Album Reviews Archives - Page 529 of 713

Anya Marina: Felony Flats

Jeremy Lukens April 3, 2012 No Comments

Felony Flats is a slight downgrade from 2009’s Britt Daniel-influenced Slow & Steady Seduction: Phase II, but that is a testament to the greatness of the latter, rather than a criticism of the former. By adding electronic dance vibes, swelling feedback and crunching guitars to her sonic palette, Marina crafts a visceral work of art pleads, teases, draws you close, and then moves on with the shrug of a shoulder.

Poor Moon: Illusion EP

Ron Hart April 3, 2012 No Comments

It will be most interesting to see how Poor Moon’s distinctive rattle and strum will evolve on their forthcoming full-length due out on Sub Pop later this year. But if Illusion is any indication, whatever variation of this unique fusion of vintage pop harmony and dour acoustic melancholy will be quite a treat with these immensely talented players at the helm—regardless of what name they might be going by at that point.

Esperanza Spalding: Radio Music Society

Nick Gunther March 29, 2012 No Comments

The format of musical structure that represented Esperanza Spalding’s 2010 release Chamber Music Society is one that is centuries old. It’s a presentation of music that had birthed itself in classical realms within a very intimate environment. Originally Spalding was looking to release that record as a double effort alongside a possibly more familiar sounding arrangement, made available for an additional audience, but success has left time as a premium and that project would wait to unveil itself, until now in the form of Radio Music Society.

Lee Ranaldo: Between The Times and Tides

Shawn Donohue March 29, 2012 No Comments

Playing with a dynamic group of musicians that includes Nels Cline, John Medeski, Alan Licht and SY drummer Steve Shelley (as well as others) has Lee Ranaldo focusing on song oriented offerings that are tight yet far from restrictive.

Of Monsters and Men: My Head Is An Animal

Gabriella Librizzi March 28, 2012 No Comments

Maybe it's the isolation of being Icelandic that gives Of Monsters and Men their charm. Maybe it's their rose-tinted sincerity or their ability to make dramatic yet inviting folk rock. Perhaps it is merely a combination of all of these that make Of Monsters and Men seem so universally appealing.

Civil Twilight: Holy Weather

Nick Gunther March 28, 2012 No Comments

What differentiates Civil Twilight’s latest record Holy Weather from their debut record is a lesser fascination inside the storied characterization the lyrics set themselves within. You could picture what was occurring in the minds of the musicians through what was presented, and it was exciting.

Bruce Springsteen: Wrecking Ball

Chris Calarco March 27, 2012 No Comments

Long celebrated for his ability to capture the mood of a specific American moment (New Jersey 1975, USA 1985, New York post 9/11,) Bruce Springsteen had his work cut out for him with his new album, Wrecking Ball. For such an earnest songwriter to strike a resonant tone in perhaps the greatest social, economic, and cultural upheaval in American history is no easy task

Miike Snow: Happy to You

Brian Palmer March 22, 2012 No Comments

Part of the thing that makes the Swedish indie pop trio Miike Snow so intriguing is their unflinching love of variety. Not content to simply make great dance cuts like “Sylvia” and “Black and Blue” as they did on their first release, they dip into the surreal with equal aplomb and dabble in a host of sounds and genres. This is the sort of creativity that helps define bands’ greatness and the desire to try new things is what makes their music noteworthy.

KNESSET: Coming of Age

Jeff Strowe March 22, 2012 No Comments

Coming of Age is an amazingly crafted debut from a young band we’ll hopefully hear more from as time progresses. It will be interesting to see how their songwriting and thematic elements develop as they age and matriculate among the rock and roll lifestyle. They’ve captured a particular slice of life well this time around. Here’s to hoping they keep it up and reward us with a long career.

Jerry Joseph & The Jackmorons: Happy Book

Bryan Rodgers March 22, 2012 No Comments

Beauty pervades even the saddest situations, and Happy Book gives the impression that the perpetually ornery Jerry Joseph is coming to grips with that and maybe loosening up a bit.

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