Review: Hurricane Bells - Tonight is the Ghost (* * * 1/2)

So New York alt-rockers Longwave aren't exactly superstars in either the mainstream or indie community, but they're well-known and respected enough that you'd think if singer/songwriter/guitarist Steve Schiltz had decided to make a solo album, we'd have heard something about it. However, Schiltz created his new record almost completely in secret, writing, playing, recording and producing the entire project by himself before he let anyone know about it. In fact, there's a good chance you first heard his new moniker, Hurricane Bells, on the new Twilight movie soundtrack, which features a non-album track from Schiltz that should do wonders for getting his project off the ground. His solo debut, Tonight is the Ghost, has been recently released digitally and with almost no warning, possibly in order to capture the hype surrounding the soundtrack, but the record actually holds up very well on its own merit both as a DIY project and as an addition to the Longwave catalog, especially if you're a fan of the band in the first place.

In his primary gig, Schiltz's guitar usually spoke louder than his voice, with monstrous riffs and stellar solos packed into most every tune. But while he's a gifted shredder, and seemingly can't help himself on occasion here, Tonight is the Ghost has a more organic, almost folk-like edge to it than most of Longwave's previous material. Even when he takes some time to let loose and throw out a solo or turn up the distortion, everything sounds relatively grounded and simplified, which adds to the music's appeal. Mostly, Schiltz uses his signature instrument (often acoustic) to add texture and variety without relying on all his old tricks, though you're likely to recognize his electrifying handiwork on cuts like "The Winters in New York." As if to prove that this will not be business as usual, though, Schiltz kicks things off with a bit of dreamy pop on "This Year," which starts small and slowly grows into a rush of percussion and guitar before subsiding. Despite it's grandiosity, the track is refreshingly intimate and a little rough, as are other highlights like the spacey ballad "Tonight I'm Going to be Like a Shooting Star" or the driven yet gentle "Freezing Rain." It's this unrefined and personal quality that makes the album work as it does. Schiltz isn't really reinventing himself, he's just aiming for "epic" less often - and it suits him.

Tonight is the Ghost probably isn't strong enough to get Longwave fans comfortable with the idea that this could be a more permanent project, but despite its slight unevenness, the album is more interesting than just as a showcase for Schiltz's considerable musical talent (though it's certainly convincing in that way). The stylistic variance and raw, emotive nature of the music makes this an engaging album, one that was obviously labored over and carefully executed, but not over-thought or overdone, an accomplishment which seems altogether rare these days. Also, given the lack of foreknowledge we had about it, Tonight is the Ghost feels like a welcome surprise for Longwave fans and the uninitiated alike.

This Year (MP3)

MySpace

Review: Longwave - Secrets Are Sinister (* * * *)

New Yorkers Longwave could never be accused of complacency. The group have gone through several lineup, label, and stylistic changes, all before releasing their fourth album and most recent effort, Secrets Are Sinister. With new producer Peter Katis (Interpol, The National), Longwave take their indie shoegaze/alternative sound and make everything...bigger. Whereas the band previously changed the pace of their albums frequently, fluctuating both the tempo and the volume, they tightened the focus for "Secrets." The result is a solid rock record of arena-sized proportions.

While the band add the occasional keyboard flourish or digital programming, the wall of guitars, thundering bass, and gunfire drumming do all the talking here. Longwave aim for "epic" every time and hit it often enough to make for an exciting listen. Openers "Sirens In The Deep Sea" and "No Direction" start things off on a good note, with Steve Schiltz and Shannon Fergeson's guitars swirling around Schiltz's strong, clear tenor while the rhythm section of Jason Molina (drums) and Morgan King (Bass) pound away. "Satellites" continues with more of the same before subsiding into a radio-friendly sing-a-long chorus. Occasionally the band take a stylistic detour, like on "Life Is Wrong," a noisy, dense track, or the more relaxed, effortless "The Devil And The Liar," but the ten songs generally sacrifice experimentation for consistency, which feels like the right choice here.

Schiltz isn't exactly the world's most inventive lyricist, but he has a way of phrasing things in grand, gorgeous generalities (ooh, alliteration) that works just fine most of the time. Whether singing about looking for allies and satellites or finding "direction" in life, he sounds sincere, if a bit sappy. It's only on the slower "Shining Hours" when Schiltz's writing is left without an especially strong melody or guitar/bass line that the lyrics seem thin or forced. Fortunately, the closing number "Secrets Are Sinister" gets things back on track with beautiful vocals and more epic, sweeping guitar work.

Longwave may not reinvented any wheels with Secrets Are Sinister, but the album provides enough great alternative rock anthems worth blasting in the car and wailing at the top of your lungs that it doesn't matter much.

Favorite Tracks: "Satellites," "Secrets Are Sinister," "I Don't Dare"

Longwave's MySpace