By
Chad Taylor
soundcheck@dmcityview.com
 Nillson
Berndt
Self Titled
Independent
Musical tastes in general are subjective, but
perhaps none more so than instrumentals. Rather
than using lyrics to TELL someone a story you’re
relying on the instrumentation to give the IMPRESSION
of a story and hoping that your audience interprets
that story the way you intended. It’s a bit
like conversing in a foreign language phonetically
and never knowing which bits are the swear words.
For that reason, I’m not completely convinced
that instrumental albums are good for anything
other than movie soundtracks or as something
for people to get high to. If either of those
fit your needs, Des Moines native Nilsson Berndt’s
self-titled effort might just be worth your
time. The completely analog recording has an
unadulterated, full sound that’ll be an audiophile’s
wet dream. Ethereal, poppy and flush with jazz
and Asian undertones, Berndt’s three-year labor
of love is intriguing, if not completely arresting.
CV
 Billy
and the Black Spot Under an Ugly Moon
Self Titled
Independent
Seriously, you guys. If any of you are sitting
around thinking, “I have this giant bag of weed,
but nothing to listen to while I ‘dispose’ of
it,” this week is for you. If you’re into a
trippy, experimental sound, see above. If you’re
more of a mellow stoner, looking for something
laid back and easy to follow, may I humbly suggest
Billy and the Unwieldy Band Name. I’m not going
to say that anything here is particularly refreshing
or unique, or that the band is taking Americana
in any kind of exciting new direction. But what
I WILL say is that they’ve decided on their
direction, settled on a sound, and absolutely
crushed it. If your album doesn’t tell a story,
then the goal should be “do one thing and do
it really well.” Billy, et al does precisely
that. CV
Want your new CD reviewed? Email us a link
at soundcheck@dmcityview.com
or mail a physical copy to: Cityview, 414 61st
Street, Des Moines, IA 50312.
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