Old Soul

Kaputt - Destroyer

Destroyer's ninth studio album is a blast from the past as it seems to jump straight from the 1980's Jazz scene and into 2011. Having said that, the album never sounds dated or out of place. I have to point out that some of the lyrics can be confusing and obscure and are often drowned out or near inaudible but that is due more to the singing style rather than the loudness of the instruments. Speaking of, the instrumental aspect of "Kaputt" is simply magnificent, "Bay Of Pigs" does a great job of showcasing many of the variations common to the Jazz genre and more specific to this band. "Chinatown" is an instant classic: the cool vibe, the pitch perfect vocals, and a run-time that's just right. Destroyer is relatively new band to me even though they have been making music since '96; my first impression of them was overwhelmingly positive as I found very little wrong with the overall package except that "Bay Of Pigs" and "Suicide Demo For Kara Walker" ran a little too long and can't be fully appreciated. If you're looking to get lost in some smooth trumpets and dreamy vocals, this was made for you.

Xero & The Boombox Theorists

Galactic Fruit

Fruit - The Asteroids Galaxy Tour

All the way from Denmark, The Asteroids' first album is really out of this world. "Different" is a word that can very well define the majority of the tracks featured in this album. Mette's vocals have a rather rare tone to them that does a great job of complimenting the jazzy instrumentals and make for a unique overall sound. These songs take some getting used to because of their strange sound and unusual vocals and more than one track need a few listens before really enjoying it. "Around The Bend" would be the most recognizable since it was used in the iPod touch commercials when it was released, but it holds it's own regardless. "The Sun Ain't Shining No More" is a little more tamed than the rest of the tracks yet is a memorable addition to my playlist. "Sunshine Coolin'" is more Indie-Pop than Jazz/Alternative even though it manages to stay true to the formula and takes full advantage of Mette's fantastic voice. "Hero" is a laid back type of track with some great trumpets and a somewhat Jazz club ambiance about it. All in all, if you're open to hearing something new and different, give this album a chance and you might be pleasantly surprised.

Xero & The Boombox Theory