CD Reviews
Giraffe Tongue Orchestra – Broken Lines (review)
Giraffe Tongue Orchestra – Broken Lines
Reviewed By: George Archibald
What can be really called a supergroup? I will say Giraffe Tongue Orchestra has to fall into that category. The band’s line up consists of William Duvall (Alice in Chains – vocalist), Ben Weinman (Dillinger Escape Plan – guitarist), Brent Hinds (Mastodon – guitarist), Pete Griffin (Dethklok – bassist), and Thomas Pridgen (Mars Volta – drummer). This group has just released its debut album Broken Lines on September 23rd. Broken Lines is not the record you would expect given this groups of musicians background. There is more of an experimental rock feel to the album. The band plays with different styles and cadences coupled with a programming element. The vocal styles are playful and have a rather original feel to them.
The band released the song “Blood Moon” to kick off promotion of the album. “Blood Moon” at first is a nod to Dillinger Escape Plan’s Ben Weinman’s style of guitar playing with its short jazz chord progressions. The song almost plays like DEP’s “Unretrofied” with the same elements being incorporated in the track. Vocalist Duvall stands out with his catchy swing style vocals. He definitely is charting new territory with the expansion on his vocals.
The song “Broken Lines” falls more into guitarist Brent Hinds wheelhouse, as it feels like a Mastodon styled lead riff kicking off the song. Duvall once again impresses with his vocals on this track. Duvall is able to bring the soul of the song out with his bluesy hushed delivery, until the song changes into more of a sporadic rock feel. This is definitely a departure from what he is known for in Alice in Chains. Broken Lines migrates through several musical styles in its almost six minutes of playing time. It bounces from a progressive rock feel, to math rock riffing, and then transforms again into to a more blues styled song.
Broken Lines is a great sonic experiment, where everyone, musicians and listeners win. The band has taken the best elements of each member’s respective bands and placed them together into something unexpected and unforgettable. If you are a fan of any of these musicians’ bands be sure to check out this release, but don’t expect it to play as that bands release. Giraffe Tongue Orchestra has created something new and original for the listener’s ears. Be sure to check it out for yourself, Broken Lines is out now and available on Spotify and all the other usual outlets for streaming.
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I remember when this album came out in 1994 . I was 15 and really discovering all types of music. As being a typical teenage boy I seen the band name “Bush” and thought hmm I love bush, let’s check it out. It was such an amazing album from beginning to end.
The new released vinyl that just came out on November 17th is such a testament to this album being as great then as it is now. Listening to the vinyl just brought back so many memories of being an angst teenager that just wanted to heard. The vinyl package is amazing with lots of photos of the band throughout the years and the sound of the vinyl is so pristine.
I got my hands on the opaque red vinyl and just looks awesome spinning on the player. It’s crazy to think that this album has so many hits and no filler songs, even the songs that didn’t become hits are just as good as the hits.
With the hits being “Glycerine”, “Everything Zen” , “Comedown” “Little Things” and “Machinehead” but some of my favorite songs are not the hits songs like “Swim”, “Bomb” and “Alien” which is probably my favorite song on the album. If you’re a fan of Bush or this album or just want to dive into the mid 90s Grunge/Post Grunge era this is a key album to have in your collection.
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Alice In Chains have Re-Released the 2009 album on vinyl. This album was the first Alice In Chains in 14 years and the first album with guitarist/singer Willam DuVall after Layne Staley passed away in 2002.
I was a huge Alice In Chains fan and was a big fan of both Layne and Jerry. When this album first came out I remember sorta pushing it the side only cause of sadness about Layne but after hearing “Check My Brain” I gave it a chance and was so glad that I did. This album is amazing and really put Alice In Chains back into the mainstream.
The vinyl not only looks super awesome but sounds amazing. If you’re a fan of Alice In Chains and into collecting Vinyl, this album is a must in your collection. It’s a great packed vinyl with 2 vinyls included.
Side A: All Secrets Known, Check My Brain and Last of My Kind. Side B: Your Decision, A Looking in View. Side C: When The Sun Rose Again, Acid Bubble, Lesson Learned. Side D: Take Her Out, Private Hell, Black Gives Away To Blue
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9/20/24 sees the independent release of the full-length, self-titled debut album from Des Moines, Iowa natives Vended. Featuring vocalist Griffin Taylor, Simon Crahan on drums, Jeremiah Pugh on bass, Cole Espland on lead guitar, and Connor Grodzicki on rhythm guitar.
On this album they have taken more abrasive elements of nu metal as seen in the late 90s from bands like Slipknot and Soulfly and utilized elements of metalcore to slap a fresh coat of paint on the style. There are elements that remind me of the more modern and spastic styles of nu metal, similar to a band like Tallah.
Griffin’s vocal styling showcases mid-range screams as the main driving force bending the vocals. True to the nu metal elements, the rage and anger perceived from the screams are offset by the occasional catchy riff or fast talking, almost rapping stylized lyrics.
Crahan shows an impressive command of rhythm with his double bass drum. Driving each track forward with a machine gun-like purpose, which makes the more groove-oriented parts hit much harder. Crahan, in addition to the rest of the rhythm section (Espland and Pugh), all really work together well to keep the momentum moving forward while not sacrificing said groove.
While I wouldn’t call it album of the year or anything. It’s definitely worth checking out. Standout tracks: “Nihilism” and “The Far Side”.
Vended can be found on the usual socials. And the album is available on all streaming platforms. And physical copies can be purchased though https://www.officialvended.com
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