When you listen to an album by John Vanderslice, you know one thing for sure. It will have some interesting sounds and production. Ranging from typical rock to more of an eclectic mix of atypical sounds, that wouldn't sound out of place in a Nine Inch Nails record. Of course in order to make this music, Trent Reznor would have to express his references and observations in more of the indie rock style with much less anger. Vanderslice is a master of the studio and subtleties and it shines through again on his latest album, "Cellar Door."
The first thing that pops out at me is "Up Above the Sea." The beat and background keyboards sound like new wave from the 80's. Just when you start wondering where the hook is, Vanderslice slams you in the face with it. He leaves you thinking, "of course that's where this is going" as if it never could have sounded any different. This sense of songcraft is what defines Vanderslice's music.
You can hear a sense a lot of the classic rock influences on "Cellar Door" if you listen carefully enough. That's not to say he is ignoring a lot of his contemporaries, because their influence is apparent as well, but his melodies are very classic. For example, it is easy to hear a possible Beatles influence on "Wild Strawberries." The difference is that it sounds like a remix done by Radiohead or the Flaming Lips.
This is definitely worth a listen. Highlights for me on this album were "Up and Above the Sea," "They Won't Let Me Run," "Promising Actress," and the album's ender, "June July." It really is a complete album though. It wouldn't sound right to me if I didn't listen to them in order.
Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
I love this guy - glad to hear the new one is good.
2 - gerrard
Damn! I wanted to be the first person with a Donny Darko themed album title.