The Brunettes: Red Rollerskates [mp3]
Artists like Archetecture in Helsinki, Mates of State and The Brunettes have always walked a thin line between amazing melodies… Read More »The Brunettes: Red Rollerskates [mp3]
Fredrik: Trilogi [Album Review]
The duo of Lindefelt and Fredrik have come a long way since their early work together under their indie pop guise of The Lovekevins. With two entirely too brief EPs, the band transformed into The LK again with Lindefelt at the helm. This was the duo’s first foray into noise-pop, and the single Private Life Of A Cat was our introduction to their new sound. That in itself would lead directly into the band’s first LP, Vs. The Snow. Up to, and including, that album, the band had begun to formulate something very special in the partnership between the two musicians, and it was fully realized when the other stepped into the limelight in their new project, simply dubbed Fredrik. Read More »Fredrik: Trilogi [Album Review]
Farewell: Anacortes All-Ages Venue Department Of Safety
This is it, the last call. The last show. And yet it’s a first for me; my first time visiting the Department Of Safety in Anacortes. The evening began with a brief drive along dark highways to the town known most, perhaps, for its ferry system connecting mainland Washington with the San Juan Islands. Eight years before, in 2002, the Department Of Safety opened with a show featuring performances from Karl Blau, P:Ano, and, among others, Microphones. This night would be quite similar, though also on the bill was LAKE and Arrington de Dionyso (of Old Time Relijun).
Read More »Farewell: Anacortes All-Ages Venue Department Of SafetyThe Splinters: Mysterious [mp3]
One of my favorite singles from last year was The Splinters‘ debut 7-inch Splintered Bridges. Mixing lo-fi garage rock with post punk and grrl pop, the band fit into everybody’s favorite niche genre of 2009. With compounded female vocals semi-shouted into microphones, ragged and gritty guitar riffs, and a lo-fi echoing tambourine, the girls are back with their first full-length, Kick. “Mysterious” fits perfectly aside “Splintered Bridges” with catchy vocal hooks and loud guitar riffs. Read More »The Splinters: Mysterious [mp3]
The Western States Motel: The Cliff [mp3]
Carl Jordan has THAT voice. You know, the one that sounds like Gavin Rosdale after he’s taken 40 No-Doz. It’s that raspy yet emotionally pleasing tone you might recognize with the likes of Pete Droge or Eels, the former heavyweight champions of obscurity-laced pop. But, it’s time to step aside Mr. E. The Western States Motel is here to bring oddball power pop back in a big way with their ultra catchy track “The Cliffâ€. Read More »The Western States Motel: The Cliff [mp3]
Elvis Costello: My Flame Burns Blue [Album Review]
Elvis is a historic name in rock music. It conjures up images of the King himself, shuffling across the stage while singin’ You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog. It is also a name that, when followed by Costello, can easily be associated with cool. Elvis Costello is a man that has inspired musicians over the decades, from his late 1970s roots as a more independent artist to his transformation into jazz over the past twelve years. Read More »Elvis Costello: My Flame Burns Blue [Album Review]
Lali Puna: Remember [mp3]
With such a nostalgia-inspiring title for Lali Puna‘s first single off her upcoming LP – the group’s first in over five years – one can’t help but reminisce on the past. I recall picking up 2004’s Faking The Books around the time of its release; I quickly became obsessed with “Micronimic”, the title track and “B-Movie”. These songs, along with selections from Neon Golden by The Notwist, came to define my music obsessions of 2004. I can see “Remember” launching Our Inventions beyond Lali Puna’s past albums, much in the way Neon Golden did for The Notwist. Read More »Lali Puna: Remember [mp3]
The Secret History: Johnny Anorak [mp3]
The modern pop fan undoubtedly favors several styles of the genre. Likewise, the modern pop band is likely to pull from a collection of these sub-genres. The Secret History does just that in “Johnny Anorak”, coming across with vocals fit for a Neko Case reference and backed by synth heavy indie glam pop. The band itself consists of My Favorite’s Michael Grace Jr., glam legend Mick Ronson’s daughter Lisa (on vocals), and Erin Dermody. These two are no newbies to music, so their delivering a powerful pop tune like “Johnny Anorak” shouldn’t be a surprise. Read More »The Secret History: Johnny Anorak [mp3]
Anthem In: The Cloudbusting EP [Album Review]
If Kate Bush and Robert Smith had 5 children together with the intention of creating one of the most uniquely talented batch of kids for the new millennium, Anthem In would be those products of success. Much like their predecessors, this is a band that can make you cry as you dance the night away. And The Cloudbusting EP (derived from Kate’s 1985 single of the same title) rains down genius and prosperity over the unwilling to adapt. Read More »Anthem In: The Cloudbusting EP [Album Review]
W-H-I-T-E [Feature]
White Horses In Technicolor Everywhere, or, more commonly known as the acronyms W-H-I-T-E or W.H.I.T.E., is the project of Cory… Read More »W-H-I-T-E [Feature]
