I try to include every genre of music in the Hollencomium review, but unfortunately I am still approached from readers claiming that they aren’t submitting songs to be reviewed because they don’t listen to “your people music.” With the semester coming to a close I would like to be bombarded with suggestions that don’t fit in the “your people music” category. I don’t know what doesn’t fit right now, but would like to find out. For this week we will be reviewing some new releases and one of them has a really sweet name.

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Fiery Furnaces
Teach me Sweetheart
“Bitter Tea”

Bitter Tea should have been released as a double album release with Rehearsing My Choir, their controversial collaboration with their grandma, Olga.

The release of this double album would have made a lot of sense, mostly because Bitter Tea is much more accessible than the narrative concept album Rehearsing My Choir.

The albums are similar in a lot of ways, though. They both have quirky little moments, such as Matt Friedberger (50% of Fiery Furnaces) vocals being played in reverse so that they are completely incomprehensible.

I don’t think this detracts from the overall quality of the album, which is another concept album depicting Eleanor Friedberger’s life (the other 50% of Fiery Furnaces).

“Teach Me Sweetheart” is a series of perfectly placed loops and blips that create a feeling of anxiety and loss.

Personally I think it is one of the Fiery Furnaces best singles. It definitely takes a certain type of person to appreciate their unique style, but those that do usually become fanatics.

Originality: 9.4
Catchiness: 4.1
Personal: 8.9

Devin Davis
Iron Woman
“Lonely People of the World, Unite!”

When I hear Devin Davis I think Tom Petty mixed with Bright Eyes. I know this seems like a marriage made in wild fields of whine, but the dynamic seems to work out for him.

“Iron Woman” is the albums opening track. It is one of the more Tom Pettyish tracks, with obvious influences from classic rock. What makes Devin Davis different is his frail voice that leads the solid classic rock riffs.

Originality: 5.3
Catchiness: 7.2
Personal: 6.5

Quien Es, Boom!
Words From A Beak
“Cast Your Burdens Aside”

If you guessed this as the band with the sweet name then you are smarter than I thought you were.

I got interested in Quien Es, Boom! for their name, but soon found out that they do indeed make pretty good music.

They sound somewhat similar to Pinback with a pluck driven guitar as their melody in most songs. Pinback is still more creative, but these guys are worth a listen or two.

Originality: 6.9
Catchiness: 5.5
Personal: 7.3

HOLLENCOMIUM REVIEW PODCAST 

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