“Heads Up” by Warpaint

Released: Sept. 23

Genre: Indie

Grade: C-

Female indie rockers Warpaint blend their different and unique vocals to create slow rock melodies similar to The Xx. The band layers their vocals into different harmonic rounds in order to create their unique sound. “Whiteout” displays this unique blend that offers a different variety of tones and sounds throughout the song. Compared to “Whiteout,” “Don’t Let Go” is a total let down. The song features monotone vocals,  drudging bass lines and drums that could put you to sleep. Unfortunately,  “Whiteout” may be the only redeeming song on the album, as songs like “So Good” are also boring tunes that leave me continuously wanting to skip the rest of the song. The chorus in “So Good” is whiny and child-like, which is the main reason for my disdain toward this song. “Today Dear” steps it back up as they strip down the excess instrumentals and instead pair the raspy vocals of singer Emily Kokal with an acoustic guitar and just the occasional flourish. Warping has the potential to keep their music unique and creative, but also break it down into quality music that will truly leave listeners wanting more. If the band was able to create this pairing of techniques and sounds, they will sound less like an 80s montage and more like a hip indie band that will be booked at festivals like Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo. 

Download: “Whiteout” 

“Ape in Pink Marble” by Devendra Banhart

Released: Sept. 23

Genre: Indie

Grade: B

Last week, I thought Trentemoller was the oddest band I had ever come across. I was wrong though — Devendra Banhart tops them. The album title “Ape in Pink Marble” originally drew me in and the song “Saturday Night” made me stay. The song makes me want to take a nap, but not necessarily in a bad way. The quiet singing and low drum beat paired with electronic dream-like chimes is relaxing in a strange way. “Fancy Man” changes the pace from dreamy to dancey with the jumping electronics and punchy guitar riffs. Unlike a majority of indie bands, I’m unable to compare Devendra Banhart to any other group because their sound is so eclectic.  Although I don’t like every song on the album, like “Fig in Leather” (because the talking part is too weird), I can appreciate how this band has gone the extra mile to be creative in their music.

Download: “Saturday Night”