This is fine.
Having been a long-time fan of Jason Quever’s project Papercuts, I’ll say I was a little disappointed in Austin on Tuesday night, as very few people showed up to see some of the great music the band had to offer up. Opener Banjo or Freakout also deserve some recognition, as they definitely put me on notice.
| Date | Tuesday, April 5th |
|---|---|
| Location | Emos |
| Doors | 900p |
| Tickets | $10 @ the Door |
If you’ve been following our site, or just the Internet in general, the odds are you’re well aware of Jason Quever and Papercuts. His control over melodies, as well as his lush arrangements in the studio, have made me a huge fan of everything he does. He’ll be in town at Emos on Tuesday, supporting the recent release of Fading Parade, and it’s a magnificent album, as you can read HERE. Jason’s a busy fellow, so he doesn’t tour too often, which makes this a must see show, aside from the fact it’s going to be ridiculous anyways. Also, you can catch another up-and-comer, Banjo or Freakout, who’s been making waves over the last year or so. Sounds like a pretty decent way to kick off this most excellent April music line-up in Austin.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/01-Do-You-Really-Wanna-Know.mp3]Download: Papercuts – Do You Really Wanna Know [MP3]
Rating: 
The bedroom effort of Alessio Natalizia, Banjo or Freakout has become fully realized with this debut release. With a touch of professional production, the spacey and atmospheric sounds of this group feel tangible, yet still far away in their nature. A mix of electronic and physical sounds mesh fairly well on this album, and for some of the time, the band maintains that tightrope of emptiness.
Starting out strong, the band doesn’t sound very atmospheric. On “105,” the only hollow element that is prevalent in the song would have to be Natalizia’s pale and borderline falsetto voice that intensifies the buzzing guitar. Some synthesized dulcent undertones gradually trickle into the song, and pull it away from its humble beginning into the deep void of electronic emptiness. The synth undertones meander their way to “Go Ahead,” which is one of my favorite tracks on the album. A little bit muddier than that of the first track, it really focuses on a slightly playful quality in the mumbled vocals of Mr. Natalizia. Even though it’s shift towards a more electronic style, which I’m normally inclined to disgust, it takes a step in a fulfilling direction and becomes an enticing narrative marked by effervescing synthesizer and the dull roar of fuzz.
Despite its promise at the beginning, there are some huge setbacks to this album. While it is a good start for a band like this, it is nowhere near perfection. Like other albums similar in style, the golden qualities that are presented in the beginning fizzle out, leaving the rest of the songs to sound overlookable and boring. The atmospheric levels of noise that interest and seem so intricate during the first few tracks slip easily into the recess of the listeners mind. Too simply it becomes background music that only serves for filling space, not for bedroom listening. Tracks at the very end like “Dear Me” lose the boundary between vocals and hollow sound, so that the two mold into one. The song loses its edginess and becomes just a bunch of noise that sounds thrown together with much haste.
Some may say that this album falls under the chillwave category, or at least the latter part. While it does offer a relaxing break from a stressful day, it doesn’t stimulate the senses, save the first few songs. Perhaps I stand alone in the desire for music that will push and pull me places, all while maintaining entertaining qualities. Banjo or Freakout just leaves my brain hanging alone in the cold void of outer space. With some work, their next release could be stellar, so long as they focus on what makes the start sound so good.
This new tune from London based band Banjo or Freakout has really sparked our interest in songwriter Alessio Natalizia and the music he’s creating. You people who like this new song can pick up the debut self-titled album from Natalizia on February 22nd via Rare Book Room Records. I can’t wait to hear what else we’ve got in store from this guy.
Download: Banjo or Freakout – Go Ahead [MP3]
It seems that as the holidays approach, everyone is getting in on the action. Not to be outdone, Banjo or Freakout is offering up not just any Xmas track, but an entire album of Xmas songs. Now, be forewarned, this doesn’t sound anything like traditional Christmas fair, which is precisely why you should check this out, not to mention the fact that its FREE. And, if you haven’t gotten to know Alessio and his band by now, do so, as the work he showcases in his Xmas album is indicative of the great stuff he’s already putting together. Here’s a sample of what you will get if you just go HERE.
Download: Banjo or Freakout – Frosty the Snowman [MP3]
