Month: May 2012

Posted on: May 28, 2012 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Sigur Ros – Takk (CD)

The title track for “Takk” is very atmospheric, using synthesizers to really add a bold, brooding body to the beginning of this disc. Incorporating melodic, almost-instrumental sounding vocals to “Glosoli”, the most curious thing about Sigur Ros on the track is that everything sounds so experimental but the track is truly beholden to typical tempo and progression (in terms of arrangement). Sigur Ros puts forth a challenging face but really…

Posted on: May 27, 2012 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Sigur Ros – Saeglopur single (CD)

The accessibility of this song really made me wonder; all the discussion I had heard about Sigur Ros in the past was that they were a difficult, trying band to truly like. Still, the way that “Saeglopur” opens is nothing less than commendable; where the track begins in a dreamy way, the musical (and rock-influenced) explosions that the band inserts into various intervals of “Saeglopur” shock listeners into a much…

Posted on: May 27, 2012 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

The Sights – S/T (CD)

So, New Line sounds like they dug up a early sixties rock band’s long-lost debut and have pandered it off as a rock-revival disc. The presence of very active synthesizers really adds a certain veneer to the early tracks (I’m Going To Live…”, “Circus”) and makes the chipper vocals of Eddies stand up even more. The fact that The Sights have been around for 7 years explains the solid, confident…

Posted on: May 27, 2012 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Sidewalk Slutz – S/T (CD)

True Punk, as this tape is markered, with a masking tape label. Recorded on a tape deck the quality isn’t the best, but the fury that the Slutz play is simply awesome. The bass parts during the first song “Anal Cunt…” are great, with a sense of raw urgency about then. These guys seem to have a sense of humor, as evidenced by the title of the songs and the…

Posted on: May 27, 2012 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

The Showdown – Temptation Come My Way (CD Review)

The Showdone come with a brand of hard rock that is tremendously tied to both the hair metal genre and the earlier (not the power metal releases) of Pantera. During “Fanatics and Whores”, The Showdown add a little bit of the Kenny Wayne Shepherd band to the mix, allowing for something that is current but is tremendously educated on the forms of hard rock that preceded them. The shredding that…

Posted on: May 26, 2012 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Showbread – Age Of Reptiles (CD)

  The picture of Showbread on the back of “Age Of Reptiles” gives little idea for what style of music will come forth during tracks like “Naked Lunch”. What ultimately results during the disc’s opening track is something that can only be called rock. There is more than a fair share of seventies-looking rock riffs, while Showbread aligns themselves with the general sound of acts like Buckcherry (although, with nothing…

Posted on: May 26, 2012 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Total Warr Releases Live Video

Parisian duo Total Warr delivers an irresistible blend of energetic pop set to danceworthy electro beats and commanding percussion. Having received accolades from FADER to Stereogum, the band recently released the first track from their upcoming EP, Corbay, out June 11th. Today, they release a live video for the track, “xxx HATE xxx,” one of the EPs slower, more reflective jams. Check out the live “xxx HATE xxx” video where…

Posted on: May 25, 2012 Posted by: John B. Moore Comments: 0

Haywire (DVD)

There is no getting around the fact that plot takes a back seat in Haywire, an action flick centered on MMA fighter Gina Carano. That’s not to say it’s a bad movie, not at all, but like many great action films, the fight scenes and are front and center and the plot is simply written around them. The fact that Stephen Soderbergh directed this one, you can be certain that…

Posted on: May 23, 2012 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Tony Desimone – As We Go ‘Round the Sun (CD Review)

We were able to review The Second Time Around last year. I believe that the tracks on As We Go ‘Round the Sun build off of the successes of the previous album, while allowing listeners ample chance to hear a more mature and polished title. The CD starts off with the titular track; Desimone sets up where the album will go as well as where he has been. This sunny…

Posted on: May 23, 2012 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Radio Drive – This Is Our Time (CD)

There is an eclectic sound that is fostered on This Is Our Time that will immediately impress. Rather than  merely tracing over the styles and genres that are popular, Kevin Gullickson is able to create something bold and new with each of the 11 tracks on this album. The first track, Rising, is the perfect microcosm – in the nearly five minutes of the track, listeners will be provided with…