Palm
Palm is super talented and mirthful four member group from Philadelphia. They have several EPs in their discography and one full length studio album. Palm is a true discovery for all the lovers of experimental rock characterized by unpredictability, desire and absence of fear.
Twisted and complex melodies are their forte. Every song represents a coherent whole, and not one of them obtains a classic structure verse-chorus-verse-chorus. And I am all about deconstructing the structures of songs and turning them into something unconventional. Whenever you think that song is going in clear and consistent direction, the next second you get hit by a totally opposite sonic punch. The song grows in every direction.
Frequent changes of tempo, noisy play that overshadows vocals and unusual instrumentations persistently occupy your attention and demand substantial level of focus. Meaning, this is certainly not an EP you should play in the background while your mind is concentrated on something else. You simply can not ignore it. And you shouldn't.
The most garish moment is the title track that sounds like hyper futuristic Deerhoof. Another standout is Walkie Talkie that opens the album in the manner of The Beatles, and suggests what we can expect in the continuation. I hope I will have a chance to hear Palm live, because I am truly curious about how would that sound.
Nine Inch Nails
In the middle of the summer, Trent Reznor dropped his solo EP, which represented a collaboration with brilliant musician and producer Atticus Ross. It was the second part of the planned trilogy that onset with Not The Actual Events.Contrary to aggressive industrial sound of that release, Add Violence is a stylistic twist. We have got experimentation with the 80s new wave mashed up with exploration of synthetic, modern, atmospheric sound Ross is known for.
Reznor and Nine Inch Nails possess that quality of never lacking coolness, no matter what kind of music cocktail they prepare. Whether we get served synth maze full of dance moments (Less Than) or intense dark theme, we are almost obliged to like it. Closing 20 minute number The Background World starts with trip hop elements before turning into ideal soundtrack for a horror movie. Chaotic noise and unrelated vocal blow your mind til the very last minute.
To summarize, Add Violence is remarkable release, and the fans are yearning for the final sequel of the trilogy.
