6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars "To those last ten years, I've been howling at a paper moon.", May 29, 2008
By Kevin Satterwhite (Houston, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alopecia (Audio CD)
It's amazing how much Anticon as a group of artists and label have grown. I remember being a fan of Yoni Wolf many years ago when he was more of an impact behind the scenes rather than center stage. Back when he was the sole individual under the moniker Why?, Dose One was way too eccentric, and Sole was the stud of Anticon.

For those completely unfamiliar with Anticon, Yoni or Why?. Anticon is an independent label in which Yoni Wolf started with others and still maintains today. Why? is an experimental electronic band (they're not hip hop), which of course is on the Anticon label. The base of their music is electronics and they experiment with vocals, lyrics, timing, and rhythms. Usually, it's quite serendipitous. I'm all about allowing artists the freedom to experiment how they desire, it's the greatest element of Indie music.

Why? still represents Yoni Wolf but not solely. Why? is now a three piece act, which includes Yoni's brother, Josiah Wolf, and friend, Doug McDiarmid. With the addition of these band mates, Why? is showing it's diversity and maturation.

Three years ago, "Elephant Eyelash" was their first collective release and is still amazing. "Alopecia" (which is a medical term for baldness) is definitely a positive leap forward for the band. This release is by far more cohesive, accessible, catchy, melodic, constant, you name it. It's better. Some of Why?s best songs are featured here. I can even go as far to say that Why? have finally outdone Subtle this year. Subtle of course being a surprisingly popular experimental band by Dose One (Yoni's partner in cLOUDEAD and an original Anticon member). While neither are in competition of each other, it's very noteworthy as Dose One has been a beneficiary of boost in fame these past few years. Perhaps, now it is Yoni and Why?s turn in the spotlight. I think so....

Standouts are: "A Sky For Shoeing Horses Under", "The Vowels, Pt. 2", "The Hollow", "By Torpedo or Crohn's", "Simeon's Dilemma", "Good Friday", among others.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful: