Issues: Issue 298 - October 2013
Reviews: Lovers – A Friend in the World
It’s been a while since I’ve heard an album with this kind of superior lyrical quality. Backed by electro-pop instrumentation while fusing themes of love, intimacy and a dash of feminism, A Friend in the World is truly a rare find. … read more
Reviews: TaughtMe – Am I Old?
Am I Old? is pretty straightforward in its title, as it concentrates on the dejected feelings of looking back on your life as you grow old, only to add to the helplessness of bringing back the past as you age. … read more
Review: VIZA – Made in Chernobyl
I bought the album Made in Chernobyl from VIZA when they were opening up for Gogol Bordello last August, and I fell absolutely in love with it. … read more
Review: Willis Earl Beal – Nobody Knows
With his sophomore album, Willis Earl Beal has shown that he can deliver powerful hits without sacrificing the raw honesty that was delivered through CD-Rs scattered throughout Albuquerque before he got a record deal. … read more
Review: Trash Monsters – There’s a Rat in the Tunnel...
Punk rock is best served when it’s not trying to be punk, but when its simply trying to be load, fast, obnoxious rock n’ roll. That’s what Trash Monsters do so well. … read more
Review: The Legendary Pink Dots – The Gethsemane Option
Legendary, indeed. The CD is comprised of seven experimental tracks of dreamy and hypnotic textures (which may signify mystical intent, or may just be what they had—it’s hard to know with this band). … read more
Review: The Mynabirds – Generals: Remixed
With its many great hooks and swagger, Laura Burhenn’s sophomore album under her Mynabirds moniker was a prime candidate for remixing, and the six choices here (expanded digitally from four available on vinyl) are well served. … read more
Review: The Civil Wars – Self-Titled
The Civil Wars have been the breath of fresh air country music dreadfully needed … read more
Review: The Darcys – Warring
Employing a tame and swanky alternative sound, Canadian rockers The Darcys are modernizing—and, in my opinion, bettering—a sound that began in the ’80s. … read more
Review: Sleepmakeswaves – …and so we destroyed everything
Sydney Australia’s Sleepmakeswaves have the ability to move from the sublime to sublimely heavy in a half-breath’s time. … read more