Klatzke
12/01/08, 06:41 AM
The Myriad - With Arrows, with Poise
Record Label: Koch Records
Release Date: May 13, 2008
Recently, The Myriad have become sort of a breakout artist on MTV. Their video for "Clean Shot" has received a lot of airplay, and they've recently been featured as an "artist of the week." From this information, it's probably easy enough to assume that they're either pop, mainstream, or hip hop artists. In fact, that isn't the case at all. While MTV may not exactly be known for their diversity, they've picked out a gem with The Myriad. With their second release, and first to really hit the spotlight, The Myriad are out to prove they've got a place in the industry.
I have trouble trying to fit The Myriad into a single genre, or even a couple of genres. It's indie inspired, sure. However, it doesn't have the stripped down and tender sound that is a kind of trademark of the genre. The main indie influence is found in the vocals; in most places they're delivered softly and tenderly, but with enough force that they retain their place in the forefront of the composition. The lead vocalist, Jeremy Edwardson, has a fairly unique voice, which is reminiscent of Michael Shepard's (Lovedrug), and it helps diversify the music.
The instrumentation of this album is well above average. It's not unlike that of many other indie-esque piano-sporting bands, but it far surpasses them in quality. Whether it's the backup piano parts, or the entertaining drum melodies, they keep their instrumentation playing a key part of their music. When they bring the piano into the forefront, however, is when things seem to get even more interesting. The songs are well written, and the production helps it to shine. When the pianos need to be accentuated, they are. When the vocals need emphasis, they get it.
Each track on this album hold's its own appeal. Whether it's the mainstream friendly "A Clean Shot," the upbeat "A Thousand Winters Melting," or one of the more tender songs such as "Don't Let Them See You!," "Polar Bears and Shark Fins," or "Trapped In A Glass Elevator," they each bring their own sense of styling to the table. Not a single track on this album is skippable; the songs are all well written and entertaining, and is one of the most cohesive albums I've seen in awhile. Even though each track has it's own sound, they've tied them together in a magnificent way.
I think we all know that for the most part, MTV isn't really a great source for music anymore. However, if they've begun to pick up on bands like The Myriad, then it may just be time for me to give them another shot. Completely evading the "sophomore slump," they've created an album that's created buzz both in the mainstream media and the underground scenes. With Arrows, With Poise is a twelve-track adventure into indie-inspired rock at it's best.
Lovedrug; Muse; Castledoor
myspace.com/themyriad (http://www.myspace.com/themyriad)
originally posted at highbeamreview.com on July 3, 2008
Record Label: Koch Records
Release Date: May 13, 2008
Recently, The Myriad have become sort of a breakout artist on MTV. Their video for "Clean Shot" has received a lot of airplay, and they've recently been featured as an "artist of the week." From this information, it's probably easy enough to assume that they're either pop, mainstream, or hip hop artists. In fact, that isn't the case at all. While MTV may not exactly be known for their diversity, they've picked out a gem with The Myriad. With their second release, and first to really hit the spotlight, The Myriad are out to prove they've got a place in the industry.
I have trouble trying to fit The Myriad into a single genre, or even a couple of genres. It's indie inspired, sure. However, it doesn't have the stripped down and tender sound that is a kind of trademark of the genre. The main indie influence is found in the vocals; in most places they're delivered softly and tenderly, but with enough force that they retain their place in the forefront of the composition. The lead vocalist, Jeremy Edwardson, has a fairly unique voice, which is reminiscent of Michael Shepard's (Lovedrug), and it helps diversify the music.
The instrumentation of this album is well above average. It's not unlike that of many other indie-esque piano-sporting bands, but it far surpasses them in quality. Whether it's the backup piano parts, or the entertaining drum melodies, they keep their instrumentation playing a key part of their music. When they bring the piano into the forefront, however, is when things seem to get even more interesting. The songs are well written, and the production helps it to shine. When the pianos need to be accentuated, they are. When the vocals need emphasis, they get it.
Each track on this album hold's its own appeal. Whether it's the mainstream friendly "A Clean Shot," the upbeat "A Thousand Winters Melting," or one of the more tender songs such as "Don't Let Them See You!," "Polar Bears and Shark Fins," or "Trapped In A Glass Elevator," they each bring their own sense of styling to the table. Not a single track on this album is skippable; the songs are all well written and entertaining, and is one of the most cohesive albums I've seen in awhile. Even though each track has it's own sound, they've tied them together in a magnificent way.
I think we all know that for the most part, MTV isn't really a great source for music anymore. However, if they've begun to pick up on bands like The Myriad, then it may just be time for me to give them another shot. Completely evading the "sophomore slump," they've created an album that's created buzz both in the mainstream media and the underground scenes. With Arrows, With Poise is a twelve-track adventure into indie-inspired rock at it's best.
Lovedrug; Muse; Castledoor
myspace.com/themyriad (http://www.myspace.com/themyriad)
originally posted at highbeamreview.com on July 3, 2008