Album Reviews

Islands: A Sleep & A Forgetting

Brian Foy February 15, 2012 No Comments

Nick Thorburn is more confident in his craft which is evident in his back to basics approach. Thorburn's candor does not mean he has lost any of his trademark catchifisity (prolific catchiness). For Canadian born Thorburn, A Sleep & A Feeling comes out between Lincoln and Washington's birthdays, which is fitting because it might be Island’s Jay Treaty or even Emancipation Proclamation.

Band of Skulls: Sweet Sour

February 14, 2012 No Comments

The opening of the Band of Skulls’ second studio album, Sweet Sour, is as much of a commanding introduction as it is a statement to the listener. The first sound that is heard is nearly like a shockwave that is sent out as a preliminary warning sign just before the drums and guitar enter in epic fashion. This identifies the seriousness and focus of Sweet Sour and that idea is completely carried forth as the record progresses.

Dr. Dog: Be The Void

Doug Collette February 13, 2012 No Comments

On first listen to the new Dr. Dog album, Be The Void, the group’s inimitable exultation emerges almost immediately and that, along with a willfully primitive recording style, distinguishes this recording as much as their past work.

Imperial Teen: Feel The Sound

Matthew Mowatt February 8, 2012 No Comments

In spite of some heartfelt and at times sardonic indie-pop, Feel the Sound, which clocks in at under an hour, leaves one with a sense of being unfulfilled but not necessarily wanting more.

Hospitality: Hospitality

Jeff Demars February 7, 2012 No Comments

Hospitality’s eponymous debut album, short in length but strong in substance, presents listeners with a fun, refreshing and accessible listening experience.

Ben Kweller: Go Fly a Kite

Warren Miller February 6, 2012 No Comments

Regardless, Ben Kweller remains one of music’s most reliable artists. Five albums into his solo career, he has yet to deliver a clunker. Go Fly a Kite may never reach the heights of Sha Sha, his best album, but the new record has certainly earned its rightful place amongst the rest of Kweller’s impressive catalog.

moe.: What Happened To The La Las

Bryan Rodgers February 1, 2012 No Comments

By keeping their songs concise and riffs big, moe. manage to maintain their status as solid studio band on their 10th album, What Happened to the La Las

Lowry: Emporia

Shawn Donohue January 30, 2012 No Comments

The Brooklyn band Lowry’s newest release is a long running mid-tempo opus which is the end of a trilogy the band started back with 2005’s Awful Joy. Playing at over an hour the disc can lull and blend into the background with its soothing guitar lines and piano melodies floating over vocals that never want to disturb the tranquil mood, no matter what the subject matter addresses.

Rodrigo y Gabriela and C.U.B.A.

Brian Foy January 27, 2012 No Comments

On Rodrigo y Gabriela's new release, Area 52, the duo is joined by a 13-piece Cuban musical collective known as C.U.B.A.. Although Area 52 is the twosome’s first studio collaboration with other musicians, the record contains no new material as all nine tracks are rearrangement’s of Rodrigo y Gabriela’s previous works. For those playing at home, Area 52’s final track “Tamacun” previously appeared on Rodrigo y Gabriela’s 2006 self titled album, 2008’s Live at Japan, and 2011’s Live in France.