Review:

on 2012-01-16 DangerMarvin Said:

We're Actually Aliens is the name of the trio behind this release, from out of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Aside from the rough low budget exterior of these recordings, a great many admirable qualities can be found here. First of all being the various stylistic influences the band cleverly blends into a uniform, fresh indie rock sound. The first track "While You Wind" is a prime example, alternating between syncopated math rock and spacey shoegaze. While this track can be rather choppy and hard to follow at first listen, it is nevertheless a big step into new music territory. "Comets" is perhaps a better example, with a seamless flow between time signatures and dynamics. Arguably the best track on this release "We're Left Behind", is at first glance a simple straightforward indie rock piece, with a constant back-and-forth dual vocal part, but it surprises you with complex transitional bits.
The group's overall direction is much akin to early Joan of Arc, with a complex, yet spacey indie sound, and seemingly raw, belting vocals that grow on you as you continue listening.
If you're looking for the next big indie record, maybe this won't be your first choice. However if you're on a musical conquest for something fresh, albeit a bit raw, your patience may reward you with this.
Rating: 8/10