Keep me guessing

Sometimes I hear something that sounds like nothing I have ever heard before. I can sit there and attempt to "label" it, or even try to guess influences, but it never makes any sense.

But really when you think about it, isn't that the beauty of art? When you can create your own meaning and find inspiration within the music that applies to you personally. When it trips you out every single time and never gets old.

I urge you to listen to these two tracks. Animals as Leaders somehow managed to sync every element that I love about music. It's rock. It's edgy. It's trippy and even "electronic" at moments. It's instrumental. It's progressive. It's emotional. It keeps me guessing. It's dramatic.

If you are a true music fan and appreciate true skill, you will notice the talent of guitarist Tosin Abasi immediately. It's not even debatable. He's a genius.

And if you agree, you might want to check them out live. Animals as Leaders will be on tour this fall with Circa Survive, dredg and Codeseven. I'll be at their House of Blues show in Chicago on November 19.



Animals as Leaders - On Impulse



Animals as Leaders - Behaving Badly

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Stoner rock maaaaaan

The thing that I love about the progression of rock music is that it is so unpredictable. And my musical taste buds have been transforming just as much as the music over the years. I hated metal and all forms of aggressive rock many years ago, but I must say I am really digging the direction in which rock music is going and has been going over the past few years.

It seems as though the heavier guys (not the emo, wannabe-punk bands...I'm talking REAL rock music here, folks) have been moving into a stoner rock direction. Mostly instrumental and lots of trippy melodies. Not too much focus on vocals. It's about the technicality of the music and its many progressions. 

I have recently been introduced to the MANY bands that subscribe to this quasi-genre. Isis, Irepress, Mogwai and Animals as Leaders are just a few. And one of my hometown favorites...Russian Circles. The first time I heard one of their tracks, I was NOT too impressed. Theirs is the kind of music that grows on you. You have to really get into it. Pay attention. And when you do, you will be floored by their brilliance.

So when I found out they're playing a show at the Metro in Chicago this Friday, you better believe I got a ticket immediately. I have a feeling this is the kind of show that will move me and the rest of the crowd and stimulate all sorts of thoughts. I look forward to the mind trip.

The songs below are both the opening tracks on two different albums. Russian Circles sure know how to suck the listener in. If you're not vibing two minutes into each track, you have no soul! 



Russian Circles - Carpe


Russian Circles - Fathom

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Absinthe party, what?

You know...I really, truly believed that I'd be a Lollapalooza attendee this year, however after taking my upcoming travels and expenses into consideration, I decided three days of sweat, overpriced beer and overflowing port-a-potties wasn't worth the $200.

But that doesn't mean I can't enjoy the music! Luckily, a lot of the Lolla artists play more intimate shows at random Chicago venues throughout the weekend. One of the bands I really wanted to see, Minus the Bear, will be playing this Saturday night at the Double Door. So if you're like me and snoozed on the whole Lolla thing, there's still opportunities to catch after-shows.

It's weird, I know Minus the Bear has been around for a while; I just never gave them a fair chance. I do that a lot. I recently got reintroduced to their first LP, Highly Refined Pirates, and it's been on repeat for weeks. It reminds me of the beach--just getting drunk with my lover, watching the waves crash, wrestling in the sand, enjoying a bonfire, etc.

Especially the track "Absinthe Party at the Fly Honey Warehouse." Utopian paradise!

I know they have a new album out, but maybe they'll read my mind and play my three favorite songs from Highly Refined Pirates...


Minus the Bear - Thanks for the Killer Game of Crisco Twister


Minus the Bear - Monkey!!! Knife!!! Fight!!!


Minus the Bear - Absinthe Party at the Fly Honey Warehouse


You can download the full album here.

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