Computer Vs. Banjo - Computer Vs. Banjo Review
Posted by Jesse Coy on 08.21.2008
The immortal questions were all already asked, you think, right? There was Godzilla Vs. King Kong or Dracula Vs. Frankenstein. Hell, even Alien Vs. Predator or Freddy Vs. Jason. So how about Computer Vs. Banjo?
Computer Vs. Banjo Computer Vs. Banjo
July 2008
Diagram Records
I always love stepping in the ring with a new band, and really, how could I resist checking this out with a name like that? Although the truth is, I took a peek at a music video for one of the tracks on this one, “Guitars Need a Sinners Touch,” and I liked what I heard. Or maybe it was “Give Up the Ghosts.” I’m forgetting here. Anyway, for purposes of this review, it really doesn’t matter which one it was, because both songs are quite cool, though they definitely highlight the different sides of this release.
The different sides of this release are quite simple to identify, and I’ll tell you my preference. On one side, you certainly have some truth in advertising. There are a few tracks that have this really weird hybrid of southern style music with kind of computer programmed music in the vague vibe of maybe Beck or some other alternative-type musician like that. The tracks that really epitomize this are “Give Up the Ghosts” and “San Joaquin.” And I really wish there were more tracks along this vibe, because it’s pretty damn cool.
That’s not to dismiss the rest of this release in any way. It just feels like Computer Vs. Banjo is really only seizing hold of its unique sound on those two tracks. The other tracks have a kind of spacey or alternative groove to them. Some stick more than others. The opener, “Jubilee,” is a mellow piano-back-boned groove of an introduction, leading into the bippity track “Guitars Need a Sinners Touch,” with some good strumming in the chorus, and a fine marriage of the computer and the acoustic. The imagery and conceit of this song, too, are quite nice.
Did I mention “spacey” before? I think I did. So “Outer Space” is one of those computer-ish tracks that stand out. The various electronic effects help to add mood. There’s “Magazine Queen,” too, with a cool build-up and some complimentary computer effects to this acoustic rocker. “Stone” follows, and I’d almost put that one as the last track if I had my druthers. It fits in with the computerized vibe, and would probably be a neat exit.
The last three tracks, “Concealed,” and then “Lost,” which sort of slurs into the closing “Signs of Passing Time,” all kind of loose me, because maybe I’m looking for more Banjo balance in this Computer Vs. Banjo equation. They’re not bad tracks, but they don’t stand out for me either. They’re really good for a mellow, drifting mood. But I get the sense that they wander off topic here.
In the end, for the tracks I listed above, this release is certainly worthwhile and an interesting listen. And really, if you want to just zone out for a bit, this one finishes well-suited for that. I’ll just reiterate… more Banjo, please. That sounded quite cool.
Thank you.
The 411: I already said it. I want more of the Banjo. I want more of the southern touches. This one is decent. But I want more to make it unique. I want more Banjo.
