Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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Soaring past labels THE LAST BROADCAST Doves BY JUSTIN BAJAN THE GAMECOCK This band’s name instantly conjures up feelings of peace and tranquility, a sensibility more serene and majestic than the rest of the world’s. But to say that Doves are peaceful and tranquil would discredit the abrasive beats of the drummer and diminish the jagged sounds of the guitarist. The band reflects the dove, considered different from other birds. Where rock has subdivided itself into millions of genres and styles (progressive rock, indie rock, punk rock, emo, alt country rock, roots rock, acoustic rock, power pop, pop rock) Doves find themselves soaring above these limiting labels. The band creates a sound that siphons the good of rock — the complexity of Radiohead, the energy of the Beta Band, the range of the Beatles — all without the slightest hint of trying to emulate these groups. From Manchester, England, the trio comprises Jimi Goodwin on vocals and bass and twin brothers Jez and Andy Williams on guitar and'drums. The band members were originally signed to Astralwerks, a label famous for more experimental music such as that of the Chemical Brothers, the Beta Band and Air. It was on the same label that Doves released their first full-length album, “Lost Souls.” Since then, the band has moved on to Capitol Records, where it recorded “The Last Broadcast.” From the band’s feel-good single, “There Goes the Fear,” to the pounding drums and sample-laden sounds of “N.Y.,” Doves display their depth and instrumental prowess through twelve very different tracks. The band seems comfortable molding its compositions around an acoustic guitar or turning to a more electronic feel, combining keyboards and samples, electric guitars and vocal effects. They also manage to sprinkle some strings and other orchaestraic additions to enrich their already diverse sound. With two albums and a few EPs under their belt, Doves prove their staying power, something rock desperately needs now. On a level of their own, Doves should continue to excel. Comments on this story?E-mail gamecockmixeditor@hotmail.com CDS YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED Femcee refines style THE ATTACK OF THE ATTACKING THINGS Jean Grae ★★★★ out of ☆☆☆☆☆ BY TITAN BARKSDALE THE GAMECOCK Boasting an aggressive delivery, hard-edged lyrics and impeccable flow, femcee Jean Grae stormed the hip-hop scene a few years back, inviting collaborations with a variety of hip-hop acts. Jean Grae, formerly known as What, What, rocked with heralded underground sensation Mr. Len of Company Flow and such superstars as Busta Rhymes and Xzibit, often outshining her male counterparts and creating a buzz strong enough to warrant a solo album. Jean Grae’s debut, “Attack of the Attacking Things,” surpasses the Dickens-like expectations that grew from her earlier rap moments, but she achieves success using a subtler approach than before. Forgoing her characteristic, battle-ready aggressiveness, Jean Grae refines her style on mis aioum 10 capture a oroaaer audience. With sophisticated lyrics and rhyme schemes, her social commentary is so poignant and honest, it should be made into textbooks to properly educate schoolchildren. Jean Grae has a penchant for conjuring vivid imagery using words that strike a chord with listeners, though her subject matter is deeply personal. This topical album illustrates her courtship woes on the soulful “Love Song,” which samples a popular tune from the Stylistics; the death of a loved one on the lamenting “Fade Out”; and escapism on the ethereal “Block Party.” Pounding boom-bap tracks reminiscent of hip-hop from an earlier era provide Jean Grae with a sufficient backdrop for her vocals. Though the sound might contain excessive thump for hip-hop virgins, melodious musical elements are woven into most songs, creating some balance. Veteran producers Mr. Len, The Beatminerz of Black Moon and Masta Ace have production credits on the album. On “Attack of the Attacking Things,” Jean Grae lives up to the telepathic X-Men heroine she borrows her name from by communicating with each listener using extraordinary perception, which creates a pleasurable experience. Comments on this story?E-mail gamecockmixeditorCqihotmail.com Rising past ’60s roots HIGHLY EVOLVED The Vines ★★★ out of ☆☆☆☆■& BY CHARLES TOMLINSON THE (JAMECOCK The Vines earned some success over the summer, and with the current retro-rock craze, it makes sense. Record sales and MTV charts show that listeners are enthralled by the vintage sounds resurrected and promulgated by The Strokes, The Hives and the White Stripes. A listen to “Highly Evolved” should immediately distinguish The Vines from the other “retro” artists. Sure, there are the 1960s-influenced guitar tones and vocal melodies. Lead singer Craig Nicholls even sings the line “It’s 1969 in my head” on “1969.” But Nicholls can belt out a Kurt Cobain-esque primal scream, best heard on the title track and in “Get Free,” the first single. That alone, however, is not enough to distinguish the band from the pack; Pelle Almqvist of The Hives can howl with the best of them. What sets The Vines apart is the band’s attention to texture and dynamics. The release of “Get Free” as the first single is misleading - it is hardly representative of the album. For the most part, “Highly Evolved” is a mellow journey through 43 minutes of pop-rock psychedelia. The band is at its most ‘60s-ish on “Homesick,” with its Beatles inspired piano chords and vocal harmonies, and on “Mary Jane,” with piano and a swirling guitar effect. But “Get Free,” “In the Jungle” and “Ain’t No Room” prove The Vines can still rock as heavy as they want. The songwriting’s scope is amazing. The band combines loud and quiet dynamics simultaneously. On “Country Yard,” a flowing verse melody is backed by tortured wailing vocals, which are almost absorbed into the background but definitely still audible. The Vines even make a few stylistic shifts on the album. The band plays reggae on “Factory,” combining the bouncy verses with a heavy distorted chorus. Sometimes The Vines falter in lyrical complexity (the chorus on “Factory” goes: “Aaaaaaaah! Hey! Hey!”). Still, The Vines more than make up for it with gorgeous compositions, and those that aren’t so pretty are loaded with energy. Comments on this story? E-mail gamecockmixeditorfwhotmail.com Bolt CONTINUED FROM PAGE B2 Sims said the band likes to “jump around, dress weird, not be the typical instrumental rock band and revel in our own playing.” He said the band uses a strobe light connected to a sewing-machine pedal for added effect. In the fall, Bolt plans to record its second release, tentatively titled “Go.” Sims said the album will be “cut-and-dry, what we do live,” so with songs such as “Gearshift,” “Polar” and “Summer,” expect no deviation from its live show, just a little polishing. Bolt will play Friday at Uncle Doctor’s with Bleak and Throttlerod and on Sept. 13 at the New Brookland Tavern with Hot Lava Monster and Slam. Visit them at www.boltband2001.com. Comments on this story?E-mail gamecockmixeditor@hotmail.com Junction CONTINUED FROM PAGE B2 who switches between tracks with different tempos to take the crowd on an emotional ride. BJP’s objective is to provide positive hip-hop music for an audience who wants to have a good time, Taseone said. USC students can catch the group in late September during the Non-Stop Hip-Hop Live show at New Brookland Tavern. B JP will begin touring the Northeast in October, DJ Shekeese said. The group’s latest CD, “Circa 197?: The Dirty Versions,” released in July 2001, is in local record stores. Though listening to Beat Junction Project is not as exciting as seeing it live, it’s the next best thing. Comments on this story?E-mail gamecockmixeditor@notmail.com Interested in working for The Gamecock? Come to the interest meeting: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28 Russell House Room 322 FOR YOUR NOTES Visit LeConte 117 for more info, or call 777-6142 Office of Disability Services - a university sponsored service - Fall 2002 Tours Come see us at the USC Libraries! Take a tour and discover the wealth of resources available to you at the library. One-hour tours will be divided into two parts: a tour of the building for the first half-hour, and a tour of the electronic resources during the second half-hour. No sign-up is necessary. Just meet the tour guide in the lobby and learn what resources and services are available to you. August 26 - September 20, 2002 Tours: Mondays at 11 a.m. Tuesdays at 11 a.m. Wednesdays at 2 p.m. Thursdays at 4 p.m. The tour will last approximately one hour. The first part will include a visit to several library departments: Circulation, Reference,Government Documents, Education, and Science Reference, i The second half-hour will focus on the electronic resources: USCAN Web,'access to World Wide Web resources, and online databases will be demonstrated. DROP „ ADD THOSE JUNK FOOD EATTN' SOME DELICIOUS WAYS... NUTRITIOUS FOODS TO YOUR DIET! It's easy when you shop with us! We have a plethora of choices when it comes to healthier and cleaner foods. Stop by the market for great wrap sandwiches, vegan and vegetarian specials plus bulk items and cool body care products! WELCOME BACK! -I—— Rosewood ““ j = ■ M A K K fc 1 . . „ . 8 »_ S. Maple St. M-Sat: 9-9 £ * www.rosewoodmarket.com Sun: 10-6 2803 Rosewood Dr. St. Thomas More CATHOLIC CENTER AND CHURCH Weekend Mass Saturday 4:30 p.m. Sunday 9:00 & 11:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Daily Mass Monday - Wednesday & Friday 12:15 p.m. Confession 3:00-4:00 p.m. or appointment W RCIA (for those interest in the Catholic faith) Newman Club Sunday 5:30 P m Bible Study Tuesday 7:00 p.m. Wednesday 8:00 p.m. Friday 1:00 p.m. Rev.Tim Lljewskl, Chaplain and Campus Minister Gaurav Shroff, Director of Christian Formation 1610 Greene Street 799-5870 (across from the school of Nursing webpage- http://www.stthomasmoreusc.org email:tlijewski@aol.com '