Customer Reviews

Ringodom or Proctor

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

What is most impressive about Ringodom and Proctor is not the lavish instrumentation or high-quality production, which many would consider uncharacteristic of a genuinely "indie" album, but rather the simple genius of the songwriting. Initial listens may startle, but soon the recording's overall value becomes apparent; needless to say it is eclectic, but it is also just so very good. Obvious influences of this band might include the Beach Boys or the Talking Heads, but these kind of comparisons don't do justice to such an original album.

It should be noted that Head of Femur has borrowed not only the instruments of classical music, but also many of the painstaking polyphonic techniques and time changes that are rarely heard outside of the classical sphere.

Head of Femur's debut album Ringodom or Proctor is excitingly experimental and yet is back to the basics good old fashioned rock and roll. The tunes are catchy and the lyrics wild and crazy. The blending of vocals and instruments is top-notch. This band sounds like they are having fun and that makes for pleasant listening. This is sophisticated rock at its best. The album receives my highest recommendation.

Head of Femur is simply wonderful. I am completely biased by my love for them, but they are one of the best bands I have heard in many a year. The have an original, full sound to every song, and entertaining but varied tracks. They can maintain a playful sound but quickly and easily slide into a poignant sort of interlude. I have seen Head of Femur live several times, and they've put on the best live shows I have ever seen, they just have so much energy and love of what they're doing, that it is amazing to watch. People ask me what they're like, and I can only say "Awesome!" have a listen and hopefully you'll agree...

I've got to give this album and band credit. I bought this based off a friends suggestion and after a few spins i was like "What in the heck?" It's weird and i dig on weird but at points in times, it can be jarring in terms of sound. (slightly rough, not as smooth production as you might assume) To me though and my experiences, this album is an absolute grower! Great lyrics, fun music and altogether very outstanding.

So, if after a few spins it doesn't click, give it some time. It will and the payoff will be a lifetime of love!

Style-wise, i hear a lot of modern day psychedelia but in a toned down manner. (more in substance than the music?) The song w/ Ronnie is damn brilliant too.

In my opinion this album is their best of the first three. Who cares what I like? Maybe you like what I like. Here's what I like. I like Neutral Milk Hotel, Prokofiev, Tool, Beatles, Floyd, Bauhaus, Allman Brothers, and Pixies. I have listened to this album a lot. Very catchy. Clever. It is surprising to me they aren't more acclaimed. Very surprising, because they have an original sound. Honestly, I don't think they followed up on this album well enough. I don't know. I keep waiting for a repeat from them of something with such power.

My favorite is 80 Steps to Jonah. I also really like their cover of Brian Eno's True Wheel. Curve that Byrd is great. There are another 3 or 4 that are terrific. I hope they make another like this one sometime.