Written by Ron Trembath
A truly lovable indie/ambient sound is hard to come by in a world of music filled with angst and worry. Thankfully there are melodically in-tune bands like matt pond PA. Few bands are so in touch with a rampant disregard for what may please the incumbents of a sadder existence. In a time of constant crisis, a gathering like matt pond PA (MySpace) and his merry men can serve as a fairweather fellowship. Read More »matt pond PA: The Freeep
Written by Ron Trembath
This eccentric five-some make music that combines so many elements or rock-n-roll, they create their own genre. And Daylight Breaking by Rogue Motel (MySpace) puts it all out on the table. Each song is full and has an individual tone that’s set over breathtaking melodies. For a band that only formed as a whole on the first night of recording, they play with a great sense of unity and ambition. Not to mention an “ole time rock-n-roll” vibe. Read More »Rogue Motel: Daylight Breaking [Album Review]
It would be great if life were as smooth and simple as a Jonathan Clay (or Jason Mraz, Howie Day, etc.) song. In a genre like this, what I like to call bubbly acoustic, even the saddest of moments could seem minuscule and easily bearable. Call it a guilty pleasure, but these indie, John Mayer influenced strummers and singers are a much brighter light in the world of pop music than we have seen in, oh, the last ten years at least! (See: boy bands, rap metal, and Fall Out Boy). Read More »Jonathan Clay: The Acoustic Sessions [Album Review]
Written by Ron Trembath
Verona Red is a genre bending four piece from Chicago with a sound that will cut your soul like an unnoticed episiotomy. At first listen, a weariness may settle in your stomach. But it will become obvious when your feet began to move in a Setzer-esque skanking motion, that they have taken over your entire body. Read More »Verona Red [Feature Band]
Within the Portland scene, there are many bands like No Go Know. And Sleeping Is Winning could sound as familiar as a collection of your favorite Dandy Warhol tracks. But, there is a darkness that resides within their entire vibe that distinguishes them as a strong competitor in the underworld of the City of Roses. Read More »No Go Know: Sleeping Is Winning [Album Review]
Written by Ron Trembath
Westfold serves as a prime example of “contemporary” in the most literal sense on their second EP, Morning Commute. Using their classic antidote of happy despair, Westfold manages to create something bold and original, using a template that is faded and worn. It is always a pleasure to hear from a group that is not scared of imaginary boundaries, but doesn’t forget their beginnings. Read More »Westfold: Morning Commute [Album Review]
Written by Fense
Mark Mathis is definitely a folk artist, as represented in the twangy (what sounds like a) mouth harp in We Both Was Young opener “Sharecropper Takes A Colored Wife†and dual banjos in “Prenupâ€. Read More »Mark Mathis [Feature Band]
