2012-05-01
Jesse and Eric are two Brooklyn guys who started out doing remixes on a personal level and collaboration just grew from there. Jesse Cohen is formerly of the band Professor Murder. Eric Emm’s production studio crossed paths with Jesse and Tanlines evolved. Although the band name choice is unfortunate, Jesse and Eric try not to think about it too much. They like to create dance music that blur the lines between synthetic and organic sound. Mixed Emotions is their debut effort and so named as “happy sounding with melancholic lyrics.” Whether the music is from the push of a button or an instrument, the album has been crafted with care with an intuitive ability of what works. The first track, Brothers, follows a harmonized, lyrical path, layered expertly with synth and percussion bits and pieces. Tracks 2 All of Me and 8 Real Life resonate with that 80s dance sound with canned synthesizer and extended drum loops. I found Abby, Yes Way and Cactus to be uptempo, infectious tunes. And the last track, Nonesuch, is an unhurried, ambient ballad. Overall this album has a techno-pop feel to it due to the synthesizer play. Focus tracks are 1, 4 and 10. In the words of Eric Emm, “A good song transcends production trends.” Isn’t that what all musicians strive for? --Pam VandeKerkhoffThe Decemberists
Picaresque
Arcade Fire
Reflektor
UNA
The Rain is Over and Gone
VARIOUS ARTISTS ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK
Beneath The Darkness Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
HUSBAND&WIFE
Proud Flesh
Nathan Kalish and The Wildfire
Waterbirds
The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.