INDIEpendent Thought: New Column, New Writer

In an effort to expand the Big Kids Table's cast of characters, we have a new writer today bringing you a look at some new music, in a column we are calling INDIEpendent Thought with Jason Roberts. Check it out, and as always let us know what you think in the comments.

As 2009 started, I was already very excited for the debut album by Passion Pit. The EP, Chunk of Change, released in Sept. 2008, had so much hype (and a tantalizing story) that the Seattle indie scene was buzzing about what would come from this brain child of Michael Angelakos. I couldn’t escape a house party or dive bar without hearing the intricate beats and seriously catchy sounds of this accidental success from Massachusetts. That being said, the first full album, Manners, did not satisfy my electro-pop needs. In movie terms, it was like Watchmen; overly produced with a lack of substance to compete with my preconceived hopes. Although I was crushed by this realization, I’m happy to say my indie pop self is finally content. The simply titled LP, the first release by Discovery, is everything Manners was meant to be, and dare I say more.

This side project of Wes Miles (Ra Ra Riot) and Rostam Batmanglij (Vampire Weekend) is an electro pop/r&b venture of two indie kids wanting to live out their gun toting, bling wearing, make it rain, fantasies. If you don’t see the joy and pure ridiculousness in what I just said, you are taking this album way to literally. Without being pretentious, a problem Vampire Weekend is widely accused of, it joins together modern electronic talent with mid 90’s r&b pop culture bliss. From the beats that send me back to when the Ghostown DJ’s were thinking about their boo and the 69 Boyz Freak Nasty were putting their hand upon your hip, to the uniquely accomplished riffs that would make even Jay-Z nod his head in approval, and the soft crooning vocals with a Hot Chip/Postal Service vibe, it is something distinctly original yet oh so familiar. The sound just works. Don’t ask why it works; just take it in and enjoy it for what it is.

Now, with all my praise for this collaboration, I am far from saying this album is without flaw. Some of the songs seem repetitive. Songs can easily meld into one if you are not paying attention. I found myself many times going, “wait, what song is this?” Also, there seems to be only so much you can do with this sound. It works for this album, but I dare someone to try and recreate this sound and not ware it out (and I’m sure someone will try). The final flaw I found with LP is that, like so many albums this year, it is a mood album. There are many moments where you will flip through your iPod and skip right over LP because you are not in the right mindset, but when you are, it is near perfection for your eardrums.

Even with these faults, this is still an album worth checking out. Without apology or compromise, Discovery takes risks and makes the album they want to. LP,“takes chances, makes mistakes, and gets messy!” Wes and Rastam, Ms. Frizzle would be proud.

I give this album 8.2 out of 10.

Listen if you like: Hot Chip, Crystal Castles, Black Ghosts, The Postal Service, Ra Ra Riot, Vampire Weekend

The cuts:
Osaka Line Loop
I Want You Back (yes, it’s a cover of the Jackson 5…too soon?)
It’s Not My Fault (It’s My Fault)

Discovery's Myspace