Month: November 2015

Posted on: November 19, 2015 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Landry Riba Tales from behind the mirror CD Review

Andorra’s Landry Riba has released his Tales from behind the mirror, an effort that immediately draws listeners in with the introductory composition, What was left behind. This composition creates the environment which the rest of the album’s tracks are set. At a hair under two minutes, this arrangement is essential listening for anyone that wishes to understand the full story that this album tells.

Posted on: November 19, 2015 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Dave Goddess Group Blown Away EP Review

Blown Away is the latest track from New York’s Dave Goddess Group, showcasing a wide array of influences. The band is immediately able to make a complex and deep track through the presence of inimitable vocals, splashy drums, a chunky bass and an overall sound that is timeless. Hints of INXS, U2, and even Genesis can be picked open during this introductory effort. One Man’s Passion succeeds with an immediate…

Posted on: November 19, 2015 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Barrel Aged Stout: Brian’s Remorse (Saugatuck)

Brian’s Remorse is a barrel-aged stout (Saugatuck has placed it in oak bourbon barrels including those from Woodford Reserve, Heaven Hill, Wild Turkey and Buffalo Trace); the time spent ensconced in wood has imparted a distinct and unique flavor to this stout that typically is reserved to beers that are at the 9-12% ABV mark. The richness of this beer makes it eminently drinkable and complex as all get out;…

Posted on: November 18, 2015 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Pecker Wrecker (Rahr & Sons)

Pecker Wrecker is a seasonal offering from Texas’ Rahr & Sons’ brewery. The beer pours with a good amount of off-white head that sticks around for a good amount of time; Pecker Wrecker pours with a dark yellow to golden coloration. The nose showcases malt and sweeter elements, two tastes that come forth at various points during the body. Rahr & Sons’ latest is a downright dangerous effort, hiding the…

Posted on: November 18, 2015 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

The Kiss That Took A Trip Electroforest CD Review

The Kiss That Took A Trip begins with Electroforest: entrance, a softly-spoken yet incredibly deep composition that is beautiful, haunting, and wholly unlike current radio acts. However, this does not mean that the tracks on Electroforest are hard to get into; the act is just able to create something stunning. The drone that begins Tidy up you pig is corralled into something much more cohesive and intense; the skill possessed…

Posted on: November 18, 2015 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

DownTown Mystic Soul’d Out Single Review

Soul’d Out is the latest effort from DownTown Mystic, and this tremendously emotive track will be appreciated by anyone that has been hurt by love. The track builds off of the sound of Journey, Paul Stanley, and Foreigner; there is a timeless sound here that refreshes the rock of the eighties with a clarity and tautness that is unparalleled.

Posted on: November 17, 2015 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

COCOPIPES Vibrant Single Review

COCOPIPES has released her latest single Vibrant. The track works well in a traditional pop sound while having a backing instrumentation that is innovative. Different styles, whether it be R&B, EDM, or even post-modern compositions can be discerned here.

Posted on: November 17, 2015 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Hipnotics Preacher Man Single Review

Los Angeles’ Hipnotics have just released Preacher Man, a single that links together The Clash, The Psychedelic Furs, and early Cure into a swirling mass of guitars, drums, and bold vocals. Preacher Man has it all including an intricate bass line, echoing and authoritative guitar lines, and an on-point drum beat that are all given a highlight at points during this single.

Posted on: November 17, 2015 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

MARSH. Hands Single Review

MARSH. is from Auckland, New Zealand and is dropping his latest EP, Hieroglyph in December. Hands is the latest single from Hieroglyph and has a funky retro-dance vibe. The harmony that immediately comes forth will tattoo itself deep into the minds of listeners, while there is a sultry and passionate thread that is weaved through the track. The intricate arrangements presented to listeners in Hands touches upon the Miami sound of…

Posted on: November 17, 2015 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Dark Optics Where I Am Single Review

Where I Am is the latest effort from York’s Dark Optics. This composition is a track building off the trip-hop tradition, with hints of Stabbing Westward, Massive Attack, and Portishead that can be discerned. The ample inclusion of samples feels like an homage to The Avalanches, while the brooding a deep instrumentation that is weaved through the single will appease fans of hard rock and metal styles. What results with…