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Has the phrase indie-pop been overused yet? Is it offensive to say that a band plays indie-pop? Maybe we default to that label when we can clearly define a sound. In their bio, Soft Speaker uses the word psychedelic to describe the band, but when I hear the synths and harmonies, begin tapping my feet, and can almost instantly hum along, I cry indie-pop! Alright, enough with the titles, Conditions in the latest release from the quintet known as Soft Speaker . Now it may just be the fact that I grew up as the biggest Dinosaur Jr. fan on my block, but I find myself hearing their influence more and more in younger bands, and Soft Speaker is not exception. From the raging guitar solo in the opening seconds of Mercury Park to the fuzz and feedback of Danger Red, this albums driving force is the complex and inventive guitar play. Yet, the solos are restrained enough to allow the rhythm, the melodies, and even the handclaps to keep the songs moving and for the most part danceable. In just seven songs, Soft Speaker manages to balance raging guitar solos, alt-country ballads, and an electrified remix track. Conditions clearly sets the stage for bigger things in the near future for this eclectic four piece.
Really great stuff!Posted by Andrew Jacobsenon July 1st, 2009I had a friend turn me on to Soft Speaker and I have been hooked ever since. Unfortunately, I have not had a chance to see them live yet! Hopefully they will be playing in Chicago soon.Hideout record releasePosted by George P.on July 1st, 2009I saw Soft Speaker at their Hideout record release show. They were awesome! Great live show! I picked up Conditions on white vinyl. Very pretty!
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by
Which of these acts should be our next Chicago Artist of the Month?
I don’t know
if this is right to
assume but I have
always felt that the
beauty of music is
that is can transcend
all of the boundaries
we choose to place
around ourselves.
Music has the power
to push beyond religion
and race, it can move
across oceans, through
wars and be passed
down through generations.
It is timeless and
when done properly
one of the most powerful
force in the world.
This is why when I
received an album
masterfully composed
by Matthew Prins,
and filled with traditional
Christmas music I
didn’t think
twice about bringing
it to The Deli. Yes
there is a religious
message in each of
these tracks, but
if that is not your
focus this Holiday
season it is my belief
that the shear elegance
and grace in the compositions
that Prins has put
together will allow
you to give this album
a chance. What I found
most enjoyable about
this album was the
diverse arrangements
filled with harp,
bells, piano, guitar,
and more, and they
do not really on the
organ as most traditional
recording do. Prins
approaches each song,
from “O Come,
All Ye Faithful”
to “Carol of
The Bells”,
from such a fresh
and intelligent prospective
that it will make
this album stand out
in your collection.
- website
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Comments
Really great stuff! Posted by Andrew Jacobsen on July 1st, 2009 I had a friend turn me on to Soft Speaker and I have been hooked ever since. Unfortunately, I have not had a chance to see them live yet! Hopefully they will be playing in Chicago soon. Hideout record release Posted by George P. on July 1st, 2009 I saw Soft Speaker at their Hideout record release show. They were awesome! Great live show! I picked up Conditions on white vinyl. Very pretty!