The Bluffer - Red Bluff, CA
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February 3, 2012 Arts and Entertainment 4 U.K. band impresses listeners with its own twist on indie genre Carson Dunbar Staff Writer "Noah and the Whale", a UK band that first hit the idie scene back in 2006, is getting a boost in popularity. Riding on the back of an up and coming documentary about the rise of the gay rights movement this small time band is getting a taste of the big time. The documentary released a commercial on Youtube with the band's music as the soundtrack. With millions of hits brought to the documentary due to its content an equal amount has been brought by the unique neo-symphonic sound that was set to the flick. Their album "The First Days of Spring", though not new to their fans, is new to the growing amount of Youtube frequents that have stumbled across it. The band combines folk based lyrics with symphony style sound. Their songs incorporate choir- like vocals with full orchestras all while managing to appeal to the ears http://fensepost.com of this era's listeners. Charlie Fink lead vocalist of the band contributes a unique appealing voice to their smooth sound without overwhelming their music with lyrics. In this way the band does their best to allow the melody to tell the story. For people new to the band I'd 'Oh Land's' new album resonates with all ages Alaina Rudnick Staff Writer Singer/songwriter "Oh Land" (Born Nanna Øland Fabricius) says of her musical inspiration, "What does it sound like? What does it smell like? What does it look like? How does it feel? I always ask myself these questions when I'm writing." The artist's second album, self titled "Oh Land", hit number 5 on the Danish charts, and 184 on the US Billboard top 200. The lead single of the album, "Sun of a Gun" combines a rock beat, synthesized sounds, and a catchy chorus. This mix of different styles fit together almost seemlessly, a common feature in the album, which includes melancholy, jazz singles such as "Lean" and "Wolf and I", upbeat pop like "White Nights" and more thoughtful, but still slightly rock, songs like "Human" and "Voodoo". The first song, "Perfection", starts with an airy, orchestra, fell with light vocals and what sounds like a harp, b e f o r e the heavy rock beat suddenly appears. " O h http://ecx.images-amazon.com L a n d " w a v e r s betwe en s o n g s that are fun, and easy to just listen to, and thought- provoking ones with lyrics that are almost cynical. "We Turn It Up" is almost too sweet, though "Helicopter" and "White Nights" seem to hit a better balance. The lyrics in "Human" sound almost like the track to a sci-fi film, and "Voodoo" says "It's Voodoo you do, there's needles everywhere". Though good, there are notes of others in "Oh Lands" album, which seems to be a mix between Florence and The Machine, Björk, La Roux, and even Lady Gaga, depending on the part of the album. Many songs on this album will appeal http://www.sweetslyrics.com recommend starting with their more trendy hit 5 Years Time and then move into their more orchestral pieces. The perfect segue into their newer sounds is their song The First Days of Spring. While Five Years Time grabs you with a catchy whistle melody their 2009 hit The First Days of Spring takes a little longer to get into. I assure you the climactic entrance of the strings in the last moments of the song make the whole song click, and you'll be listening to it on repeat. Mixed in with their vocal songs are various instrumentals that either prelude a song or bring you into the next. The entire album from the first second to the last is a brilliant example of bringing older music styles into the present while still appealing to today's generations. With an older style "Noah and the Whale" still appeal to today's generations. 'Temple Run' proves one of the best games on the market Game that doesn't lose appeal, even over time Brittany Villa Staff Writer "Temple Run" is a fun and addicting adventure game. It is available for download from the app store on the iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad. The best part is: it's free! The fast-paced game features a "treasure hunt" theme in an ancient temple setting. It is a never-ending running game, where the goal is to collect as many coins as possible and run as far as you can. The more coins you collect, to a wider pop audience, though lovers of more lyrical, soft music will enjoy it too, as well as anyone who likes synthesized sounds, or even rock. Overall, there seems to be something here for every music lover. the better. Coins provide power- ups in the game and allow you to purchase "powers" or choose from seven different characters from the main menu. If you feel the need to get ahead of the game, there is the option to pay cash for coin packs ranging from 99 cents for 2,500 coins to $19.99 for 200,000 coins. This is not remotely necessary, though, considering the fact that playing the game gets you coins anyhow. The convenient "swipe" With a mix of Florence and the Machines and La Roux this album is a must buy. game-play method allows for easy one-handed play. Swipe to the right or left to turn, up to jump, and down to slide. Tilt the screen gently to collect coins on either side of the path. The different obstacles include leaping over flaming statues, sliding under roots of massive trees, and avoiding unexpected holes in the pathways. Explore the temple grounds on your adventure to discover many different environments such as temple walls, rocky cliffs, and rickety wooden paths. Each environment is accompanied by its own set of obstacles. One major slip up can instantly kill you and end your run, while small stumbles only allow the creatures chasing you to inch closer. Stumble too many times, and they will catch you, which means: game over. "Temple Run" has many different objectives for a player to aspire to reach. Reach them, and they have the ability to multiply your score. The game gives players an excited sense of urgency and the feeling that danger is lurking nearby. You never know what obstacle will be waiting just around the corner, ready to end your game. I definitely recommend this game to all iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad owners. You will not regret the download. Besides, it's free! The addicting game- play will have you hooked in no time. You will find yourself spending much of your free time playing this game and attempting to out-do your last high score. "Temple Run" definitely has the "one more time" effect. You won't want to stop playing once you start. How far can you run? Once you start playing this game you are not able to stop. mystery Find us on Facebook