The University Daily Kansan
Monday, July 8, 2015
MUSIC
Page 13
Clairaudients' music features laid-back vibe
MARK ARCE
marce@kansan.com
The release of Clairaudients' newest album, "I'm a Loudmouth, You're a Puppet," marks a new chapter for the Kansas City-based music group. Last summer, the band decided to change its name to Clairaudiens, leaving behind its reputation and five years as The Atlantic. The word "Clairaudiens" means the supposed power to hear things outside the range of normal perception. The definition and name change reflects the group's ambition and representation of its music.
Clairaudients, formerly named The Atlantic, released its album, "I'm a Loudmouth, You're a Puppet," which features a laid-back vibe and folk-inspired tunes. The group recently performed at SXSW in Austin, Texas and Middle of the Map in Kansas City.
CLAIRAUDIENTSKC.COM
the whole band's chemistry is apparent, the percussion work of M. Blaire Geenens is especially potent.
Given the new name, it seems appropriate that the band's first song on the five-song album would be "Intro." It is a meditative piece drenched in harmonies and foreshadows the maturity and depth present on the rest of the album.
The next track, "Cellars," acts as a contrast to the soft opener. It's a heavy, hard rocking song and while
The third song on the album, "Like a Song" is a folk-infused tune that has both a piano and guitar solo that add to the emotional scope of the piece.
"Broken Mend" continues the laid back vide of the album, and has a gospel-like vibe. "Back to the Sun" is an up-tempo epic that rounds out the album and leaves the listener more than satisfied, a notable feat given the length of the album. Furthermore, both songs make the most of the six-piece band as each member has notable contributions that complement each other.
While any other group who had undergone a name and line-up change may have faltered in band chemistry or sound, Clairaudients didn't. In fact, the band has experienced little to no growing pains between the transitions. Undoubtedly, the experience the band has gained over the years and recently through
live performances, such as SXSW and Middle of the Map have helped it become comfortable.
On "Broken Mend," vocalist Patrick Robinson sings, "Eventually we will get it right." Based on the strength of
this album, it will be exciting to hear this band as it continues to produce music in search of that perfection.
And to anyone who has doubts about a new name or their maturing sound, Robinson reassures any skeptical listeners when singing "In the end, we're all the same."
Edited by Allison Kohn