CD really rocks & rolls

Decibully
Decibully
7-out-of-10

Kicking it out of Milwaukee, Decibully pounds out the lo-fi rock like no one's business. Their self-titled full length, Decibully, is a ravishing, foot stomping exploration into loose, rowdy, and catchy rock'n'roll.

The quick, toe tapping rhythms are accompanied by quips of melody and thoughtful lyrics. Giving off a very vintage, or nostalgic, vibe, Decibully reminds of a cross between The Black Keys and the indie rock sound of Ted Leo and the Pharmacists. Their timeless sound lends itself well to the varied mix of tempos and time signatures. These guys pull off many different styles on this record, from the fuzzed out and melodically pleasing "Who's Shadow" tapering off to the slow burning "A Girl Like Her". Decibully plays to a wide variety of ears, and never ceases to impress. Each song has a line or a rhythm or riff that just reminds you how good the record is, and how talented these guys are.

When the beat gets heavy, Decibully is relentless. Whether it's ripping solos or the constant jamming of "Forever", they just ooze with charisma and make it sound so easy. They have a very precise, focused sound while channeling the spontaneity of Zeppelin. Rarely do bands pull off this level of 70's inspired noise without sounding like a bar circuit cover band.

Decibully is a very fun listen for those who love that mix of old school rock, modern influence, and a good time. So, grab a Pabst Blue Ribbon and celebrate all that Milwaukee has given us.

-SEAN CRAIB-PETKAU

Vollmilch
Vulfpeck
8-out-of-10

Full of nothing but feel good funk and raging piano, Vollmilch is the second release from LA's Vulfpeck.

Comprised of six different things with keys, a few things hit with sticks, and a bass, this record is definitely interesting enough to warrant not needing lyrics. All six songs feel like loosely composed free flow expressions of one's love for 1970's cop sitcom theme songs. The use of period correct instruments like a moog and Wurlitzer just make me feel like this record should have surfaced in my parent's record collection, and was perhaps actually recorded when Dodge just introduced the Dart.

All tracks, being instrumentals, are interesting and captivating enough that lyrics would only detract from them. I really enjoy the way the keys are layered and guitars are avoided. Every beat the drum plays is catchy, every riff the piano pounds out is captivating. There isn't much to say about this record besides that it is a very satisfying listen. Its thick, fuzzy, sensational sounds could fill any void, cure any sadness, or make any statue dance.

Going off on many seemingly improvised tangents, every player take their turn showcasing their talent. Most times it just seems unbelievable, with so much going on, that it can make any sense at all but Vulfpeck really nails it every time.

It's very easy to get lost in the rich, indulgent, gratifying sounds, beats, and melodies of Vollmilch, a new age funk record that's as timeless as it is entertaining.

-SEAN CRAIB-PETKAU