Month: October 2013
Review: Julianna Barwick – Nepenthe
Although some of the tracks on the album, such as “Pyrrhic” and “Adventurer of the Family,” create sort of a sad vibe, the album as a whole was super relaxing and pleasant to the ears. … read more
Review: Kal Marks – Life is Murder
I really didn’t think I would grow to like, let alone love and respect Shane’s unconventional vocals, but they make this album a solid piece that is unlike anything I’ve heard recently. … read more
Review: Kim Lenz and the Jaguars – Follow Me
While maintaining all the tropes of a garden variety release, this record also is a step forward for Lenz, who gained more urgency and has become more visceral in her delivery. … read more
Review: King Khan & The Shrines – Idle No More
Although Idle No More comes from a darker place than earlier Shrines work, the bulk of the album is celebratory. It melds the psychedelic soul sounds that the band is well known for with a gospel influence. … read more
Review: Kill Everyone Now! – Self-Titled
Kill Everyone Now! is a guitar/drum duo that currently calls São Paulo, Brazil home (though they do have an SLC connection). This six-song EP clocks in at about 20 minutes and it powers through from start to finish. … read more
Review: House of Black Lanterns – Kill The Lights
I would be in a trance-like state—then suddenly, I would be jarred and thrown into shock by a disturbing pipe organ sound that was something along the lines of the soundtrack of the classic 1974 movie, Phantom of the Paradise. … read more
Review: James LaBrie – Impermanent Resonance
The attempt here is to bridge the gap between prog-heads and fans of the more melodic style of melodic death à la Sweden. It works extremely well. … read more
Review: I’m In You – Trust
I’m In You keep the guitars to a minimum, only using them for texture, giving the album a new wave feel like the darker songs of New Order filtered through Metronomy. For me, the album peaks in the middle with “Disclosure,” a track that would easily fit on the Drive soundtrack. … read more
Review: Holograms – Forever
Forever uses the upbeat power of nearly unbroken speed to avoid any clashes with boredom while finding identity through unique vocals. … read more
Review: Heavenly Beat – Prominence
Prominence expands on the downtempo aesthetic of Talent by incorporating darker, introspective lyrics into the same exuberant sound. Peña’s airy falsetto floats through the tracks here, cozying up with lush loops of nylon strings, steel drums, and New Order–styled harmonica. … read more
Review: Heaven’s Gate – Transmuting
I’ve felt starved for feminine vocalists in the upbeat lo-fi community up until Transmuting. Heaven’s Gate mix reverberated guitars and non-stop ride cymbal with a voice between the sustained notes of Best Coast and the tone of Siouxsie Sioux. … read more
Review: Hickoids – Hairy Chafin’ Ape Suit
Boom! Right off the bat, I’m hit by the opening song “Fruit Fly” with an upbeat blues guitar solo and organ playing that sounds a lot like Gregg Allman was contributing to the song. … read more
