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

Backward Collective - Cimarron Plaza

9/9/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
Backward Collective

Cimarron Plaza
self-released; 2014

3.8 out of 5

By Ted Rogen
Jason Presley and Adam Headrick have a bit of a history together. Both of them were born in Stillwater, OK in July of 1972, picked up the guitar in high school and started a band. In 1997 they both moved to New York and founded a group called Prankster that had success and performed from 2001 to 2008. Their latest project is called Backward Collective and they have just released their third album called Cimarron Plaza.

The songs on Cimarron Plaza are hazy, dreamlike soundscapes that all contain well-written songs that fans of bands like Pink Floyd, Mazzy Star and Tom Waits will appreciate. Throughout the album the songs feels spacious with the emphasis on atmosphere. There is a decent amount of percussion implemented here and there but it often lays slightly below the surface to support the guitars, synths, organ, etc.

The album starts with one of the most rhythmically heavy songs on the album entitled “Apricot Lincoln,” which relies on electronic drums and a bass line to carry the energy. Piano and guitar melodies overlap creating a unique vibration of frequencies, which feel distinct from the bass and drums. “No, Don't Say So” is more indicative of what you can expect throughout the album. It’s a mood-driven atmospheric psychedelic with a crooning vocal performance.

“Writer's Block Blues” is the first track you notice Pink Floyd’s influence as the vocal melody and guitar riff sound like it could be a B-side from The Wall. I absolutely loved the ideas and lyrics on “Cell Phone Addiction.”  It is a completely relevant tune that also has a bit of humor. Some the lyrics of note are “blank stares at the screen a thousand miles in between no thoughts of things to do no living left for you take the pill and pull it out play the game lose the doubts.” It was also cool not contrived how they placed little snippets of sound bites that sounded similar to noises your cell phone would make.

The band pulls off a number of other tunes you won't want to miss including “In Polite Company” and “White Flags.” Overall the album is a success.  There were times I felt the fluidity could have been better and I also thought around the tenth song that a complete sit through of the album was testing my patience but these minor issues were easy to look past. Cimarron Plaza contains original material that blends experimental atmosphere with accessible songs that were a treat to listen to. 
youtube
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

    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 2019. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • DAC
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact