Authors: Brinley Froelich
Review: Preston Lovinggood – Shadow Songs
Before my first listening of Shadow Songs, I was preparing myself to sit through another guy with a guitar singing cliché love songs. What I got instead was a pleasant surprise of dreamy pop melodies with morbid lyrics, creating happy little ears that felt alright about listening to cliché love songs. … read more
Review: Odessa Chen with the Invisible Stories Ensemble – The...
While it comes across like a Broadway soundtrack, the sincerity of the lyrics with the intoxicating quality of Chens’ voice makes the album approachable by even those who are not so theatrically inclined. … read more
Review: Musk Ox –
Woodfall
Musk Ox = Godspeed You! Black Emperor + Rachel’s … read more
Review: Morningbell – Boa Noite
Portuguese for “good night,” Boa Noite takes on the theme of wishing someone goodnight, and translates that colloquialism into multiple layers throughout the album. Just as saying “goodnight” can hold multitudes of connotations, the girth of the orchestral arrangements present throughout Boa Noite that reaches across a wide range of emotions and genres. … read more
Review: Mick Turner – Don’t Tell The Driver
Don’t Tell The Driver would be the perfect album to ease a panic attack. The instrumentation felt loaded with a Southwestern vibe, making it feel as though I was traveling alone by horseback across the desert landscape, especially in “The Navigator.” … read more
Review: Mirah – Changing Light
I am beyond thrilled that this release came my way, seeing as I haven’t really stopped listening to Mirah since C’mon Miracle was released a decade ago. … read more
Review: Low Leaf – AKASHAALAY
I’m pretty awestruck with this release, which begins with instrumentation that combines electronic compositions layered with organic melodies played through the harp, guitar and piano, creating a transcendental experience upon listening. … read more
Review: Mark Rogers & Mary Byrne – I Line My...
For a soothing retreat, I Line My Days Along Your Weight by duo Mark Rogers & Mary Byrne dabbles in the bluesy twang of older folk songs, with a fresh take that gives this album a timeless appeal. … read more
Review: Maggie Bjorklund – Shaken
Maggie Bjorklund = Julie Doiron + Daniel Johnston … read more
Review: Lusine-The Waiting Room
I can’t help but dance throughout the entirety of this album while it’s playing, which is a good sign from the start. … read more
Review: Matt Pond PA – The Lives Inside the Lines...
While a good chunk of Matt Pond PA’s repertoire can be a bit melancholic, The Lives maintains the more catchy and upbeat side of their work (aside from the song “Human Beings,“ which came across as a drawl). … read more
Review: Marissa Nadler – July
While a bit cliché, Nadler’s voice is classic sounding, as if she could have come straight from a saloon in the 1920s with her loopy, sinister yet soothing soprano, making this an album I won’t dismiss. … read more
