KWLC reviews folk rock, experimental pop

Frank Turner - Love Ire & Song

Formerly a member of a British punk rock band, Frank Turner has moved away from punk and focused on folk rock for his premier solo album. Coming across like a young Billy Bragg, Turner continues the folk music tradition of Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan in his boldness, both vocally and on brazen acoustic guitar.

However, the context of this music is fundamentally British: drizzly weather, post-punk resentment, the working class, the youthful disillusionment for which Margaret Thatcher is apparently to blame, etc. His witty quips are endearing overall , if at times cliché, but I think his politically minded romanticism is to be appreciated.

My favorite song on the album is “Substitute,” which turns around the theme of missing someone when the sentiment is not returned. Listen to KWLC for a fresh look at folk rock, fit to battle with the overbearing apathy of 21st century twenty-somethings.

-Julia Schumacher, Rock Music Director

Emiliana Torrini - Me and Armini

These days, many music groups have almost no problem finding a specific musical direction to explore. However, after listening to the Icelandic Emiliana Torrini’s sixth release, “Me and Armini”, you may find it difficult to label what you just heard.

Not surprisingly, the first thing that comes to mind is Bjork. Sure, vocally they are almost identical. However, Bjork has definitely found her niche: provocative Icelandic experimental pop. Torrini has yet to truly fall into an artistic identity. She is quite unique, but not necessarily in a good way. In general, this album is a hybrid of her last two albums (combining electronic and folk influences).

One notable feature of the album is the production. This authentic and raw production is one of the album’s most endearing qualities. Furthermore, one of the later tracks, “Gun,” is shockingly potent. A hypnotic, transporting and attractively alluring track reminiscent of The Kills’ “Midnight Boom,” this song will change your view on “cutsie-girl pop.” In addition, the track “Dead Duck” is worth mentioning. It has a catchy, pulsing groove and layered sound colors (electronics, vocals, shifting beat patterns).

If only the rest of the album had the crunch and interesting personalities of “Gun” and “Dead Duck.” All in all, this is a very mediocre album with few sparks and discoveries.

-Sean Donovan, KWLC Rock DJ