|
By Chris Clark
Debut albums can be tricky. The daunting task lies in making a cohesive recording that can set itself apart from all that came before. There will always be the influences of other artists, but do those influences shine too brightly? If this rather virgin collection of studio tracks can stimulate fresh ground while being familiar enough to capture some recognizable ears, the album may just be a success.
Future Rock, one of the live electronic world's freshest faces, arrives with their debut studio effort, Sugar Coated Bullets. This Chicago-based dance-rock trio has been on the scene for only two years but has quickly proven itself as a worthy live show. But the studio setting isn't a live show.
Sugar Coated Bullets' commencement immediately delves into one of the most poignant sticking points of the album featuring post-production glitches, distortions and futuristic technological. But when is it too much? "Airplane Traintracks" features an overwhelming amount of excessive looping and samples. While there's definitely room for such wizardry, they in effect took away from the music being played in the background. "Cosmos" offers a more welcome sound. Down-tempo drums assist in delivering a more melodious, Radiohead-like sound as atmospheric, swirling vintage keyboards and synthesizers soar. One of the most shining moments on Sugar Coated Bullets comes in "Manager's Special CD," an up-tempo foray into groove-laden, electro bliss. Here, slick drums rise with deep, pulsating bass lines and a slew of keyboard revelry.
For a debut album, Future Rock delivered a cohesive, though sometimes choppy effort. There's ample room for improvement, but then again, they've only been a band for two years. Future Rock will be around in the future.
JamBase | San Francisco
Go See Live Music!
| 
