Wednesday, February 24, 2016

CD Review - Castle Pines "Summer Blood"

Castle Pines - Summer Blood (As reviewed on Februaryb24th, 2016)

Artist Bio:

Borrowed from their website:

Castle Pines out of Corona, CA has made its mark on the Inland Empire with their E.P. Bless This House, 2012, and their first full length album, Summer Blood, which dropped June 2014.

This alternative indie rock band has been described as “an ensemble of four hip guys serving up an easy-to-listen-to sound with a fresh attitude,” by the Inland Empire Weekly and “A fresh new burst of energy into the Corona music scene,” by the Inner Circle Corona.

Band members Jesse Briseno, bass; Leandro Barrientos, vocals/rhythm guitar; Nick Barrientos, lead guitar; and Sterling Fairfield, drums; deliver sounds that mimic the Pixies rawness mixed with a use of melodic motifs that bring chills and chants to their live audience shows. Influence by current bands like Delta Spirit, Arcade Fire and Dawes makes them a stand out performance among the local music scene.

Being inspired by many local and mainstream artists that played at the Showcase Theatre, their hometown venue known all around the country for its unheard of crowd energy, until it’s unfortunate close in 2008, Castle Pines aims to bring that passion back to their hometown. They’ve attempted this the only way they know how: by writing and performing music that creates a lasting impression on the crowd and leaves them wanting more.

CD Review:
Favorite songs: Wretched Life, The Jetty
This is an album that I enjoyed very much.  I happened to be listening to it on the day I got laid off from my job, and I found it to be a very mood enhancing album.  It reminded me a lot of Interpol mixed with The Smiths, mixed with Pearl Jam or Smashing Pumpkins.  It’s an album that one can sit back to and just relax to.  There are a few different musical flavors to Summer Blood.  First is the very alternative, almost grunge feel.  And then there is Black Star Canyon which comes out of left field as being more of a jazzy, which almost doesn’t seem to fit the grand scheme of the album, but yet somehow manages to mesh nicely.
The overall recording of Summer Blood is exceptional.  Vocals do not get buried in the mix and no one instrument seems to overpower the others. 
The influx of emotions that I got from listening to the track Derailed was indescribable.  It seemed to reflect exactly what I was feeling at the time, and songs that are able to do that are exceptional. 
I highly recommend this album to anyone who likes alternative music.  Even if you don't, you should check these guys out.  They are amazingly talented, artistic, and unique.  Summer Blood is an album loaded with songs that will help you feel good when you're feeling down.

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