It is the year 2018 and music lives in clouds and streams. Airpods deliver computer-generated sounds directly to our brains in hopes of harvesting the newest addition to the long list of dwindling natural resources: dopamine. This year, the new millenium claimed the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin, and the premature losses of Avicii,… Read More
Tiny green buds and blades sprouting underneath thin veils of crisp white snow are a first sign of the transition to spring. Winter tends to linger, washing the skies with dreadful gray streaks and leaving traces of biting winds. All the while, there is a bright optimism that situates itself amongst it. In it’s transition… Read More
Photo by Kendrick Brinson Young Thug is an inexplicable character whose sudden rise to fame sheds light on the American music industry’s desperate need for something spectacularly different. Is he an artistic genius? Or has he simply fooled some people into believing he is? I argue that it doesn’t matter. He’s better enjoyed without analysis or… Read More
Consistency is key, says the new indie-n proverb I decided was true for the sake of this write up. A well-crafted, unique sound is any musician’s best friend; experimentation is the double-edged résumé-stuffer that critics crave (nay, demand!) but only when done right. Change too little and you’ll become boring and cantankerous. Change too much… Read More
I dread even hearing Conor Oberst’s voice for a minute or two, because it’s difficult not to tense up in anxious fear of the moment he’s going to let loose with a whirlwind of boo-hooing, masturbatory ‘emotion.’ But when he keeps it reined in he’s a competent songwriter (though I can still name a long list… Read More
Artist: The Growlers Album: Gilded Pleasures Label: Everlong Release Date: November 12th, 2013 Genre: Neo-Psychedelic Grade: A- RIYL: Dr. Dog, Ty Segall, 1958 Chevy convertibles, rollies, Endless Summer, and The Cramps As SoCal as they come, garage rockers The Growlers stay true to their “beach goth” roots on their latest EP, Gilded Pleasures. Drenched in… Read More
Artist: Kurt Vile Album: Wakin On A Pretty Daze Label: Matador Release Date: Tuesday April 9, 2013 Genre: Lo-Fi Folk/Rock Grade: A RIYL: Mac Demarco, Pavement, Cass McCombs The latest from Philly psychedelic songwriter Kurt Vile sounds as fresh as these first tastes of spring, and is just as long awaited. Wakin On A Pretty… Read More
