I’ve heard The Beatings’ sound before, but I’m so OK with that

In The Beatings’ press kit it says “Recommended if you like: Thermals, Broken Social Scene, Built to Spill.” While the band isn’t quite like any of those others, on first listen it’s clear they have a very familiar sound that you absolutely know. Is it overdone? Is it old hat? Is it stale? Yes, yes… Continue reading I’ve heard The Beatings’ sound before, but I’m so OK with that

Interview with The Blue Van’s Steffen Westmark

Coming off their latest album, Man Up, Denmark’s The Blue Van have been touring and promoting their music to make a mark in the U.S. After winning Knox Road’s coveted Most Promising Band at Siren 2009 award, frontman Steffen Westmark answered my burning questions about breaking the U.S. scene, going nuts onstage and escaping the Danish… Continue reading Interview with The Blue Van’s Steffen Westmark

Why is the new Alice In Wonderland trailer not exciting?

Look, I love Tim Burton. And Johnny Depp. I’m not going to lie to you guys, I’m on the boat with all those Hot Topic teens to Burton/Depp island full of colorful, twisted landscapes and friendly, scissor-handed creatures. So when I finally got a chance to watch the trailer to the duo’s adaptation of Alice… Continue reading Why is the new Alice In Wonderland trailer not exciting?

[MP3] New Yo La Tengo: “Here To Fall”

The highly anticipated twelfth full-length album, Popular Songs, from New Jersey’s own Yo La Tengo is due out September 8, but that’s not stopping tracks from being thrown to the masses by their label, Matador. The second released single, “Here To Fall,” is the opener to the album and it’s pretty solid. Alongside “Periodically Double… Continue reading [MP3] New Yo La Tengo: “Here To Fall”

Grand Duchy @ Siren

Frank Black is easily one of the most influential musicians of the last two decades. From directly influencing grunge (see Kurt Cobain) to setting the stage for the 90s alternative scene and making music many new musicians today grew up spinning, he’s had a hand in making alternative and indie music what is today. On… Continue reading Grand Duchy @ Siren

Future of the Left @ Siren

Raging forth from the stage like the Kraken from the sea (1981’s Clash of the Titans anyone?) was the furious sound of Future of the Left. Playing by far the most angst-ridden set all day, the three boys from Wales delivered tight, crunching guitar rock made complete with roaring screams and head thrashing (the latter… Continue reading Future of the Left @ Siren

The Fiery Furnaces keep it simple, solid on I’m Going Away

The Fiery Furnaces have made their career with bizarre, off-kilter, ADD alternative music. So one can only come into a new album with zero expectations. But as the metaphorical needle drops on the title track of their latest LP, I’m Going Away, a surprising thing is immediately noticeable– it sounds almost normal. But far from… Continue reading The Fiery Furnaces keep it simple, solid on I’m Going Away