Year: 2014
Review: Dengue Fever – Girl from the North
The tunes are Eastern-ized Western pop, re-Westernized for a new generation—got that? Truly, what they’ve done is really lovely. The music is twinkly and light, and the vocals are enchantingly foreign (female vocalist Chom Nimol generally sings in her native Khmer). … read more
Review: Del Venicci – Haunted Hall
Del Venicci chose a theme—ghosts—and ran home with it. Looking beyond the (sometimes over-) saturated haunting sounds and ghostly wails throughout, the shoegazey love quartet have some pretty solid jams. … read more
Review: Dead Rider – Chills on Glass
Imagine a funky psychedelic trip where the ‘70s meet the ‘90s, minus the angst. “Blank Screen” is a perfect description of what this band is about: smooth vocals, experimental electronic sounds and a funky rhythmic beat. … read more
Review: Deejay Deer – Natur
Deejay Deer = (Jamie xx + Pearson Sound) / Joy Orbison … read more
Review: Death From Above 1979 – The Physical World
Death From Above 1979 = Pink Mountaintops + QOTSA – Frank Black … read more
Review: Dam-Funk & Snoopzilla – 7 Days Of Funk
Snoop does his best to channel Funk legend Bootsy Collins, aka Bootzilla, but he’s a better rapper than crooner—unlike Dam, who brings a funk prowess when he vocalizes, which doesn’t happen enough on the album. I certainly dig 7 Days Of Funk, but it’s more of a novelty record than a classic. … read more
Review: Damaged Bug – Hubba Bubba
How do you re-invent yourself as a musician when your psych-garage band has gained a cult following and released a prolific amount of material in a short amount of time? From sleepy analog tracks to the bouncy synth pop of “Eggs At Night,” Dwyer takes us on a trip that claims no allegiance to the past or present, but looks to the future. … read more
Review: Damien Jurado – Brothers and Sisters of Eternal Son
Haunting melodies fill Seattleman Damien Jurado’s newest indie rock album, Brothers and Sisters of Eternal Son, in nearly every track. Jurado crafted a musical atmosphere that feels dream-like and almost eerie. … read more
Review: David Novick – Your Sister’s Hand
If ever you find yourself on a meditation retreat in a forest, you might end up listening to this album. Novick’s mixture of acoustic and electric guitars is delivered in a relaxing, soothing way, with Spanish-style plucking and soft hums, especially during “Until You Show.” … read more
Review: Curtis Harding – Soul Power
If I were a betting man, I’d wager everything I’ve got that Allen Toussaint’s Southern Nights is Curtis Harding’s favorite record. It’s a good favorite to have, too. (This review prompted me to spend the weekend listening to it). … read more
Review: David Lynch – Eraserhead: Original Soundtrack Recording
Eraserhead: Original Soundtrack Recording = The Elephant Man + Twin Peaks – Dune … read more
Review: Corpsessed – Abysmal Thresholds
This album, the first full-length from this Finnish death metal band, is just unrelentingly brutal. Songs travel the gradient between suffocating sludge and insane tempo, with some sporadic keyboard elements that soften certain moments without sacrificing the horrific atmosphere. … read more
