Givers: In Light – Music Review

RIYL: Arcade Fire, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., Broken Social Scene

There must be something in the water in Lafayette, Louisiana, hometown of the eccentric indie-rock band GIVERS. Signed to current “It” label Glassnote Records (also home to Mumford and Sons), the band received a lot of praise for their 2011 debut CD ‘In Light’, which features a generous helping of up-tempo numbers infused with energetic Cajun and zydeco style beats.

There’s certainly a lot coming at you on “Up Up Up”, the opening track that was performed on Jimmy Fallon and featured in a FIFA soccer promo. At first listen, the tune sounds like something out of South where to buy cialis now Africa. Drumsticks clatter together with fervor, ska-style guitar abounds, and there’s something that sounds like a flute.  Add repetitive lyrics (Oh, we up up up for the good show/ Yeah we down down here on the ground) and you wouldn’t be the only one wondering how this track made it to Glee.

It’s hard to know what to compare GIVERS to. There are a variety of genres being explored here, and in the process it seems an entirely new one is created. With songs that consistently progress through 4-5 different rhythm structures and feature jubilant shouting vocals, Broken Social Scene is one of the few bands that comes to mind.

While “Meantime” and “Saw You First” are just as frenetic and varied as the opener, thankfully the album mellows out in places. “Noche Nada” is significantly slower and uses tender handclaps and cymbal rolls to create a more atmospheric ambiance. “Go Out All Night” starts minimalist with gentle guitar picking and male-female crooning before building into a satisfying folk-rock crescendo.

While many artists wind things down with their final track, its no surprise that GIVERS gives us “Words”, a propulsive anthem that’s distinct at times but feels too frequently like musical pandemonium. There’s definitely some substance to the material on ‘In Light’, but too often it flirts with sensory overload. It’s probably good workout music to get you pumped up and motivated, but too much of it just might drive you crazy.

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For More Information Visit:
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http://www.giversmusic.com
http://www.glassnotemusic.com

Author: Gabe Vigh

Gabe is a Cambridge, MA based writer, photographer and artist. He is a big fan of recycling, Bob's Burgers, and a bit of a weather buff.