The Airborne Toxic Event

Category: Music
Genre: Indie
Label: Major Domo
Running Time: 37+ min.

The Airborne Toxic Event is an indie act that I’d taken particular notice of, misplaced, and recently rediscovered. Thanks to the odd machinations of the music industry and its associated circles, I initially heard the band back in March during one of my brief periods of listening to radio. The song “Sometime Around Midnight” had received some unexpected airplay via FM94.9, and piqued my curiosity.

Flash forward five months later and The full-length self-titled album is finally available in compact disc.

The album has an eclectic range, though it manages to remain largely cohesive. The first thing I was struck by is that this album sounds good loud, ideally played in the 60+ decibel range bathing several acres in rolling sound waves. The sound is largely guitar/string driven, with a healthy rhythm/percussion all backed up with what sounds like occasional help from a synthesizer. The feel is a great mix of the familiar and novelty, with deceptively sinple melodies and riffs woven together and behind one another for an intricate sound.

If you’re playing the “sounds-like” game, the work is reminiscent of a number of artists. Primarily, if you could imagine Rob Thomas fronting Franz Ferdinand, that will give you a very basic idea of the sound. In both vocal tone, lyrical structure and instrumental feel there are shades of Robert Smith, Billy Idol, Peter Murphy, Billy Joe Armstrong, and Christopher Hall, though never all together and always surfacing in new hooks and vocals.

The subject matter takes a look at relationships, hope, and existential feelings, though often less focused on the larger meanings and more so on the quality of particular moments and points of view, finding depth in the grit of the human condition.

Much like Moby’s “Play”, there isn’t a bad song on the album; three tracks form the core of the work, “Does This Mean You’re Moving On?”, “This is Nowhere”, and “Sometime Around Midnight”. These three could stand alone but work well as a counterpoint to the other seven songs which progress across the spectrums of sound, pacing, and subjects.

All told, the album is a great surprise, and reveals deeper layers with repeat listenings.

Rating: 7.5/10

Jen Grinnels

Category: Music, Live Performance
Genre: Folk Rock / Coffeehouse Pop / Singer-Songwriter
Venue: Lestat’s West, San Diego CA

I caught Jenn Grinels’ show on June 14th upon her return to San Diego after touring cross-country for the better part of a year. The evening’s ticket also featured Renata Youngblood with impressive guest Kim (sorry didn’t catch Kim’s last name), and Kelly McGrath.

I first saw Jenn perform about five years ago at the Blarney Stone Pub in south Clairemont, and quickly became a fan. Since that time she’s releases three cd’s (an untitled acoustic disc, a studio EP, and 2007’s “Little Words”) and gained a growing following culminating in the recent touring effort.

The majority of Jen’s set was from her most recent album, with a few wild cards in addition. Even given the mellower tone of the “little Words” material, Jenn puts on a spectacular show. The lyrics are clever and compelling, and impactful; in terms of range, control, and sheer vocal power Jenn is one of the most impressive singers I’ve encountered. Playing acoustic her voice is a powerful thing, playing amplified I’d classify as weapons-grade vocals.

Letstat’s West pretty much defines “intimate venue” with seating for perhaps fourty patrons (if you slip the fire marshal some cash). This is a great venue to see Jenn play, as her warmth and humor work well with a small crowd and make for an enjoyable evening indeed.

Rating: 8/10