Hoping for a less monotonous record compared to 2008’s Lightbulbs from a group who dazzle a live audience, Ventriloquizzing is a typically synth-heavy offering with songs that, just when one thinks they will go to “that place” and crescendo–DO SOMETHING–go nowhere. Sigh.
Laden with whispery vocals throughout, it’s difficult to distinguish one track from the next. There are a few high points, as with most records. Toes have the possibility of getting tappy during “Tiawanese Roots” and the feminine vocals roundabout the end of the track are quite lovely. In “Sixteen Shades…”, seemingly the album’s highpoint, beatific sounds are ironically bounced off comedically dark lyrics in a surprisingly catchy way.
Aside from those standouts, Ventriloquizzing largely disappoints, providing little more than boring vocals and beats that don’t quite drive one to move their body.
Fujiya & Miyagi – “Yoyo” [MP3]
Buy Ventriloquizzing now on Yep Roc.
Agreed on the review. Was kind of a let down.
BUT one thing I learned the hard way during an interview was about the whispery vocals.
Know why they’re whispery? He has a throat condition and can’t sing any louder than that or it’d do severe damage. Felt like a chump after I asked about them…
you and this guy really inspire me ” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCq6YBu_UkQ