June 2013
Review: Nikki Hill – Here’s Nikki Hill
Nikki and Matt Hill are proof positive that when two talented people marry and come together creatively good things are going to happen. Nikki has all the swagger of ‘50s and ‘60s R&B soul artists, and every bit of the power and punch of the male blues shouters of the same era. … read more
Review: Nude Pop – Splintered Selves EP
After listening to this album a few times, I was reminded of bands like The Killers. With its slower pacing and alternative edge, this band produces a smooth EP that accurately represents the sound of the Pacific Northwest by using classic rock instruments to create a laid-back and relaxing sound. … read more
Review: Mick Harvey – Four (Acts of Love)
Not the fourth album, but continuing in the vein of naming by numbers, Mick Harvey’s (Crime and the City Solution, The Birthday Party) latest work is 14 tracks dedicated to that most human of emotions: love. … read more
Review: Merchandise – Totale Nite EP
This new EP is very much a companion piece to last year’s Children of Desire, and very much pushes Merchandise’s sonic palate further. “Anxiety’s Door” is an awesome rock n’ roll epic adventure that showcases Dave Vasalotti’s guitar skills. … read more
Review: Midnight Oil – Essential Oils
Similar to The Essential Clash, although with better pun usage, Essential Oils’ double-disc-load takes you on a tour spanning an entire Midnight Oil lifetime—from second-wave punk through poppy new wave. … 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: Memoryy – Electric City
I have been thrilled recently to hear heavy ’80s influences in upcoming pop and electronica music. Electric City exhibits warped, oceanic synth hooks and contagiously danceable beats. … read more
Review: Man… or Astro-man? – Defcon 5…4…3…2…1
This album marks the first time since 1997’s Made From Technetium that Alabama’s favorite sci-fi/surf combo has put out a record with original guitarist Star Crunch. … read more
Review: Luke Winslow-King – The Coming Tide
When it comes to contemporary roots music, the easy route is to punk things up—play it faster or with an edge—but roots music transcends time and period. Luke Winslow-King walks that fine line between slavishly authentic and radical change just for the sake of change. … 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: Man Made Sun – More A Devil Than A...
Man Made Sun isn’t my particular flavor, but that’s not a bad thing in the slightest. Lead singer Ofer Tiberin has an interesting style that dances between melodic talking and singing, reminding me of another sun-themed band, the excellent Ra. … read more
Review: Lantern – Below
This Lantern does not burn brightly—drenched in atmosphere, this dirge-meets-speed/groove death metal record is one of the better records you will hear all year. … read more
