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CD REVIEW Lion concentrates on vocals “CONTROL" Pedro the Lion , ★★★★ out of ☆☆☆☆☆ BY WILLIAM MILLS THE GAMECOCK Pedro the Lion’s new release, “Control,” is sure to enlighten and impress indie emo rock fans everywhere. “Control” is the one-man band’s fourth full-length album, and it has as much appeal as its previous albums, with a few new gimmicks. “Control” spills over with the same brooding, half-asleep vocals of coffee driven indie emo rock that has been David Bazan’s staple from the beginning. Pedro the Lion appeals to many fans of the lyrically driven style. The lyrics are littered with emotionally taxing stories of relationships, with the occasional dash of Christianity. Though religious references are present, Bazan steers away from making that the main theme of his music. Like many other bands in the indie emo rock genre, his focus is on vocals. “Control,” however, is more layered musically than any of his other albums. It’s composed of extensive guitar work and entrancing keyboards that enhance the lyrical quality. Located deep within the emo vein, Bazan’s music is most noticeable for his acoustic, brooding style. But “Control” proves that he is capable of expansion. Many songs on the album are upbeat and electrified. Songs like “Rapture” and “Penetration” are perfect examples of his growth. These two songs make it difficult to believe that one man does it all himself. Bazan writes all of the songs and plays all of the instruments in segments. ♦ CONTROL, SEE PAGE 10 CD REVIEW ‘Bloodsport’not up to hype “BLOODSPORT” Sneaker Pimps ★★ out of ☆☆☆☆☆ BY TUG BAKER THE (JAMSCOCK Electronica has grown incredibly popular around the world in the past few years, and while it doesn’t generate the interest in the United States t that it does in Europe, it has still gained a great deal of success. Ironically enough, the popularity of electronica can’t be blamed on the genre itself. In fact, interest in electronica really began, in a roundabout way, with hip-hop. In the mid ’90s, many artists took their love of hip-hop beats and combined them with elements of funk, jazz, and soul to create the down-tempo psychotropics of trip-hop. With an incredible stable of representative artists such as DJ Shadow and Tricky, trip hop made it big both overseas and here in the states. It was this emergence that generated the current interest in electronica. One of the bands at the forefront of this trip-hop movement was Reading, England’s Sneaker Pimps. Its 1997 debut album, “Becoming X,” was heralded by the music press as an essential trip-hop album. The draw of the Sneaker Pimps was its willingness to throw in aspects of guitar driven rock instead of relying on repetitive loops and beats. The songs on “Becoming X” were crafted with an incredible pop sensibility, making them both memorable and engaging. At the center of this buzz was singer Kelli Dayton, whose vocals were both dark and whimsical. With Dayton adding her vocal styling to guitarist Chris Comer and keyboardist Liam Howe’s songs, the Sneaker Pimps enjoyed the success of singles such as “Tesko Suicide” and “Spin Spin Sugar.” Many trip-hop fans were disappointed when they heard that Dayton and the rest of the group parted ways in 1998. The band, however, was not daunted by the loss of its starlet and, instead, gave Comer the job of producing vocals for “Bloodsport,” its second full ♦ BLOODSPORT, SEE PAGE 10 One out of every four women will be a victim of sexual assault or an attempted sexual assault in her lifetime. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month Office for Sexual Health & Violence Prevention Thomson Student Health Center, Lower Level * 777-7619 http: //www.sa.sc.edu/sas Division of Student & Alumni Services * Student Health Service * Department of University Housing & Student Development »• Competitive Rates • Easy Unit Access • Video Cameras • Boxes, Locks and Packing Materials Available • Computerized Access At Your Service! iq • Heated & Cooled I Units • Convenient Location • RV and Boat Parking I Other SC Locations: Goose Creek 343-553-070D Charleston 343-766-9949 I Summerville 343-321-7322 I I IcUmIT $1 Pays | storaoe ^rst ■ | .«• 9pfc Rent« ( . HONORING Dr. and Mrs. Palms for their contributions to the Carolina Community I Wednesday, April 24 6:30-8pm BBQ SANDWICHES. VEGGIE BURGERS. CHIPS. TEA. SHAG CONTEST. Ft FIREWORKS Bring a blanket and enjoy the fun! This program and all events are subject to change. This event Is sponsored by- The office of Student Government & Student 0rj>anl7aUoi». Student Media. Residence Hall Association. Carolina Productions. Association ot Atrlcan American Students. Iniernatlonal Students Association. Baptist CoBeplate Ministry. Student Bar Association. Medic* Student Association. Fraternity Council. Sorority Council. Carnet Clttte Student Alumni Count*. Carolina Student Judicial Count*, and the Department ot Student l»e.