| Built by Snow |
| Written by Kevin Talley | |
 BUILT BY SNOWMega Self-Released (Release Date: 1/20/09) January 20 marked a step forward, not only in the inauguration of a new US president, but also with the brand new geek-chique pop by way of Mega, the sophomore release from Built By Snow. Formed in Austin in 2006, Built by Snow has steadily built a local and international fan base with their own unique brand of keyboard-driven pop rock. You can compare Built By Snow to an array of great bands: A synthesized Weezer, or Hellogoodbye minus the five minute medallion love songs, or even The Polysics minus the cute Japanese girls (unfortunately). Mega is a fun-loving, fast paced album full of keyboard riffs that conjure up nostalgic memories of 8-bit Super Nintendo songs. “Giant Robot Attack” opens the album with a perfect summation of Built by Snow’s sense of musical style, as well as their song’s subject matter. Group harmonies and synthesizer shine in “Something In 3D,” a short but explosive future radio hit, and “Invaders” a clap-along space romance of sorts. (And you know the world has a shortage of those.) “All The Weird Kids Know” is bound to become a signature song, an anthem for every misunderstood, video-game-loving high schooler to blast from their PSPs. Built By Snow shows their slower and more mature side with the keyboard epic “Implode Alright.” The song begins with a simple but cheery keyboard riff and swells into a haunting group chorus. Mega in many ways is like a love letter to childhood, a time when robots, 3D vision, and 2D graphics ruled. Mega does not live up to its name in terms of length, consisting of only nine tracks and an overall run time of just 21 minutes. At times songs are cut short and not fully fleshed out, such as the abrupt ending of “Attachment,” which starts as a chilling keyboard piece but ends far too quickly. However, the minimalism of Mega leaves room for up-to-par songs, creating a short but satisfying album that stays stuck in your head. |
Login Form
Austin Area Directory - add your business
| Business 2 Business (22) |
| List your Business for FREE! (711) |