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Your Gateway to Music and More from a Christian Perspective Slow down as you approach the gate, and have your change ready.... |
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Your Gateway to Music and More from a Christian Perspective Slow down as you approach the gate, and have your change ready.... |
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Cloud may not be comfortable being the frontman, but the EP has four incredible examples of why he should feel comfortable. I knew Cloud had low, subtle vocals from previous releases (The Eastwood Dive, compilations) that were comparable to Jason Martin's, but on Monkey Hearts he finds a lush, shy voice. The beginning track, "Before You Were Everyones", is a prime example of Cloud's vocals over an early 80's-ish bass line and the sliding guitar notes. Much different from the more garage-based sound of The Eastwood Dive, the opening track is similar to the "Standing On the Beach" singles, but also with a nearly 60's surf tune, as Martin's influence comes to bear. However, "Pockets of Pearls" is done acoustically and resembles the past EP more than the other 5 tracks. "All the Headaches..." could be a stripped down Starflyer song, with spacey keys flowing next to the reverbed guitar and Cloud's subdued vocals. It shouldn't be too surprising, considering you're listening to 2/3 of Starflyer anyway. Cloud himself calls Pony Express "another one of those incestuous bands from California," comprised of members of about five other bands. "Once Again, In Cold Blood" is another beautiful melody reminiscent of the Velvet Underground, with a synth played over muted acoustic riffs and electronic drum beats that come in from out of left field. Monkey Hearts is better produced than Pony Express's previous work and the songs have headed in the direction of melodic 80's pop songs, which Cloud completes with his vocals. And if this weren't enough, look for Pedro the Monkey, a 7" by Pony Express that will be released soon. Nolan Shigley 10/7/2000
This new EP by Pony Express exemplifies everything that Velvet Blue Music is, and is a much needed shot in the arm for the Christian music scene. J. Cloud (Starflyer, Joy Electric), J. Martin (Starflyer), and D. Mitchell go for the lo-fi on "Monkey Hearts". The overall sound of Pony Express lies somewhere in the realm of early 90's Guided By Voices, with a touch of Starflyer 59 (but only if they were doing covers of Sentridoh's home recordings). Seriously this album is as indie sounding as one can get. Making this to be an EP saves the album. Had this been a full length, it would've worn itself. But like Stanley Kubrick does in movies, Pony Express does in music. They both are able to package up the abnormal in such a way that attracts the masses, and in 6 songs or less. The opening track "Before You Were Everyone's" is a great song, and by far the most accessible one on the album. The loops, and dark bass line, coupled with breathy heavy vocals send us to the 80's. And "Pockets of Pearls" is a shoe gazing guitar track that would make Mazzy Star cry. The rest of album is disheveled, unstructured, and dark. Monkey Hearts could be on the Natural Born Killers soundtrack and nobody would know the difference. It's totally a break from the other bands they play with, and it's a side of their artistry that is worth displaying. Definitely not for the mainstream fans but for those with a taste for DIY, lo-fi, or pure rock it's worth hitting up. Maybe if this album sells like crazy, Jeff Cloud will be able to take Velvet Blue Music up a notch (look at the packaging/CD/buttons and you'll see what I mean) Justin W. Jones 11/5/2000
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