Category: Music Reviews
Ought: ‘Room Inside the World’
For a band that has excelled at portraying the several variations of panic, Ought have always kept great focus on being human in the center of an expansive map. The boldest step the band could make after 2015’s Sun Coming Down was perhaps toward the only place bigger than the planet: the subconscious. Room Inside…
Born Ruffians: ‘Uncle, Duke & The Chief’
In their latest release, Uncle, Duke & the Chief, Born Ruffians continue to do exactly what is expected of them: yodel out jangly, catchy indie rock tunes. Whether or not you’re fatigued by the lack of substantial evolution from the band who released their first full-length album almost 10 years ago is for you to…
Wild Child: ‘Expectations’
There are love songs, there are breakup songs and then there are the songs on indie-pop band Wild Child’s newest album, Expectations. They describe relationships in limbo, which is an all-to-relatable status nowadays. The members of Wild Child have successfully managed to mature sonically while still remaining true to their fundamentals. While the band has certainly grown in numbers over…
MGMT: ‘Little Dark Age’
No matter what you think of MGMT, you’ve got to give them props for refusing to become stale. The band has evolved from their original bohemian rocker aesthetic, refusing to be defined solely by Oracular Spectacular, the hit album that boosted them into the spotlight over a decade ago. That being said, their newest album, Little Dark Age,…
Review: Hoops – ‘Routines’
As we approach the summer months, easy listening is back and prepping us for spending our days lounging by the water (or on our rooftops). Whether you’re at Santa Monica Beach or drenched in sweat gazing at an awesome city skyline, Hoops should be on your summer playlist. Just one year after the release of their self-titled EP,…
Haiku Review: Kendrick Lamar, Little Dragon, Splashh
Kendrick Lamar – DAMN. Intense yet laid back, Kendrick’s latest masterpiece is finally here. Little Dragon – Season High Cryptic, hypnotic, Layered hooks and melodies, Dreamy, strong vocals Splashh – Waiting a Lifetime Dreamy alt-pop vibes, Sunny and summery feel, Fun and upbeat songs.
Review: Blaenavon – ‘That’s Your Lot’
Today is a good day, because 1) it’s the weekend—TGIf, folks—and 2) Hampshire, England-based Blaenavon is dropping their debut album. That’s Your Lot, via Transgressive and Canvasback, is produced by Jim Abbiss (Arctic Monkeys, Adele) and is five years in the making. Blaenavon released a few EPs after their very first single “Into The Night” hit ears all the…
Haiku Review: Father John Misty, The New Pornographers, Cold War Kids
Father John Misty – Pure Comedy Classic vibes and sounds, Acoustic with upbeat tunes, Rare yet familiar. The New Pornographers – Whiteout Conditions Alluring lyrics, Catchy melodies and sounds, Poppy and fun beats. Cold War Kids – LA DIVINE Dark motifs and feel Contrasted with hopeful sound, Indie pop goldmine.
Review: Tei Shi – ‘Crawl Space’
As improvements in technology have expanded musical possibilities and resulted in a surge of experimental music, it can be difficult for an artist to differentiate themselves in such an extensive landscape. For Grimes-approved new wave pop artist Tei Shi–real name Valerie Teicher–this isn’t an issue. Born in Argentina, the 26-year-old singer-songwriter and producer makes music…
Haiku Review: The Jesus and Mary Chain, Spiral Stairs, Mount Eerie
The Jesus and Mary Chain – Damage and Joy Dark and lofty sound, Highly anticipated, Idyllic yet dim Spiral Stairs – Doris and the Daggers Pavement’s lead singer, Approachable yet airy, Relaxed and chill sounds Mount Eerie – A Crow Looked at Me Heartbreaking story, Tearful tale of tragedy, Thoughts on death and loss…