April 3, 2012

Cults: Rhythm Room, Phoenix, AZ 3/19/12

Jack Cavanaugh April 3, 2012 No Comments

Cults, a New York-based noise pop act that are a combination of several vintage sounds intermingling, sold out their show at Phoenix's Rhythm Room: it was definitely golden age syndrome in action. The whole performance, which included Mrs. Magician and Spectrals as openers, was part surf-rock, part go-go, part doo-wop, part new wave, and altogether erratic. The vibe seemed to bounce from a Pulp Fiction-style chase scene to classic oldies’, serving only fitting that Dick Dale is slated to play the same stage soon.

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.

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.