Review: Medications - All Your Favorite People In One Place

One of the most intriguing aspects of music is how easily it can transform one's mood. The right notes, at the right tempo, and all of a sudden, BAM! You're in a good mood. This 3 piece from Washington, DC knows exactly how to pull this off. Consisting of members of the now defunct band "Faraquet", Medications oddly enough, sounds a lot like Faraquet. It's peculiar how a band consisting of the same musicians can sound very similar. After the Faraquet breakup 2 of the founding members created Medications and while the sound is very similar, the new third wheel does add some new elements into the mix. A mere 6 months since the release of their Medications EP, they have returned with their first full length Your favorite people all in one place available now on Dischord.

While the music on this album does sound a lot like Faraquet and the Medications EP, the quirky time signatures and awkward vocal lines are quickly becoming a thing of the past, the songwriting maintains that same dry, yet clever feel, but it seems the band is slowly trying to forge a new identity. The album begins with Surprise! Which is arguably the single greatest opening track of all time, starting off as every 70s rock concert ended, a solid 4/4 beat with ascending guitars and thundering drums. Any band that has the guts to open their disc with a rock and roll finale gets extra points from me.

The production and dumbed down songwriting of this album is slightly disappointing, unless of course you are a classic rock fan. You can clearly hear the influence of early rock bands like Led Zeppelin, both on the production, and the songwriting. With drumming that is very evocative of Bonzo and very thin, vintage guitar tones. The album, just as the EP and all Faraquet material before it, has a very raw and uncut feel to it. Not raw in the St. Anger "we didn't even try" sense, but more along the lines of a live recording, the band sounds tight, but you can still pick out the playing nuances of each member, giving the band a very 'real' sound. If you're sick of pro-tools albums, this just might fit your prescription. (Pun intended, zing)

I think the classic rock influence shines strongest on the albums 9th track, I am the Harvest the opening feedback drops into a guitar riff that just screams Jimmy Page from miles away. You can almost see the band performing it in your head, after nearly 2 minutes of introduction guitar noodling, the vocals finally enter and the guitar takes a much needed break. The drumming really takes over on this track, as the guitar feedbacks during the verses and allows the drums and bass to dictate the rest of the song.

Your favorite people all in one place may not be a bold step into uncharted territory for this DC trio, but there's nothing wrong with a slow evolution. The music is solid and the band still appeals to their core fans while managing to remain fresh and interesting.

Overall: 7.1

Chris Elkjar is the founder of 'trust.me' an online music magazine for the enthusiast. He spends all of his spare time immersed in music, be it writing reviews, interviews with leading bands or writing his own music.

For more of his writing, check out Trust-Me.ca - Music for robots

---

Building A Good Relationship With Your Guitar

The guitar is considered the friendliest musical instrument there is.... Read More

Beauchamp Brings Diversity to Music

Everyone has a talent. For Miami, Okla.'s, Brian Beauchamp, it's... Read More

How To Play Guitar Like a Pro!

Having taught the guitar for many years, I see the... Read More

Piano Chords and New Age Music

There are basically two ways you can compose a piece... Read More

Composing for Dummies

When most people hear the word composer, they automatically think... Read More

Why Play Guitar?

As a full-time guitar instructor, I am constantly faced with... Read More

Play Piano As Fast As Possible!

One of the rules of practicing we all hear over... Read More

Make Money with Your Music ? the Top 5 Ways

Songwriters dream of making their living by writing, and sometimes... Read More

Musicians: What Chords Do You Absolutely, Positively Have To Know?

As you probably know, there are thousands and thousands of... Read More

Piano on the Right-Side of the Brain

Some of you may remember a book titled "Drawing on... Read More

Why You Cant Play Piano

It's really not your fault. You see, you've been taught... Read More

How to Start Your Own Band

Every once in awhile a guitar student will express a... Read More

Piano Playing Your Way: How To Have More Fun Playing The Piano Than You Ever Have Before

Piano playing doesn't have to be boring. There's no law... Read More

How Has Eminem Risen to the Top?

How is it that a little white boy from Kansas... Read More

Record Collecting Still Thriving in the Twenty-first Century

It may surprise many to find that the hobby of... Read More

Building Your Digital Music Collection

The previous two Tech Tips took a look at eight... Read More

12 Reasons You Should Learn to Play the Piano

All right, folks, here you go: My 12 reasons why... Read More

Live Music!

"Live music." That common saying may contain some truth, but... Read More

A Brief History Of Gibson Guitars

Gibson guitars have been around forever. It's funny, but although... Read More

Living Life Loud

Change is good. Just ask the millions of unsigned artists... Read More

Music Industry Secrets Revealed - How To Become Succesful The Music Industry Without A Record Deal

Before the internet, unsigned music artists couldnt make a living,... Read More

Piano Lessons and Perfectionism

Are you a perfectionist? Does every note have to sound... Read More

Irish Fiddle Ornaments

When I started playing jigs, my default bowing pattern made... Read More

?Who Else Wants to Get Screwed When Signing a Recording or Songwriting Deal?!?!?

You've got your recording (or songwriting) contract in hand and... Read More

Interview With Josh Epstein of Vision Music USA

Vision Music USA is a proactive and progressive music service... Read More

How to Play Piano Using a Few Chords

How many chords do you need to create a piece... Read More

Songwriting - The Art of Writing a Good Song

Did you know that good songwriting is often the key... Read More

How to Be in the Moment when Playing Piano

Your best music will always come when you are in... Read More

The Future for Independent Record Labels

Small independent record labels are facing a different fight today... Read More

The Downfall Of The #1 Southern Gospel Station

Back in the 90's we had a local Southern Gospel... Read More

Everything I Play Sounds the Same

Many students want to create music that has a certain... Read More

Flaming Guitars! Minarik Fuels The Excitement Of A New Generation Of Musicians

Celebrating an endorsement between G-Man Music and the fiery axe-makers... Read More

Guitarists...Are You A Victim and A Loser?

I was thinking today about THE most dangerous enemy of... Read More