Author: Sargeant

Posted on: October 24, 2010 Posted by: Sargeant Comments: 0

Botany – ‘Feeling Today’ EP Out 11/9 on Western Vinyl

22 year old Spencer Stephenson aka Botany has been made quite a splash in a short amount of time for his jaw-dropping blend of shimmering psychedelia, blissed-out pop, and instrumental hip-hop. While comparisons to Caribou and Baths are apt, the way Stephenson transforms recycled sounds into something thoroughly modern makes his music refreshingly unique at the same time. The Weatherford, TX native, who also plays drums for post-rock stand-outs Sleep…

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Posted on: October 24, 2010 Posted by: Sargeant Comments: 0

Jane Monheit – Surrender (CD)

Jane Monheit has not been around the music industry for too terribly long. Ey is only 29 at the moment, so what holds true for the music on “Surrender” may not be what is true in 2027 or 2047. Fact is, there is a lot of time for Monheit to grow and expand eir repertoire. However, for individuals trying to decide whether this album is worth the purchase price, a…

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Posted on: October 24, 2010 Posted by: Sargeant Comments: 0

SOUL-SINGER BILAL SCHEDULED TO PERFORM “LITTLE ONES” AT 2010 NATIONAL WALK FOR AUTISM SPEAKS

Grammy-nominated musical artist Bilal, will sing at the 10th annual National Walk Now for Autism Speaks on Saturday, November 6, 2010 on the National Mall. Bilal will sing “Little Ones,” a smooth track with a soulful sound dedicated to his sons – his oldest son has Autism and his youngest son has Sickle Cell. Autism Speaks is the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization. “I have done many walks…

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Posted on: October 24, 2010 Posted by: Sargeant Comments: 0

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart Ready Brand New Single and Album for Release

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart released its self-titled debut album way back at the beginning of 2009. Since then the band has kept its fans satisfied while expanding their pop palette on the excellent Higher Than the Stars EP and this Summer’s shimmering anthem “Say No To Love”. We’re extremely pleased to report that the band has been recording, mixing, and mastering their much-anticipated sophomore full-length which is…

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Posted on: October 24, 2010 Posted by: Sargeant Comments: 0

.moneen. – Are We Really Happy With Who We Are Right Now? (CD)

Just as with their last album, “Theory of Harmonial Value”, .moneen. enthralls its audience with some of the most clean and richest instrumentation to ever grace a CD, seamlessly meshing in classical instruments with jangly guitars the make a truly transcendent disc. Each song is like a Joyce or Pynchon chapter – it may be totally different from any prior piece, but it will have that same type of continuity…

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Posted on: October 24, 2010 Posted by: Sargeant Comments: 0

SBB – “Los Człowieka” video available on YouTube

Only two weeks left to the release of “Blue Trance”, a brand new album by a legendary jazz/rock band from Poland – SBB. The band, comprised of the phenomenal composer Józef Skrzek, the excellent guitarist Apostolis Anthimos and the flawless drummer Gabor Nemeth propose a perfect blend of the sincerity of blues and the freedom of jazz. The music on the album is mature and rich in emotions. A video…

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Posted on: October 24, 2010 Posted by: Sargeant Comments: 0

The Hollywood Sqaures (Nintendo Wii)

There are very few game show games worth their salt. In most cases, these types of titles merely consist of a mini-game that in some nominal way resembles the format or the style of the game show that they are aping. However, the Nintendo Wii version of popular game show re-do The Hollywood Squares seems to merit additional playing. Whether it be the colorful graphics, intuitive game play, or catchy…

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Posted on: October 23, 2010 Posted by: Sargeant Comments: 0

UT – US TOUR – NOVEMBER 2010

UT have announced a series of US dates that includes a headline slot at Theoretical Music festival in Brooklyn on 5 November 2010. With the exception of an unannounced show at the Luminaire in London in July 2010, these will be their first shows in over 20 years, Ut last performed in Paris in March 1990. A seminal influence on later bands such as Sonic Youth, Ut (Nina Canal, Jacqui…

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Posted on: October 23, 2010 Posted by: Sargeant Comments: 0

Introducing We Are Trees

We Are Trees is comprised of Virginia Beach native James Nee and his supporting band, who have taken the lo-fi scene by storm and flipped it upside down. With production that nurtures fidelity as a living, breathing art, this Virginia Beach band’s sound lies somewhere between the plains of Middle America and the cliffs of a Western Coast. The vocals, while drawing comparisons to Daniel Rossen of Grizzly Bear, are…

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Posted on: October 23, 2010 Posted by: Sargeant Comments: 0

Pomegranates Set Up November Tour

Nov. 1st The Empty Bottle Chicago, IL 2nd The Frequency Madison, WI 3rd The Vaudeville De Moines, IA 4TH U. of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN 5th Zoo Bar Lincoln, NE 6th Replay Lounge Lawrence, KS 7th Hi-Dive Denver, CO 8th Kilby Court Salt Lake City, UT 9th Badlander Missoula, MT 10th Empyrean Coffee Spokane, WA 11th Sunset Tavern Seattle, WA 12th Mississippi Studios Portland, OR 14th The Crepe Place Santa Cruz,…

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Posted on: October 23, 2010 Posted by: Sargeant Comments: 0

Monarch – Tragedy Holds The Hand of Hope (CD)

Starting out with fairly simplistic guitar riffs and double-bass pedals for their first track “Lipstick”, Monarch’s lead singer Dan sounds almost too grizzled to be effectual. “Lipstick” is only three and a half minutes long but the only thing that stands out in the slightest for me has to be the guitar noodling that marks the mid-point of the disc. The second chunk of guitar work on “Lipstick” is much…

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Posted on: October 23, 2010 Posted by: Sargeant Comments: 0

Albany’s Justin Mikulka to release anti-war concept album under the name False Positive.

[MP3]: http://www.fanaticpromotion.com/projects/falsepositive/mp3/falsepositive-strikeuptheband.mp3 +++ Justin Mikulka/False Positive In The Press “…more talented than the competition. …has the goods to become an amazing songwriter.” – The Big Takeover “Amazing work that’s cruising well ahead of the curve.” – Songwriter’s Monthly “Can a record leave a listener enthralled, inspired and slightly uneasy at the same time… wonderful.” – The Aquarian Weekly “…incredibly ingenious… truly a visionary experience.” – Independent Songwriter “…a rich, dense,…

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Posted on: October 23, 2010 Posted by: Sargeant Comments: 2

Sissita’s Soul Tangos – S/T (CD)

“All of You” is a track that could easily be enjoyed, regardless of whether the listener was from 1880, 1920, 1950, or today. There is little more to this first track on Sissita’s self-titled disc than vocals, but her chops are such that any fan of music will be happy with what issues forth from their stereo. “Nightmares” continues this train, but gives the backing instrumentation a little more of…

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Posted on: October 23, 2010 Posted by: Sargeant Comments: 0

VTG – Love Is Letting Go (CD)

It becomes hard to establish a coherent and cogent sound with an EP. While many acts like coming out with these shorter recordings, I feel that LPs are typically the way to go. VTG looks to change my opinion on the matter with their “Love Is Letting Go”. The disc’s first track, “I Lie Pretty”, defies convention. This is due to the fact that there is a little bit of…

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Posted on: October 23, 2010 Posted by: Sargeant Comments: 0

Monarch – S/T (CD)

“Tragedy Holds The Hand Of Hope” was not very impressive; Monarch’s new self-titled LP starts out with a tad bit more promise. Dan’s vocals stand a little farther out from the instrumentation, and the instrumentation is a little more varied between tracks. This time there is a certain ability of the band that shows through: the ability to connect with their audience. Monarch’s music, especially the very linear “Apparition” could…

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Posted on: October 23, 2010 Posted by: Sargeant Comments: 0

Freelance Whales Release Exclusive New Single “Enzymes” On Green Label Sound

Download “Enzymes” at: http://www.greenlabelsound.com/artists/freelancewhales 11/5 – Maxwell’s – Hoboken, NJ (w/ Miniature Tigers) 11/6 – Black Cat – Washington, DC (w/ Miniature Tigers) 11/7 – Local 506 – Chapel Hill, NC (w/ Miniature Tigers) 11/8 – The Drunken Unicorn – Atlanta, GA (w/ Miniature Tigers) 11/10 – Fitzgerald’s Downstairs – Houston, TX (w/ Miniature Tigers) 11/11 – The ND @ 501 Studios – Austin, TX (w/ Miniature Tigers) 11/12 –…

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Posted on: October 23, 2010 Posted by: Sargeant Comments: 0

Ceramic – The Past Ain’t Far (CD)

Most acts give listeners a few tracks to properly get their footing and understand where the band is coming from, but Ceramic immediately comes forth with two intense salvos. These tracks, “You Give More Than Enough” and “Who’s Gonna Guide The Night”, are ones that will tattoo themselves on anyone that listens in, and that is primarily due to the intricate musical arrangements that are present. Little more is needed…

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Posted on: October 23, 2010 Posted by: Sargeant Comments: 0

Kylie Minogue – Rare and Unseen (DVD)

It seems that there is very little in the way of active work being done to restore old interviews, performances, and the like from musicians. Whether it be straight releases from VHS of extremely important titles like Urgh! A Music War or music-related films like Times Square, many movie houses could stand to do what is done with Kylie Minogue – Rare and Unseen. This collection brings together an interview…

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Posted on: October 22, 2010 Posted by: Sargeant Comments: 0

Victoire reveal debut video “Cathedral City,” on tour now

All-female quintet Victoire have revealed their video debut for “Cathedral City,” the title track from their critically acclaimed new album out now on New Amsterdam Records. The video features meticulously shot clips of the band performing a mix of strings, winds and gentle electronic beats with angelic vocals provided by guest Mellissa Hughes. It was directed by Stephen S. Taylor. 11/04/10 – Brooklyn, NY @ Smack Mellon Gallery – Free…

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Posted on: October 22, 2010 Posted by: Sargeant Comments: 0

Moments In Grace – Moonlight Survived (CD)

Let’s admit it, Moments In Grace’s first EP was pretty weak. However, opening up “Moonlight Survived” with a radio-friendly and intense “Stratus”, the band starts off on a strong foot. Even though the breakdown seems a little too drawn-out and cheese-ball, the chorus meshes well enough with the instrumentation on the track that most mistakes can be forgiven. “The Patient” uses a lot of the same guitar lines that immediately…

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