Amanda Palmer & The Grand Theft Orchestra - Theatre Is Evil (06/11/2012)
“Ladies and gentlemen, how can I slit my wrists when I can’t stop dancing?”
You wouldn’t think it but this translation of Melbourne-based Meow Meow’s introduction of Amanda Palmer’s newest offering sums up this album perfectly.
Made possible due to nearly 25,000 backers on Kickstarter, Theatre is Evil makes you want to cry while simultaneously dancing - a sound described by Palmer as “crancing”. Although Palmer has coined this new term it is definitely not a new concept.
Setting negatively charged lyrics against really positive music is an addictive juxtaposition which many musicians have dabbled in. However, it almost seems brave of Palmer to centre a whole album around this idea. Ordinarily, people expect pop songs to be happy and cheery but if you know anything about Amanda Palmer you know she is anything but ordinary. With this in mind it easy to see why this album may not have wide appeal. Regardless, it is not hard to see that she is an amazing musician.
Theatre is Evil showcases Palmer’s gorgeous piano playing and her quirky vocals. It also introduces The Grand Theft Orchestra; Palmer’s backing band on this album featuring Michael McQuicken on the drums, Chad Raines on guitar and keys, and Jherek Bischoff on bass. Adding to her cabaret style, they’re a welcome addition to this album. A simple set up, The Grand Theft Orchestra produce a great wall of sound which some might find overwhelming and others will soak themselves in.
With all this talk of overarching themes and sounds it would be easy to come to the conclusion that this album lacks dynamic. This gives the false impression that all the tracks on the album are musically upbeat.
Tracks such as Grown Man Cry, Bottomfeeder, and Berlin help to dispel this assumption, providing slower tempos and stripped back instruments. The Bed Song is a beautiful waltz which demonstrates the link between art and music which Palmer promotes through her commissioned artworks that feature as album artwork. The Killing Type, Massachusetts Avenue and Olly Olly Oxen Free will get you off your feet and heartily singing along.
Theatre is Evil has a lot to offer. Whether it’s the infectious synthesiser, the intricate piano runs or the strong drum beats there is something there for everyone. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a crying session (or a dancing session) consider Theatre is Evil as your soundtrack.
Natalia Baranowski
You wouldn’t think it but this translation of Melbourne-based Meow Meow’s introduction of Amanda Palmer’s newest offering sums up this album perfectly.
Made possible due to nearly 25,000 backers on Kickstarter, Theatre is Evil makes you want to cry while simultaneously dancing - a sound described by Palmer as “crancing”. Although Palmer has coined this new term it is definitely not a new concept.
Setting negatively charged lyrics against really positive music is an addictive juxtaposition which many musicians have dabbled in. However, it almost seems brave of Palmer to centre a whole album around this idea. Ordinarily, people expect pop songs to be happy and cheery but if you know anything about Amanda Palmer you know she is anything but ordinary. With this in mind it easy to see why this album may not have wide appeal. Regardless, it is not hard to see that she is an amazing musician.
Theatre is Evil showcases Palmer’s gorgeous piano playing and her quirky vocals. It also introduces The Grand Theft Orchestra; Palmer’s backing band on this album featuring Michael McQuicken on the drums, Chad Raines on guitar and keys, and Jherek Bischoff on bass. Adding to her cabaret style, they’re a welcome addition to this album. A simple set up, The Grand Theft Orchestra produce a great wall of sound which some might find overwhelming and others will soak themselves in.
With all this talk of overarching themes and sounds it would be easy to come to the conclusion that this album lacks dynamic. This gives the false impression that all the tracks on the album are musically upbeat.
Tracks such as Grown Man Cry, Bottomfeeder, and Berlin help to dispel this assumption, providing slower tempos and stripped back instruments. The Bed Song is a beautiful waltz which demonstrates the link between art and music which Palmer promotes through her commissioned artworks that feature as album artwork. The Killing Type, Massachusetts Avenue and Olly Olly Oxen Free will get you off your feet and heartily singing along.
Theatre is Evil has a lot to offer. Whether it’s the infectious synthesiser, the intricate piano runs or the strong drum beats there is something there for everyone. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a crying session (or a dancing session) consider Theatre is Evil as your soundtrack.
Natalia Baranowski