Three years ago, director Antoine Fuqua and Gerard Butler surprised the masses with Olympus Has Fallen, so this critic was excited about the follow-up. However, once it was revealed that Fuqua refused to direct this sequel because he didn’t like the script, director Fredrik Bond left due to creative differences, and the original release date was in October 2015, my critic sense started tingling, and my hopes diminished. My instincts were correct. … read more
April showers bring so many national music reviews. … read more
April holds Record Store Day and rad local albums—every year! … read more
Jenifer Nii’s original musical, Kingdom of Heaven, explores the universal journey of self-discovery when a Mormon housewife discovers a direction that could forever alter her life and the lives of those around her: becoming a drag king. Plan-B Theatre Company will premiere this unique production on March 31. … read more
After three years, DZ Deathrays have returned to the United States. For the last eight years, the Australian duo of Shane Parsons and Simon Ridley have showcased their dance-punk anthems around the world. Their shows have a wild and loud reputation, and their music attracts all kinds of listeners from hardcore enthusiasts to EDM artists. … read more
The Hung Ups are back with their sophomore full-length, and they’re as catchy as ever! DotDB is tight and the guitars cinch each song together with intricate leads such as in “Donkey Lips.” … read more
With hazy guitar sounds and strong percussion, Burning Olympus encompasses the energy of White Rabbits and the low grit of The Black Keys in their first full-length album, Going Nowhere. … read more
Rich and elegant, this album really does go down just like a mug of delicious hot chocolate. The music is beautiful, the instrumentals are neat and specific and the production is excellent. Joining the likes of John Mayer with seductive vocalizations, the whole album was a straight through easy-listen. … read more
Produced by Fisch Loops, this half pack is a testament to the creativity and reach of Dusk One. Made from sounds of the Brady Bunch, these often mellow, feel good beats are teamed up nicely with the lyrical lambasting from Dusk One. … read more
This funky little EP was pieced together entirely out of samples taken from that educational show from the ‘70s, “The Electric Company.” The unlikely source material yields some downright classic-sounding grooves, bringing to mind Lifesavas’ Gutterfly or some Curtis Mayfield in its homage to the decade of funk with a capital “F.” … read more
Jesus or Genome is the new project from Mike Cundick, guitarist and occasional screamer of local rockers Loom. Those expecting the same sharp guitar licks and chaotic energy of Cundick’s other band are in for a surprise, as Jesus or Genome is a much more mellow affair, featuring only Cundick’s voice over an acoustic guitar. … read more
Bring it Back in Me is meandering, rote dirge rock. The band, at its most successful, recalls the gothic country of Songs: Ohia. At its least successful points, the vocals sound one take away from being finished, and there’s a flute needlessly warbling all over the track. … read more
