Let this stand as a testament of a most ambitious quest: to gain the opinion of three engineering students on music and BEvERageS.
First up, Golden Pheasant. An exceptionally smooth Slovakian Lager, Dodge describes the sensation as “a rich feeling of rich barley butts exploding in your oral cavities”. Dylan took a different approach, “rich with the feeling of separation, with just a hint of hops”. Everyone agrees there is almost no after taste, and it is of such good quality that no one wants to finish it quickly.
After seeing Hollerado on Monday and picking up their newish album for cheap (it’s also signed, be jealous), we figured it would be perfect for a review. It starts off with a very low-fi, Bon Iver feel, but gradually changed pace to a more rhythm centered indie-pop sound, much akin to Foster the People. The tracks “Desire 126” and “Too Much to Handle” are perfect examples of this sensation. Also, the song “So it Goes” was inspired by the decency of a German soldier who spared Menno’s grandfather’s life during the Second World War. While discussing this, the argument changed to formatting and citing sources. I personally hate formatting, so my stance was ignoring all of the above. Continuing on with the album, Hollerado’s tune changes once again to a more progressive feel, but never veers far from its alternative/indie-pop center. The final track is “Pick Me Up”, a beautiful song that is the perfect way to end the album, with up-beat guitar riffs and a wonderfully lyrical vocal line.
As cliché as this may sound, the drink of choice perfectly matched the music, providing a nice, light atmosphere perfect for relaxing and discussing. But this article isn’t about relaxing, so moving on.
Oh god, now we’re onto politics. All I know is that I’m not under the influence enough to really care about this, so I’m staying out.
…Like Clockwork by Queens of the Stoneage starts off with a dark, somber song that is driven by the bass. This song has a very experimental feel to it, different from classic Queens of the Stone Age. The album overall follows in the experimental trend, with the band trying out different sounds and feels in different songs. Now we reach Cody’s favourite song, “Kalopsia”. Kalopsia is defined as the delusion of things being more beautiful than they are. I’m not sure whether it’s the BEvERages or the music, but this song does seem quite beautiful. The song is initially a slow ballad, before growing into a strong grunge sound. It fades back though, and very much enjoys changing its tone. Dodge isn’t a big fan of this song. Cody enjoys the contrast compared to the classic Queens of the Stone Age sound, since this entire album feels much more melodic and emotional than the old style grunge, riff powered music. Upon reflection, we noticed that the title of the song is too perfect, as the lyrics are so disjointed and strange, that they show a different light of the song when analyzed. Dodge is, however, a fan of “Smooth Sailing”, a very riffy tune with a rhythmic groove, drawing you in immediately. Dylan now has a favourite on the album as well, the song “I Appear Missing”, a slow-moving, bass-driven ballad with extremely memorable lyrics sang in Josh Homme haunting falsetto. The ending of the album cannot be explained, as it is one of the most heart-wrenching pieces of music ever experienced. Just listen to this album (we somehow sat through the entire thing, saying nothing.)
The second beer is Pure Gold. Like actually, it is called Pure Gold, by Tuborg. Imported from Turkey, it is encapsulated in a can of gold. And by that, I mean that it is a normal aluminum can with gold paint. Anyways, this beer has a very soft taste to it. It starts out with a sweet, light taste, and then fades. It has a classic lager smell, so the obvious expectation is to have a fair aftertaste. This beer doesn’t though. Rather, it has a very slight sweetness to it, very similar to the initial taste. Cody is looking forward to the next one, and I do not disagree. While not bad, this experience is nothing special. (some time later…) Holy mother of Thea & Freyja, this beer doesn’t end!!! I just want this madness over!!
A life lesson for everyone: don’t mention quantum mechanics to Nanos. Even now, this is making rather little sense. I’m not alone however, for Dodge is also confused by what Cody is saying. When it comes down to it, quantum mechanics to non-Nanos looks like this: fgbalidhfldiufhlia (this should actually be about 500 pages longer – Cody).
Alright, new BEvERage, new album, new writer. The Dortmound native DAB is our new contender, and this is the first time we all agree on it: this drink has almost absolutely no taste in the beginning. However, it also has a slightly stronger aftertaste compared to the previous two contenders. This ‘fact’ was further validated by Peter, who makes his first guest appearance as someone who is not blinded by the common substance contained in these drinks. Oh, in terms of the album, it’s alright. Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots by The Flaming Lips, according to Cody, it’s a typical Flaming Lips album: very experimental, and very melodic. Another description includes mellow, but uplifting at certain sections of songs. As the album progresses, the melodic nature of the band really starts to appear before the listeners’ ear. We are only on the first half on the album, and there already have been four instrumental interludes, which goes to show the focus of this band on melody. Also, half way through the drink: this ‘mound’ of something still tasted the same, which is nothing at all.
So we’ve hit the point where everyone feels the need to show mathematic proofs. This is the reason why engineers under the influence are hilarious.
I’ve always had an opinion about German / Eastern European BEvERages: I believe the reason they all taste really light is to allow the consumer to drink a lot more and have the reputation as a “drink drinker,” as they have now. The others are saying sure, but I seriously doubt their belief in my impaired intellect. That being said, even though it has a very light taste, the kick is well-hidden and full on, so when you do try them, do not be fooled, you will feel heavy-headed very quickly with their 5% – 5.5% content.
Here we go. Big finish.
For all you haters out there, we’re ending it off with Back in Black by AC/DC and Czechvar. First song, boom. One of the most influential guitar riffs ever, “Back in Black”, smacks you like a big, wet fish. Yeah, my vinyl is a little off, so the next track is “You Shook Me All Night Long”, but whatever. It starts, we all air guitar and start singing. We look like complete idiots, but honestly, you would look like an idiot here if you didn’t. It might be the BEvERageS talking (I just decided this joke was funny again), but I [redacted] love this band. “Have a Drink on Me” and “Shake a Leg”, two more awesome tunes that are just pure rock in your nuts which are just generic AC/DC and pure awesome. Nevermind, apparently I’m just an idiot and didn’t realize how the album is actually set up. So what?? THE BELLS!! It’s like the Tool is entering my apartment!! Also, side note, this is the second best-selling album worldwide, over 50 million copies. Yeah. What up. “Hells Bells” is just phenomenal. ‘Nuff said. Now, “Shoot to Thrill,” that tune off Iron Man which is just pure rock and roll. Don’t really have much to say about the rest, as it’s just more balls to the wall, straight in your face, rock. Love it.
Arguing about Hancock and Now You See Me, they apparently have the same ending, Hollywood really needs to rethink its stuff. Also, Dylan has officially lost all my respect. Ask him why.
Now to the Czechvar. “It has a nice aftertaste that slowly fades, but retains the flavor through the entire experience.” I’m going to assume that means Dylan likes it. “Flavourful and memorable,” or so says Dodge. Overall, it’s just a really nice taste that isn’t at all overpowering, with a sweet aftertaste. Delicious.
In conclusion, this quest has appeared too large for just one article, and thus shall be continued in subsequent issues. Hope you all have had fun, and maybe learned something along the way. I know we sure have.
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