Socratic - Just Turn EP

[Julia Conny]

Socratic – Just Turn EP
Record Label - Drive Thru Records
Release Date - December 5th, 2006

I wouldn’t call Socratic’s previous piano-pounding pop a graceful composite, not like their newest attempt, Just Turn. Free for download, it’s a dainty 5-song wrap-up of the band’s cute but insightful pessimism. You’d think, following the muted drums, piano melodies, and adorable whimpers of vocalist Duane Okun, Just Turn would only sport heartbreak and other such fluff. You wouldn’t expect to hear Okun croon odd bits like The next living thing was a pigeon/Sitting, shitting on the heads walking by/What the fuck? (“Blend In”). I dig this paradox, and sometimes Socratic is even a bit loopy (see “Turn”), which I enjoy even more. Here are these happy-go-very-lucky arrangements and Okun has no qualms dropping four letter words like they are flowers and candy, behind-the-back attacks on Hallmark conventionalism. His vocals - timid and wide-eyed – are throaty whimpers, yet relaxed and convincing in their messages.

These keys are lighter, lead with conviction, and are very worthy of their place. A couple factory-made twang riffs on “Turn” and “Blend In” pickup right after The Early November’s recent triple disk, but it’s still well placed. Just Turn is laidback and lightheaded. Simple but layered, slicing but ethereal, the instrumentation and production create bigger metaphors without being attention whores. I am reminded of bands like The Format and The Early November, where kooky, almost nerdy pop-punk teeters with it’s cooler cousin, Indie Rock.

Ultimately, Socratic’s youthful philosophies are farther along than I would have expected, but I’m struggling with a couple things, one of which is pretty significant – lasting power. It is a toughie because I’d like for Socratic to really own my ears, but I get a bit nervous at the idea of a full-length. Yeah, it’s fun but fun without some risk can turn stale - and fast. Structurally, Socratic is too routine in contrast to their aloofness, and the same goes with Okun’s vocal patterning and rhythm. There are only a few notches left before Socratic gets in my brain and steals my indie pop ideologies, and this can easily be done with a rehash of the Ted Leo discography. Just Turn is already a fantastic cuddler; let’s get to second base.

The Format, The Early November, Ted Leohttp://www.absolutepunk.net/socratichttp://www.myspace.com/socratichttp://www.purevolume.com/socratic

[thatwasamoment]

definitely a good cd to chill to.

it being free also helps.

[elscorchette]

yeah, i'm so glad i downloaded this :)

[NJUNDERDOG]

these guys deserve alot more attention and credit. so many people overlook them, its a shame.

[shaki324]

that was an amazingly insightful review. thank you! that was actually really interesting to read [unlike most]. i think you hit the nail on the head. great job.

[IAmAmazing]

I'm going to see them on sunday, cant wait!

[Blake Solomon]

i have to disagree with you on this one, i dont think this release is very good. I must be missing all these smart philosophies and quarky phrases because the music is sub-par. Still, if I hadnt heard this, you would have made me want to check it out. Well done.

[Throwback]

I loved Lunch for the Sky and I love this as well. This band gives me high hopes.

[bankrom]

good review.
i'm interested to see where the next full length goes.

[Snails]

Great review Julia. I really dig this EP.

[I was Brad]

real good ep

[Branevember31]

good ep...i like it a lot

[permanentdan]

sweet review. though i liked your last few lines though the most.

its "a fantastic cuddler; lets get to second base." haha its that kind of wit that makes your reviews stick out in peoples mind. i can really appreciate your style of writing like that :)

[Julia Conny]

definitely a good cd to chill to.

it being free also helps.

Some definite stoner pop we've got here.

[Julia Conny]

i have to disagree with you on this one, i dont think this release is very good. I must be missing all these smart philosophies and quarky phrases because the music is sub-par. Still, if I hadnt heard this, you would have made me want to check it out. Well done.

Thanks.

I'm not normally a lyrics person, but there were some lines that i couldn't resist, like I wanted something sweet, then we be just a treat/But I don't eat humans on "Turn." Stuff like that sold me, but they could definitely step up their arrangements.

[Julia Conny]

If you haven't already, make sure you download the EP. You can pick it up at Purevolume (http://www.purevolume.com/socratic).

[RiskyXBandit]

lunch for the sky was fantastic.
just turn is really good.
and yes, it's stoner pop at i's finest.
random fact "lunch for the sky" came from a friend of theirs.
they were stoned on day and their friend thought the sky was going to eat them.

[charliewinn]

Very nice review, i respect that.

[Julia Conny]

lunch for the sky was fantastic.
just turn is really good.
and yes, it's stoner pop at i's finest.
random fact "lunch for the sky" came from a friend of theirs.
they were stoned on day and their friend thought the sky was going to eat them.

That sounds like a little more than being stoned...

[Scott Weber]

Remember when For the Sound gave their last full length a 10 and called it the best album ever made? that was a hilarious day in review history.

[Julia Conny]

Remember when For the Sound gave their last full length a 10 and called it the best album ever made? that was a hilarious day in review history.

Talk about hyperbole. Jeez.

[Scott Weber]

Talk about hyperbole. Jeez.
http://www.forthesound.com/index.php?categoryid=53&p2001_articleid=53

Weighing at just under an hour of listening time, Socratic deliver to an unimagine level. As you probably noticed, I didn't give this cd a rating out of ten. Doing that would be like trying to measure miles with a one foot ruler, it's just rediculous. One of the things I appreciate the most about this record is how tightly they work as a group. Every instrument is its own commanding presence yet they are all able to work in perfect harmony with eachother. Sheer musical brillance, strong vocals and lyrics that an award, leads me to believe that the guys in Socratic have the ability to not only make it in this music world, but make it big. I know I'm making a bold statement here, but Lunch For The Sky is without a doubt the best cd released in my lifetime, and possibly ever. Redeem themselves? Drive Thru records not only redeems their record label with this release, but sets a new standard of excellence. With the powerful, catchy, indie-pop-piano-rock that is just on a level all it's own, Socratic will make a name for themselves that can't be denied. If you don't like this album then I'd ask that you please stop reading my reviews, good taste is wasted on you.



LOL.

[MoneyMaker]

good production

[Julia Conny]

http://www.forthesound.com/index.php?categoryid=53&p2001_articleid=53




LOL.

I'm speechless. I'm curious to know what other albums this dude owns, because this review makes me shudder.

[AdamTheGreat]

I think that this review is abit too nice. Yeah it's a pretty decent CD (expecially for free), but the supposedly 'great vocals and production' (according to your scores) don't help when the songs get boring after one listen. I'm sorry if i sound so negative, it is a solid CD, just needs to change abit.

[Rich Duncan]

I thought I wrote long reviews, haha that thing is outrageous. I don't think hes staff there anymore though. Its funny you brought up For The Sound though, I left there the other day. Anyway, great review and I am digging the FSF avatar!

[Scott Weber]

I think that this review is abit too nice. Yeah it's a pretty decent CD (expecially for free), but the supposedly 'great vocals and production' (according to your scores) don't help when the songs get boring after one listen. I'm sorry if i sound so negative, it is a solid CD, just needs to change abit.
You know, "a" and "bit" are 2 seperate words.

[lightcollapse]

to be honest i wasn't that impressed with the album after hearing such good things. same with lunch in the sky though

[Julia Conny]

I thought I wrote long reviews, haha that thing is outrageous. I don't think hes staff there anymore though. Its funny you brought up For The Sound though, I left there the other day. Anyway, great review and I am digging the FSF avatar!

I popped in The Moon Is Down the other day and all these great memories came rushing back to me, so I had to put it up.

Why did you leave FTS?

[Julia Conny]

I gave it high score on Reviewers Tilt because I thought Lunch For The Sky was blah and I like being surprised.

[moonlights]

i enjoy the way you write, julia.

lunch for the sky was fantastic.
just turn is really good.
and yes, it's stoner pop at i's finest.
random fact "lunch for the sky" came from a friend of theirs.
they were stoned on day and their friend thought the sky was going to eat them.
i'd say pretty much everything socratic does has to do with being stoned. haha

[Julia Conny]

Instead of quoting everyone, thanks for the kind words from all of you. Means a lot to me.

[Rich Duncan]

I popped in The Moon Is Down the other day and all these great memories came rushing back to me, so I had to put it up.

Why did you leave FTS?

Because things were getting pretty weird after a bunch of things happened there and it wasn't really a good fit for me anymore

[bpopowitz]

i really loved this release. this band is seriously underrated. they keep getting better and better. i expect them to finally hit soon.

great ep and an even better price!

[brokenfocus]

great musicians and fantastic tour mates.

didn't the singer of tourmaline record this EP? talented cat, that matt rauch.

well written julia. a+ : )

[ashesofapril234]

Good Job Julia

[lostfear]

A promising EP.

I can't wait for the full length.

[OveriseFan]

Good review, but...

'You wouldn’t expect to hear Okun croon odd bits like The next living thing was a pigeon/Sitting, shitting on the heads walking by/What the fuck? (“Blend In”).'

Out of curiousity(This isn't an attack) have you heard their album (Lunch for the Sky)? Because it has plenty of clever lyrics like that, insightful, conceited, and somewhat controversial,

If you haven't, I'd recommend it. I prefer the album to this EP. (So far, anyway.)

[moonlights]

Good review, but...

'You wouldn’t expect to hear Okun croon odd bits like The next living thing was a pigeon/Sitting, shitting on the heads walking by/What the fuck? (“Blend In”).'

Out of curiousity(This isn't an attack) have you heard their album (Lunch for the Sky)? Because it has plenty of clever lyrics like that, insightful, conceited, and somewhat controversial,

If you haven't, I'd recommend it. I prefer the album to this EP. (So far, anyway.)
I think she meant more in comparison to the way the music and Duane's voice sound. The EP is musically very upbeat...not usually the kind of music/vocals that you would naturally associate with the lyrics of Blend In and Turn.

[losethegirl]

I think she meant more in comparison to the way the music and Duane's voice sound. The EP is musically very upbeat...not usually the kind of music/vocals that you would naturally associate with the lyrics of Blend In and Turn.

Yeah I think that is what she meant as well because Lunch For The Sky is full of stuff like that. That's why I love Socratic. The first time I met them they pointed out the little cartoon dude getting stoned in the back of all the cartoon people on their CD cover. The second time I saw them I was boredly watching The Rocket Summer and all of a sudden I felt a butt rubbing up on me and it was Duane dancing which incited a dance party. haha Funny, nice, hardworking dudes. I am enjoying this EP and can't wait for the new full-length.

[1000shadesofred]

i dont know how this album got over a 9 lyrically. i could write these lyrics. not really inspiring.

[moonlights]

Yeah I think that is what she meant as well because Lunch For The Sky is full of stuff like that. That's why I love Socratic. The first time I met them they pointed out the little cartoon dude getting stoned in the back of all the cartoon people on their CD cover. The second time I saw them I was boredly watching The Rocket Summer and all of a sudden I felt a butt rubbing up on me and it was Duane dancing which incited a dance party. haha Funny, nice, hardworking dudes. I am enjoying this EP and can't wait for the new full-length.
hahaha, oh man, they were so excited about that little guy with a joint...i didn't even notice it until vinny very enthusiastically said something about it, haha. but yes, they are seriously fun dudes...

but how can you boredly watch the rocket summer?! i don't even listen to them much, but damn, i don't understand how you can watch them live and not dance...

[Julia Conny]

I think she meant more in comparison to the way the music and Duane's voice sound. The EP is musically very upbeat...not usually the kind of music/vocals that you would naturally associate with the lyrics of Blend In and Turn.

Exactly.

[Julia Conny]

i dont know how this album got over a 9 lyrically. i could write these lyrics. not really inspiring.

To each her own.

[pennyflipnfe]

i downloaded it, i enjoy it a lot

[losethegirl]

hahaha, oh man, they were so excited about that little guy with a joint...i didn't even notice it until vinny very enthusiastically said something about it, haha. but yes, they are seriously fun dudes...

but how can you boredly watch the rocket summer?! i don't even listen to them much, but damn, i don't understand how you can watch them live and not dance...

I loathe The Rocket Summer. If my one friend and I had our way we would have left after Socratic and This Day & Age.

[moonlights]

ahaha, well i'm not used to going to shows where i can actually hear what the bands sound like (i don't think i've ever been to a show in reno that had a halfway decent PA), i can figure out the genre and that's about it, so if the band onstage is dancy, regardless of how terrible they are i've got to bust a move, i have no idea what they sound like...its led to some seriously poor judgements in buying cds before, but hey...

though i do enjoy the rocket summer, but i don't really listen to them recorded.

[BenForTheMasses]

nice julia,

im impressed with this review.
i'll have to check this ep out
really well written
i want you to review us too!

x

[CLARIFY THIS]

If the ep gives an indication of the direction they are taking, then I could not be happier.I think 'I haven't see you in years' and 'The Spanish Singer' really stand out.

[iambmann]

i like it im seeing them this sunday at maxwells..in nj

[moonlights]

i like it im seeing them this sunday at maxwells..in nj
with day at the fair, reunited...

so jealous.

[Rad McAwesome]

these guys deserve alot more attention and credit. so many people overlook them, its a shame.

i agree with this. i also agree with the fact that this WAS a very insightful review. i didnt see ANY negativity, only constructive criticism and applause.

Socratic is one of my new favorite bands that i'm getting into more and more everytime i listen to them and i cant wait to hear more from them!

CHEERS!

[luvmusic1017]

i agree with this. i also agree with the fact that this WAS a very insightful review. i didnt see ANY negativity, only constructive criticism and applause.

Socratic is one of my new favorite bands that i'm getting into more and more everytime i listen to them and i cant wait to hear more from them!

CHEERS!


agreed!! i've been REALLY into them lately!!

[Heaven5ent]

julia, awesome review. youre writing is awesome :o)
i hope the full length will be as good as this ep.

[GQMike]

Great review. I love this album.

[Julia Conny]

nice julia,

im impressed with this review.
i'll have to check this ep out
really well written
i want you to review us too!

x

Thanks Ben. You're the bestest. Hopefully I'll see you on the 27th.

i agree with this. i also agree with the fact that this WAS a very insightful review. i didnt see ANY negativity, only constructive criticism and applause.

Socratic is one of my new favorite bands that i'm getting into more and more everytime i listen to them and i cant wait to hear more from them!

CHEERS!

You're pretty rad.

[Julia Conny]

julia, awesome review. youre writing is awesome :o)
i hope the full length will be as good as this ep.

You're sitting next to me. Couch 4 life!!

[luvmusic1017]

this is a really good review. yay 4 socratic!

[cereal4life]

Good Ep. I like. And it's freeeeeee!