to make it better would only make it worse.
Grave Waves – Bender
If you’re a music fan, this passion ought to occupy a good part of your life. That just makes sense, but don’t assume that there won’t be any consequences. Nothing comes for free.
You may feel envy for your friends who make it a point to attend every single concert of any importance in your town but don’t ask them what they gave up. And, never ask them if they have any regrets.
Watching a great band, singing along, and getting drunk off your face can all make for a wonderful experience; there’s no reason to lie. However, doing this every couple of weeks, the way experienced bands and concert groups are able sound like a horror-version remake of “Groundhog Day.”
Grave Waves’ “Bender” is a remarkable song that sounds like the party anthem once all the booze has gone dry, and the various chemicals have been all used up. It sounds like what you would expect a band like Motley Crue to provide is lipsync. Grave Waves delivers a great, understated performance of a bizarre cheer to late nights in shady places.
