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THE REVIEW
"The New York-based band, composed of two Italian-origin twins and a Japanese girl, is one of the most celebrated acts in the international indie scene. The 'noise' roots of their beginnings, characterized by a rough and dissonant sound, heavily indebted to the more edgy Sonic Youth, have recently softened into oblique melodies, complex textures, and more reflective and intimate moments."Ok, I cheated, I admit it.
It's not "my grain"... It's the presentation of Blonde Redhead for the concert they did about a month ago in Ferrara, but I assure you it's not easy to classify their music, nor to risk comparisons with other existing bands.
To say they are a unique band is an understatement: 2 Italian-Canadian twins meet a Japanese girl in New York and start making music: they have a passion for Pier Paolo Pasolini (to the point that they titled their second album "La mia vita violenta") and many ideas, but recognition comes only on the fourth attempt/album, "In An Expression Of The Inexpressible", produced by Guy Picciotto of Fugazi.
What to say about this "Melody Of Certain Damaged Lemons"? It has a great rhythm.
After the first instrumental track comes immediately the most beautiful piece of the album, "In Particular": over six minutes of song, which starts with a one and a half minute instrumental with a hypnotic flow; as soon as Kazu Makino (the Japanese girl) starts singing, the first reaction is negative: it seems like she has a horrible voice, and one tends to think that she will ruin the song, but then everything falls into place and I challenge you not to bob your head while listening!
Some songs are sung by Amedeo Pace (the guitarist) and in "For the Damaged" Kazu's voice is accompanied only by the piano played by Simone Pace (the drummer/keyboardist).
"Mother" is the only track on the album that could be defined as "dirty", very "Sonic Youth-like", followed, right at the end, by a more elaborate version of "For The Damaged", no longer just with the piano, but with the addition of percussion.
I'm the first to admit that after reading these lines one might ask "but in conclusion, is it worth it?" and the answer is: if you have the chance, listen to it, in my opinion, it's an underrated and little-known record!
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Summary by Bot
This review explores Blonde Redhead's album Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons, highlighting its evolution from noisy roots to melodic complexity. The unique vocals of Kazu Makino initially surprise but ultimately engage the listener. Songs like 'In Particular' and 'For the Damaged' showcase the band's rhythmic strengths. The album is praised as an underrated gem well worth a listen.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Blonde Redhead
Blonde Redhead are a New York-based trio described in the reviews as consisting of Japanese singer/guitarist Kazu Makino and twin brothers Amedeo and Simone Pace. Reviews depict their early years as Sonic Youth-influenced noise-rock, followed by a shift toward more melodic, ethereal indie-pop/dream-pop with increased use of keyboards and refined arrangements.21 Reviews
Other reviews
By ZiOn
Their noise-rock seems to soften, leaving room for more melodic moments that are no less original.
An intimate and delicate work that will continue to surprise you with every listen.
By The_dull_flame
"Kazu is a siren who has lost her foothold and is lost in the midst of a storm of devastating waves."
"Much more wicked and sour than 'Misery,' yet still surprising."
By masturbatio
Those blood-red squares on the cover have carved into my soul, which soars every time I approach Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons.
Kazu Makino’s timbre is not only elusive, it’s poisonous, it grates gracefully on mere mortals who have had the pleasure of listening to it at least once in their lives.
