All 13 tracks are quiet vocals over strummy, uncomplicated acoustic guitar and vapid, romantic lyrics. Cat Power sets the bar pretty high in my mind for the genre of “chicks with guitars and pretty voices,” and while Shedd fits the criteria, her approach lacks any sort of edge or defining quality. … read more
Review: The Warlocks – Skull Worship
Most of the record, much like their prior effort, The Mirror Explodes, is a shoegazy affair redolent of ethereal My Bloody Valentine static and dreampoppy vocal melodies. But for the fans of the jaunty hooks and crunch of Phoenix, don’t be daunted by the airy melodies of this one, for this is easily corrected with volume. … read more
Review: Throwing Muses – Purgatory/Paradise
As one of the more rocking acts on the initial 4AD Records lineup, Throwing Muses combine hummable melodies with jagged guitar lines and punkish rhythms. … read more
Review: Tom Brosseau – Grass Punks
North Dakota prodigy, Tom Brosseau, is soaring into the New Year with his newest album, Grass Punks. Compared to prior albums like What I Mean To Say Is Goodbye and Posthumous Success, Grass Punks falls on the simpler side of things. … read more
Review: TOY – Join the Dots
London’s TOY have already kicked up a stir across the pond, getting themselves on a number of high-ranking “Best Of” lists with their 2012 self-titled debut. … read more
Review: Trentalange – Same Illusion
Opening with slow drums and an upper-register metronomic piano, Trentalange keeps it simple and dark, yet still poppy. … read more
Review: Trenchrot – Necronomic Warfare
The Philly crew attempts to take on OSDM, which is fine when there are oh so many bands playing the old-school death metal style. The problem with Trenchrot is, for the main part, redundancy—and they present nothing very interesting or mentally appealing. … read more
Review: Toughskins – Keep The Faith
Toughskins have been around since the ’90s and they’re a great example of an old-fashioned, boots and braces, Oi! punk group. Comparing this album to their older stuff, it holds up well. If you’re looking for something to drive fast to or chug beer to, this is your album. … read more
Review: Thee Oh Sees – Singles Collection Vol. 3
This collection of singles is a treat for any John Dwyer fan, featuring alternate and live versions of a handful of songs featured on previous albums. Due to the disjointed nature of a collection of singles, it might not be the best introduction album for new listeners, but Thee Oh Sees have yet to release anything bad and this is no exception. … read more
Review: The Workhouse – The sky still looks the same
Merely taking this 10″ out of the package is the preamble to its overall aura—a grey sleeve accompanied by a matching, grey lyrics booklet that holds a mini-CDR version; the mini book holds industrial/construction photos and drawings accompanying the lyrics. “The sky still looks the same” opens the release with somber, bare post-punk with a poppy smirk. … read more
Review: Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra – Fuck Off Get Free We Pour Light On Everything
Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra Fuck Off Get Free We Pour Light On Everything Constellation Records Street: 01.21 Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra = Of Montreal + Godspeed You! Black Emperor – Sonic Youth “We live on an island called Montreal, and we make a lot of noise because we love each other,”
Review: Tony Molina – Dissed and Dismissed
Tony Molina’s solo project blends the powerful genres of power pop and hardcore and is being reissued into a tight, compact 12-minute album after its initial February 2013 release. … read more
