New Music Reviews

by Hailey Van Meter

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The Moviegoers
Or the Gun

The Moviegoers second EP, Or the Gun opens with an mesmerizing guitar intro that undoubtedly leaves you wanting to explore the rest of the album just to see what this band will entrance you with next. The Moviegoers successfully pull off what few bands can do by alternating singers between male and female vocals. The combination of Jessica Monday and Richard Hunter-Rivera’s voices provides a secure net of mystery that compliments an array of beats throughout the tracks. Their song, Andy stands out above the rest as it provides a rhythm that sounds sad but is clearly optimistic and could be heard in the ending scene of an old western movie.Or the Gun is a clever mix of indie rock that throws in synthesizers and a little banjo that is adequately calming and surprisingly addictive. [http://www.moviegoers.com] Mongoose Records HV

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Be Your Own Pet
Get Awkward

On a typical album, songs consist of a range from light and meaningful all the way to loud and riot-worthy. Be Your Own Pet’s Get Awkward is an exception to this normal recipe. The album explodes with adolescent rebellion in the opening track, “Super Soaked”. Front woman, Jemina Pearl makes it clear in her voice that that band’s ultimate message is that they aren’t ready to grow up and that they’re okay with that. This theme is enforced further in their single, “The Kelly Affair” where it’s obvious that partying is a major trait of their music experience. Get Awkward takes a turn and appeals to the angry but heart-broken demographic in the songs, “Twisted Nerve”, “Heart Throb”, “What’s Your Damage?” and “You’re A Waste” with vengeful lyrics that are successfully backed up with appropriate drum fills and brief guitar solos. The band disappoints with their seemingly useless tracks, “Bummer Time” and “Food Fight” that are sandwiched between the comical “Zombie Graveyard Party” and the honest “Creepy Crawl”. This CD spins out on a high note with their closing track, “The Beast Within” that offers a subliminal message that states loud and clear that Get Awkward plans on staying around for awhile. HV

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Cute is What We Aim For
Rotation

As a follow up to 2006’s The Same Old Bloody Rush With A New Touch, Cute is What We Aim For makes several notable changes to their sound and technique. Their sophomore attempt, Rotation is a severe contrast to their non-stop debut album that provided catchy power pop songs that would surely get you up and dancing but still left your emotional need unfilled. First off, Rotation rolls off the tongue a little easier then their epically long first album title. The simplicity starts there and doesn’t disappoint. Their first single, “Practice Makes Perfect” provides a sincere taste of how they’ve transformed their sound from just another pop rock album all the way to a honest interpretation of the way life works. The album is filled with hit worthy tracks that rock just enough to jam out to but are soft enough to relax you after a long, rough day. Songs like “Hollywood”, “Safe Ride” and “Miss Sobriety” offer a glimpse into the way that Rotation For has matured as a band as they tackle issues of abandonment, loyalty and the difficulty of rebuilding self-esteem. Rotation offers a wonderful mix of soulful realization, earnest lyrics and sweet sounding instruments that can ease away a painful day and leave you refreshed and at peace. [http://www.cuteiswhatweaimfor.com] Fueled By Ramen HV

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Do You Feel
The Rocket Summer

Do You Feel by The Rocket Summer sounds appealing, promising and heartfelt when reflected in the single, “So Much Love”. Well it hits 1 for 3 in its 47 minutes of tunes. “Do You Feel” certainly doesn’t lack the light-hearted side of music. Every track is filled with guitar, drums, piano and a little harmonica that provides a nice sound that I’m sure my grandmother would enjoy on a Sunday afternoon. One-man band, Bryce Avary is unable to step out of his shell and record songs that are attractive to more than just one music demographic. The album relies too heavily on the optimistic outlook of “it’ll be okay” and fails to impress listeners with a variety of beats and emotions. The tracks are successful at providing a feeling of contentment and relief but are deficient in bringing an adrenaline of music to your body. Do You Feel is a hopeful attempt at a successful CD but will likely remain being played at innocent gatherings that don’t incorporate real life issues of pain, heartbreak and chaos. [http://www.therocketsummer.com] Island Records HV

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Miley Cyrus
Breakout

After ruling the airwaves as her TV alter ego, Hannah Montana, 15 year-old, Miley Cyrus delivers an absurdly sturdy album that proves that she can successfully breakaway from her Disney roots and appeal to more than just the tween genre. Breakout revs to life with its title track that definitely makes you want to jump out of bed and start out for a new adventure. The album provides listeners with a sample of teenager angst in its first single, “7 Things” and continues to offer a catchy breakup song in the form of “The Driveway”. Cyrus’ ability to write genuine feelings of heartbreak, confusion and euphoria into tracks demonstrates how surprisingly diverse Breakout really is. With a remarkably well done cover of Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”, Miley Cyrus doesn’t fail to show contrast in the slower, heartfelt tracks; “Simple Song”, “Bottom of the Ocean” and “Goodbye” while ending the album with the ridiculously addictive remix of “See You Again”. Breakout is an album that can please everyone from 10 year-old girls to middle-aged soccer moms if you just give it a listen. [http://www.mileycyrus.com] Hollywood Records HV

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1 thought on “New Music Reviews – The Moviegoers, Or The Gun

  1. Everybody has an opinion on pornography. Obviously Professor Chomsky has a feminist attitude towards porn and doesn’t read it, which is why he didn’t know what Hustler is… Just because someone has a perhaps unpopular opinion on a particular- and obviously controversial subject- doesn’t mean that they are unreputable.

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