1. 1. Thefearofmissingout by Alternative rock band thenewno2 (Released July 31th,2012) their second studio album.Artist Background Thenewno2 is an alternative rock band from London formed in 2006 by DhaniHarrison [lead guitar & vocals] & Oliver Hecks [drums, synthesizer]. Both DhaniHarrison and Oliver Hecks have been collaborating since 2001 though. The name "Thenewno2" is a reference to the 1960s British television show,The Prisoner. Thenewno2 have been credited with the album design for GeorgeHarrisons Brainwashed, Concert for George, The Dark Horse Years Box Set, andthe menu design for the Concert for Bangladesh DVD. The band released their full-length debut album You Are Here in early2009. Fun Fact: They made their national TV debut in February 2009 on The LateNight with Conan OBrien, as one of the final musical guests. After their first national tour in 2009, the band took a break so Dhanicould focus on this other side project (Fistful of Mercy). That projects debutwas released in October 2010 and was named "One of the Best Side Projects of2010" by NPR. On July 31, 2012, thenewno2 released their second album,thefearofmissingout. Rolling Stone listed thenewno2 as one of the 10 Must-See Acts atLollapalooza 2012. thenewno2 scored the 2013 film Beautiful Creatures They are also currently on tour as an opening act with The Black RebelMotorcycle Club in support of their new album Specter At The FeastAlbum BackgroundThis album was released in July of 2012 by H.O.T. Records. The genres that thisalbum covers is quite large; its considered alternative rock, electronic rock,indie rock, psychedelic rock most notably. All those genres can clearly be heardon the albumThis album was produced by Dhani Harrison & Paul Hicks, under the name pHd.As a promotion for the album thenewno2 released the track "Make It Home" on thebands Facebook page and to members of the bands website e-mail listing, aswell as to Rolling Stone.Track by Track Review:1. Station I like the mix of piano, drums skipping rhythms in the beginningof this song. The alien sounding voice in the begging is actually sampled audiofrom a Youtube video where an American lady had asked her pet, Whos the bestcat in the United States. I like that its a mock of pop culture. This song hasa very classic rock sound with some solid/catchy drum beats and groovy baselineswhile showing their modern side with an industrial feel and laid back vocals.2. Wide Awake I like the mix of the sharp industrial sounds and clean,simple xylophones. The tempo of this song really caught my attention; it startsoff slow and really picks up speed after a sweet sounding distorted guitar soloby Dhani. I would consider this song as a mash up of the light and dark sideof music3. Timezone This song reminds me a lot of something Radiohead would write.I love the poppy sounds mixed with the groovy backbeats that displays the darkdepressing vocals that show off Dhanis wide vocal range. I was actually reallysurprised at how upbeat and catchy this song is considering the rest of thealbum has a dark/depressing feel.4. I Wont Go This song again has some sharp poppy industrial sounds withsome catchy rock vocals mixed in that will be stuck in your head for a longtime. This is probably my favorite song on the album.5. Hanging On I would say this is the purest rock song on the album, as wesaw on their debut album. It has a very dirty/garage rock sound very that startwith a cool sounding drum and piano led intro that then bounces from a calmslower tempo to a really rocky fast pace as the song progresses. The vocalsare very catchy and honestly dont really sound like Dhani as hes been comparedto sounding like Brian Molko from Placebo.6. Looking Beyond I like this songs slow buildup of ringing guitars anddrums that really leads into a drum driven instrumental that is peppered withbizarre closing sounds.7. Thewaitaround (ft RZA, The Black Knights) I like this song. It has a
2. 2. certain swagger to it; I like the fact that once again thenewno2 is willing totake risks and include a rap track. It just seemed a little out of place to me.8. Staring Out to Sea I like this song, its catchy backbeat and invitingvocals really caught my attention.9. Make It Home I like the handclaps in the opening, its differentsounding. This song really follows the classic psychedelic rock blueprint butwith a very modern sounding bass-line. The vocals/lyrics are very wellconstructed as well.10. The Number This song has a melodic pop sound in which Dhani sounds almostidentical to this late father, George Harrison both on guitar, with a wickedsolo and vocally as he sings as interesting ballad with Thorunn Antonia ofFields.Favorite Songs:I Wont Go, Hanging On, Tirezone, The Number, Staring Out to Sea.Positives I like the multi-genre infusion of this record. Rock (Indie, andalternative) hip hop and electronica. I love this I this band is not afraid totake risks on this album. I liked the dark/creepy and subdued tone of all the lyrics and vocals, itreally helped with the mysterious tone of this album. I like the overall psychedelic sound on a lot of this record as much ofit feels like youre in a trance after awhile.o Whether it be the gritty alternative rock, (much like Radiohead) distortedsounding Indie Rock (much like a Dinosaur Jr.), hip hop or melodic/psychedelic sounding electronic instrumentals , this album really pulls thebands influences together and really shows to me of how they want to beremembered an experimental/hard rock band.Downsides I wish this album was longer and more engaging as some of the tracks getboring after a while.This album is really pretty different from their debut album You Are Herewhich is mostly rock basedMy rating 7-7.5Upcoming reviews include: The Nigel Dupree Band, Fleetwood Mac, Aerosmith,Buckcherry