this is the universe has moved.

i told you change was coming.

http://thisistheuniverse.wordpress.com/

the reasons for the change are myriad, not the least of which is the fact that supporting music piracy isn't exactly the best way to break into the scene. fear not, though, my dear followers - there will still be free mp3s aplenty, and reviews with which to accompany them. but i'm afraid you'll have to look elsewhere for the bigger releases. (it's not that hard though... google is my main resource.)

thanks for following me this past year, it was a blast. i hope to see you all over at the wordpress!

-n.

bright eyes - the people's key (2011)

no matter what you think during the first two minutes of this album, you're not getting trolled. this is the real deal. bright eyes is back, finally, four years post-cassadaga, and if the first half of this record is any indication, they're better than ever. jejune stars is an instant classic and the rest is almost as memorable.

bright eyes - the people's key

link removed by request

telekinesis - 12 desperate straight lines (2011)

telekinesis is one of my favorite local seattle indie-rock outfits, and when i first heard that their new album was leaked, i was giddy. my excitement proved to be well-deserved. 12 desperate straight lines is a wholly more emotional and engaging experience than debut telekinesis! it reeks of personal strife and perseverance, but in the best possible way. if i was sober, i'd probably be able to form more coherent words about this magnificent album. but as it is, trust me. 'tis a keeper.

telekinesis - 12 desperate straight lines

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smith westerns - dye it blonde (2011)

i enjoyed (but didn't rave about) smith westerns' debut release, but with dye it blonde they've taken a trip to the studio to improve their sound. the catchy, garage-quality of their music is still present, but the lack of production is no longer a dealbreaker. they've managed to balance their lo-fi, diy qualities with a produced, aurally pleasing sound, a welcome change from their self-titled. the difference is startling. far from being jarring and cringe-inducing, the westerns' second lp is as inventive and innovative as its predecessor, but with all the added benefits of being well-produced. a major step-up for the garage-rockers.

smith westerns - dye it blonde

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foster the people - foster the people ep (2011)

foster the people's "pumped up kicks" was one of my favorite songs of 2010 but given their hesitance to release anything else, i feared they might succumb to one-hit-wonder status.

given by foster the people ep, the worry was largely unnecessary. although there's only three tracks, and "pumped up kicks" is one of them, the other two are as good, if not better. "houdini" is a rollicking indie pop romp driven by delorean-esque piano stabs and oracular spectacular-era mgmt-style vocals. closer "helena beat" is more synth-based, but no less infectious - a chilled-out, dancefloor-ready groove that adds an electropop dimension to the band's already impressive diversity.

rumors of a full-length due out later this year are already circulating, and if foster the people ep is any indication, there's a whole lot to look forward to. get it while it's hot.

foster the people - foster the people ep

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