Reviews

[rating=9.00] Sixteen years after the last proper Braid LP and No Coast begins with “Bang” and ends with a song called “This Is Not a Revolution.” Insert your poor puns here; they don’t matter. No Coast is what happens when a band leaves, arguably at the height of their abilities, and returns with more than a […]

If you want to experience the New Orleans music scene, the best thing to do is to go there. For every Galactic and Trombone Shorty that make it big and tour around the country, there are loads of Crescent City acts creating music just as funky and fresh as the big names who are unable […]

Punk rock works best when emotions are heavily involved. It is why teens gravitate to it. The simple aggressive structure allows for a release that they may not otherwise know how to express. Growing up instills even more complex, strong emotions and a scene that you helped build can be a comforting return point. Such […]

Like other city-centric festivals, (Governor’s Ball in NY, Treasure Island in SF) Pitchfork Music Festival unknowingly offers up the best qualities of its host region. Expertly curated and just large enough to feel legitimate without overcrowded, the Union Park event offers minimal musical conflict. All that it asks of you is one identifying thing: which […]

[rating=7.00] To commit so fully to psychedelic rock is a feat not many bands undertake, and even less bands do well. The Black Angels have defined themselves within this genre so distinctly; it’s hard to imagine them doing anything else. And that’s just fine because they’ve honed their craft so tightly, especially on their new […]

Green River Festival in Western Massachusetts discovered the power of the headliner this year.  With Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue closing out Saturday night and with the added punch of Josh Ritter and the Royal City Band ending the Festival on Sunday, it was sold out completely for the first time in its 28 years.  […]

When you see Missouri band Ha Ha Tonka live, you find yourself wondering over and over, how are they not selling out arenas? Especially following the release of Lessons last fall, it’s a wonder why such an incredible band doesn’t get the endless recognition they so obviously deserve. They don’t sound like any other band, […]

In their first ever Boston appearance, Oklahoma City country rockers Turnpike Troubadours were surprised to find Boston’s Paradise near full to capacity.  But that was nothing compared to their amazement when the audience sang along word for word with the band’s opener “Every Girl.”   Curly haired, charismatic lead singer and guitarist Evan Felker dressed in […]

Steely Dan may not be attracting any younger fans to their shows, but then again, that isn’t to say Donald Fagen and Walter Becker’s music hasn’t aged well. Still relishing in the posh sheen of their urbanized funk, everyone from rappers to EDM artists have dropped a Steely Dan sample or groove — from assorted […]

Pisgah Brewery is becoming well-known in the region for its large, handmade outdoor stage that has hosted some large names such as Steel Pulse,Toubab Krewe, Umphrey’s Mcgee, Bruce Hornsby, and most recently, moe.  The jamband scene has many faces and places but moe. has become a cornerstone of epic guitar solos, funky xylophone, head spinning […]

The inaugural Hudson Project Music and Arts Festival was held at Winston Farms in Saugerties, NY, the site of the infamous Woodstock ’94 Music Festival that celebrated the 25th anniversary of the original 1969 iconic event. The first year of the festival had its glitches and mis-steps, like a tedious off-site parking with shuttle busses, […]

[rating=8.00] It gets louder when we’re singin’ together,” Eleanor and Chris Masterson sing on the title track off their second full-length album Good Luck Charm. Coming off the acclaim of their debut Birds Fly South, The Mastersons are stronger than ever both vocally and in their songwriting. Playing off each other’s strengths, they have perfected […]

[rating=9.00] Any album that opens with a didgeridoo and a cavalry of finger cymbals deserves at least one listen. Morrissey’s gorgeous tenth record, World Peace Is None of Your Business, demands many more—despite an early lecture on global meddling. “Each time you vote, you support the process,” he taunts in his velvet croon several times on the […]

[rating=6.00] With his debut album, the aptly titled In the Lonely Hour, London singer Sam Smith spends just under an hour bemoaning the loneliness, sorrow and self-doubt that love leaves in its wake. Packed with smooth R&B crooning and energetic dancehall grooves, the album has enough variety to become more than simply a vocal showcase, […]

Songwriting and guitar playing were front row center at the Scoot Inn in Austin on Saturday night with a double bill shared by Band of Heathens and Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real. The show took on added significance given that both acts have roots in the “Live Music Capital of the World”; Band […]

[rating=7.00] John Hiatt has recorded with his band The Combo before (albeit not since bassist Nathan Gehri replaced Patrick O’Hearn), but he’s never worked so self-sufficiently as on Terms of My Surrender. The brilliant guitarist Doug Lancio assumed the role of producer on this, Hiatt’s twenty-second studio effort, and he helps maintain an earthy atmosphere […]

[rating=7.00] The first full-length record from Vancouver band Jpnsgrls plays out like the fast-paced, hormonal diary of a teenager. Circulation is an impressive debut from the young foursome, and tackles some pretty hard-edged themes. With a “live fast die young” mentality laced through the record like a sketchy joint, Jpnsgrls simultaneously arouse the fear of […]

Take one part brooding electro pop, a dash of self-absorbed emo, a couple tokes of hip-hop, mix with a cache of catchy tunes, and you’ve got a recipe for The Neighbourhood’s squeal-inducing sound. The front row at their recent Raleigh, NC tour stop was teeming with fawning teens and 20-somethings who crowded down front to […]

[rating=9.00] On their stunning sophomore album Big Black Dog, Birmingham, AL duo Dead Fingers create eccentric and imaginative soundscapes. Songs about heartbreak, uncertainty and resilience are kooky and unique, but always thoughtful. Dead Fingers are a band to watch. The husband and wife duo join an impressive lineup of acts on the Big Legal Mess/Fat […]

For years, Vegas has been the garden of neon, sequins and men painted blue, comedians, crooners and Bette Midler lung-busters. Then along came some limber swingers interpreting the music of the Beatles and Michael Jackson. But for the REAL rock & rollers, not much was happening on the Strip on a regular basis. Until now. […]