Year: 2014
Review: Human Cull – Stillborn Nation
I love discovering new bands by random occurrences. Human Cull made its way to me through a physical promo of the CD sent to SLUG Mag. This UK grind band surprised the shit out of me. … read more
Review: Jack White – Lazaretto
Ever since the release of Blunderbuss in 2012, Jack White’s solo career has been very unpredictable and almost a major step away from everything else he was doing in his various bands. That’s reflected greatly in Lazaretto, where White’s style has morphed to be a pseudo country/blues/garage rock theme that sounds far more enthralling than anything he did in the previous decade. … read more
Review: J. Chance – Cool Kids Club
J. Chance = Devendra Banhart + Bob Dylan ¬– Daniel Johnston
… read more
Review: Hookworms – The Hum
Hookworms = Rubella Ballet + X-Ray Spex + Siouxsie and The Banshees … read more
Review: Hungry Cloud Darkening – Glossy Recall
Hungry Cloud Darkening = Angelo Badalamenti / Julee Cruise x Dirty Beaches … read more
Review: Integrity – Systems Overload (A2/Orr Mix)
For as good as the original Systems Overload is, it’s firmly planted in 1995. The new mix is rawer and louder, and the instruments have more space. My only gripe is that everything is loud, making songs that should be more dynamic and punctuated lose potency as all dials are pegged at 11. … read more
Review: Jack Name – Light Show
This album is a toxic concoction of psychedelic, guitar-driven, experimental “adios motherfucker,” which needs to be experienced with full attention. The album tells a story that appears to be chaotic and complicated as it sifts through many genres. However, listening to the gems makes it bearable, like “Do The Shadow,” which is full of energy. … read more
Review: Indian – From All Purity
“Rhetoric of No” and “The Impetus Bleeds” seem to signal a return to the lively riffing of their previous albums, but then the band inevitably falls back into a yawn-inducing sound coma. Containing little substance to be admired, From All Purity marks the low point in Indian’s discography. … read more
Review: Isaiah Rashad – Cilvia Demo
Rashad takes his father’s abandonment and turns it into a moral imperative—a move that could have been trite in hands of a lesser MC. This, however, is a daring labor of love by a very gifted young man. These strong but flawed songs creep into your soul without you even realizing it—the same way that forgiveness can. … read more
Review: HURTR – Self-Titled EP
Portland-based duo HURTR consists of vocalist Heidi Hull and Derek Stilwell. These two are pretty elusive characters. … read more
Review: I, a Man – Gravity Wins Again
Gravity Wins Again is the first full-length album from I, a Man (named after the 1967 Andy Warhol film). The album is wonderfully self-produced, allowing the band to sound exactly as they like. … read more
Review: Ikebe Shakedown – Stone By Stone
Ikebe Shakedown are part of a growing contingent of musicians dedicated to replicating the feel of classic recordings. They do a good job, and it’s a noble goal, too. … read more
