Rachel Grimes – Marion County 1938 EP

Some days music owns you. Sometimes you come across a piece of music that literally stops you in your tracks. As each phrase passes you donā€™t move an inch, voluntarily paralyzed, for fear of missing or accidentally drowning out some subtle nuance. This music reaches deeper than other music. Rachel Grimes’ latest release, Marion County… Continue reading Rachel Grimes – Marion County 1938 EP

Little Cuts’ 7” – Plastic Disasters

It seems like ages since any one heard from The Shins. Itā€™s going on five years since their last album but word is that a new one is on the way in March on Columbia Records. So what have they been doing? Well, it seems Dave Hernandez has been working on getting back to his… Continue reading Little Cuts’ 7” – Plastic Disasters

Notable Album Release: Pontiak – Echo Ono

Clear your calendar, folks! February 21, 2012 brings the release of Pontiakā€™s new LP, Echo Ono, on Thrill Jockey. The first track from the album is called ā€œLions of Leastā€ and demands to be heard. It steps away from the more psychedelic sounds of this summerā€™s Comecrudos and veers more toward the rock of their… Continue reading Notable Album Release: Pontiak – Echo Ono

[The Past Presents] Paul Westerberg – “14 Songs”

The Past Presents revisits revered albums from the past 20-25 years to ask the question, ā€œIs this album still a classic, or has it lost its edge over the years?ā€. Was it a great record for that particular time and place, or is it something weā€™ll be passing on to our kids? It also looks… Continue reading [The Past Presents] Paul Westerberg – “14 Songs”

The Skull Defekts’ 2013-3012 is complex and gripping

When former Lungfish front man Daniel Higgs joined Swedish noise-rock juggernaut The Skull Defekts on their Peer Amid album earlier this year, it seemed like a natural fit that played to the strengths of both parties. Now, taking things one step further, The Skull Defekts teamed up with Zomes, the solo moniker of former Lungfish… Continue reading The Skull Defekts’ 2013-3012 is complex and gripping

Luke Roberts needs a moment of your time

One of the greatest qualities of folk music is the story. Thereā€™s always a story in the song somewhere; you might have to search deep down in the lyrics or deep within yourself to find the story, but itā€™s there. The songs on Luke Robertā€™s debut, Big Bells and Dime Songs, have stories too, but… Continue reading Luke Roberts needs a moment of your time

High Places are confident, mature on Original Colors

At some point in a bandā€™s career there is a noticeable shift from a sort of musical adolescence to the comfort and confidence of maturity. High Places have clearly reached their maturity with their latest record, Original Colors. Please note that this level of maturity in no way translates to boring or tired. On the… Continue reading High Places are confident, mature on Original Colors

Future Islands use sounds of 25 years ago for On The Water

On the Water, the latest album from Baltimoreā€™s Future Islands, is the most interesting indie-dance record released this year. Wait, itā€™s not really a dance record, maybe I meant indie-rock record. Well, itā€™s not really rock either. Is it chill-wave? Iā€™m thinking not. Honestly, On the Water doesnā€™t deserve to be shoved into any one… Continue reading Future Islands use sounds of 25 years ago for On The Water

It is rain in my face’s Wishbone EP

One of my favorite aspects of listening to new music is the ability to discover new approaches to established sounds or genres. On more than one occasion Iā€™ve been treated to an artist who explores a genre that isnā€™t one of my favorites and takes it in a direction that is unexpected and appealing. Listening… Continue reading It is rain in my face’s Wishbone EP