The Transmissions - Burning the Winner

Los Angeles can be a cold and lonely place for any resident, artist and professional alike; however, using the "power in numbers" approach, people have taken to forming clubs, hangouts and collectives. The Central Second is a collective of bands out of Silver Lake and the surrounding pockets of LA, including RC favs The Happy Hollows and The Henry Clay People.

My biggest complaint with most "LA" music is that no one takes any chances; however, the common thread running through The Central Second collective is having the confidence to create unique music. Hearing The Transmissions full length, Burning the Winner, helped me realize this thread of fearlessness. Burning the Winner is full of slowly cooked songs, which rest on a foundation of discord and fragmented riffs. Every song on the album bypasses the 3 minute pop structure, allowing the listener to sink deeper into the world of the song. In that sense (the approach to listening) it feels closer to a noise record. The Transmissions show off their live energy in the second half of Burning the Winner, showcasing three songs not on the album proper. It proves to be a smart choice - one that will send a lot of people to their myspace page for some tour dates. "Head (live)" brings out the Washington DC, Fugazi sounds that are hinted at in the first half of the album. Hearing this grit and integrity, come out of a city famous for having neither characteristic, puts a smile on my face and makes my morning commute across town a little easier.

[www] The Transmissions - I'll Run It

| Artist Page | Central Second Collective |