The Migrant

“Travels in Lowland,” the début album of Denmark native Bjarke Bendtsen — also known as The Migrant — is a lush yet barebones baring of the soul. 

Written on the road, the album draws its listeners into the life of a vagabond musician whose sole companion is a guitar. Every track feels warm and mellow like a heavy drag from a Cuban cigar. 

The album sound is thick with nostalgia. I have never heard or felt so many different emotions expressed through such stripped-down sound. The entire album is so stripped, it feels naked. The maturity and depth of emotion can’t be ignored here. 

If “Travels in Lowland” is naked, Bendtsen must be a Danish emperor with some wicked new clothes.

The Sexy Accident

The Sexy Accident’s EP, “Now That She’s Gone,” is immediately likable and fun. Jesse Kates’ lead vocals are mellow, upbeat and happy — even when singing about his personal misfortunes. 

This unusual group’s sound is definitely a sexy, sexy accident that I want to be exposed to over and over after it’s over. Their sound is characterized by bubblegum guitar chords and piano pop. Their bouncy percussion pulls you in while their guitar rifts seize you and command your attention. 

At the same time, the second track, “In Heaven,” is vacant of the bubblegum and manages to keep your attention despite its more low-key tone. Overall I was won over by their catchy lyrics about love and loss. I hope this group manages to gain the recognition it deserves.

The Wrights

The Wrights have a nicely-polished country sound that lets listeners know that this is a band that knows its identity. Their twangy, indie folk tone brings listeners to their mamas in the bayou. Or Tennessee, rather, as this group calls Nashville its hometown.

I felt I needed an iced tea. Or maybe a whisky. On the rocks. I must say, however, that “Red and Yellow, Blue and Green,” The Wrights’ fourth studio album, does not reflect the absolute maturity of a band as well-versed as The Wrights seem to be. 

All nine tracks, which bleed into each other seamlessly, unfortunately lead into one another a little too seamlessly. Every song sounds very similar. There are differences in the tone of each individual song, however they are small. 

This album offers little in emotional diversity, and seems a statement that The Wrights know their sound and are adamant to stick to it. I heard a lot of potential in the depth of the tracks but was left craving more. And I never like to crave more of what isn’t being offered.

SNAKE! SNAKE! SNAKES!

To the delight of all, Phoenix, Ariz.-based SNAKE! SNAKE! SNAKES! released its self-titled EP Aug. 11. 

The band immediately draws in listeners with its mature and sumptuous sound. Jonathan Messenger’s ghostly voice haunts each track, backed by fellow snakes Christopher Sanchez and George Rodriguez. 

Every song on its six-track EP is highlighted by arrangements that build up, climaxing in an epic fusion of indie rock and classic new wave. Think The Shins meets Joy Division. Yes. They are worth listening to if you can manage to find some time. 

The band is scheduled to begin touring this fall. I wouldn’t miss a chance to hear their material live. Their songs are the kind of melodic art so rarely heard from an amateur act. 

Their sound manages to be reminiscent of classics like Joy Division and Interpol, yet still remain incredibly fresh. A must-listen for 2010.

— Chris DeSantis