With Børns playing a homecoming show tonight, Local Spins probes his new studio album, along with new releases by Eminem, Cabildo, The Devil’s Cut, TTypes and more. Read the reviews, listen to audio.
Political Fury But No Reinvention: Eminem’s “Revival” is part of the latest batch of Local Spins reviews.
In this batch of new releases, Local Spins takes a peek into an intriguing album from West Michigan native Borns, a perplexing effort from Detroit’s Eminem, a rousing long-awaited recording from Grand Rapids’ Cabildo and more.
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Børns
“Blue Madonna”
If there’s any magic or mystery in contemporary pop music, then Børns has found it in spades by mining the enduring beauty of ‘70s stars such as Elton John and David Bowie while adding heaping spoonfuls of his own electronic and psychedelic charm. The Grand Haven native-turned-L.A.-marvel’s sophomore album on Interscope Records builds on the success of his 2015 debut, “Dopamine,” but perhaps with a more defined vocal direction for a dozen dreamy and whispery synth-pop tracks co-written with Tommy English. Børns says he did more experimenting with his voice in the studio this time around and the results show up everywhere in tracks that actually span decades of influences: The ‘60s get their due with Beatle-esque touches on “We Don’t Care” and the gorgeous “Bye-bye Darling,” as do the ’80s, with a fetching track like “Sweet Dreams,” which recalls the best of Wham! Of course, pop music is also about catchy hooks. While a few tracks here seem to focus mostly on creating an airy atmosphere, with the likes of “Faded Heart” and “God Save Our Young Blood” (featuring guest Lana Del Rey), Børns boasts plenty of infectious hooks on “Blue Madonna,” too – which should turn tonight’s sold-out homecoming show at 20 Monroe Live into a bonanza of sing-alongs. – John Sinkevics
Website: https://www.bornsmusic.com/
Upcoming Shows: 8 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 28) at 20 Monroe Live in Grand Rapids w/ Charlotte Cardin and Mikky Ekko (SOLD OUT); Jan. 30 at The Pageant in St. Louis (SOLD OUT); Feb. 8 at The Goodyear Theatre in Akron, Ohio (SOLD OUT)
Video: “Faded Heart”
Read more about Børns in this Local Spins interview: Grand Haven-bred Børns builds pop fervor for new album; thrilled to play first ‘hometown’ show in years
Eminem
“Revival”
At 45 years old, Eminem’s latest offer, “Revival,” represents the rapper’s attempt to reconcile his place in the ever-shifting landscape of hip hop in 2018. Longevity is a tricky concept for a pop artist. Jay-Z, Prince, Michael Jackson and Madonna were able to achieve it by effectively reinventing themselves in ways that kept their music fresh and relevant, something it appears Eminem is unable to do. “Revival” is a muddled and unsatisfying collection of songs with one foot in the past and one foot aiming at a future Eminem has failed to define for himself. Nearly every song is a near-miss that feel like it’s almost what you want, without ever quite getting across the finish line. Efforts are made to introduce new styles and approaches, but the lack of commitment is evident when you get a sudden glimpse of classic Slim Shady in the middle of something that’s supposed to feel like a new Eminem, eroding the track into something closer to a cry for attention rather than actual evolution.
To some degree, it makes sense. Eminem’s persona has never left much room for growth, so it was inevitable he’d run the well of potential material dry. What we’re left with, at its best, feels like something we’ve heard before, and at its worst, like something we’d rather not hear again.
There are bright spots thanks to some guest appearances. The oddest pairing turned out to be my favorite with Ed Sheeran delivering a beautifully haunting melody on “River.” X Ambassadors, Kehlani, Beyonce, Pink and Skylar Grey also step in with excellent efforts. It should be noted that when Eminem wants to, he’s still capable of out-rapping basically anyone alive at a technical level, best exhibited on “Offended” where Eminem is in classic form stacking syllables in ways no one else really can. And when his pen turns introspective, Eminem’s brilliance is easy to remember. “Tragic Endings” explores how his self-esteem issues manifest in his relationship choices, making it one of the strongest efforts on the album. He’s less successful when he turns political. His frequent shots at Trump feel forced, perfunctory and shallow. There’s no joy in watching one of the best rappers alive swing at the lowest hanging fruit with the most obvious bat available. Still, “Untouchable” finds Eminem exploring racial issues in a much more informed way than we’ve seen from him in the past, aggressively painting pictures of police harassment of black Americans contrasted against the white privilege he enjoys. It’s not groundbreaking social analysis, but it’s solid and could resonate with many listeners. “Revival” isn’t a terrible album; it’s just not a very good one. There’s enough here for die-hard fans to enjoy, but the replay value is low. There’s no reinvention here. No reestablishment of his place in the bigger musical picture. Instead, “Revival” reminds us simply that Eminem still exists, and is still rapping, and still pretty good at it when he wants to be, but little more. – Ryan Nehring
Webite: http://revival.eminem.com/
Upcoming Shows: April 15 and 22 at Coachella in Indio, Calif.; June 1-3 at The Governors Ball Music Festival in New York, N.Y.; June 7-10 at Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tenn.
Video: “Walk on Water”
Cabildo
“Sin Fronteras”
To say it’s been a long time coming might be an understatement with Grand Rapids’ Cabildo releasing its first album in 12 years. But, yes, it’s also well worth the wait. This Latin-driven ensemble has long been a crowd favorite at live shows courtesy of its dance-happy cumbia, folk and rock en Espanol, much of it over the years reflecting Latin American favorites. But driven by chief songwriter and electric guitarist Julio Viveros, this nine-piece now dives confidently and somewhat angrily into original material fueled by political explosiveness, much of it aimed at defending and portraying the plight of immigrants and undocumented workers. Nowhere is that reflected in more incendiary fashion than on the title track, “Sin Fronteras,” which expertly straddles the fence between the vibe of traditional Latin folk and blazing metal/punk guitar sizzle, all fused with a powerful communal chant that will certainly become a rallying cry among fans at its concerts. Even non-Spanish-speaking fans will find much to love and embrace throughout this six-track feast of Latin rock—recorded at Third Coast Recording in Grand Haven and River City Studios in Grand Rapids, with mixing by Joe Hettinga — due in large part to its genre-bending approach and its uber-passionate performances … captured at long last on a studio recording for diehard fans. – John Sinkevics
Website: http://www.cabildomusic.com/
Upcoming Shows: Feb. 16 at Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill in Grand Rapids (with EPCYA, Pancho Villa’s Skull and La Tyranna y El Cid; April 15 at Cascade Township Library in Grand Rapids
Listen: “Sin Fronteras”
The Devil’s Cut
“People Let You Down”
Lansing rockers The Devil’s Cut have been working hard at carving out a name for themselves playing dives across the country since they came together in 2010. The group, fronted by Joe Fox on vocals and guitar, just released its third album, and first in three years, “People Let You Down.” Fox’s lyrics at times feel Springsteen-esque, and at others, reminiscent of early Jon Bon Jovi. From the fiercely introspective album opener, “Left to Lose,” to grainy rock anthems like “Cordell” to key-fueled ballads such as the album’s title track, the group shows off its commitment to the rock ‘n’ roll sound many in the Midwest grew up wth in the ’80s and ’90s, while also displaying a modern flair falling somewhere between Sponge and The Killers, while simultaneously discovering a niche all its own. As suggested on the band’s website, the sound is “a testament to the daily struggles each of us face, with a sentiment that says ‘sticking together as a family is the only way out.’” Nothing unifies more than rock ‘n’ roll and one can almost smell the mustiness and beer of a good dive bar, while feeling the pulse of togetherness through Derek Waive’s drums, Pat Hogan’s bass and Fox’s and Corey Staley’s guitar licks. Fox’s lyrics face head-on some of the depressive aspects of life, but it’s the depth of those lyrics and power of the music that pulls the listener out and up and keeps them forging ahead. Similar to the band’s previous two releases, “Left to Lose” falls under East Lansing’s East Grand Record Co. label. It was mixed by TDC keyboard player Matt Waterman and mastered by Ryan Shwabe at The Grand Ledge Fledge. – Ryan Boldrey
Website: http://www.thedevilscut.band/
Upcoming Shows: Feb. 11 at Mulligan’s Pub in Grand Rapids; Feb. 14 at Mac’s Bar in Lansing
Video: “Left to Lose”
Ttypes
“WAR”
Grand Rapids musician Tim Krauss pulls no punches– lyrically or musically– with “WAR,” an E.P. about “the ongoing culture war in America.” In terms of lyrical content, there are enough ideas and opinions on “WAR” to fill an entire album (or perhaps two). Just take “DARPA Dogs,” which opens with the declaration “No I don’t want to be an American anymore.” But the words Krauss sings aren’t all that demand attention. The songwriting and arrangements on all five tracks is endlessly catchy and impressive. From the pop-rock theatrics of “Shoutin’” to the wave of electronics and rich harmonies on “The Side,” there’s something for fans of any genre of music to dig into. Beyond the songs themselves, the artwork and notes which accompany each track (see Ttypes’ Bandcamp) are equally as inspiring. There’s no other way to say it: I wish “WAR” was a full album. – Devin Anderson
Website: http://ttypes.com/
Listen: “Shoutin”
Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions
“I Just Wanna Play Rock & Roll With My Friends”
It might be the most aptly named album I’ve heard. Jack Droppers’ earnest approach to “I Just Wanna Play Rock & Roll With My Friends” makes the album a joy to listen to. There’s an undeniable Springsteen influence throughout the album, on anthemic tracks such as “While We’re Still Young” and “Pigeon Hill.” But energetic performances and a DIY sensibility put Droppers and company in a class of their own. Just hear the dynamic range on “Tiny Paper Cups,” which shifts between loud garage rock choruses and melodic verses backed by a soft organ. And with contemplative and evocative lyrics about adventure, protest and growing up, each song is a story. At the top of the album, Droppers kindly introduces himself, and what follows certainly are his best intentions. – Devin Anderson
Website: https://jackdroppersandthebestintentions.bandcamp.com/
Upcoming Show: Feb. 15 at Founders Brewing with Carrie Nation & The Speakeasy
Listen: “Tiny Paper Cups”
Read more about Jack Droppers and watch an in-studio video: Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions’ rock ’n’ roll of self-expression, love and living in ‘the tension of the world’
Copyright 2018, Spins on Music LLC
