Review: A Shoreline Dream - Recollections of Memory (* * * *)

Music is a tough business, and the four member of A Shoreline Dream know it better than anyone. The band recorded, produced and released their debut album, Avoiding the Consequences, on their own, then formed a label to distribute the record while they toured incessantly to gain recognition. Singer/guitarist Ryan Policky even put his house on the line to keep the dream alive. Eventually, they were noticed by ambient/shoegaze artist Ulrich Schnauss, who promoted the band's work and later became a collaborator for their more recent material, including several tracks on Recollections of Memory, A Shoreline Dream's second full-length album scheduled for release on February 10th.

A Shoreline Dream have been described as 'Melodipsych Rockers,' and I guess that's as fitting a label as any. The band create slow-burning ambient rock with plenty of atmospheric guitar and vocal effects backed by a solid drum and bass rhythm section which seems to fight against the smooth outer layers of noise. Opener "Manhattan Beach" drowns Policky's hazy vocals into near-obscurity behind a wall of guitar fuzz and staccato drumming that sets the stage for the following nine tracks. The effect is a sort of dense, driving shoegaze rock that is equal parts beauty and brawn.

The slowly shifting arrangements and washed-out melodies have a unique, engaging quality to them that allow the music to work its way under your skin if you give it time.While much of 'Recollections' is cut from a similar pattern, there are some slight (and enjoyable) detours along the way. The instrumental "The Night Before" includes acoustic guitar for a much more organic feel while "The Missing" and "Seattle" contain heavier, direct rock moments that provide some clarity in the fuzz.

The band's production fits the feel of the record and they keep things tight and focused at just under 40 minutes, avoiding any excess or unwanted diversions. Recollections of Memory is a solid record all the way through and another step in the right direciton for A Shoreline Dream. While too abstract for a more mainstream crowd, fans of the ambient/shoegaze genre shouldn't pass this up.


Check out the band's MySpace page to hear a few tracks from the upcoming album.

Reviews: Keane, Benoit Pioulard

Keane - Perfect Symmetry (* * * 1/2)
Ten seconds into the first track and lead single, "Spiralling," you might be wondering when Maroon 5 became such a big influence on Tim Rice-Oxley and Co. Having previously suffered (unfavorable even) comparisons to Coldplay and other sensitive piano-rockers, Keane seem to be seeking to set themselves apart from the pack.

Admittedly, I've never been a big Keane fan, but "Spiralling" was so funky, groovy, and just...un-Keane like that I decided to give Perfect Symmetry a try. While they haven't completely abandoned their piano pop sound from previous albums (You Don't See Me, Perfect Symmetry, etc. sound familiar), the band does make a serious effort to jazz things up. The bouncy, hand-clap filled "Better Than This" and the soul-meets-80's pop anthem "Pretend That You're Alone" show a side of Keane I hope they continue to show more often.

Perfect Symmetry still relies on too many of Keane's old tricks, but it also contains some of their strongest and most interesting material. At the very least, it's a promising step in the right direction.

Favorite Tracks: "Spiralling," "Better Than This," "Pretend That You're Alone"


Benoit Pioulard - Temper (* * * *)
Benoit Pioulard is the stage name of singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Thomas Meluch. Temper is Meluch's sophomore effort, though he's been self-releasing music since 2001. Other than that, I haven't been able to find out much about him except that he was a drummer for several other bands before starting Benoit Pioulard. What is apparent, though, is that Meluch is a young, ambitious, and talented artist who has crafted a unique and fascinating ambient folk album.

Temper is an album much better appreciated and enjoyed when listened to in one sitting and in order. At 16 tracks and only 38 minutes, the tracks blend together almost seamlessly, with plenty of spacey, ambient interludes and few tracks approaching the three minute mark. That's not to say that Temper doesn't have it's share of worthwhile singles; "Ahn," "Golden Grin," and "Idyll," among others, sound fine in isolation, but even better in context. The album has a dark, ethereal sound that stems from Meluch's soft, haunting vocals and love for textures and details; primarily using the guitar and a variety of ambient effects and sounds.

Temper is probably too abstract for some and too light on substance for others, but the patient listener will be richly rewarded by the Benoit Pioulard's beautiful arrangements and careful presentation. The album provides an experience both strange and wonderful.

Favorite Tracks: "Idyll," "Ahn," "Hesperus"