The Fox Den

Nikki’s Pick #2

   Now I’m going to go all girly on you guys right now but, aren’t Dan Smith and Izaac Burkhart just so dreamy? I mean their vocals are just so fitting for this concept EP.  I Was Searching And I Found came out June 11th,2007 as their debut EP. Now, for a group of guys no older than about 22, this record showed such maturity and production that you’d expect out of a band that’s been on the scene for a much longer time. One can even say that people this younger shouldn’t even be capable of writing music so beautifully fulfilling. The songwriting on this album is just beyond spectacular.  Izaac taking lead vocals while Dan’s melodies are echoing behind. Both of these really talented men singing over the assortment of piano, drums, and guitars is just so tasteful.

   The EP is about realizing how life just comes and goes, letting every peril of life pass peacefully. There is this constant mention of toxics. These toxics in the beginning of the album are what is feared. Having these toxics destroy you, frighten you, and break you down.  As the next track comes on Dan Smith sings, ” Call me a coward/It’s so fitting.” Admitting to his fears. What I really loved about this album was the fact that the protagonist isn’t this weakling through out the albums. Each track is blended into each other, telling the story and they become brave, not letting these toxins break them down. 

      When I sat down and listened to this album for the first time I was completely blown away at how well put together it was. This is a band that should be more recognized than it really is. Whenever someone asks me for a band that’s nothing less than superb I always recommend Weaver at The Loom.  This is a band that put out an EP like this as a debut. If I Was Searching and I Found doesn’t blow you away than I honestly don’t know what will. 

Nikki’s Pick  

  So for the past week I’ve caught myself jamming out to Cage The Elephant’s self-titled LP. Notice that I didn’t say listening, but full out “this is the best part of the song and I feel the need to dance to it” jamming out. Now, CTE have more or less recently released their second LP Thank You, Happy Birthday on January 2011. That album was a huge hit with many music critics, doing a lot better with recognition than Cage The Elephant. I myself enjoyed the album but their self-titled LP is by for my favorite. They may not have hit big in the U.S. with this album, which is a shame because this album is highly underrated.

   Cage The Elephant have such a sound on this record that one can try all they want but you can’t really put a label on them. You want to say ‘Garage rock’ after listening to their single “In One Ear” but then you get to track three and hear “Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked” and think, “Man, this song sounds like Alt-blues  greatness.”  Matt Shultz and  Lincoln Parish  have such musical chemistry, feeding off of each other’s energy, that you really get a sense of how in sync they are with each other on each song. You have Matt singing over Lincoln’s guitar riffs and it just goes. There really is no questioning it. 

   I could go on and on about how amazing this album is but, you’d have to listen to it yourself to fully appreciate its awesome. The best part is, whether you like the album or not CTE doesn’t give a shit! They’re apart of those few artist who really aren’t in it for the money or the fame, but because making music is what they love. All-in-all if you’re looking for an album to chill out to I highly recommend this one.