By So Asiddao
Staff Writer
Steam Powered Giraffe once again astonished its fans with its new album “The Vice Quadrant,” which was released September 9. The album includes unique songs with lyrics that do not follow the cliché of modern love songs. However, “Vice Quadrant’s” storylines confuse listeners not already integrated into the fan base.
Steam Powered Giraffe, or SPG, was started in San Diego, California, in 2008 by twins David and Isabella Bennett along with several of their friends. For all of their onstage performances, they use theatrical makeup and costumes to become steam-powered “automatons” with unique personalities.
“Vice Quadrant” is a musical fictitious narrative that tells of the “automatons’” adventures as an alien creature, whose dying wish is to see the band perform, follows them throughout the galaxy. The twins have always wanted to make a space themed album like this and have been slowly developing it since 2008.
Fans have been anxiously awaiting this album for two years and were not disappointed. Those who are fellow musicians will appreciate the upbeat and catchy bass lines or keytar solos, which gives a rush of excitement as they understand how far the band has progressed.
The album has an independent storyline, making it easier to understand for first-time listeners of the band. Many of the songs can also be applied to situations in everyday life, which makes it easier to make a personal connection with some of the songs.
Since the characters all have individual personalities, they also have recognizable, distinct voices. It is always a pleasure to hear one’s favorite member be recognized. Although this is true, Isabella cannot sing very well. She follows the technique pop singers do where they sound like they are trying too hard.
This lack of talent sometimes also applies to other member’s singing, which can make any song displeasing. Although the melody might be good, the song might as well be solely instrumental.
Their first two studio albums had songs with boring melodies and simple musical styles that would make the listener unimpressed with the then amateur band. “Vice Quadrant” includes electronic and pop type songs that sound like nothing the band has ever tried before-and this is definitely an improvement.
Steam Powered Giraffe has not completely let go of that old, folk style. “The Vice Does Tight” and “On A Crescendo” have no expected explosions of music, making the songs very anticlimactic.
Despite this, the lyrics are so impressive, they are as if John Lennon helped the band write. Most songs on the radio repeat the same melodies and words that people hear over and over again. Listening to SPG is a relief from this repetitive modern musical styles.
Steam Powered Giraffe most likely made this twenty-eight song, two-part masterpiece to experiment with their evolving popularity and music styles and to show appreciation for their fans. The last song includes Rabbit saying she loves each and everyone of her fans, possibly the best ending to an album ever.
“Vice Quadrant” is now on iTunes and Bandcamp or can be bought in physical form from their website www.steampoweredgiraffe.com. It is twenty dollars everywhere.
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