Eyelike:

JeA’s first solo album a good start

JeA (Brown Eyed Girls)
“Just JeA”
(Loen Entertainment)

JeA from sexy girl group Brown Eyed Girls has come out with her first solo album titled “Just JeA.” The leader took a risk venturing into the world of group member-turned-soloists, but in this case, it paid off.

What better way to begin an album than with the help of American R&B artist Eric Benet. The album’s first track, “Days & Nights,” is a mid-tempo R&B song with a Latin-style harmony. JeA vocals give off a soft mystical feel, while Benet complements her beautifully and shows why he has made a name for himself in the R&B world.

The following song, “Stray Cat,” is one that can be skipped. While the melody, with its strum guitar and snapping tune is indeed catchy, the repeated chorus line, “I’m a kitty on the street,” makes the track a hard pill to swallow. “While You Sleep” and “Let’s Hug” don’t exactly stand out, but they are not a bad listen.

“Silent Stalker,” featuring Double K, is a pleasant twist with which to end the album. The track does not at all gel with the R&B theme of the rest of the album, but this modern DJ mix along, with Double K adding in his rap interludes, make the song the most interesting and addictive track on the album.

(juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)

Twenty One Pilots know punk rock

Twenty One Pilots
“Vessel”
(Warner Music)

The two members of Twenty One Pilots are much-needed, refreshing additions to the music scene. Whether it is rap, punk, electronica or rock, the duo not only know how to mix and mash different sounds into a track, but how to do this without overwhelming their listeners.

Rarely is there an album, especially a debut album, where every track is a must-listen; but in the case of “Vessel,” the entire CD is definitely worth a thorough listen and repeat. In particular, “Guns For Hands,” “Screen” and “Semi-Automatic” are all must-hears.

The title track of the album, “Guns For Hands,” is catchy right from the get-go. From its peppy electro tunes, bass drum, and upbeat melody to reggae-twist topped off with Tyler Joseph on the mic, the track is one that listeners can listen to on repeat without ever getting bored. “Screen” and “Semi-Automatic” are both equally entertaining and freshly different.

Joseph’s voice is oddly intoxicating; whether he is busting out in his rap mode or simply singing, his intrinsic ska-style vocals carry every song on the album.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)

The Lumineers bring folk back to popular culture

The Lumineers
“The Lumineers”
(Universal Music)

Wesley Schultz, Jeremiah Fraites and Neyla Pakarek have brought folk music back to popular culture. An alternative American folk band from Colorado, the band revives ‘60s folk music with a modern twist. The band mixes old instrumental sounds with the new by meshing deep sounds of the cello with the beat of the drums and guitar, bringing out their unique color in the folk scene.

The first track, “Flowers In Your Hair,” incorporates typical country folk with drums and guitar lines. “Classy Girls” is an upbeat track with fun lyrics, while “Submarines” is a blast of a song with chomping chords from the piano, Schultz kicking up verses like no other. The most indie song, “Dead Sea,” has a lovely melody of strings combined with Schultz’s raw vocals.

Halfway through the album is the most famous track, “Hey Ho.” The song is catchy and folk to the very core. The steady stomping pace accelerates faster with the sounds of tambourine, and throughout the melody there are constant chants and hand claps, giving the track the euphony of a cheer.

The Lumineers grow on you quite easily. Their songs are those that you find yourself singing unconsciously.

By Bae Soo-min, Intern reporter
(soomin623@heraldcorp.com)