Why?
Alopecia
2008
I remember partway through '08 I was on the phone with Sir Carr babbling and complaining that I was finding myself without many 2008 albums that were truly resonating with me. Within a manner of hours I had stumbled upon "Alopecia". This is a record of the nether-worlds, bringing to light those 3 a.m. moments of bewildered transcendence with Yoni Wolf sounding like the book-thumping crazy on the street.
"If I remain lost and die on a cross / at least I wasn't born in a manger / I can sense somewhere right now I'm being prayed for / seems like I always arrive on the same shore". Even with such a lyrical heaviness, the music here is what especially shines. A subtle merging of beat-oriented electronic flourishes alongside a plethora of atypical beat-making acoustic instruments. The sound here has a plodding seriousness only aiding the gravitas of the half-baked rhymes. The best fusion of rap and rock since, well, uh nü-metal? This record won't let me think straight. -S.R.
This band is truly groundbreaking. As I listen to this record I am floored by the group’s versatility. From track to track, they sound like anything from The Decemberists to The Streets to The Shins to Atmosphere. And I hate to say this but I think this band’s lyrics are more interesting than all of those talented artists. The imagery the lead singer uses is so stark that it would actually be difficult to hear this record in the background and not be distracted by its lyrics. Mainstream music needs this band to break through to push the industry forward! - Phil
Hey, what do you guys think of those comparisons I made to other artists? I literally just wrote whichever bands came to my head while I was listening to them, no really specific examples.
ReplyDeleteAlopecia is arguably Why?'s best album in my opinion, and all of their other stuff is pretty impressive too. Phil, I especially can see the connections to Atmosphere and The Streets, especially when it comes to melodies and similar styles. I don't think I really agree with The Shins, but then again I really can't stand The Shins.
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