Codeine Velvet Club
“Codeine Velvet Club”
By Matt Jannetti
WTSR Music Director
There are only a few words that can describe this album: amazing, almost flawless and near-perfect are among them.
Jon Lawler (of The Fratellis) and Lou Hickey are the Codeine Velvet Club. The two decided to create a homage to the duets of the '50s and '60s. They successfully created an album that melds the styles of modern rock, jazz and swing. The album invokes the smooth feeling of a 1920s speakeasy or a club singer from the 1950s. It is a refreshing break from the types of music that are overdone today. Lou Hickey may have the best voice on any indie record and could probably compete with some of the best singers out there today.
Codeine Velvet Club has taken a genre of music and made it their own. There is no question that this is one of the best albums of the year so far, and it bodes well for the months to come. This is something that should be in any music lover’s library.
Key Tracks: "Vanity Kills" and "The Black Roses"
The Boxer Rebellion
“Union”
By Caitlyn Preciado
WTSR Assistant Music Director
What do you get when you combine an American, Australian, and two Brits? You get The Boxer Rebellion, of course! Composed of singer Nathan Nicholson, guitarist Todd Howe, bassist Adam Harrison and drummer Piers Hewitt, they all crossed paths in 2001 in London. Since then, they have had their fair share of ups and downs. After releasing their first EP, they were ready to take the world by storm, opening for bands like The Killers and The Raveonettes. However, Nicholson’s appendix burst, resulting in a cease in touring and the collapse of their record label two weeks after releasing their full-length debut, resulting in a cease of, well, records.
Suffice it to say, their second album was a long time coming. All of the band members pulled together, raised the necessary funds and self-released “Union.” This time around, their dedication, hard work and sincerity are palpable in each song. The 12 songs form one incredibly cohesive album that can be pleasantly played straight through. Fans of Silversun Pickups, Muse or Radiohead will definitely want to check out The Boxer Rebellion.
Key Tracks: “Spitting Fire” and “Evacuate”
