Album Review: 19 Action News (by reamofpaper.com)
If Modest Mouse got together with Iron and Wine and made a hip-hop album about the apocalypse, the result might be the self-titled, independent debut release of 19 Action News. Clevelanders will recognize the name to be borrowed from a local news affiliate. In the spirit of 70’s concept albums, the message throughout this offering is simple: the end is near, look out!
The effortless rap of Jake Dahlke blends perfectly with the simple, monotone singing of Joshua Gardner. There is enough genre-bending on this record that the listener does not have to be a fan of hip-hop, indie or folk rock to appreciate the whole of their work. About half way through the album, you’ll begin wondering what the next song might sound like. Odds are you won’t be disappointed.
My favorite track is titled, Greed (music to loot by), which almost has a happy, Motown backbeat while the lyrics encourage all who would listen to live for themselves, as the earth is quickly fading away anyways. Dahlke’s lyrics are brilliant tongue-in-cheek that paint the end of the world as an enjoyable affair, not to be missed.
Visit their myspace for a listen. Or download the whole album from iTunes.
