Reviews

[rating=5.00] Colony House’s debut album, When I Was Younger, is definitely one with a distinct message; these young boys from Nashville, Tennessee are out to spread the word of hope and love to the world. And while that might be a bit of a cliché motive, their efforts are pure and full of passion. “Silhouettes” […]

If you’re the type of person who lives day in day out with an unquenchable thirst for real rock ‘n’ roll, chances are you’ve heard of the Bottle Rockets. If you haven’t heard of the Bottle Rockets, it’s time to change that, like now. For over twenty years this gang of Missourians has been going […]

If “Exit Only” is any indication of their newest direction, ‘La Isla Bonita’ may be one of the year’s most interesting albums.

[rating=8.00] Having proven their versatility, not to mention their comfort with modern technology, on their 2011 album Celebration, Florida, The Felice Brothers return to their forte of  equally cinematic, albeit far more earthy, contemporary folk music on Favorite Waitress. The quintet have not only rediscovered their niche, but, from start to finish, sound clearly overjoyed […]

[rating=7.00] Over the course of No-Man’s six studio recordings, singer/songwriter Tim Bowness wrote some of the most poignant lyrics in the realm of modern music. With multi-instrumentalist and progressive rock legend Steven Wilson backing his minimalist, abstract words, Bowness spun tales of suburban dystopia (1996’s Wild Opera), lush romanticism (1994’s Flowermouth), and heartbreak (2003’s Together […]

[rating=7.00] As the banjo picker in his dad Del’s legendary Del McCoury Band, there’s hardly any need for introduction; Rob McCoury is undoubtedly bluegrass royalty. With decades worth of shows under his belt and countless recordings mastered to tape, both with the family band and his own offshoot, The Travelin’ McCoury’s, Rob has perfected both […]

[rating=7.00] On the Black Crowes’ 2013 tour, founding sibling Rich Robinson radiated an unusual air of authority in contrast to his deferential persona of years past. And on his new album The Ceaseless Light there’s a similar air of confident dignity in the photos of him on the cover, but more importantly within the music […]

[rating=9.00] On his first self titled release Benjamin Booker comes storming out of the gate with stripped down infectious rock and roll that you can feel in your bones and shaking hips. The New Orleans based guitarist/singer has turned heads with his playing and for good reason as these songs shake rattle and boogie all […]

[rating=7.-00] Emerging from Detroit, the home of Motown and a city rich with musical roots in jazz and R&B; Jessica Hernandez and the Deltas plays as if they have been truly shaped by their city’s musical history. The band received some recognition for their 2013 EP, Demons which was released on Richard Gottehrer’s (Blondie, Dum […]

[rating=8.00] The No-Hit Wonder, Cory Branan’s fourth LP, isn’t an autobiography, though it very well could be. Branan has been slugging it out through hundreds of shows year after year as opener and main attraction with some of the best in the music business. He’s been immortalized in a Lucero song, shared stages with Jason […]

One of the most innovative guitarists associated with the original British Invasion in the 1960s, teamed up with an iconic southern blues rock trio, to perform together and separately at the Greek theater in Los Angeles, on Wednesday night, August 13th. The pairing of master guitarist Jeff Beck and Texas rockers ZZ Top  felt a […]

[rating=7.00] On Kin, Waylon Speed opt for a polished, ultra-professional approach that’s in stark contrast to the often sprawling but earnest displays of affection for country and hard rock that populate their previous recordings. But the rambunctious glee that pervades the likes of Horseshoes and Hand Grenades as well as the Boots EP also permeates […]

On Monday night a rain-soaked Tampa crowd was treated to two of the biggest and most influential bands of the 1990’s in a sold-out show that contrasted the two major hard rock styles of that period. Grunge pioneers Soundgarden delivered a powerful performance without much in the way of frills or showmanship, putting all of […]

There is more than one description for a music journalist. Some of us are living, breathing encyclopedias of recorded music, effortlessly comparing deep cuts from thirty years ago to a newly minted master tape without blinking an eye. Then there are the ones who studiously inject their writings with BIG WORD philosophic mental wanderings about […]

[rating=7.00] Stoner/psych fans are sure to get some pelvic region blood flowing from this unique pairing of six-string wizards and a jamming rhythm section are captured in this one time only improv set from the 2012 Roadburn Festival titled Earthless Meets Heavy Blanket/In a Dutch Haze. The players involved are Heavy Blanket’s axemen J Mascis  […]

The Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival was co-created just six years ago by Superfly, who were best known for establishing Bonnaroo as the premier U.S. music festival.  But in this short period of time, Outside Lands has already transitioned from being a festival newcomer to attracting lineups that rival Bonnaroo’s and a park location […]

The clouds in the sky seemed mysteriously out of place for Arizona but the band that was performing at Phoenix’s Crescent Ballroom couldn’t have felt more in sync.  This was a homecoming for the Brooklyn via Phoenix Miniature Tigers who are touring to promote their fourth studio album Cruel Runnings released last June. Australia’s the Griswolds kicked off the evening with their tropical up beat indie […]

[rating=9.00] There comes a time in life when you’re a ways into adulthood, and it finally sinks in that the carefree days of your twenties are behind you. Colorado-based band Ark Life has captured this so poignantly on their debut record The Dream of You and Me. Led by These United States’ Jesse Elliot, Ark […]

Anywhere else it might seem strange to watch one of the greatest working rock ‘n’ roll bands play a show to celebrate the anniversary of an artisan hot dog restaurant, but not in Austin. Here in the self-proclaimed “Live Music Capital of the World” this type of scenario is rarely a surprise, even when it […]

Many things change in a person over the course of three decades. But when it comes to the music of the Liverpool alternative-rockers Echo & The Bunnymen, it seems like nothing’s changed, even after an illustrious 36 year career. With his trademark shades and mop of unkempt hair, the Bunnymen’s charismatic frontman Ian McCulloch casually […]