Annuals reveal their true nature
By ADAM GOLD | October 10, 2006
Annuals |
“If this album follows what I’ve heard, then it’s possible there will be no more ailing on earth,” raves one fan on the MySpace page of the North Carolina–based indie sextet Annuals. In recent weeks, blog spots have heaped similar praise on the band’s debut, Be He Me (Ace Fu), which is due Tuesday. Frontman Adam Baker may be only 19, but these cuts could be worth the hype. Judge for yourself — the disc is available for pre-release at iTunes.
Annuals, “Brother”
Don’t be fooled by the whispery acoustic guitar intro on this opening track. Just before the two-minute mark, the beast reveals its true nature: relentlessly pounding drums, distorted wailing guitars, and layers of swirling strings explode out of nowhere as Baker unleashes an anthemic emo cry.
Annuals, “Complete or Completing”
This song lives up to the modern-art-masterpiece title, instilling æsthetic appreciation mixed with a nagging, insatiable desire to understand and classify. The beat begins as a clip-clopping 3/4 march, then progresses to a cymbal-heavy polyrhythmic rock beat; meanwhile, interludes of floating harmonies are punctuated by what sound like sped-up vocals integrated with a violin section. And is that “Vietnam” he’s chanting?
Annuals, “Carry Around”
Jam-packed with high-pitched percussion, bleepy synths, and old-school video-game sound effects, this track is something Beck might have cooked up. And it’s worth paying attention to the lyrics: “I got lots of pills in my pocket/If you want some/I’d like to share with you and everyone you care about.”
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