Music Reviews
This Specific Dream: Ohm
In the interest of self-disclosure, I preface this by saying that instrumental/post-rock is my genre of choice, and I welcome a good, meaty listen. As such, I was excited by the opportunity to review the latest effort, Ohm, by Milwaukee’s This Specific Dream. But what started out as excitement and intrigue didn’t quite make it […]
Shuteye Unison: Self-Titled
From three members of The Rum Diary, comes Shuteye Unison. When The Rum Diary went on hiatus recently, the three (Daniel McKenzie, Jon Fee and Jake Krohn) began to write and record together. These six songs were the result of the collaborative effort and Shuteye Unison was born. Shuteye Unison immediately feels warm and cozy. […]
The Wading Girl: The Miriam Demos
The Wading Girl hail from Roanoke, VA and recall what The Avett Brothers might sound like with an added female vocalist. Hell, after listening to The Miriam Demos, the Avetts might just want to add a sister to their family. I first learned of the band in 2007 when I went to see Tim Barry. […]
Capillary Action: So Embarrassing
Capillary action, or capillarity, is the ability of one substance to draw another substance into it. Considering that definition, Capillary Action is one of the most aptly named bands in history. So Embarrassing, in its entirety, is an exercise in musical capillarity: the ability of one style (free-form jazz) to draw other styles (mathcore, punk, […]
They Mean Us: Friendship Lottery
In the midst of the high-definition, words per minute and frames per second lives we lead, it’s easy to forget that it’s the things we don’t say that often leave the most lasting impressions. No matter our language or vocabulary, it’s the non-verbal cues and clues we give that unravel all the words to unmask […]
Jukebox The Ghost: Let Live and Let Ghosts
At first listen Washington DC’s “Jukebox the Ghost” is a simple pop band comprised of piano, guitar and drums. They deliver a collection of palm muted guitar, backbeats and vocal hooks embellished with piano that reminds the listener of a Charlie Brown Holiday Special. Discussing only this, however, would cut the band way too short.
Russenorsk: In A Great Wave Of Horns
If I had to guess without looking, I would surely place Russenorsk from the NYC area. They have a hipness to their sound which is curiously reminiscent of many NYC bands. But, the band actually hails from Athens, Ohio. Perhaps that is why Russenorsk are able to distinguish themselves from the cesspool of NYC indie […]
Bear Hunter: You Will Be Heard!
Bear Hunter hail from Chico, California and play an eclectic brand of loosely based indie rock. Owing debts to bands like Pavement, Broken Social Scene and The Flaming Lips, Bear Hunter pull from numerous influences on You Will Be Heard!. Perhaps the band’s most recognizable is that of fellow California brethren, Grandaddy. You Will Be […]
Yesan Damen: Chronos/Kairos
Now this what indie pop should sound like. Yesan Damen hit the top of the infectious meter on several different occasions on their new album, Chronos/Kairos. The band has the remarkable ability of exploring the wide array of human emotions. With layer upon layer of instrumental melodies and beautiful male/female vocal harmonies, Yesan Damen are […]
Algernon Cadwallader: Some Kind Of Cadwallader
Algernon Cadwallader was playing in my town tonight. I did not go. Instead, I find myself sitting here writing a review of the band’s debut album and sipping on a Pacifico. Believe me I know how backasswards that may sound. But, I’m 30 now and frankly, I simply do not have the energy for shows […]
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