Thanks to a stroke of good fortune, I have several different artists and genres from which to choose for my next several reviews. Pop music has so far been absent from the page, so my topic tonight is Boomkat and their latest album, "A Million Trillion Stars".
Siblings Kellin and Taryn Manning began their work together as the dance-pop duo Boomkat in 2003, but have remained just outside of the spotlight for the greater part of their career. In addition to her musicianship, Taryn is a well-known actress, with roles in "Crazy Beautiful", "Crossroads", "White Oleander", and several other appearances on the big screen and in television. No doubt this additional work keeps her extra busy, so a music career might have taken the back seat for a time. Luckily, inspiration seems to have hit the brother-sister act again; "Million Trillion Stars" announces Boomkat's return to the arena of pop music.
I guess it's time for me to make a confession: The most heavily-played songs on my iPod are Balkan gypsy pieces and random bits of electronically-enhanced belly dance music that you will most likely never hear on the radio in the United States. However, even though my brain is in the Mediterranean 8 times out of 10, like any good Music Industry Studies major I know the current trends. Nowadays, pop is typically identified by catchy and memorable lyrics, danceable beats, and a bit of synthesized whatsits here and there (feel free to voice your opinion, if you disagree). When I look at these guidelines while listening to the CD, I find that "A Million Trillion Stars" has the makings of a great pop collection.
The Manning siblings wrote nearly all of the songs on their new album without additional assistance; kudos to them, I must say! And collaboration with several different producers prevents the tunes from sounding too similar and keeps the listener from drifting into boredom. Taryn's smoky voice is something that I have not heard in today's top pop artists, and it is pleasantly fresh to the ears. However, the one qualm that I have with the album is that the lyrics do not allow me to form a story in my mind, or to picture what Taryn is vocalizing. Perhaps it is just the poet in me, but I feel that in general, there should be more meaningful content in pop lyrics nowadays.
For all of you pop music fans out there that are looking for some new ear-candy, check out "A Million Trillion Stars" now! And even if you do not typically follow the genre, as in any situation, I would recommend breaking out of your shell and listening to something new. I listened to Boomkat for the first time less than a week ago, and I am very glad that I did; otherwise, I would probably be in a rut right now, with "Opa Cupa" by Brass Menažeri running on a broken phonograph in my brain.
To sum it all up, check out Boomkat, because unlike many pop artists that have had everything served to them on a silver platter, Taryn and Kellin have worked hard for what they have created!
You would most likely enjoy Boomkat if you are a fan of: Vitamin C, Kylie Minogue, Katy Rose, Imogen Heap
For more information on Boomkat:
Here is the band's MySpace!
Aaaaaaaaand Boomkat's Twitter feed:)
Roxi G.'s Lyric Pick: "Lately I've been afraid
Something's going right inside of my brain
And it's getting hard to explain
But I see everything
I've been fighting all of my life
Always seem to put my heart on the line
And it's a lonely road I climb
When I see everything" -"Runaway" by Boomkat
Good night everyone! I hope the rest of your week is pleasant and stress-free!
Peace and pianos,
Roxi G.
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