Kurt Vile: The New Face of Bedroom Recording
By Nicole on October 11, 2009 in mp3blog
Philadelphia's Kurt Vile has released one of 2009's most compelling records, with his ingeniously titled "Childish Prodigy." In his efforts with his sometimes band, The War on Drugs, Vile proved he is capable of crafting riotous punk rock anthems, but with "Childish Prodigy," Vile is moving in a new and entirely welcome direction. In this familiar punk route, his record has moments of distorted guitars, and embittered, wry vocals reminiscent of Richard Hell or Lou Reed, but Vile recorded the entirety of this album within the confines of his bedroom, and in this sense, the record could trigger a dynamic new trend in the realm of lo-fi self-recording.
Most indie rock acts who have engaged in this mode of musical production have released pleasant, but ultimately twee and to some extent, underwhelming records. However, Vile sounds nothing like The Boy Least Likely To or Beirut, and his impressive guitar work, and vocal versatility evoke Bruce Springsteen at his most self-effacing moments. With that being said, creating such an expansive, hypnotic sound within the meager setting of a bedroom seems to perfectly encapsulate the indie rock ethos. The album's lead off track "Hunchback" is confrontational and remarkably textured, but retains a comforting sense of lo-fi humility. Vile is signed to independent music juggernaut, Matador Records, and this fresh sounding album indicates that other acts might begin to follow his lead.
Hunchback
Dead Alive
Heart Attacks
Post Comment
