May's Music Picks

"When I Grow Up" – Fever Ray

Karin Dreijer Andersson writer of the project Fever Ray is originally from the Swedish band The Knife and has been writing solo music since The Knife took time off after winning a slew of Swedish Grammy’s in 2006 and playing a string of incredible live shows in 2007. This specific cut from the album is extremely accessible through its emotional lyrics, poppy keyboards and electro drums. It even floursihes a Japanese style keyboard melody towards the end. It is dark in tone and comes from the same school of thought as Bjork.

"The Last Baron" – Mastodon

This is a bruising 12 + minute prog rock metal epic. It also exemplifies Mastodon’s new ability to slow down their pace and add a bit more space to their music in order to make their riffs, rolls and vocals bigger and bolder. Don’t fret though this song still has chugging guitar sections and is completely bad ass. The guitars and drums are technical but their sound oozes classic rock more then any previous album with the help of a keyboard player and increased singing.


Wavering Radiant - Isis

Isis originally formed in Boston area in the late 1990’s but now resides in LA. They are back with a new album on Ipecac Records, Wavering Radiant, and continue to push the progressive/art metal scene. With vocals that range from sounding like 311 to the growling of classic metal you will not be disappointed. Their slow grinding guitar riffs remind me of Tool and their artsy side ventures to touch on metal music in the same mind set as Neurosis.