The Bee Gees on diazepam? Formed at Paul McCartney’s performing arts school, LIPA, this self-proclamation from Liverpool (via Norway/Ireland/Brazil) trio All We Are is a bit of a head scratcher if one only ever heard the barn burning single āKeep Me Aliveā. Upon listening to the whole of the album, Stone (Domino Recordings), the description… Continue reading All We Are: Stayin’ Alive with Stone
Category: Album Reviews
Twenty fifteen and Crushed Beaks
Here we are on the fledgling wings of yet another year, thousands of bands vying for our attention in a sea of Soundcloud links, drop dates and nervously planned record release gigs. On days like this I’m glad to be a lowly consumer rather than an actual musician. While it makes me sound lazy (and… Continue reading Twenty fifteen and Crushed Beaks
New Mansions on the Moon album
Since I usually don’t post on the weekends, it would be wise to give you more music on Fridays. Lucky for us, Mansions on the Moon just released their new s/t album, and it’s thoroughly impressive. They use their softer acoustic skills more this time around (which we knew they already had from solo Ted… Continue reading New Mansions on the Moon album
[The Past Presents] The Modern Lovers – The Modern Lovers (1976)
The Past Presents is typically where I take a fresh look at an older album, either because itās regarded as a classic album and Iād like to see if it still holds up, or because itās an album I feel is special and it never really got the love it deserves. For me, this column… Continue reading [The Past Presents] The Modern Lovers – The Modern Lovers (1976)
Alice and the Glass Lake’s ‘The Evolution’ EP
Alice Lake hasĀ returned to my life in convincing fashion with her debut EP, The Evolution. Mixing sounds that you may not typically hear together — tender singer/songwriter vocals with some heavy electronic/experimental backing — Alice and the Glass Lake provide a delightfully meandering album. It’s clear, however, that the songs are carefully crafted to engulf… Continue reading Alice and the Glass Lake’s ‘The Evolution’ EP
Andrew McHenry
When I listen to Andrew McHenryās latest — and, to my knowledge, first — EP, I canāt help but notice the similarities to Elliott Smith. Itās not just a hint of Smith I hear in these songs, itās a very strong resemblance. McHenry plays delicately layered guitar melodies and adds crisp, sing-a-long vocals on top,… Continue reading Andrew McHenry
Prissy Clerks
Itās time for music fans to sit up and take notice: thereās something special going on in Minneapolis. A solid stream of excellent music is coming out of the twin cities these days, and the latest to add to the list is Prissy Clerks. The bandās debut album, Bruise or Be Bruised, is out on… Continue reading Prissy Clerks
Passenger Peru demonstrates their adventurous side on self-titled debut album
Largely the vision of former Antlers bassist Justin Stivers, Passenger Peru rides Stivers bass into more experimental areas than Antlers usual fare. Stivers teamed up with Justin Gonzalez to bring Passenger Peruās self-titled album into existence. From the start of the album, you get the impression that Stivers attempted to bring the experimental side of… Continue reading Passenger Peru demonstrates their adventurous side on self-titled debut album
[The Past Presents] Slint – “Spiderland”
The Past PresentsĀ revisits revered albums from the past 20-25 years to ask the question, āIs 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 weāll be passing on to our kids? It also looks at… Continue reading [The Past Presents] Slint – “Spiderland”
Royal Canoe, I love you
Empty out a swimming pool. Spray paint it in neon colors. Learn to ride a skateboard better than Tony Hawk. Ride your skateboard around the empty, painted pool. If you did this, the song you would need to listen to while doing so would be “Hold On To The Metal” by Royal Canoe. These Canadian… Continue reading Royal Canoe, I love you