What Else Is There?

..:: Bad Religion - Changing Tide ::..

Like most Bad Religion songs, “Changing Tide” is short, but that doesn’t mean it skips on any sweet. The LA punk rockers are basically dinosaurs at this point and they haven’t really wowed me with an album since 2004’s The Empire Strikes First, but a glimmer of hope does appear on the final track of True North. ”Changing Tide” features plenty of Bad Religion’s signature three part harmonies and their oohs and aahs are a great way of infusing some beauty into the aggressive style that usually defines the genre.

..:: Justice - On’n’on ::..

It appears Justice has succumbed to the dreaded sophomore slump and will not be saving music in 2011. Gone is the heavy hitting bass and glitched out beats of Cross. And child choir choruses? Not one in sight. Everything’s been replaced by larger-than-life-styled prog-rock guitars. “On’n’on“‘s stalking throb draws comparisons to “Kashmir,” but while the dark Led Zeppelin song evokes thoughts of impending doom, “On’n’on” elicits feelings of determined hope. Throw in some kazoo-sounding fuzz and a psychedelic flute solo and we’ve got ourselves a banger. Justice may not have saved music in 2011, but at least this track isn’t bad listening while continuing the search for our next savior.

..:: The War On Drugs - Come To The City ::..

File this one under: Road trip music. “Come To The City” is so full of wistful restlessness and discovery (with a touch of nostalgia) that I can’t help but think it was written in the passenger seat of a car while cruising past and small towns and farmhouses. The progressive folk rock jaunt is soaring, expansive, and singer Adam Granduciel sounds strangely similar to former bandmate Kurt Vile (but don’t worry, this is a good thing.) Definitely a song to keep around for the next time you feel like hopping in the car and driving as far as you can.

..:: Portugal. The Man - Sleep Forever ::..

After a listen to “Sleep Forever”, one might not be too surprised to hear that frontman John Gourley was raised in rural Alaska by a pair of dog sled mushers. The lush instrumentation that unfurls behind him certainly seems inspired by long stretches of harsh cold and darkness. Yet with each recurring instance of the chorus, Gourley stands confidently and defiant about thoughts of his eventual death. By the time it’s over, I feel as though I could face my end as well, at peace and with a slight smile on my face.