Manhattan Murder Mystery - "Women House" review

Well as I listen to Manhattan Murder Mystery's new release, Women House. I find a much more honed and mature sound to these six songs then what they put out on their last record, which might have to do with the addition of Todd McLaughlin's lead guitar and Matthew Teardrop adding in some harmonica to give a fuller sound to the band. What continues through all Manhattan songs is the earnestness and pure emotion that is invoked through their playing and especially in Matthew Teardrop's lyrics. Plus I don't think any band continually instills more emotion into their oohs and ahhs that they sing in songs which continues on this release on tracks like 'Women House' or 'Alington Cemetary'. The latter of which is a song that shows their is more to this band than their raucous and infectious live shows full of sweat, booze, love and rock n' roll with an emotionally bare arrangement that is all about Teardrop with just his guitar and the best story he has yet to convey in a song and I don't think I could convey my thoughts any better than Lord Growing over on his blog The 704 while writing his review for the album with an emphasis on that track in particular. You really should go read his work. Though that isn't to say this EP to didn't forget to let all out because the garage-punk stomper 'I've Got A Hole In My Head' is ready to get you jumping and acting the fool at their next live show which by the way is every monday in December at The Spaceland Satellite for free and it would be a crime not to make it out to see them play. I am going to leave you with a taste off the EP with the opening track 'Stadium Way' that showcases all the talent Manhattan Murder Mystery has in songwriting with a catchy as hell chorus and guitar hook on top the honest crooning of Mr. Teardrop that will have you yearning for more...

Death to Anders - Don't Give Up EP

Well out of the new music that has been released in the past month what I have been listening to the most is the new EP by Death to Anders released on October 25th, 2011 entitled Don't Give Up which you can pick up on their bandcamp page.

What continues to impress me with their music is the impressive guitar playing and the standout track to me, "Grizzy", comes out with a rollicking guitar riff that has a bigger sound than you get from a lot of local acts and reminds me of how a Queens of a Stone Age or Foo Fighters might open up their rock anthem single off of their latest release.

So the rest of this five track release doesn't fail to impress either. You cannot listen to anything by Death to Anders without noticing lead vocalist Rob Danson's unique and amazing voice. He hits so many interesting notes both musical and emotional while singing that can only be done by him. Even when slowing it down on the title track of the EP "Don't Give Up" the strong songwriting and unique sound that Death to Anders have carved themselves in the Silver Lake indie rock scene showcases their talent and songwriting is at an all time high on this latest release. I for one cannot wait for what comes next from Death to Anders because if 'Don't Give Up' is any indication of what lies ahead for this new lineup much and more great music is to come. So if you have the chance pick this up and go see them live for a great show as well.

I hope this embedding of my favorite track grizzy works for your listening pleasure.