For as good as the original Systems Overload is, it’s firmly planted in 1995. The new mix is rawer and louder, and the instruments have more space. My only gripe is that everything is loud, making songs that should be more dynamic and punctuated lose potency as all dials are pegged at 11. … read more
Review: Jack Name – Light Show
This album is a toxic concoction of psychedelic, guitar-driven, experimental “adios motherfucker,” which needs to be experienced with full attention. The album tells a story that appears to be chaotic and complicated as it sifts through many genres. However, listening to the gems makes it bearable, like “Do The Shadow,” which is full of energy. … read more
Review: Indian – From All Purity
“Rhetoric of No” and “The Impetus Bleeds” seem to signal a return to the lively riffing of their previous albums, but then the band inevitably falls back into a yawn-inducing sound coma. Containing little substance to be admired, From All Purity marks the low point in Indian’s discography. … read more
Review: Isaiah Rashad – Cilvia Demo
Rashad takes his father’s abandonment and turns it into a moral imperative—a move that could have been trite in hands of a lesser MC. This, however, is a daring labor of love by a very gifted young man. These strong but flawed songs creep into your soul without you even realizing it—the same way that forgiveness can. … read more
Review: HURTR – Self-Titled EP
Portland-based duo HURTR consists of vocalist Heidi Hull and Derek Stilwell. These two are pretty elusive characters. … read more
Review: I, a Man – Gravity Wins Again
Gravity Wins Again is the first full-length album from I, a Man (named after the 1967 Andy Warhol film). The album is wonderfully self-produced, allowing the band to sound exactly as they like. … read more
Review: Ikebe Shakedown – Stone By Stone
Ikebe Shakedown are part of a growing contingent of musicians dedicated to replicating the feel of classic recordings. They do a good job, and it’s a noble goal, too. … read more
Review: Insomnium – Shadows of the Dying Sun
Continuing to build their stronghold of melodic death metal, Finland’s Insomnium offer up their sixth full-length record without a ton of surprises and with all expectations met. … read more
Review: Hunterchild – Self-Titled
Channeling the masters of intimate pop and R&B, Hunterchild perfects the sexy sound without being gross (looking at you, Mr. Thicke). … read more
Review: Hydras Dream – The Little Match Girl
The premise of this album is based on the story of The Little Match Girl, which is about a girl who freezes to death in the dead of winter after watching her grandma die. … read more
Review: Howls – Howls
If I close my eyes as I listen to this album, I’m walking through an inky venue with strobing lights, and shadowy glitter is falling in slow motion from the ceiling. … read more
Review: Horse Thief – Fear In Bliss
Horse Thief are psychedelic rockers originally from Texas, but found their calling in Oklahoma City, embracing change. They abandoned their safety zone in the Midwest and headed to Los Angeles to record their newest album, Fear in Bliss. … read more
