Every track has the same folky, calming tone, with Heyman’s bastardized mix of Bob Dylan’s and Paul Wellar’s melodic vocals. One exception, “Compass,” is made up of heavier guitar riffs, and Heyman provides harsher vocals that make for harder pop rock n’ roll. … read more
As far as funky, jazz-influenced electronic hip hop (I get that’s a lot to ponder, but hear me out) goes, RJD2 delivers an album nothing short of amazing with More Is Than Isn’t. … read more
When did Russian Circles transition from a second-tier post-rock band to a peerless post-everything behemoth of hair-trigger precision and cathartic terror-beauty? Russian Circles have been playing lately like the mid-’00s post-rock boom never happened. … read more
Robert Pollard’s musical universe (and it is a universe—he’s written thousands of songs) often sounds like some alternate through-the-looking-glass world, resembling classic rock, with riffs and lyrical tropes that seem somehow familiar, but from some other far-off constellation. … read more
Fresh from her recent guest stint on Lil Silva’s “No Doubt,” UK vocalist Lowe’s debut EP showcases a new and striking talent. … read more
Caria and Massa have succeeded in creating a sequence of tracks that functions as a single volume, each supporting the other. “Umorale” is recommended for an idea of Cause and Effect’s general sound: intertwining melodies and drifting percussion traveling beside fluctuating drones and static elements. … read more
This is raucous death-flected RnR monster, which clutches at its NWOBHM and D-Beat influences with equal aplomb. The band’s a semi-mystery, with precious little information available online. … read more
Quilt is the epitome of psychedelic rock. Shane Butler, Anna Rochinski and Taylor McVay keep it simple with the basics: evocative vocals, drums and a variety of string instruments (acoustic and electric guitar and banjo). … read more
Droney and distorted, the Portland trio RABBITS know how to hastily slap an album together. Live renditions, unreleased songs and other shit characterize the album. … read more
Because of the risks taken throughout, there isn’t much cohesion to these 10 tracks, though “Hebrew, I Hate You,” a minimal, gothic, dub-styled tune, is where the approach pays off. If you’re up for a weird listen, here’s one for you. … read more
Seemingly covering the basic aspects of rock n’ roll, this double EP, 45-RPM LP is a combination of pop and folk wrapped with surf rock, dashed with some punky attitude and concluded with Mersey-sound rock n’ roll. … read more
My mind was blown when I first listened to this record. It’s like falling in love with The Beatles and then finding a long, lost band like Nirvana who sound just as influential in modern music. This re-issue is a must hear, especially for music history buffs. … read more
