10

THE PIONEER LOG ARTS

MARCH 1, 2013

Senior Artist Profile: Sam Orner

BY LINDSEY BOSSE
STAFF WRITER

What made you decide to become an art major? My mother was an artist. And before NSO even happened, I thought that I might as well sign up for a Drawing I class and see how that works out for me. And...I really enjoyed itI thought I was going to be an environmental studies major, but I decided that art was the way for me. What is your medium, and why? My medium is ceramics; I think ideally Id like to think of myself as a sculptor, because I feel like sculpture gives you the freedom to use any medium you want in any way that you want to; its not limiting in terms of what you can use and how you use it. What does it feel like when you create something great? I think I feel excited that other people can appreciate something that I made. I suppose thats why I make art, is I want other people to interpret things that I interpret in, maybe, a similar way that I do. I

want people to understand something that I am going through, or want to share. I guess its exciting when other people understand what you want them to understand. So, while working on your thesis how have you grown? Basically from the 100 level art classes to this very moment, how do you understand what youre doing better or worse? I think its such a gradual progression through the four years, so its hard to pick any one moment and say, Oh yeah, I get this a lot better than I did before. But, I would say in terms of making something aesthetically pleasing, I feel like I actually have a grasp on materials that I didnt before, so I can actually make something that I like, instead of visualizing something in my head and wanting to make it but cant really follow through. I feel like I have the tools and ability to make things that I like, and conceptually my ideas

are obviously a lot different than they were four years ago. I think formally and conceptually, I have a much better grasp on things. Where do you get your inspiration? Ive been thinking about this a lot, because Ive been thinking about which way to take my art and which aspects of my art I like better than other aspects. I think most of the time I tend to make art for myself so I can answer questions that I have. But I think they typically involve family and friends, and thats who I make my art about. Its not always a good thing...I mean, Im trying to step away from that, actually, because I get in these deep trains of thought about my family and my relationship with my family. I guess what Im trying to say is it comes from my relationships with the people close to me. Final thoughts? Paint that shit red.

PHOTOS BY NANYA JHINGRAN

Iceage finds new maturity through polish

BY CJ MACLEOD
STAFF WRITER

Spewing forth blackened, nihilistic post-punk, Iceage have always written songs for the downtrodden and beleaguered. Their 2011 debut, New Brigade, was bursting with a furious, teenage energy that was equal parts Joy Division popsmarts and DNA dissonance. After a signing to Matador Records, the group has issued their newest LP, Youre Nothing. While most bands on a label like Matador would opt for beefed-up production and easily accessible songs, Iceage, being nihilistic youths, ran in the opposite direction. Choosing to craft a dark, challenging record, the band showcases a sense of maturity and nuance that wasnt apparent on their debut. Whereas New Brigade was all

about youthful abandon through pounding drums, chaotic guitars and a wall of sound that permeated every song, Youre Nothing radiates a much more militaristic, adult feel. The instrumental cut Interlude, rather than being dry and boring, serves to break the chaos and intensify the coming songs through the use of marching snare and pulsating synth tones. Other tracks like the brooding Burning Hand build with a fiery intensity. Booming, echoing drums and twisting guitar give the perfect backdrop for the yelped, aching, Ian Curtis-esque vocals of frontman Elias Ronnenfeldt. Theres a definite affinity for early Joy Division on display in Youre Nothing, most notably in the vocal delivery; however, there are numerous nods to bands like Crisis and Wire sprinkled throughout in the guitar and bass, which

churn out pummeling feedback, spindly lines and dissonant chords. Though Youre Nothing finds the band at a mature place, the songs hint at fragile young hearts learning to cope with the harsh world. On the lead single, Coalition, Ronnenfeldt touches on the painful concept of lust and love in the spasmodic teenage mind, spitting out the lines, Wants me to take her/ But blockades run through my veins/ Something denies coalition with you. As a whole, the record is as much steeped in pain as it is in anger. The polish of Youre Nothing brings out a grit and nuance that the groups debut lacked, while showcasing the growth of a young band on the rise. Its unfortunate for all post-punk records that will follow Youre Nothing in 2013, for Iceage has set the bar at an unprecedentedly high level.

A four leaf Glover

BY MORGAN JONES
STAFF WRITER

This week, Grumpy Old Bear presents Andy Glovers Visions of the Future. The 20-something Seattle native is releasing his newest EP March 1. His music is a live three-hour recording with original vocals and guitar. Andy Glovers music is sweet, genuine and unrefined, with a vibe similar to that of Bon Iver, Ben Howard and The Decembrists. Glovers meticulous attention to lyric choice shines through his vocal performance. The indie pop singer songwriters mellow acoustic creates the ultimate coffee house experience. Theres no glitz and glamour, just honest and goodhearted, original music. Hes got the melodies you want to listen to in your car or have your boyfriend write about you.

He creates a poetic image of vanishing love in his song, Senses Fade: A beautiful voice rings through the hills / All the heads turn their noise into still / Piercing the silent darkness with light / The sun wont sustain an hour of night Glovers subtle song variation is successful. His tracks transition from calm and pleasant to peppery and tuneful. His relaxing acoustics and endearing vocals create a soothing ambiance for unwinding. In addition, some listeners would agree that his vocals and style are uncannily similar to Death Cab for Cuties Ben Gibbard. If Andy Glover sounds like your kind of guy, check him out on Grumpy Old Bears Bandcamp or look for his album released next Friday, March 1.