REVIEW: Temporary - EP//Light Years: This is What Growing Up Sounds Like

4/5 stars

Wave to Watch: Late at Night

Genre: pop-punk

Goes great with: Real Friends, Neck Deep, Knuckle Puck, The Wonder Years

For years, pop-punk has been the voice of those kids who aren't really sure where they fit in or where they're going. But for Cleveland's own Light Years, they know exactly where they belong but not so much how to get there. It seems that the quartet, composed of vocalist/guitarist Pat Kennedy, guitarist Andrew Foerst, bassist Tommy Englert, and drummer Kent Sliney, are stuck in the limbo of their twenties, where they aren't allowed in the stands at high school football games anymore, but adults still refuse to take them seriously. In that, they are now a voice for the kids at Northeast Ohio punk shows, whose cars will take a good fifteen minutes to warm up on the ride home. But Light Years' shadow is beginning to be cast further.

On their EP, Temporary (Animal Style Records), released back in September of this year, the four-piece offers a simple sentiment: This will all be over soon, and I'll find the place where I belong. Kennedy says it himself on the final track, "I know where I belong/but how do I get there," because the mind always knows before the body.

The EP opens with "My Whole Life," and already Kennedy knows he is out of time and that he let his "whole life pass him by", but thinking of the past keeps him from "fading away". Yet, anyone could still find themselves bobbing their head to this track while stopped at a red light. It doesn't take a serious drum enthusiast to realize that Sliney has the chops to be a great; he drives this song.

What Light Years does well, in addition, are their slick guitar riffs that open each song and create an even slicker moment. "Fall Apart" is carried through on their musicality, even though the lyrics are broken and Kennedy is again defeated. This time, however, he offers well wishes to someone, even though he realizes that "it isn't easy/Not like it ever really was." "Fall Apart" captures the idea that all we will ever be doing is running out of time.

The title track is the most driven song of the album, and even though the chorus may offer a little bit of pop-punk awkwardness, it is completely earnest. "Temporary" gives hope to the first two tracks, churning the thought that "Everything is temporary." Taken a different way, the song can be suggesting that the good things are temporary, and cold winters will stay the night forever. Perhaps, for Light Years, this duality is a statement.

The strongest point of the EP falls within the seamless "Late at Night", which could be taken as someone's angry anthem at 4 in the morning. With its Damned If I Do You... (All Time Low) reminiscent drums, this song is much much darker, suggesting a tortured night of wishing death upon himself, while still managing to hate someone else a little bit more ["I hate the person you are/I fucking hate the person you are"].

The final track, "Wandering", opens with "This life is slowly killing me/But I don't need your sympathy", seizing the idea that a kid in their 20s will never admit they are wrong or struggling or broken. Kennedy sounds sick of life, yet he still says that "I never wanted to leave". 

 Temporary is something almost anyone can relate to, whether or not you're a broke kid with a few messed-up thoughts. To Light Years, the past is still as relevant as the future. These four may not have their lives figured out quite yet, but their sound is solid and sincere; they are taking notes from pop-punk acts before them, but not too many notes. Light Years is headed for the top, but they still might be asking themselves, "How do I get there?"

//Angelia//

REVIEW: FOUR//One Direction: Bye, Bye, Boy Band

4.5/5 stars

Waves to watch: Clouds, Night Changes, Stockholm Syndrome

Genre: Pop/Rock

Goes great with: Coldplay, Little Mix, 5 Seconds of Summer, any of your favorite 80's artists

One struggle many young artists face is the awkward transition from “I’m a teen pop star” to “I want to be taken seriously”. Either because they try too hard and miss the mark completely or because they fall off the face of the earth before they get the chance, most of these artists end up becoming nothing more than memories. If anyone thought that One Direction’s new album was going to be their demise, they are sorely mistaken.

The lads are at it again, this time with their appropriately titled fourth album FOUR (Columbia/Syco), released on November 17th. This new album is a major and confident leap in the direction this group seems that they want to take towards the sound they want (which at this point is still a little all over the place, but that’s okay.) That being said, this is One Direction’s most complete and coherent album yet. Similar to their last album Midnight Memories, these guys are really trying to find a style that fits how they want to be perceived as artists. You can hear the influences from classic rock and hair metal (God bless the 80’s), alternative, and folk music in every song. Also like Midnight Memories, the guys themselves played a much greater role in the songwriting department- especially Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne, who wrote 8 of the album’s 12 tracks (10 tracks if we’re talking deluxe edition).

It should also be noted that these guys had a number of other artists wanting to get in on FOUR. Fellow Englishman and friend of the group Ed Sheeran wrote a love song for the album titled “18” and acts like Kodaline, The 1975, McFly, and Good Charlotte, as well as singer John Legend and producer Naughty Boy all reportedly played a role in the albums production. With all this extra talent, it’s no wonder One Direction’s own described this album as “a little bit more edgy”.

Our first taste of FOUR came with the release of “Fireproof”, a track reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac’s “Gypsy” with its buttery vocals and mellow rhythm. It was a great and exciting start to the new album. My hopes were high. But then “Steal My Girl” was released. Don’t get me wrong, I love this song, but their first single reminded me of Midnight Memories’ “Best Song Ever” in that it’s arguably the most pop sounding song on the album. The piano repetitions reminded me of Journey’s classic “Faithfully”, their voices have matured, and the lyrics are perfect for car jamming, but it’s clear the One Direction team is still desperately trying to hold onto their teen pop image.

The rest of FOUR is perfectly all over the place, building on genres and artists that the lads like and hopefully will continue to pursue. “Girl Almighty” reminded me of the alternative gods Vampire Weekend, “Change Your Ticket” could’ve mistook me for “Girls” by The 1975, and “Act My Age” was clearly an homage to Niall Horan’s Irish roots and sounded like a lighter version of Flogging Molly. And that’s just the beginning.

The guys said it themselves- this album is edgy. “Stockholm Syndrome” (reminiscent of Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants To Rule The World”) is potentially the most provocative song off FOUR, with lyrics like “Baby look what you've done to me / Baby you got me tied down / Baby I'll never leave if you keep holding me this way” and “Who's that shadow holding me hostage I've been here for days”. “No Control” is electric and upbeat, with lyrics suggestive of a couple’s defining night together, and has Louis Tomlinson proclaiming “Waking up, beside you I'm a loaded gun / I can't contain this anymore / I'm all yours, I've got no control, no control”. These guys aren’t running from the fact that they’ve matured; they’re embracing it head on.

Even though it’s impossible to pick a favorite, I can say that “Clouds”, “Where Do Broken Hearts Go”, “Fool’s Gold” and “Night Changes” come close to topping the list. “Clouds” is a high energy, shouting sing along that gets me pumped at every “Here we go again!”. “Night Changes” makes me swoon thinking of moonlit evenings with its silky vocals and smooth rhythms. “Where Do Broken Hearts Go” has lyrics that beg a response and is made to rock stadiums. “Fool’s Gold” has acoustic qualities and harmonies that make me melt and lyrics that make me empathize. My only question is, whose fool’s gold were they falling for?

Overall, the lads of One Direction nailed it. They’ve done something many groups of their nature have never done- release a fourth album. They’re coming into their own sound and style aside from the teeny bopper pop image they’ve been so closely linked to since their beginnings. Contractually, these guys have one more album together. What happens after that is all in limbo. Regardless of what happens, however, I can confidently say that these guys have a future and it’s looking good.

xx. Sheridan

courtesy onedirectionmusic.com

My Dad, Jimi Hendrix

Honoring James Marshall Hendrix, one of the greatest guitarists in all of history

November 27, 1942 - September 18, 1970

photos courtesy rolling stone, Jim Marshall, and the red list

It feels like almost every time I introduce myself, someone brings up the fact that my last name is Hendrix, usually something along the lines of, "Oh my god, your last name is Hendrix? Like Jimi Hendrix?" And my response is always, "Yeah, he's my dad."

I'm not lying when I say it either. My dad was born James Hendrix, just like the legend, only my dad was born 16 years after Jimi. My grandparents really didn't realize at the time the weight of the decision they'd just made (their intentions were on naming their newborn baby after the brother of Jesus.) Regardless, the name stuck, Jimi rose to fame, and the name game has been passed down to me and my brothers. 

I've always felt a sense of loyalty to Jimi, considering that he's essentially family. I've had countless Jimi Hendrix tee shirts over the years and I treasure my Experience vinyl. It's a great conversation starter, too ("Oh, you like Purple Haze? Yeah, that's my dad.")

Listening to anything by artists who have since died is always a wonderful and weird experience- simultaneously nostalgic and eerie. It's strange to think what could've been. Especially in the case of Jimi, how much more music could he have made? How many more artists could he have inspired? How many more years could he have had? It's all speculation, of course, but it leaves a hole in my heart to think of it. 

Here's to Jimi Hendrix, one of the most influential and talented musicians of all time. Happy 72nd Birthday. Rest easy.

// Castles Made of Sand //

xx. Sheridan

MIXTAPE MONDAY: Man Killer

man killer
for the badass girls of the world//
because we truly run the world//

+listen

chelsea dagger by the fratellis // arabella by arctic monkeys // bang bang bang by selena gomez // my medicine by the pretty reckless // that girl by all time low // she way out by the 1975 // billie jean by michael jackson // don't stop by 5 seconds of summer // better than revenge by taylor swift // miss jackson by panic! at the disco

//Angelia//

Tonight, You're Perfect: A Night with New Politics

Being from Cleveland, the likes of House of Blues, Grog Shop, and Agora are my venues of choice. But finally, after two months of residing in Columbus, I finally took my first trip to the lovely Newport Music Hall for the New Politics show (with Bad Suns and SomeKindaWonderful). 

As soon as I stepped foot onto floor and took in my surroundings this past Friday night, I was taken back by the chipping beauty of the interior. It is grand and dark and dirty, but that is exactly how I like my venues. It is the perfect place to forget about everything and enjoy art in its rawest form. 

The first opener was SomeKindaWonderful, who happen to have found their voice (and home) in Cleveland. I had heard of them through the scene up there, but I had never taken a listen. And I am kicking myself for waiting so late. They are a strange crew of genre-bending musicians, each bringing their own sound and voice to the group. Vocalist Jordy Towers brings a brash electricity on stage, bouncing around but then getting closer to the crowd for the Vaudevillian "Devilish Man", in which guitarist Matt Gibson flaunts around stage with a 6-string. Their song "Reverse" is written in exactly the way the title implies: the story is told backwards. And that is something truly special. The shining star of this five-piece, however, is percussionist/vocalist Sarah Dryer, a Columbus native. Her moves are calculated, yet flawless. Her style is off-center, but it works. It all works. This band is going somewhere.

Up next, were Bad Suns, hailing from indulgent and arid Los Angeles. They are an eclectic rock band who can both move and make the crowd move. The band glided through their album, Language & Perception (Vagrant Records). Lead vocalist Christo Bowman is a suave crooner, possibly the closest thing this generation will get to Jim Morrison. Perhaps the most special thing was that I overheard many in the crowd say that they were here only for Bad Suns, and it is always beautiful when an opening band garners that strong a fanbase at a show. Their three strong points were "We Move Like the Ocean", "Cardiac Arrest", and the final song, "Salt", all in which their sound really echoed off the balcony and the 1920s movie theatre architecture. It looks as if Bad Suns can only continue to rise and become a mainstay in current alternative rock.

The main attraction, New Politics, came out to pulsing lights and sounds and into "Tonight, You're Perfect". The crowd wasted no time in screaming back the lyrics, setting the tone for the rest of the night. I have been to plenty of concerts in Ohio, and I know that we always bring the noise and 

passion. The band's faces read clearly that this crowd was louder than most. Throughout the set, vocalist David Boyd would take a breather by dancing, naturally, while American drummer Louis Vecchio pounded away on his kit. With a break dancing background, Boyd can slide and roll his way through any pause or lyric, something many lead singers cannot even dream of doing.

With a setlist littered with debut album favorites ("Yeah Yeah Yeah" and "Give Me Hope", sophomore album hits ("Goodbye, Copenhagen" and "Stuck on You", performed by guitarist/vocalist Søren Hansen), a Beastie Boys cover, and a hint at their upcoming 2015 album paying homage to their Scandinavian roots, Vikings (DCD2 Records), they gave no chance to any audience member to yawn. At one point, Boyd, dressed for part of the night in a Columbus Crew jersey, attempted the traditional "OH-IO" chant, commenting, "I love that you guys do that." He also took a minute to give a dramatic, inspiring monologue, telling the crowd that anything can be a dream and anything can become a reality. As the encore neared and their newest single "Everywhere I Go (Kings & Queens)" roared and abused, he shed his shirt and climbed onto the speakers, making him eye-level with the crowd in the balcony.  At that point, New Politics was running the world. 

When the three-piece returned for their two-song encore. the crowd turned on their phone flashlights (with the help of a few vintage lighters) to sway their way through "Fall Into These Arms", and it was obvious that the band was dripping with emotion, smiling at each other and taking the moment in. "Harlem", the raucous, quintessential dance-punk song had the honor of being the final song of the night, as the crowd jumped high and screamed loud. It is in those moments that music is the only thing that matters, along with the opportunity to share it with other people that just "get it". They took a bow and the show was over, but the room was still electric long after they left the stage. 

New Politics knows how to put on a show and make the pit seem like a strobe-light-driven dance floor. You can expect 2015 to be their year, with a third album set for release, along with another probable headlining tour to support it. As their fanbase grows and their music gets louder and they dance a little faster, this band is going to be able to connect with a hell of a lot more music lovers in the near future. Expect big, big things.

//Angelia//

MIXTAPE MONDAY: long live 2009

long live 2009
throwback back to the eighth grade
*insert cringing sound here*

+listen

single ladies by beyoncé // boom boom pow by the black eyed peas // don't trust me by 3oh!3 // right round by flo rida feat. ke$ha // blame it [on the alcohol] by jamie foxx feat. t pain // you belong with me by taylor swift // whatcha say by jason derulo // i'm yours by jason mraz // hot 'n cold by katy perry // kiss me thru the phone by soulja boy // poker face by lady gaga // party in the usa by miley cyrus // fireflies by owl city // turn my swag on by soulja boy // love story by taylor swift // i gotta feeling by the black eyed peas

xx. Sheridan

Dreaming My Life Away

November 6, 2014 // A&R Music Bar in Columbus, Ohio

One of my favorite things is getting to see an artist evolve. Getting to witness an act move from an opener to a headliner tour is such an awesome thing. This year I've been fortunate enough to see that happen with James Keogh, better know by his stage name Vance Joy. From opening for Young The Giant, to playing the This Tent at Bonnaroo, to finally headlining his own tour, Vance Joy is clearly making his way.

Keogh opened with one of my favorite songs off his EP God Loves You When You're Dancing, "Emmylou", directly followed by one of my favorite songs off his debut album Dream Your Life Away, "Red Eye". Good start thus far. At this point, he pulled out the ukulele to perform "Play With Fire". I started learning how to play the ukulele right around the time that I discovered Vance Joy, so I love me some ukulele.

Vance Joy's setlist had the perfect mix of ballads, like "Georgia" and "Best That I Can", and folky upbeat songs, like "Who Am I" and "Mess Is Mine". With falsettos to make all women and men alike swoon and the kind of genuine quality to his songs that people crave, this man is a perfect performer package. (I went to this concert with my mom- one of my best concert companions- and we were both feeling some kind of way by the end.)

While I've never performed live, I'm sure there are few greater feelings than taking a step back from the mic and hearing the audience sing your song without you. During "Riptide", you could see the satisfaction on his face to hear the crowd doing just that.

I would've gladly sat and listened to Vance Joy sing a grocery list for another hour, but unfortunately the show had to come to an end. I think it's safe to say that Vance Joy's career will only continue to grow over the next few years. I fully expect him to keep cranking out chart toppers in the near future. Most recently he announced that he will be opening for Taylor Swift on her world tour next year. Consider me stoked.

xx. Sheridan

MIXTAPE MONDAY: flying & trying

flying & trying
for when you just need to dance and feel a little bit invincible

+listen

pompeii by bastille // i wanna get better by bleachers // for baltimore by all time low // come on eileen by dexys midnight runners // mardy bum by arctic monkeys // holy ground by taylor swift // bulletproof heart by my chemical romance // shut up and dance by walk the moon // something i need by onerepublic // bad side of 25 by patrick stump // everywhere i go (kings and queens) by new politics // sex by the 1975 // ain't no way we're goin' home by r5 // guns for hands by twenty one pilots 

//Angelia//

MIXTAPE MONDAY: shut up and drive

shut up and drive
give her highways and by-ways and don't get stuck in her head

+listen

robbers by the 1975 // lazy eye by silversun pickups // icarus by bastille // brothers on a hotel bed by death cab for cutie // flowers in your hair  the lumineers // red eye by vance joy // ghost in my life by wolf gang // talk! by the 1975 // overjoyed by bastille // the girl by city and colour // hero by family of the year // riptide by vance joy // girls by the 1975 // stubborn love by the lumineers // killing kind by wolf gang 

xx. Sheridan