the other press Culture March 26, 2003 http://otherpress.douglas.bc.ca CD Reviews Justin Ray OP Critic If music could be measured optically, Metal and Classical would probably be at opposite ends of the spectrum. Apocalyptica mixes black and white on Reflections, creating a bizarre new hybrid they call “cello-rock.” The trio of Finnish cellists Eicca Toppinen, Paaveo Lotjonen, and Pettu Kivilakso attempt a composition in which harsh metal complements traditional classical elements and vice versa. Their new album, Reflections, turns out to be technically interesting, but lacking the organic vitality found in either respective genre. The palette used throughout Reflections seems too dark to be soothing. It is an ominous, jarring opus. On the other hand, headbangers may be disappointed or even confused by the violins, cel- los, trumpets, and lack of vocals. The album is completely instrumental. Apocalyptica have apparently made a concerted effort to sophisticate heavy metal, a genre not known for its musical prowess. They fully integrate two contradictory styles, rather than overlap- ping them as Metallica did for their 1999 release S@M. A rabid few may love the result, but for the rest, Reflections may prove to be nothing more than an ephemeral curiosity. In the tradition of The Strokes, The White Stripes or The Hives, The Libertines continue “The” sound, characterized by modernizing hard-edged British rock. Their debut album, Up the Bracket, is an explosive album capable of making The Libertines the next “it” band. Imagine The Doors, The Dears, and The Strokes all rolled into one incendiary blend of spastic energy and raw we- don't-care production gloss. Not that Up the Bracket sounds sloppy. Mick Jones produced the album for Rough Trade Records, home of The Smiths, Cabaret Voltaire, and The Sundays, to name a few. The independent label obviously knows a good thing when they hear it. The Libertines match the urgency of their snappy music with clever lyrics reminiscent of The Pogues in both sound and sneer. “Vertigo,” the springy opening track, offers this tip: “Climb up to her window ledge or you'll forever be walking under ladders as the people round you hear you crying please.” Good advice? Perhaps, but beware: “Who really knows just what it is she does / it can't be hard for her to get a buzz / the rapture of vertigo and letting go.” The Libertines sing with unusual accents—I am not sure if they are from Brooklyn, Liverpool, or Dublin (the bio wasn’t much help). It really doesn’t matter. They are bound to be known on either side of the pond for their originality in a resurging subgenre that thrives on sharp-witted fer- vor. Up the Bracket is an essential album that deserves every accolade. Not exactly a hair band, The Perms hail from Winnipeg and play power pop in that hooky, ’50s kind of way, along the lines of mid-’90s Sloan or Fountains of Wayne. For Clark Drive, The Perms’ second album on Hugtight Records, the band added a brass section to the mix, providing some depth to a commonplace combination of drums, bass, and guitar. Clark Drive probably would have been well received by the cast of Happy Days. The lyrics are optimistic and sunny, or quietly remorseful, all ringing of youthful innocence. However, the off- key, strained vocals are likely to make any purist cringe. Arguably, shattered naivety, adolescent heartbreak, and other such themes on Clark Drive deserve such a delivery, but is it necessary? In the opening “Song for D,” falsetto hurrahs sound forced, ruining the otherwise catchy tune. Shane and Chad Smith sound okay within their ranges, but insist on exceeding them, limiting The Perms’ potency. Power pop is supposed to be cheesy, hooky, and upbeat. The Perms succeed on all three counts. If you just cannot get enough power pop, you might want to pick up Clark Drive—but be sure to preview the album first. You can listen to three songs in MP3 format on the band’s website, . Remember to Vote! New Westminster Campus - Concourse Monday, March 24 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 26 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 26 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 27 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday, March 28 9:00 a.m, to 12:00 p.m. David Lam Campus ~ Atrium Monday, March 24 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 25 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 26 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 27 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 28 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Thomas Haney Campus — outside Students’ Union Resource Office Monday, March 24 11:30 a.m, to 2:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 25 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 26 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 27 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday, March 28 9:30 a.m, to 12:00 p.m. For more information, contact the Douglas Students’ Union Resource Office at 604.527.5111 OOUBLAS- COLLEGE Ce AG Ee COM FP OS @ kh Ss “p Douglas College League of Composers and Special Guest Presents: An Evening of New Music with Special Guest The Douglas College Composition Class Date: Friday April 25, 2003 Donation at the door (suggested $5) Doors open @7pm Show Starts @ 7:30pm Catering after the Show Counselors: Combined childcare/teaching. Must be able to teach or lead one or more of the following activities: gymnastics, tennis, swim, sail, canoe, water ski, arts (including stained glass, sewing, jewelry, wood, photo), dance, music, theatre, archery, wilderness trips, field sports, equestrian. Service Workers: including openings for kitchen, laundry, housekeeping, secretaries, maintenance & grounds, and kitchen supervisor. Non-smokers. June 18 to August 23. Attractive salary (US) plus travel allowance. To Apply: Applications and photo gallery are available on our website: www.kippewa.com Kippewa, Box 340, Westwood, Massachusetts, 02090-0340, U.S.A, tel: 781-762-8291 | fax: 781-255-7167 page 11 ©