I’ve been planning to write about La Blogoteque’s Take Away Show series, of which I’ve been familiar with for quite some time, since their early days. But I had a plan. It was this: cover the release of The Lovely Sparrows’ spin-off Take Away Show, filmed in Seattle. You see, I was present and thus there may be a Fense cameo. Cool. But then I stumbled upon Soy Un Caballo (MySpace) playing “Robin” and I just couldn’t resist. Read More »Soy Un Caballo: Robin [Video]
It hasn’t been all that long since reviewing Jean On Jean‘s self-titled release. Despite a mass of great songs, there was still a clear winner: “Tonight”. The ex-Out Hud cellist now has a video for the single; it’s fitting, filled with leaves and colors masterfully added to compliment her sometimes folky style of soft, soothing pop. Read More »Jean On Jean: Tonight [Video]
Written by Ron Trembath
Listening to Modern Skirts (MySpace) is like listening to the soundtrack of your favorite film on the Sundance Channel. They really found a home on a recent tour with R.E.M. (who could have the same thing said about them, but more likely Starz!). And this listener-friendly band’s sophomore release, All Of Us In Our Night, is an almost cinematic delight. Read More »Modern Skirts: All Of Us In Our Night
Written by Fense
From the opening moments of “Shame On The Soul”, the first track off Some Sweet Relief by Speck Mountain, one is drawn into the group’s space-y, reverberation-heavy style of soft pop. With lengthy chord progressions, eerily soothing female vocal coos, and a predilection toward the softer side of psychedelia, one might draw comparison to Mazzy Star. Read More »Speck Mountain: Some Sweet Relief [Album Review]
Written by Fense
Okay, something has changed chemically in my brain since the last time I listened to The Lolligags (MySpace). Either that, or this band has altered the way they write songs. To be honest – completely honest, bearing my soul here folks – I didn’t really care for The Lolligags’ EP from last year. There was a catchy song or two, but it failed to hold my interest. Well, that sad fate is no longer. Out of Perversity Join Hands is absolutely brilliant! Read More »The Lolligags: Out Of Perversity Join Hands [Album Review]
After a complete listen to the third album by Condo, Best Of Luck, it feels like the moment after you pass a horrific freeway accident. You are left wondering what it was you just witnessed. Ryan McNeil’s guitar work is similar to the tires that spun out of control, right into a beautiful intertwined combination of drum and bass. And the overall charisma of the album is so awe striking, you may feel bad for enjoying yourself so much. Read More »Condo: Best Of Luck [Album Review]
It’s summer here in the rural college town of Pullman, Washington. Spring semester ended just over a month ago and the population quickly halved to roughly 15,000 occupants. The added vacancy and decline of the rambunctious Greek (fraternities and sororities, not the nationality) population with the warming weather and beautiful evenings makes Pullman an outstanding location for sitting outside, sipping a beer, grilling corn on the cob and steak, and listening to upbeat summer songs. The weather is nice! Friends are around! Let’s eat and drink and listen to some fun happy music! Read More »Oppenheimer: Oppenheimer [Album Review]
Written by Fense
I’ve set strict rules for the pReview section; yet, here on the third pReview, I’ve already broken the cardinal one – listening to a single song from an album and writing about it. I cheated: I listened to Advance Base Battery Life, the upcoming release by Casiotone For The Painfully Alone (MySpace), in its entirety. Read More »Casiotone For The Painfully Alone: Old Panda Days [pReview]
Written by Fense
I’ve got a dear friend that swears up and down by The Afternoon Naps. Her name is Keenan and she played in a much loved and FensePost favorite band called Patience Please. So, when I stumbled upon “Clean Bill Of Health”, I figured I might as well check them out. Boy am I glad I did! Read More »The Afternoon Naps [Feature Band]
Written by Fense
It’s hard to call one of the most promising acts I’ve discovered this year a promising act. After all, they’ve been gracing us with their music for quite some time now; I just haven’t been paying attention. The group is Mount Eerie, and I was delighted to see their label, P.W. Elverum & Sun, Ltd., is based out of Anacortes – a mere twenty minutes or so from my weekday home of Edison, WA.
Read More »Mount Eerie: Lost Wisdom [Album Review]
