Chemical Eyes was aggressive and
minimalistic with a hard edge, and Cartoon Ideas is anything but. It
feels as if Skopec has gone through either some great tragedy or
triumph, coming to an epiphany and maturing greatly in the process.
Gone are the shiny mirrors, dirty
people, and streetwalkers, and present is something very personal and
very atmospheric. It is melancholic at times, and very happy when
you would least expect it. Themes ranging from social philosophy to
current events, from Sandy Hook to a lost loved one, from figuring
out life to “selling out”.
Scott has seemingly stepped away from
the his “urban blues” and found himself caught in something that
is three parts alternative, two parts folk, and two and a half parts
minimalistic electronica, with tiny bits of Americana sprinkled here
and there. His roots are still present, set firmly in the same soil
in which they were first planted, but the tree has grown.
Cartoon Ideas flows like a stretched
out piece of chewed bubble gum; while thickest at both ends, it is
delicious all the way through; the first three and last four songs
are what really make this album the treasure that it is. The opening
track, Back Monkeys, was one he had been playing for a while, by
himself and with Chemical Eyes, but was hardly recognizable. The
opening synths and the harmonica which soon follows really show the
difference between now and before.
Here is a breakdown of the tracks that
stood out to me the most
Back Monkeys – was a great song and
still is a great song. Reincarnated with new, folk rock wings while
still holding onto the alternative core, Back Monkeys is one of the
best tracks off the album.
Get There – Another one of my
favorite tracks. The song reminds me of clenched teeth and like much
of the album, has a sort of sadness present.
Bend Upon the Binding – One of the
most personal tracks on the album, and is almost my favorite. It
isn't as obviously great, but I find myself appreciating it more and
more with time. Like most of the album it is driven by (mostly)clean
guitar chords, and simple, but well composed synth lines.
Volume One – A fun track. Utilized
piano and high pitched synths well and comes off really retro. I am
not sure what the song is actually about, but it doesn't matter, for
Skopec's intention can be heard in the melody alone.
Extra Faded – Another song that has
been around for some time. Very minimalistic, driven primarily by a
simple synth progression and Scopec's heart-on-sleeve vocals with a
guitar playing softly in the background which seems to get louder as
the song goes on.
Relic – One of the more experimental
and political songs on the album. Referencing school shootings and
the Israel conflict, and containing very wild vocal lines and old
school synths. The song is good, but could have been better. I
really think it contains the most powerful vocal chorus on the album,
but the production and instrumentation, which is top notch throughout
the song, doesn't bring out the full potential. That said, Relic is
a great song.
Parasital – A song that reminds me
for some reason of Bob Dylan in the early 70s. Not really the style,
but the subject matter is like Dylan responding to those who would
call him Judas or a betrayer. Parasital contains my favorite lyrics
on the album and is very solid.
Frankie Boy – A song that really
stands out. Instrumentally it is probably the strongest of CI, and
emotionally it effectively can make one shed tears both of sadness
and of joy, at the same time. I am not sure who Frankie is, and I
don't need to, to feel the power of this song. It also contains the
best singing on the record.
Life – A great way to follow Frankie
Boy. Life is fun and is a song about finding and searching and
contending with the puzzles we are constantly bombarded with, a song
we can all relate too. It sounds great as well!
What Could – “I could have been
with you” If I had to pic out the four seconds which stand out the
most on this album, it is the first time you hear this line on this
track. Another song that really stands out. It showcases both
Skopec's rhythm and lead guitar-work. Compositionally it is one of
the most effective and accessible on Cartoon Ideas.
Bucket List – A very good way to end
an album. Thick synth lines and catchy guitar. It is sad and once
again brings me to compare Skopec with Dylan. Again, not in terms of
style, but because of a rain like quality Skopec's music possesses.
In the end, Cartoon ideas is effective
in establishing Skopec; who he is and what potential he possesses.
He can sing, he can play more than a couple instruments, and he can
write some damn good songs. Not only can you hear Scott's talent
overflowing over fourteen solid tracks, you can hear his soul, and
you can't just hear it, you can feel it! It is erupting. The
volcano that is Scott Skopec is active and I can only hope to hear
more.
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