'Echoes' directed to cutting edge heights

Noteworthy CD Review

Recordings from rock bands such as Radiohead and the Smashing Pumpkins, where each album is a separate work of art that signifies the band's logical progression as artists, are far from the spectrum of music of The Rapture in its third album, "Echoes."

"Echoes" ranges from Led Zeppelin-influenced ballads to minimal electronic garage rock to dance tracks with cowbells. Each song sounds like it is from a different record at a different time in the band's artistic progression.

The Rapture definitely has taken a new direction from its last two albums, "Mirror" and "Out of the Races and Onto the Tracks." Both were angular, post-punk efforts with howling vocals and hints of danceability. But, this album is less conceptual and more listener-friendly because it is not as experimental and more constructed.

The vocals still are screeching, with the exception of "Open Up Your Heart" and "Infatuation," during which lead vocalist Luke Jenner attempts at traditional "singing." Bands like Hot Hot Heat have similar vocals with voice inflection that some may classify as an acquired taste.

"Heaven," "The Coming of Spring" and title track "Echoes" are classic Rapture tracks — grating rock influenced by Gang of 4, MC5, The Clash and other 1970s garage rock bands.

But, "Echoes" has a twist that makes sure it doesn't get grouped in with the pop-garage-rock explosion that features The Hives, The Vines, The White Stripes, The Strokes and any other "The ___" band. The Rapture bring in saxophone and reverb and focuses on keyboards to add a feel that even causes people who think they are too cool for dancing to dance.

In addition, Ryan Schreiber of www.PitchforkMedia.com, a music Web site, said, "The Rapture are only one of about 10,000 bands ushering [what has] gotten labeled 'dance punk,' but it's important to note that they were among the first."

"House of Jealous Lovers," which has been out on vinyl for over six months as a single, is one of the catchiest tracks on the album, mostly because of the cowbell. Now that the song is out on a full-track disc, it will be a must at dance clubs and house parties all over the country.

The Rapture's songs feature extremely minimal electronics made with standard keyboards. When combined with funky bass lines and a few effects, these are still songs to which one can dance. The Rapture recently has received flack for signing with Universal Records, but it shouldn't be overlooked that it still is working closely with indie label DFA Records. After hearing the diverse sound and composition of "Echoes," it's difficult to say it has sold out.

This record has the heart and feel of an indie band — no overproduction.

For more information about The Rapture's releases, visit www.therapturemusic.com. Songs by The Rapture can be requested on JMU's student-run radio station, WXJM 88.7 FM, and the album can be purchased at Plan 9 Music..