New Single from Infinity Shred (Starscream)

I sometimes wonder how a band comes up with a name. There are so many out there that it's easy to understand when there is some overlap. I'm sure it can be a real headache when trying to build an image and suddenly you have to start all over. Unfortunately for space prog-rockers Starscream, they had to deal with the same pain last week. Fret not, because while Starscream is no more, the new single the band has put out under the name Infinity Shred is just as far out and spacey as their previous work.

Wayfinder is a slightly different song compared to Infinity Shred's last effort. The synth beat used in the beginning reminds me a lot of the Mass Effect series, which I find very fitting for their sound. The slow build up with drums and louder guitar in the middle of the track also packs the same punch as their other songs. There's a bit of drone inspired experimentation near the end, too, that I hope is a clue into what the EP will be like. Overall, I really dig the progression of this single. The full on chiptune sound used heavily in the past has been scaled back a bit on this one, but the style and progression they have built still has me hooked. The full EP should be dropping May 15th, but for now, I highly recommend checking out their first single. Hit the jump to give it a listen.

Matt's Best and Worst Things of 2011 Awards

2011 is far and gone at this point, so why not dole out some awards? There was so much new and notable from last year in every form of media and a lot of it deserves some love and recognition. That's why I've decided to make up my own awards to give out in categories I also made up. Forget about an Oscar or that lame gramophone statuette! These are Matt's Made-Up Awards of 2011. 

Best Plot Device that is Never Explained – Midnight in Paris

A surprise hit during the summer and Woody Allen's highest grossing movie to date, Owen Wilson plays Gil, a confused and creatively lost screen writer on vacation in Paris with his fiancée. He wants to venture into writing serious literature and not just Hollywood fluff scripts, and hopes to find it in the streets of of the city that inspired artist alike.

Soon enough, something happens that gives Gil just the motivation and inspiration. I won't spoil it here, but trust me when I say it is unexpected and is never fully explained how it happens. For those who have seen the film, you know what I mean that the plot device that Allen uses really doesn't need any explanation. Doing so would lose focus of what is more important to this story, which is how Gil goes about finding what he needs in his life and not what he wants. Check out Tom Heistman's review he did back in June for more info (spoiler free). Personally, this is my favorite film of 2011.

Honorable Mention – Another Earth
A science fiction drama centered around two people and how their lives are affected by a second Earth as it comes closer to our planet. The parallel world is not the focal point of this movie but serves as a backdrop to the plot. This "Earth B" is never fully explained how it came to be, only speculated in brief moments. Just like Midnight, it offers a great vehicle to the story. Explaining it with facts and wordy science would only bog down the film's allure.

7 Awesome Debut Albums of 2011 from Bands to Keep an Eye On in 2012 and Beyond

If you've been listening to my Monthly Music Wrap-Up podcast, you're aware of all the great music releases that came out last year. It's always great when a band we know and love put out a new album we enjoy, but the exciting part of music is finding those new up and coming artists that blow us away. With an amazing debut release, there's so much potential and promise ahead. It's fun to get in on the ground floor of a great new band and watch them grow and evolve. That's why I'm highlighting seven releases from 2011 of bands that are just getting started. The possibilities for these careers are endless. Let's sit back and watch them unfold together, shall we?

Shuffled #22: Carl Sagan Tribute

Every other Wednesday I share my love of music in an assortment of ways. Shuffled is a podcast whose format is as varied as my tastes in music, so hopefully you won't ever be bored and everyone can find something to enjoy.

Alex is getting a bit of a break from the show, so I am assuming direct control now! I decided to take a break from musician interviews, and seeing that everyone is celebrating what they are thankful for, I made a show centered around one of my heroes - Carl Sagan. 

Shuffled Podcast #19: Chiptune Edition

Every other Wednesday week I share my love of music in an assortment of ways. Shuffled is a podcast whose format is as varied as my tastes in music, so hopefully you won't ever be bored and everyone can find something to enjoy.
This week, Matt Giguere joins Alex for the umpteenth time. Chiptune music is on the docket for discussion today, and discuss it they shall. Hear about the tech behind it, the stage show some of the artists put on, and some great samples. A love of video games is not required to appreciate this burgeoning genre, just an acceptance of creative new ways to create music.