((Sounder)) is the musical venture of visual artist Mike Aho. Originally from Austin, and now located in Costa Mesa, CA, Aho has done design work for Volcom (who put out this album) as well as music videos, including one for Bonnie “Prince” Billy. As you might expect then, certain “art” elements creep into the music, which is generally a good thing (at least in this case).

This song, off their latest album Good Things Come And Go Like Bad Things (which I wrote a review of on Austin Sound today), displays some of ((Sounder))’s strong points, namely the desperately cynical lyrics, and the music’s loose, almost self-destructive quality. As the song tumbles along, listen as more and more instruments join the mix, battling each other to be heard, though still somehow creating a singular song.

If that description doesn’t make any sense, that’s okay, because you’re going to be way too depressed by the lyrics (especially if you listen to the whole album) to even notice. “Without the promise of something! Without the terror of nothing!” sings Aho, as the song barrels along towards it’s eventual… actually, the song never quite explodes like I’d hoped. Aho opts for a guitar outro instead, which is still kind of cool, but also kind of boring. But isn’t that what the title and lyrics are all about? Maybe.

The point is, if you buy this album (which you should), you should also buy some ice cream to cheer yourself up after listening to it way too many times. Oh, and grab the track after the jump. Sorry, no ’scream here though.

Buy:

Tunes:

((sounder)) - “Those Days Were Good Days (As Days Sometimes Are)”

Info:

Good Things Come And Go Like Bad Things is out now on Volcom Entertainment.

Websites
[myspace]

Subscribe:

Don’t forget, if you’re into these daily mp3’s, subscribe to the Daily Dic. You’ll never have to leave home again!