Album Review: Cheat Sheet - Songs To Yawn To

Originally published January 20, 2011 in Redefine Magazine.
Direct link to article

Cheat Sheet
Songs To Yawn To
Self Released

While Cheat Sheet hails from Michigan, there is something about the duo's smoggy, laid-back songs that muster the dazed vibe of sunny Southern California. The noisy chaos and merged vocals on tracks "Customer Disservice" and "Expansive Ghosts" add a lot of energy to the debut entitled, Songs To Yawn To, which fans of bands like No Age, Japandroids and Tera Melos might dig -- but Cheat Sheet has yet to hone its very own sound. There are a lot of different ideas on the album, and it is not hard for a listener to lose interest when the sounds change direction. Where "Customer Disservice" is complex and clamorous, the following, "Community Chance," is more of a lazy summer day track. It has a hazy drone that could make it an ironic addition to Top 40 radio that becomes popular with potheads. Furthermore, "Variflex Vs. BMX" attempts to be an anthem for skateboarders and has the, "don't give a shit" attitude of The Black Lips, but without the gritty edge that would make it memorable. After a few listens to Songs To Yawn To, it becomes notable that Cheat Sheet shines most on tracks like "Neon Brown" and "Cassette Culture," which are full of melancholy and have a nostalgic feel of '90s indie rock. Cheat Sheet has respectable influences, but the duo needs to find an aspect that will make the undeniable Cheat Sheet sound. Then, in no time, the band will be ruling DIY house shows around the U.S.

Album Review: Pocket Panda - Pocket Panda EP

Originally published January 20, 2011 in Redefine Magazine.
Direct link to article

Pocket Panda
Pocket Panda EP
Self Released

Listening to the 5-song EP from Seattle's Pocket Panda is kind of like the first time that you see your older brother cry. You discover that burly men with deep voices can get sentimental too. With the band member count clocking in at seven, Pocket Panda is a conglomerate of various influences and talents. Mixing orchestral movements with indie rock, instrumentation ranges from cello to bassoon and piano. Every track starts with a soft, alluring intro, but the tranquility is slightly interrupted by the unexpected raspy vocals of Eric Herbig. It takes a while to get used to the contrast between the vocals, which are usually matched with hard rock or folk music, and the delicate instrumentation. For the most part, Herbig is able to get the tone to a point where it matches the reflective and thoughtful mood of the music. However, there are also times where emotions seem to get too high and the vocals reach a semi-aggressive tone. The harmonizing with a soft female voice helps bring balance and allow arrangements to glide and float into space easily. With the exception of "Problematic Friend," the strong vocals and melodramatic lyrics make the EP a bit heavy. Still, having formed in 2009, Pocket Panda is a young band that is not afraid to experiment. The music is honest and passionate, which can help it flourish into something more cohesive.