Blonde Redhead: 23 - Band Has Come a Long Way with Its New Offering

Released on April 10th by 4AD, this album has some of the most melodic and harmonic music out there in alternative/underground indie rock. Blonde Redhead has been known for years throughout the New York underground scene and finally is getting noticed in the music world. Blonde Readhead's new album 23 has brought a sound to the table that fans can truly appreciate. With the hypnotizing voice of Kazu Makino leading the way this album is definitely the strongest showing from Blonde Redhead yet. While advertised as a self-produced album the band brought in both Alan Moulder, known for producing the likes of Smashing Pumpkins, Nine Inch Nails, and U2, along with Mitchell Froom, who produced some of Crowded Houses most well-known songs. The album can truly be described as an album for all music fans, young and old.

From the title track 23 to the extremely melodic My Impure Hair, this album has it all. Their sound has been compared to Sonic Youth with the vibe of Velvet Underground. Make no mistake, this album is worth the price. Amedeo and Simone Pace truly are amazing musicians displaying mesmerizing guitar riffs and low-level drum work. The vocals of Kazu Makino have no equal and once you put this into the CD player or on your MP3 player you will be transported to a place where all your worries will fade and all of the pressures of the world will melt away.

This album brings together a new-age sound with a mixture of jazz and blues and a touch of soul. The top songs on this album are 23 (upbeat jazzy sound), Spring and By Summer Fall (multiple vocals by the entire band and catchy as all get out!), Dr. Strangeluv (Kazu's vocals are truly amazing in this one), and Heroine (over-arching harmonic mix that will keep you humming it all day and night).

While fans of the Sugarcubes, The Cure, Yo La Tengo, Arcade Fire, and Sonic Youth will love this album, it will also appeal to fans of alternative/indie rock, jazz, blues, and soul. This album is the strongest showing from Blonde Redhead yet and there are no "filler" songs. Every song is worth the price and you would be best off probably buying the entire album.