Lucky Dragons - Dream Island Laughing Language
Artist: Lucky Dragons
Album: Dream Island Laughing Language
Label: Marriage Records
Believe me: Normally I avoid anything labeled experimental, free, discordant, noise, or avant-garde (I know, I know, I know: bad habit). I don’t have the patience, and often I don’t have the eardrum strength. This album, however, has overcome that bias. True, there are moments of aimless experiments in sound, but for the most part this album is meant to give pleasure. And I think it is a good strategy to include more accessible songs; I end up listening to the rest with more attention, and I even return to sections I would normally overlook. Take a listen
Lucky Dragons – “Givers”
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Yes, yes, the layered vocals clips are really well arranged, and the growing volume and complexity gives this song the dynamism that many more experimental songs can’t muster. Really, though, it is that one snare drum beat that makes this song good to me. Just that one simple snap about forty-five seconds into this song sells it. It seems I always listen with a pop-music ear.
Lucky Dragons – “I Keep Waiting for Earthquakes”
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I have a difficult connection to this song. I really love that curtain of noise they create with all those curtailed tones, but the vocals I can’t get into. So lifeless, especially the dude’s, and out of touch with the other sounds that are so strong. Also the recorders. At that moment I am done.
I use two visual modes to approach this album. 1. This album reminds me of Photoshop: sometimes it is wonderful and surreal and well composed and seamless, and other times it is postured and unsubtle and unnecessary. 2. Or perhaps these songs are doodles (the album insert is a booklet of doodles that complement the songs well): simple, gestural noises that accumulate and grow into something large and surprising and strange.
Anyway you approach this album, I think it is worth some time. Check out the band’s site, listen to clips on their myspace page, and buy the album.
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