Local Reviews: Christopher Anthony Leibow

Cohesive and composed, read aloud by a deep, sensual male voice, and accompanied by simple and unobtrusive classic piano and guitar melodies, this collection of poems tells a story of the experience of relationship. Sometimes weird and super personal as poetry and art tend to be, it would nevertheless (or perhaps more so) be a fun CD to put on in the background of a party to see if anyone noticed. … read more

Local Reviews: Bootload Of Boogie

There are times when you can judge an album based on its cover. From the cover art that harkens back to National Lampoon designs to song titles like “Go-Go Ho Sale” and “If You Don’t Love Me (Just Fake It)” and the half-assed attempts at lyric writing, you’d swear Sweaxxy Chogg was made on a dare. It’s as if all three members thought of a bunch of inside gags in high school and then put them to music.  … read more

Local Reviews: The American Shakes

Releasing an album in the wake of such a popular local band is going to invite some comparisons to the latter’s work. Brent Dreiling, former pedal steel/steel guitar slinger for Band of Annuals (R.I.P), expands on the classic Americana of B.O.A by steering his alt-country intonations into sugary, ‘70s AM radio hits instead of the dive bar balladeering of his previous band.  … read more

Local Reviews: DulceSky

Locals DulceSky pack a “doubleplusgood” punch with these nine songs. Although they’ve played the Dark Arts Festival and the packaging is reminiscent of ‘90s industrial, this is straightforward indie rock with a dark, intelligent, politicized edge. Oliver Valenzuela’s guitars occasionally recall early U2, but his vocals are far darker, and at times almost Joy Division-morose. … read more