New Idea Society was a collaboration between Mike Law and Steve Brodsky when You Are Awake or Asleep was being recorded (released in 2005). Though its Law who remains and New Idea Society is really his project at this point, releasing another album The World is Bright and Lonely in 2007 without Brodsky (who has fronted Cave In and his own solo project). Law, was part of Eulcid, prior to beginning New Idea Society, which was a pretty good band in its own right. New Idea Society progresses through the post-punk/indie sound, but doesn't immediately resemble anything I've heard exactly. This album is interesting to me in how it comes across as a collection of songs with little cohesion in their sound, less fluid than the following album, but is enjoyable in its variety. New Idea Society - "Create Your Own Emergency"
Simple yet catchy guitar is followed by electronic blip and vocals, harmonizing well. The keyboard elements are also fairly simple, but really brings life to the song. I really like the lyrics and whole premise of the song.
This tank that I am in.Sometimes going away from what's safe and comforting leads a person to growth that would otherwise not happen. Facing one's own anxieties and throwing themselves into it, overcoming it, and truly experiencing different elements of life. This song stands out in its lightness, more upbeat than most of the songs on this album.
How I am feeling. I am feeling.
Put a piranha in with me.
Emergency.
Hang a picture on the wall.
On a hook that is too small.
Sit on a chair underneath until it falls.
Create your own emergency.
New Idea Society - "The Aching Bells"
Rare use of the harmonica starts things off. Acoustic guitar and a few different percussion sounds along with supporting keyboards. First instrumental part is covered by a little harmonica, then electric guitar comes in along with the harmonica during the second instrumental part, bridging right along. The backing/supporting vocals are powerful, not in loudness or anything of that nature, but rather accenting the lyrical passages, adding an almost church choirish element.
There really isn't a bad song on here, and the recording is solid enough, I'm sure the band may have liked to do a more formal job on it, but it doesn't detract. There's very little flash in this release, and they don't come off as trying too hard to be "poppy", which is good. One of my favorite moments within this album is the perfect pairing of "Storm In My Eyes" being followed by "Create Your Own Emergency". The former song is just so wonderfully slow paced, somber, and introspective, having it be followed by "Create Your Own Emergency" was an excellent choice as I noted above, the song really sticks out in its upbeat and catchy writing. I'm looking forward to reviewing the second album here, and also heard that Law and the other members that form the band now are prepping the third full length release in the coming months.
I really liked the electronic sound in "Create Your Own Emergency," as well as the vocals. Everything seems to work well together, including the acoustic guitar in the background. I also liked the lyrics and the ending. It has a fun, energetic sound. Good pick.
ReplyDeleteAs for "The Aching Bells," I like how they slow down the tempo a bit and the beat sort of throbs and carries you through the song. Sometimes I'm leery of the harmonica being too overwhelming in a song, or abrasive, but I loved the harmonica accents in this one. I thought it worked well.
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