Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Note For Note: Five Year Mission, The Madeira
Posted by Jon R. LaFollette @LaFilet on Tue, Feb 7, 2012 at 4:30 PM
This week's Note for Note features a Star Trek tribute band and some surf rock enthusiasts that share a knack for the thematic, as well as guitarist Patrick O'Connor.
Five Year Mission - Year Two
★★★½
This Indy-based collection of Star Trek aficionados is hell bent on giving each episode of the original series its own song. Year Two, a 17-track album that's as sprawling in length as the interstellar territory explored by Kirk and the gang, is a continuation in their assignment. While initial expectations of eight minute epics and weirdo sci-fi synth are understandable given the subject matter, this nerd-rock quintet are just as interested in pop-punk and surf guitar as they are in futuristic deep space exploration. "Arena" is as energetic and catchy as anything They Might Be Giants came up with, "The Squire of Gothos" pays homage to brand of mariachi punk Green Day dabbled in before finding politics, and top track "Space Seed's" easy going pop flair is so strong melodically you would think these kids have every Fountains of Wayne record memorized (along with the periodic table). Add a star to the rating if you know whatever the hell a Gorn is.
The Madeira - Tribal Fires
★★★
So what if using the word cinematic is a cliche? It perfectly describes this foursome birthed from the echoing reverb of Mr. Dick Dale himself. Think their brand of neo-surf is a gimmick? Try telling that to the pulsating confidence in the rhythm section, anchored by drummer Dane Carter, or the blistering guitar work of Ivan Pongracic - who peaks brilliantly on "Fire Sacrifice." These are real tunes with real attitude, real hooks, and real muscle that can wallop you as hard as any wipeout. Someone tell Quentin Tarantino I just found the soundtrack to his next film. He'll agree it's cinematic too.
Jon is also the founding editor of the pop culture blog PopTometry.
Comments (7)
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Hmmmm. Was there really an audible listen given to this remarkable unique masterpiece??? Stars are insignificant...it's all in the comments and observations. Although the boys have studied there Trek...I wouldn't go as far as pluralizing 'aficionado'. "Kirk and the gang?" Was that a pun on Kool And The Gang???
I really feel that this review was not only poorly written but possessed an extremely innacurate depiction of what talent, thought, creativity and hard work brings to the table under a sarcastic tone of far fetched comparisons:(
It was a sad reminder of reading reveiws of my past trials, tribulations and creative endeavors. Although, I will say you nailed the Madeira's effort (I'm ignoring the Quentin Tarantino likeness) Mr. Laugh-A-Lot...I would love to have your job!! Go and find out what a gorn is...
Pissed off and anonymous.
like
dislike
The Madeira website mentions a CD release show on March 2nd at The Melody Inn and I found samples of the new album at www.myspace.com/themadeira. Curious no mention of either in the review. Anyway, check them out!
As a representative of Five Year Mission, I'd like to ask "Pissed off and anonymous" to calm down. I thought it was a good review.....-Fark
Since both of my bands are featured in these reviews, I thought it important to respond to Pissed off and anonymous... These were both positive reviews, and the best thing about them is they show that the general public can enjoy these albums even though they're both focused on very specific genres/areas of interest. I'd rather be told I have a very good album by someone who's never heard of Star Trek before than told I have a great album by only people who are huge Trekkies. They were both good reviews, and I am very grateful to Jon and Nuvo for their coverage. -Patrick
Dear Pissed Off and Anonymous:
These reviews are scored out of five stars, which equates my Five Year Mission score to a 7/10. And since you claim the record to be a masterpiece, I'd say my prediction that anyone who knows what a Gorn is would grade the album to be a 9/10 was pretty dead on.
And how are my musical comparisons far fetched? Anyone who tells me this band doesn't sound like They Might Be Giants or Fountains of Wayne with bits of Green Day and Husker Du sprinkled in simply isn't listening with the proper ear. I never once said the music was bad - in fact I quite enjoyed it (just as much as I enjoy the bands I compared Five Year Mission's sound to).
And for your information, I do know what a Gorn is.
Jon - Thanks for the review!
PJ - I agree! It's nice to hear an opinion from someone who isn't nervous when they talk to us. LOL
Fark - I agree!
Pissed and Anonymous - Thanks for watching our backs, but I agree with Fark. This was not a bad review.
-Mike from 5YM
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