Oh, Sleeper - Children of Fire

 - San Diego, California - Oh, Sleeper’s forte is its thematic concepts; the band uses the song/album model to tell immersive stories, switching perspectives from track to track to comprehensively investigate a central idea or question. With the 2011 release Children of Fire, Oh, Sleeper’s musical sensibilities and thematic aspirations run in near-perfect sync, resulting in one of the most impressive executions of the metal concept album that I have heard to date. The combination of melodic and dissonant complexity and rhythmic innovation with vocal and instrumental variation create an experience that hooks the listener from start to finish.

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The Devil Wears Prada - With Roots Above and Branches Below

 - San Diego, California - In 2009, I picked up a physical copy of The Devil Wears Prada's With Roots Above and Branches Below due to a good friend's recommendation of the band. At that time, I gave the album one or two listens before putting it down because I found its relentless sonic energy somewhat annoying. In picking metal albums to review, I decided to give it a refreshed and more critical listen, in part due to the album's commercial success. While I can appreciate the dexterity and ferocity exhibited in this album, the lack of variation in tone and intensity in the album makes it a very homogenous production that does not give the listener any time to breathe.

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Music In The New Millennium: A Model For The Digital Age

- San Francisco, California - Music is a deeply ingrained part of modern American culture.  Americans encounter music in television shows, movies, and even supermarkets.  Regardless of the state of the economy and regardless of the state of the nation, music seems to always exist.  Music is the canvas upon which we paint ourselves with better brushes than those we own; we hum melodies we did not concoct and sing enigmatic stanzas we did not invent.  In this sense, musical talent is irrelevant in our connection with music.  By expressing previously inexpressible thoughts and emotions, music becomes a deeply-ingrained part of all of us.

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