Album Reviews

The Ginger Envelope: Edible Orchids [Album Review]

Andy Fenstermaker
March 21, 2009February 6, 2022

One can draw several conclusions from the cover of Edible Orchids. First, it gives the distinct impression of The Ginger Envelope being a post-Elephant 6 band. The green tint, personally, takes me back to Everything Is Green, an early release by The Essex Green on Elephant 6 and the newly resurgent Kindercore. The name of the band and album is the second hint–the names roll off the tongue like those off the lovable indie pop label. So, one shouldn’t be too surprised that The Ginger Envelope hail from Athens, an indie pop hot spot, and possesses the sound of Elephant 6.

Andy Fenstermaker
March 21, 2009

I love worldly pop music and Furia De Buzo Ciego is no exception. Hailing from Venezuela, the tunes are all in Spanish, but their list of influences runs deep along the lines of more US based 90s indie artists: Lou Barlow, David Bazan, Calvin Johnson, Robert Pollard; you get the point. With that list of influences, itâ€™s no surprise that the group hones in on the softer side of 90s indie rock. Read More »Furia De Buzo Ciego: Furia De Buzo Ciego [Album Review]

Casiotone For The Painfully Alone: Vs. Children [Album Review]

Andy Fenstermaker
March 20, 2009April 11, 2009

Upon receiving Advance Base Batterly Life, I was initially under the impression that it was the new NEW record by Casiotone For The Painfully Alone. But I was only part right. It was a collection of covers and outtakes from various parties and get-togethers Owen Ashworth partook in over the past… oh who knows. Vs. Children, on the other hand, is a proper album, packed full with new material and themed along the lines of the title. Read More »Casiotone For The Painfully Alone: Vs. Children [Album Review]

Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band: Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band [Album Review]

Andy Fenstermaker
March 19, 2009March 15, 2009

Four of the eleven tracks on the latest release by Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band, actually their debut full-length, are not exclusives. These four can also be found on their Weepy EP and include opener “Who’s Asking”, “Cheer For Fate”, “Anchors Dropped” and “Dull Reason”. But, to be honest, I could care less. Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band is a phenomenal release worthy of as much esteem as the whole world can muster. Read More »Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band: Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band [Album Review]

LittleBear: Army Of Trees [Album Review]

Andy Fenstermaker
March 18, 2009March 15, 2009

The cover art for Army Of Trees by LittleBear naturally features a forest, as does the image of Nick Principe, LittleBear’s sole member, shown above. Likewise, the music sounds like nature overproduced, but not in a bad way. The vocals are clear and the instrumentation a windy memory; dream-like. Army Of Trees is a warm and soothing mix songs that are pleasant and a little unexpected. Read More »LittleBear: Army Of Trees [Album Review]

Dan Kosub: Reservoir [Album Review]

Ron Trembath
March 18, 2009March 14, 2009

Dan Kosub (MySpace) has a voice that sounds very established for such a young cat. His reflective debut album Reservoir is a magnificent display of gifts. Songwriting and composing are the obvious highlights of this Canadian rising star. His songs are happy, even when they are sad. For every bit of disgrace he thrusts in lyrics, there are images of hope polarized into all that he creates. Read More »Dan Kosub: Reservoir [Album Review]

Golden Triangle: Golden Triangle [Album Review]

Andy Fenstermaker
March 17, 2009March 14, 2009

Insanity comes in many forms, most undesirable. However, there is one that is much more intriguing and inspirational than the others: audible insanity. Golden Triangle (MySpace) is the perfect example of outstanding audible insanity. It can be heard in their music, and seen in the photographs of their live performances. They don’t call it garage punk for nothing. Read More »Golden Triangle: Golden Triangle [Album Review]

Francis: Francis EP [Album Review]

Andy Fenstermaker
March 16, 2009March 15, 2009

When one thinks of Swedish musicians, one does not necessarily associate them with alcohol. Yet here we see an exception. Francis (MySpace) is fit for a rambunctious Swedish bar-room, packed with drunk blond men and women with superb fashion and design sense. (Does such a place even exist?) Read More »Francis: Francis EP [Album Review]

Racetrack: Go Ahead And Say It [Album Review]

Andy Fenstermaker
March 15, 2009

This is itâ€”the end of Racetrack. They recently played their final two shows, wrapping up an era and releasing their final EP, Go Ahead & Say It. The release party and goodbye party were combined and split into two locations: Seattle and the group’s hometown of Bellingham, WA. Knowing that the end was upon them, it is a common theme rampant throughout the EP, trickling from the opening track, “Don’t Sit On The Pickets” to the closer, “Recidivism.” Read More »Racetrack: Go Ahead And Say It [Album Review]

Grand Hallway: Yes Is The Answer [Album Review]

Andy Fenstermaker
March 15, 2009March 15, 2009

Yes Is The Answer is the debut album by Seattleâ€™s Grand Hallway. Yet prior to its release, the band already had several international shows booked in Japan, a country from which they draw severe influence. Describing their music as Experimental Classical Pop, Grand Hallway blends piano-heavy orchestral instrumentals with Tomo Nakayamaâ€™s quivering alto vocals. The combination draws likely similarities to Sufjan Stevens and Anathallo. In comparison, the bandâ€™s music finds a home more experimental than the former and less high school orchestra than the latter. Read More »Grand Hallway: Yes Is The Answer [Album Review]

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