There are few things in this world I hate more than bland solo projects that just sound like a weaker version of the full band (I’m looking at you, Joe Perry Project). Just do something DIFFERENT, you know? So you can imagine my relief when I pressed play on the new material from Fresh &… Continue reading Tim Cohen croons odd pop on Magic Trick and Bad Blood EP
Author: Jamie
Puro Instinct gets sweet, dreamy, Gaussian on Headbangers in Ecstasy
There’s a filter in Photoshop called Gaussian Blur, and it’s basically a one-stop-shop for enshrouding a photo in a dream-like mist. Although it’s mostly used on pictures of galloping horses and glamor poses, the filter looks like it could have been what made the cover of Headbangers in Ecstasy so dreamy. And given the smooth,… Continue reading Puro Instinct gets sweet, dreamy, Gaussian on Headbangers in Ecstasy
Forget chillwave, Toro Y Moi takes us on a unique journey on Underneath the Pine
We all remember Toro Y Moi, don’t we? No need to reintroduce the moniker of South Carolinian Chazwick Bundick? Who last year was one of the handful of artists branded with the now-infamous “chillwave” classification? Who received critical praise for his debut album Causers of This? Ok, great. Bundick’s second album, Underneath the Pine, released… Continue reading Forget chillwave, Toro Y Moi takes us on a unique journey on Underneath the Pine
[Hype Hype Hooray] How Arcade Fire Beat the System to Steal the Industry’s Crown Jewel
Every [two weeks?] Jamie Hale takes a long, hard look at the music industry and the blog scene that feeds it. Here, he releases those findings and makes snarky, sarcastic remarks. Admittedly, both Jamie and Knox Road are a part of this scene. So sue us. Music lovers took to the streets of Twitter on… Continue reading [Hype Hype Hooray] How Arcade Fire Beat the System to Steal the Industry’s Crown Jewel
Welcome Back Sailors
Most of the chilled-out space jams we hear in the scene today are from the good ol’ USA (a lot of European and Latin/South American music seems too dancey party or something). But straight out of Italy is Welcome Back Sailors. The duo released their debut EP, I’ll Be There to modest blog reaction earlier… Continue reading Welcome Back Sailors
La Sera merge fuzz pop with ’50s pop on low-key La Sera
Katy Goodman likes to experiment. Musically, I mean (pervert). The bassist and vocalist has gained most notoriety from all-girl fuzz trio Vivian Girls, but she also played in short-lived duo All Saints Day with Cat Power’s Gregg Foreman. Now Goodman is onto something new, and it’s just as dream/fuzz/pop as ever. It’s just what she… Continue reading La Sera merge fuzz pop with ’50s pop on low-key La Sera
Telekinesis offers comfort with throwback indie rock on 12 Desperate Straight Lines
Tired of all the weird experimental indie music out today? Sick of the synth and the slowly panging pianos underneath lyrics veiled behind shadowy metaphors? Maybe you long for the days of fast-paced, upbeat indie rock with catchy hooks and simple melodies. Maybe you replay your old Matt & Kim or Strokes records with your… Continue reading Telekinesis offers comfort with throwback indie rock on 12 Desperate Straight Lines
Esben & The Witch’s stagnant vocals make Violet Cries drag on
Can an album really be completely interesting and super boring at the same time? Because that’s what comes to mind on the debut album by British three-piece band Esben & The Witch. Violet Cries, the first proper full-length by the band, is a confusing mix of sweeping, melodramatic ambiance and well-written music. Sometimes the band… Continue reading Esben & The Witch’s stagnant vocals make Violet Cries drag on
James Blake’s debut is brilliant art but inaccessible music
James Blake is one of those musicians that fits into that category called “art.” The British musician’s style can best be described by however you decide to describe it. Personally, I think of Blake as an experimental electronic crooner/composer. If you disagree, you’re probably just as right as I am. Blake released three EPs last… Continue reading James Blake’s debut is brilliant art but inaccessible music
[Hype Hype Hooray] Breaking the Me-First Mindset
Every [two weeks?] Jamie Hale takes a long, hard look at the music industry and the blog scene that feeds it. Here, he releases those findings and makes snarky, sarcastic remarks. Admittedly, both Jamie and Knox Road are a part of this scene. So sue us. Every time I think about posting an MP3 or… Continue reading [Hype Hype Hooray] Breaking the Me-First Mindset