Senior Writing Portfolio Fall 2005 / Aaron Ottis
Millikin University
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Aaron Ottis

I was born amid a blizzard. Well, maybe not. It was at least a snowstorm, but it was not a blizzard if you compare the storm with the ones that you see on those cheesy Christmas specials. The doctor had to ski to the hospital. My father had to sleep in the lobby because the car starter decided to take an extended nap. Then the nurse gave me to another woman instead of my mother. I bet my mother cried. My mother has red hair and my father has black hair. I have blond hair, but so does my sister. I think that everything has turned out to be okay.

Poetics

I am not a writer. I am a journalist. Writing is a skill, an art form, a gift bestowed upon individuals. Journalism is a lifestyle, revolving around the public representation of those individuals not fortunate enough to garner an opportunity to employ their voice in this society. Yes, I write but I do so because others cannot. I am not trying to change the world, just expose the truth to others that can.

Senior Writing/Publication Project

For my senior project, I edited, designed and published BLISS, a magazine of arts and culture at Millikin University. You can download a copy here: BLISS 1.1 (pdf)

31 Knots Annotation

For 31 Knots, I called a friend that works at Polyvinyl Records in Champaign. I really needed a CD to review, but I did not want to review something that could be found in the "Recent Releases" section of Sam Goody. I could not have received a better album to write about.

Writing a CD review is not as easy as it seems. There is a basic amount of information that must be included. As the reviewer, I believe that it is my responsibility to present a discussion founded on two aspects: understandable references and plain description of the sounds. Too many reviewers feel the need to reinforce their stature as an elitist. They use vague terminology and poor references to other groups. A successful review is understandable and compares the reviewed album to other albums recognized by the public. After all, the goal is to expose new listeners to new music. You can't do that if they do not have point of reference.
 

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31 Knots release
Talk Like Blood

Group Prepares for Tour of Japan
by Aaron Ottis

After a self-released debut and two successful full-length albums released on Michigan-based label 54º40' or Fight!, 31 Knots has now taken up residence at Polyvinyl Record Company. Their new album, "Talk Like Blood", was released recently to nationwide critical acclaim.

Polyvinyl describes the album like this: "Quickly distinguishing itself from the outset, 'Talk Like Blood' is a musical journey that thrills and excels with repeated listens." While that sounds nice, Polyvinyl was a bit vague (intentionally?) when describing this album, but it is easy to understand why. 31 Knots, led Joe Haege, has traditionally garnered Yes and Fugazi comparisons. In fact, Magnet went so far as to claim that this group will be "the flagship band when the term "prog pop" enters our lexicon.

31 Knots will never attain that standing. Not because the band lacks proficiency on their chosen instruments, but because much of the mainstream that may hear this album has already latched onto Modest Mouse as the leader of "prog pop." Thus, the genre already exits, and someone holds that position. Fundamentally, the two groups are not that dissimilar. Both feature guitars surrounded by non-traditional instrumentation and distinctive (and similar, especially on the opening track "City of Dust") vocal delivery.

I find it important to point out that I am not a Modest Mouse fan. This is the exact reason that I did not like "Talk Like Blood" during my first listen. I let the disc sit for a week before giving it another try. I came to a different conclusion after the second round: Haege and crew have created a beautiful album that, if the mood is right, will really dig into your soul. These guys can write great songs, and have a knack for indulging in "progressive" forays without losing the listener's interest.

The band did a great job of capturing a characteristic sound for each tune, while still retaining their signature rhythmic backbone. I assume this is where other reviewers have made the Fugazi connection. For God's sake people, a lot of bands use distorted guitars and eighth notes. And 31 Knots has used a plethora of other instruments. When was the last time that you heard a Fugazi track with a synth/accordion loop? "Busy is Bold" is the only track that should enter into the Fugazi discussion. That is one tune out of eleven. Everything else is just rock 'n roll. If anything, you could push the Cursive/Murder by Death comparisons. But I digress.

The aforementioned "City of Dust" opens with a cracking, sputtering drumbeat and twinkling keyboards. The groove established on "Chain Reaction" will have your head bobbing in seconds. The title track is a must-listen. The tune is anchored around a string sample that could have sold a million Kanye records, but fits so well within concept of "Talk like Blood."

31 Knots is most successful in Europe and Japan, so they will be heading overseas again this February. The tour opens in Osaka.

You can find more info on the band at www.polyvinylrecords.com or www.31knots.com. The album is only $10 from Polyvinyl. Sample tracks are available on either site. Check'em out; they are definitely worth at least one listen.

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©2005 Randy Brooks—all rights return to the authors upon publication.