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Alcian Blue - Alcian Blue (2006)
[Elephant Stone]
Neo-post-punkers from Washington DC present their debut full-length. While there seem to be quite a few groups these days boasting this Joy Division / Depeche Mode / My Bloody Valentine fusion, these guys seem to get it right. It’s brooding, well composed, and doesn’t come off like a bad cliché. Densely layered atmospheres of sonic bliss.
Recommended tracks: Horizons, Turn Away, Terminal Escape
Muse - Black Holes and Revelations (2006)
[Warner Bros.]
England’s alternative, neo-prog trio returns with an album that sounds a bit like Absolution, but with added intensity. This album seems to finally lose the overbearing Radiohead comparisons; in fact I find it more similar to the Mars Volta. They’ve switched from their piano approach to one involving periodic waves of synthesizers. Personally, I prefer some of their older work, but this is definitely an interesting direction.
Recommended tracks: Map of the Problematique, Exo-Politics, Knights of Cydonia
Peeping Tom - Peeping Tom (2006)
[Ipecac]
In the works for 4 years, this Mike Patton side project (known best for Faith No More, Mr. Bungle) blends the genres of rock, hip-hop, and trip-hop while retaining both pop and experimental sensibilities. Lyrics are a little weak compared to other Patton projects, but textures and melodies are great.
For an idea of the diverse influence in this album, check out some of the guest artists: Massive Attack, Kid Koala, Dan the Automater, Bebel Gilberto... He’s even got Norah Jones delivering some obscene lines on Sucker.
Recommended tracks: Five Seconds, Don't Even Trip, Your Neighborhood Spaceman
