Hmmmmm still gotta wait a little :\

I'm taking notes.

Wow. Great Preview. This is as good as BFRW. I'll type my notes in now, get ready to be overwhelmed lol

 

Anyone know how to add a spoiler in the text?

I liked it :dance:

 

To do a spoiler, flank your text with [ spoiler ] and [ /spoiler ] without the spaces :D

Do you think I will need one? For each track I am writing the

a) background

b) Sound

c) My verdict

 

What do you think? I am not giving everything away...

Hmmm might as well just put it in spoilers for those who entirely don't want to know anything about it until Friday :thinking:

INSHALLA Pre-Release Review

 

Here's my review of the album based on the preview on Triple M Radio. In my analysis, I explain for each song;

1. The Background

2. Sound

3. Verdict.

 

I have used a spoiler tag for those who don't want to know ANYTHING before Friday's release. This is, however, just like a pre-release review from a reviewer. The only thing is, I am no professional.

 

 

 

1 - Foriegn Land

 

Background:

Based on Heath ledger (died a block away from the hotel the band were staying in when they visited the US for a promotion)

Kav explained this was an emotional moment writing this song, but also for most on the album.

Technical aspects; wanted crazy eastern strings after visiting Egypt. Found a sample in a turkish folk music album, then wrote chords over this 'Eastern' loop. It was a backwards process to the standard song-creation.

 

Sound:

We've all heard it, so I wont explain it.

 

Verdict:

[10/10]. A very strong opening track.

 

2 - Inshalla

 

Background:

The name, Inshalla, means 'god willing' - and 'what will be will be'. Kav noticed the word after the BFRW tour, it was a common word used overseas in Cairo.

Based on him feeling anonymous overseas - able to reflect on lyrics, and this became an important song.

It was the band's 'seed for reinvention'.

 

Sound:

Great pace, strong power chords. Probably better than Foriegn Land. Has a simple chorus, just 'inshalla' repeated 4 times.

Pre chorus is amazing, you still feel the eastern theme, has a great guitar solo.

 

Verdict:

[10/10] This is a very strong start to the album.

 

3 - Losing Friends Over Love

 

Background:

Story behind it; in the middle of BFRW tour, his best friend got with kav's ex.

The song is about splitting your friends and taking sides after relationships end.

This song was the interviewer (Chit-Chat)'s favourite.

 

Sound:

In B Major, very upbeat and 'poppy' song. Like nothing we've ever heard before from the band.

Some drums sound like bongos, has brass in the solo, and when the chords and drums come in after like 1 minute, it kicks into gear.

 

Verdict:

[8/10]

 

4 - The Sound Of Your Heart

 

Background:

About his baby son's heartbeat, the song is a 'moment in time' story, about being connected to his son, and hearing the beating of his heart through an early ultrasound.

 

Sound:

In F Major, Has distorted vocals in the intro, with a great piano riff and acoustic chords.

Heavy, low drums and a low, loud bass through the song.

 

Verdict:

[9/10] Surprisingly good!!

 

5 - Childhood Behaviour

 

Background:

About Kav's experiences with his current partner, when he cut out coffee, smoking, drinking, and most hilariously, sugar.

The song is more about Kav growing up, now that he is going to be a family.

 

Sound:

Sounds like old Eskimo Joe. A very contemplative song. Features violins, brush strokes on drums.

Intro is chord structure Bb, G, Am, F with a slow tempo.

 

Verdict:

[6/10] The only slip-up so far.

 

6 - Don't Let Me Down

 

Background:

Inspiration was the 80's!! This song took a long time to write. It's a personal story about trust.

Insipred by a range of bands, 'spoon', then 'Bowie', and the chorus ended up sounding very 'Pixies', guitars by Gil Norton, the album producer.

They finally got a chorus, and the verse sounds like 'The Cure'. Bridge is inspired by 'Simple Minds' song 'Dont you forget about me'

 

Sound:

F# I think. VERY 1980's. It's really upbeat, with a bass groove throughout the song. It's catchy, will have you tapping your feet.

A lot of layers to the song, again, very different to past Eskimo Joe. Good electric guitar solo.

 

Verdict:

[7.5/10] Not bad at all.

 

7 & 8 - Falling For You (Intro) and Falling For You

 

Background:

Wanted a crazy production, a mix between N.E.R.D and the Cure. Like an Indie version of Peter Gabriel.

Kav wanted song to have grooves and rhythms with soaring vocals, with a 'new flavour' that had never appeared on any of the other albums.

 

Both the songs run back to back, with a similar groove and idea.

Kav writes his songs in pairs, generally. This is a two-part song. He mentioned that this song was 'exciting' to create.

 

Sound:

F#m this time, starts off sounding like the Fray with a piano/vocals intro.

Bass groove, slowly builds up. Acoustic guitar/Electric mix, with acoustic guitar sounding like a harpsichord at times!

 

Verdict:

[7/10] A good song, but doesn't really go anywhere after building up the whole way.

 

9 - Losing My Mind

 

Background:

Another Peter Gabriel Influence. Wrote before he met his current partner, it's about his ex, and about 'mind-fucking' before he went to sleep.

Initially wanted an african chant, but it didnt get used. (In the part of the song where it sounds like you're losing your mind)

First drum solo for the band ever.

 

Sound:

F chord, Follows F,C,Gm....Bb,F,C in verse. Intro builds up to piano and bass.

Best chorus I have heard from the band in a long time.

 

Verdict:

[10/10] One of the best songs on the album.

 

10 - Your Eyes

 

Background:

About looking into his child's eyes and feeling like he's gazing into the eyes of 'true intellegence'.

A gentler moment on the record, like an 'exhale'.

 

Sound:

In B, slower tempo, sounds contemplative, logically follows Losing My Mind, I think.

Problem is, sounds like something we have heard before, it would fit well on second album.

 

Verdict:

[6.5/10] Not as exciting as other songs.

 

11 - Please Elise

 

Background:

The 'Booty Call' song. The album is in a musically chronological order, but not his life. This is about the previous girlfriend.

About Kav wanting and needing 'sexual healing' from his ex.

 

Sound:

Upbeat riff, in Ab chord this time, sounds a bit like My Morning Jacket's 'I'm Amazed' in parts.

Strong power chords on electric guitar over top of acoustic.

 

Verdict:

[9.5/10] Still going strong on the second last track, this was one of my favourites.

 

12 - Morning Light

 

Background:

Dark ballad that closes the album. Could have fit well on LP3, Black Fingernails Red Wine, but was written just after that album was finished.

It is about a dark point in life and relationships for Kav, about having 'night terrors'.

Sings about not knowing where he was in his life.

 

Sound:

In C#m I think, with a slower, grinding beat. Marching drums in some sections.

Nice acoustic part before darker, heavy chords come in over the top.

Very Black Fingernails Red Wine. Not what you would normally relate to the words 'morning light' - it's like the opposite of Sparkadia's 'Morning Light'.

 

Verdict:

[8/10] One of the best album closers I have heard in a while.

 

 

 

Overall, this matches Black Fingernails Red Wine. Only two of the 12 tracks were a tad disappointing, but this album is FULL of great hooks that will definitely give the band some chart success.

 

Verdict based on one listen: 8.5/10

i listened from Losing My Mind onwards and i thought it was ok. i would of listened from the start had it not been hosted by that wanker chit chat and had triple j not had an extensive interviews with grizzly bear, phoenix and karnivool at the exact same time.

 

i also heard the title track earlier in the day which is a pretty decent song. i'm certain that this album will spawn just as many hits as the previous album.

Here's my review of the album based on the preview on Triple M Radio. In my analysis, I explain for each song;

1. The Background

2. Sound

3. Verdict.

 

I have used a spoiler tag for those who don't want to know ANYTHING before Friday's release. This is, however, just like a pre-release review from a reviewer. The only thing is, I am no professional.

 

 

 

1 - Foriegn Land

 

Background:

Based on Heath ledger (died a block away from the hotel the band were staying in when they visited the US for a promotion)

Kav explained this was an emotional moment writing this song, but also for most on the album.

Technical aspects; wanted crazy eastern strings after visiting Egypt. Found a sample in a turkish folk music album, then wrote chords over this 'Eastern' loop. It was a backwards process to the standard song-creation.

 

Sound:

We've all heard it, so I wont explain it.

 

Verdict:

[10/10]. A very strong opening track.

 

2 - Inshalla

 

Background:

The name, Inshalla, means 'god willing' - and 'what will be will be'. Kav noticed the word after the BFRW tour, it was a common word used overseas in Cairo.

Based on him feeling anonymous overseas - able to reflect on lyrics, and this became an important song.

It was the band's 'seed for reinvention'.

 

Sound:

Great pace, strong power chords. Probably better than Foriegn Land. Has a simple chorus, just 'inshalla' repeated 4 times.

Pre chorus is amazing, you still feel the eastern theme, has a great guitar solo.

 

Verdict:

[10/10] This is a very strong start to the album.

 

3 - Losing Friends Over Love

 

Background:

Story behind it; in the middle of BFRW tour, his best friend got with kav's ex.

The song is about splitting your friends and taking sides after relationships end.

This song was the interviewer (Chit-Chat)'s favourite.

 

Sound:

In B Major, very upbeat and 'poppy' song. Like nothing we've ever heard before from the band.

Some drums sound like bongos, has brass in the solo, and when the chords and drums come in after like 1 minute, it kicks into gear.

 

Verdict:

[8/10]

 

4 - The Sound Of Your Heart

 

Background:

About his baby son's heartbeat, the song is a 'moment in time' story, about being connected to his son, and hearing the beating of his heart through an early ultrasound.

 

Sound:

In F Major, Has distorted vocals in the intro, with a great piano riff and acoustic chords.

Heavy, low drums and a low, loud bass through the song.

 

Verdict:

[9/10] Surprisingly good!!

 

5 - Childhood Behaviour

 

Background:

About Kav's experiences with his current partner, when he cut out coffee, smoking, drinking, and most hilariously, sugar.

The song is more about Kav growing up, now that he is going to be a family.

 

Sound:

Sounds like old Eskimo Joe. A very contemplative song. Features violins, brush strokes on drums.

Intro is chord structure Bb, G, Am, F with a slow tempo.

 

Verdict:

[6/10] The only slip-up so far.

 

6 - Don't Let Me Down

 

Background:

Inspiration was the 80's!! This song took a long time to write. It's a personal story about trust.

Insipred by a range of bands, 'spoon', then 'Bowie', and the chorus ended up sounding very 'Pixies', guitars by Gil Norton, the album producer.

They finally got a chorus, and the verse sounds like 'The Cure'. Bridge is inspired by 'Simple Minds' song 'Dont you forget about me'

 

Sound:

F# I think. VERY 1980's. It's really upbeat, with a bass groove throughout the song. It's catchy, will have you tapping your feet.

A lot of layers to the song, again, very different to past Eskimo Joe. Good electric guitar solo.

 

Verdict:

[7.5/10] Not bad at all.

 

7 & 8 - Falling For You (Intro) and Falling For You

 

Background:

Wanted a crazy production, a mix between N.E.R.D and the Cure. Like an Indie version of Peter Gabriel.

Kav wanted song to have grooves and rhythms with soaring vocals, with a 'new flavour' that had never appeared on any of the other albums.

 

Both the songs run back to back, with a similar groove and idea.

Kav writes his songs in pairs, generally. This is a two-part song. He mentioned that this song was 'exciting' to create.

 

Sound:

F#m this time, starts off sounding like the Fray with a piano/vocals intro.

Bass groove, slowly builds up. Acoustic guitar/Electric mix, with acoustic guitar sounding like a harpsichord at times!

 

Verdict:

[7/10] A good song, but doesn't really go anywhere after building up the whole way.

 

9 - Losing My Mind

 

Background:

Another Peter Gabriel Influence. Wrote before he met his current partner, it's about his ex, and about 'mind-fucking' before he went to sleep.

Initially wanted an african chant, but it didnt get used. (In the part of the song where it sounds like you're losing your mind)

First drum solo for the band ever.

 

Sound:

F chord, Follows F,C,Gm....Bb,F,C in verse. Intro builds up to piano and bass.

Best chorus I have heard from the band in a long time.

 

Verdict:

[10/10] One of the best songs on the album.

 

10 - Your Eyes

 

Background:

About looking into his child's eyes and feeling like he's gazing into the eyes of 'true intellegence'.

A gentler moment on the record, like an 'exhale'.

 

Sound:

In B, slower tempo, sounds contemplative, logically follows Losing My Mind, I think.

Problem is, sounds like something we have heard before, it would fit well on second album.

 

Verdict:

[6.5/10] Not as exciting as other songs.

 

11 - Please Elise

 

Background:

The 'Booty Call' song. The album is in a musically chronological order, but not his life. This is about the previous girlfriend.

About Kav wanting and needing 'sexual healing' from his ex.

 

Sound:

Upbeat riff, in Ab chord this time, sounds a bit like My Morning Jacket's 'I'm Amazed' in parts.

Strong power chords on electric guitar over top of acoustic.

 

Verdict:

[9.5/10] Still going strong on the second last track, this was one of my favourites.

 

12 - Morning Light

 

Background:

Dark ballad that closes the album. Could have fit well on LP3, Black Fingernails Red Wine, but was written just after that album was finished.

It is about a dark point in life and relationships for Kav, about having 'night terrors'.

Sings about not knowing where he was in his life.

 

Sound:

In C#m I think, with a slower, grinding beat. Marching drums in some sections.

Nice acoustic part before darker, heavy chords come in over the top.

Very Black Fingernails Red Wine. Not what you would normally relate to the words 'morning light' - it's like the opposite of Sparkadia's 'Morning Light'.

 

Verdict:

[8/10] One of the best album closers I have heard in a while.

 

 

 

Overall, this matches Black Fingernails Red Wine. Only two of the 12 tracks were a tad disappointing, but this album is FULL of great hooks that will definitely give the band some chart success.

 

Verdict based on one listen: 8.5/10

 

thanks. great review. gives me lots to look forward to

Excellent. Can't wait!

I Know!!

I listened to it last night. I'm conflicted as to what to think. After hearing Foreign Land and not being overly impressed by it, as well as reading a number of negative reviews I didn't expect this to be a good album. I pretty much expecting BFRW #2, which whilst was a good album I don't need to hear it again. So I was quite surprised when I found a lot of it was the total opposite of what I was expecting. I enjoyed it first listen around because of the variety the band have conducted but second time round I began to find it a bit... generic pop? So I don't know.

You've obviously downloaded it. I agree, its a bit more pop-sounding, but there are enough interesting elements to the album (ie the eastern sound) that make it reasonably good to listen to. I am keen to listen to it over the weekend to see if my mind changes too...

3 more days

JB Hi Fi opens at 9am on Friday. So;

 

59 hours 30 minutes to go for Physical Release

50 hours 30 minutes to go for iTunes digital Release

The percussion on the record I felt was amazing.

Yes it was quite pop sounding, but having listening to it twice I find that I don't want to skip any track. Each song has a different element until you reach the end, but Morning Light was good. This record is not BFRW #2, but that's the base they got this music from. If this gets noticed in the the US and the UK then hopefully they can be 2009's Kings of Leon, which is what I really hope for them because this music is so good!

We can hope, but there coverage will never match the Kings Of Leon 'explosion'. Unfortunately they're not that cool enough. Good to hear you like the record!

'explosion' is a good way of describing KoL in 2008.

 

and whats with the widescreen signature

We can hope, but there coverage will never match the Kings Of Leon 'explosion'. Unfortunately they're not that cool enough. Good to hear you like the record!

 

but don't you just wish that it would happen?

 

these guys are so unappreciated other than in Australia!

I just wish they were placed onto the world's stage.

FALLING TOO FAST

AND

SINNERS AND SAINTS

 

arent on the Inshalla album.. what a shame they are very top eskimo joe songs. Dont think any other songs on the album except LOSING MY MIND can top it.

^thats because they were on the ep. they aren't going to put them on both

hey there

 

the links in the first page don't work anymore can anybody put others

thank you

 

i want to listen to them :)

'explosion' is a good way of describing KoL in 2008.

 

and whats with the widescreen signature

 

It's a week-long theme to promote/celebrate the album release!!:D

 

but don't you just wish that it would happen?

 

these guys are so unappreciated other than in Australia!

I just wish they were placed onto the world's stage.

 

It would be nice, they are actually quite popular in parts of Europe, surprisingly.

 

FALLING TOO FAST

AND

SINNERS AND SAINTS

 

arent on the Inshalla album.. what a shame they are very top eskimo joe songs. Dont think any other songs on the album except LOSING MY MIND can top it.

 

Inshalla (the song) will come very close, believe me. Losing my mind is definitely top 3 after 1 listen.

 

I think the reason that Falling Too Fast and Sinners and Saints weren't on the album, because, after hearing the album, they would not fit anywhere, and the quality is lower. I like them as B Sides, and I like the fact that Eskimo Joe still release B Sides unlike other bands (erhem... KOL?)

 

hey there

 

the links in the first page don't work anymore can anybody put others

thank you

 

i want to listen to them :)

 

Check the Eskimo Joe Downloads thread, in the non-coldplay multimedia section.

For those in Australia, you might already know but Eskimo Joe's on Sunrise tomorrow morning :D

Good spot min, although I wont be able to watch it... Are they performing?