Fall Music Preview 2009: Ten albums you need on your radar.

 

As sad as it is to say another summer is about to end, and with the changing of seasons often comes the changing of moods. Summer music, for me at least, is defined by sugary pop-punk with easy digestible riffs and melodies, that are perfect as you drive around with the windows down; nothing groundbreaking but perfectly acceptable during the warm months. But with the changing of temperatures comes the need to want something deeper, something that may become a new classic you'll listen to ten years from now. Hopefully at least some of these albums will fit this description.

 

1. Muse – The Resistance (Sept. 15)

 Muse's fifth studio album could be the band's most epic and progressive album yet. First single 'United States of Eurasia' seems to have an almost Queen vibe but while still maintaining the signature Muse sound, though the singles are never the best part of any Muse record. The 30 second clip for album opener 'Uprising' sounds much more promising with what looks like will start off the symphonic tone of the record with the polish and ferocity we've come to expect with the band. The most exciting aspect though has to be the three-part, 15 minute, 'Exogenesis Symphony' that closes the album.

 

2. Thrice – Beggars (Sept 15)

It is hard to predict where Thrice will go with their sixth studio album 'Beggars,' as the band has continued to evolve as songwriters and musicians with every release. They have become a band that refuse to stick to any one genre of music, and constantly experiment with different concepts and sounds. They can scream your ears out one moment then lull you into a daydream like state with a slow haunting acoustic number the next. If their last albums 'Vheissu' and 'The Alchemy Index' are any indication we can expect many more of these moments with 'Beggars.'

 

3. Brand New – Daisy (Sept. 22)

It can sometimes seem like Brand New takes forever to release a new album, even though there has only been about a three year wait between each release. Perhaps this is a testament to just how outstanding each release has been; the wait seems so long because we the fans can't wait to see what they will come up with next. If this album ends up being half as good as their last album, 2006's 'The Devil and God are Raging Inside of Me', then it will still be a contender for one of the years best.

 

4. Pearl Jam – Backspacer (Sept. 20)

It will be hard for Pearl Jam to disappoint on their ninth studio album 'Backspacer.' Through their nearly 20 year career they have always done what they want when they want, even if it means less commercial or critical success, such as the more experimental 'Binaural' and 'Riot Act.' They are one of the most straight-up rock bands out there, and if lead single 'The Fixer' is any indication this album will continue that tradition. But beware as Pearl Jam always has the power to surprise.

 

 

 

 

5. HORSE the band – Desperate Living (10/6)

The experimental antics of California's HORSE the band surely isn't for everyone. With a sound defined by its heavy use of keyboard and synthesizers mixed over spastic breakdowns, and spacey solos, that is also known as 'nintendocore', HORSE probably won't be winning over any new fans on their fourth studio album. Still if you are fan of heavy music these guys are very talented musicians, and it should be another fun record worth checking out. Hopefully it can reclaim some of the glory that was present in 2005's 'The Mechanical Hand,' which was slightly lost in 2007's 'A Natural Death.'

 

6. Baroness – The Blue Record (10/13)

In 2007 we had the 'Red Album' and soon we will get to hear Baroness' second studio album 'The Blue Record.' The band is like a mixture of the best post-rock bands like Explosions in the Sky combined with the intensity of progressive metal bands like Mastodon and Daughters. The result is a combination of sounds that sends the listener on a wide array of emotions that allows you discover new things every time you listen to them. 'The Blue Record' will most likely be a continuation of this while expanding the Baroness sound at the same time.

 

7. Converge – Axe to Fall (10/20)

There are hundreds of bands playing music today that simply would not exist had it not been for Boston's own Converge. Their brand of extreme metal and punk can not be confined to any one specific genre of heavy music, and with Axe to Fall the band will likely continue this trend. With a career about to hit the 20 year mark expect Converge to once again redefine what a heavy record can be, and show the world why they are still kings and pioneers in the field.

 

8. Russian Circles – Geneva (10/20)

The three piece instrumental band Russian Circles has accomplished a lot in its short five year history. Sometime between their relentless touring they have had time to record two excellent full lengths, 2006's 'Enter and 2008's 'Station,' and they show no signs of slowing with the release of 'Geneva.' A video of the title track can be found on Youtube and if it is any indication of what the rest of the album will sound like we can expect another album that seems to spiral out of control, and then grab its footing at just the right moment. In other words it should be another fantastic record.

 

9. Between the Buried and Me – The Great Misdirect (10/27)

Following up the masterpiece of 2007's 'Colors' will not be an easy task but if anyone can top such a monumental album, then it's Between the Buried and Me. They are a band that really does seem to get better with each album they release by constantly reinventing themselves and their sound. At just six tracks there should be plenty of epic moments and I wouldn't be surprised if again the album clocks in at over an hour. There is definitely something that can be appreciated in their music no matter what you usually listen to on a daily basis.

 

 

 

10. Alkaline Trio – TBA (TBA)

Not much is known about Alkaline Trio's eighth studio album which is scheduled to be released by the end of the year, but knowing Alkaline Trio it probably won't stray too far from their formula. That being said it is still hard to not get excited about a band that is so consistent with each release. The couple new tunes they've been playing live sound good and seem to have a slightly darker vibe than what was found on last year's 'Agony & Irony.' The real test will be if the band can continue to write the clever lyrics that has defined the band throughout its career.

 

 

Bob Barys