Insight & Critique
  • DAC
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact

A Lot Like Us - ​Hallow

12/22/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
A Lot Like Us

​Hallow
self-released; 2015

3.4 out of 5

By Ted Rogen
​
Alex Matkovic  (guitar/vocals/synth/lyrics/production) and Janelle Trieu (vocals/piano/guitar/lyrics) are the two members that make up A Lot Like Us. Matkovic lives in Chicago and Trieu resides in Salt Lake City. They collaborate through video chatting and file sharing service. Hallow is their first release which happens to be written specifically for Halloween.

I have to say it seemed odd to me that their debut was a concept album that may have veered towards a niche sound that may differ from their other material. All I am saying is if an artist comes out with a Christmas album they usually do it well into their career after they have established a sound for themselves. 

The songs fall under the umbrella of rock/pop. They also have a bit of that Halloween vibe. Take for instance the first song “Everything Is Dead!” It revolves around guitar, bass and drums but the instrument that gives it that Halloween feel is the organ. The song is straightforward and simple and Trieu delivers a solid vocal performance. She sings, “Walking the streets in the middle of the night / Pulled out his phone just to find a ride / To his surprise his battery ran dry / At the worst time, his phone had died.” 

The juxtaposition between the singing style and lyrics is funny to say the least on “Carve Your Heart Out.” She sings, “You were gone / Now you’re everywhere / I can’t escape / Overwhelmed / By the sight of you / The way you taste / But I Just want to carve your heart out / Open up / Let me take your pain away.” Trieu delivers another solid performance on this track. Next up is the short “Organ Thieves” which at just over a minute could have been extended.

The fourth and final track is  “Nothing Can Save You.” Truth be told Matkovic isn’t as good a singer as Trieu is but he does hold his own. Out of the four songs this one has the most overt Halloween vibe due to the manipulated vocals. He sings, “I sit inside this ancient tomb / Plotting my vengeance on anyone who/  Dares to disturb me / You've probably heard of me / You should've known not to come here alone.”

Overall, the songs are well written and decently produced. I wonder what's next for the band? A Thanksgiving themed EP?
youtube
bandcamp
Tweet
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

       Critique/insight

    We are dedicated to informing the public about the different types of independent  music that is available for your listening pleasure as well as giving the artist a professional critique from a seasoned music geek. We critique a wide variety of niche genres like experimental, IDM, electronic, ambient, shoegaze and much more.

    Tweets by divideanconqer
    Are you one of our faithful visitors who enjoys our website? Like us on Facebook


    Archives

    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012

Company

About
Contributors

Newsletter

Newsletter
Book Your Band

© Divide and Conquer 2021. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • DAC
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact