Gregory Robson
04/07/09, 08:34 PM
Technicolor Wolves - Charismarithmetic (EP )
Record Label: Catapult Records
Release Date: February 27, 2009
Who?
Technicolor Wolves are a Palm Desert, CA quartet who released their six-song debut EP Charismarithmetic in March. In addition to the guitar and vocals, he also handles drums, piano, bass, production and at least a few others.
How is it?
Somehow all the songs sounds effortless, crisp and startingly solid. As the moniker indicates, the music is certainly ambient and colorful, but it isn't exactly alien or abrasive. The band's take on indie-rock has hints of jazz and funk, with some splashes of reggae. Lincoln Jesser's vocal stylings are what allow these songs to jump off the page and the way he wraps his mouth around a verse is quite similar to that of Robert Smith.
As a lyricist, he's slightly above average, and with the exception of the lines, "And the sweater that your mother gave was torn in a helpless rage, we drank guilty lemonade as the sun folded in on itself," from "Dark Room Cold Air," there isn't much to write home about.
Lyrics aside, this album has an undeniable melodic tone that is sure to find a following. Don't let the jazz, funk and reggae distort the sound. This is surefire indie rock with razor-sharp guitars and a commanding vocal presence. From the very first notes of "Ceiling Cracks," one can't help but feel a magnetism and energy that's hard to fake. On some songs, like the incredibly infectious title track the guitars are jagged and vault from the speakers. Fourth song "Take Time" features an overlapped vocal effect that's completely arresting and hypnotic. All in all this is slick, unshakable, confident, ambitious music that's awfully impressive for a debut.
Vampire Weekend, Sublime, The Cure, Pitty Sing
Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/technicolorwolves)
Record Label: Catapult Records
Release Date: February 27, 2009
Who?
Technicolor Wolves are a Palm Desert, CA quartet who released their six-song debut EP Charismarithmetic in March. In addition to the guitar and vocals, he also handles drums, piano, bass, production and at least a few others.
How is it?
Somehow all the songs sounds effortless, crisp and startingly solid. As the moniker indicates, the music is certainly ambient and colorful, but it isn't exactly alien or abrasive. The band's take on indie-rock has hints of jazz and funk, with some splashes of reggae. Lincoln Jesser's vocal stylings are what allow these songs to jump off the page and the way he wraps his mouth around a verse is quite similar to that of Robert Smith.
As a lyricist, he's slightly above average, and with the exception of the lines, "And the sweater that your mother gave was torn in a helpless rage, we drank guilty lemonade as the sun folded in on itself," from "Dark Room Cold Air," there isn't much to write home about.
Lyrics aside, this album has an undeniable melodic tone that is sure to find a following. Don't let the jazz, funk and reggae distort the sound. This is surefire indie rock with razor-sharp guitars and a commanding vocal presence. From the very first notes of "Ceiling Cracks," one can't help but feel a magnetism and energy that's hard to fake. On some songs, like the incredibly infectious title track the guitars are jagged and vault from the speakers. Fourth song "Take Time" features an overlapped vocal effect that's completely arresting and hypnotic. All in all this is slick, unshakable, confident, ambitious music that's awfully impressive for a debut.
Vampire Weekend, Sublime, The Cure, Pitty Sing
Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/technicolorwolves)