Search - Aloha :: Sugar

An Excellent/Warm Post Emo Cd

mikebea | Edina, MN United States | 06/21/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I don't know how to exactly describe this cd but it is truly one of the best cds I have purchased this year. I have Aloha's last cd, "That's your fire" which I feel is a very good cd that sounds a little disjointed at time because of the mixing of song speeds but for the most part, I really liked that cd. This cd is much warmer and more conventional - in a good way. Where the last cd had me skipping past sections of songs, this one has me listening to every note of every song. Tracks 2,3,4,7,9 are the standout but all of the others are great as well. The drummer plays amazingly complex rythems and the vibraphone blends better into the entire songs than it did on their previous cd. The vocals are strong as they always have been. I wish I could compare them to someone else; maybe the Sea and Cake's earlier music but it is more indie-rock emo-oriented post-punkish. Meaning, many college kids will probabaly find it comforting."

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Scott Heisel | Cleveland, OH | 12/21/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'll be damned if Polyvinyl didn't do it again. They seem to have this knack for signing amazing bands and putting out amazing records - Braid, Rainer Maria, American Football, Mates of State, and now Aloha.Now, I know Aloha has been around for a few years and they've put out a few releases on Polyvinyl, but this is the first one that really grabbed my attention, and it's obvious why. This band is making music no one else is right now. They incorporate the unique sound of a vibraphone into their instrumentation, which adds a dreamy effect to a lot of the album. Auxillary percussion such as conga drums are experimented with on the album as well, and make songs like "Let Your Head Hang Low" soar to new heights. Think of the Dismemberment Plan, only more hyperactive.Singer Tony's voice posesses an otherworldly falsetto, it seems, as he lets it swoop in and out of songs, adding it at just the right moments. Drummer Cale and vibraphonist Eric lock in with each other so much on the album that it's almost impossible to find a flaw. This group is very rhythm oriented, and it shows. Tracks like the driving "Balling Phase" wouldn't be the same without the vibes noodling over the repetitive guitar chord changes.This band has really stumbled onto something unique and original that actually works, a rarity in today's music scene. The vocals entrance, the rhythms hypotize, and the music stimulates your mind while moving your body. Say hello to Aloha."

One of the best cd's of 2002

julieann_ | pittsburgh, pa | 02/17/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"this album is excellent. i can't imagine aloha getting any better than this cd, but they already have surpassed any expectations i have had for indie bands in a long time. the vibraphone and conga drums add depth and originality to their songs and bass lines that have been compared to dismemberment plan give their songs a great jazzy feel. the songs have excellent compositions and blend together so well making the entire album just a great piece of ear candy (hahaha)
just to let you know, that if my life were a movie, i would choose this as my backdrop music. if anyone from aloha reads this review, i really want you to tour with tristeza or sea and cake. its a good idea trust me!"