Category: Music Reviews

Posted on: July 20, 2014 Posted by: Sargeant Comments: 0

Deborah Henriksson Traces CD Review

Traces is a soulful effort that focuses on Henriksson’s vocals, bolstering them through the inclusion of a folk-infused instrumentation. The instrumental arrangement that is built through this introductory track expands to create something intense and will resound loudly with listeners long after the title has ceased. Fly slows things down and imbues a more introspective and atmospheric sound to Henriksson’s vocals. The tender piano that plays at the bottom of…

Posted on: July 16, 2014 Posted by: Sargeant Comments: 0

Harlequins Enigma Night Wing Review

Night Wing is a track that touches upon electronic music in a fashion that blends together equal amounts Kraftwerk, Can, Klaus Schulze and Herbie Hancock. The track contains a substantial narrative component that shines through in its instrumental state. The effort reaches out over a seven minute period, allowing Harlequins Enigma ample opportunity to showcase their skills in arrangement and musical ability.

Posted on: July 14, 2014 Posted by: Sargeant Comments: 0

Xombie Capital X CD Review

Velocirapper is an intense bit of rock that is reminiscent of Sepultura, Deftones, and Papa Roach. There is a heaviness to this introductory composition that will keep listeners on the edges of their seats, while a melodic drop showcases the sheer talent of the band. Rock Bottom keeps the same high energy as it draws listeners into a blend of Suicidal Tendencies and Hatebreed. The confidence that is exuded by…

Posted on: July 13, 2014 Posted by: Sargeant Comments: 0

Tommy Roumanas She Keeps Me (Rockin’) Single

She Keeps Me (Rockin’) is the second single from Canada’s Tommy Roumanas, and it presents listeners with some of the most intricate and intimate thoughts ever committed to tape. The track is raw and visceral, all while still having a very radio friendly approach. The production of the track allows the vocals, guitars, and drums equal opportunities to shine. Roumanas’ vocals builds off of the work of Buckcherry and Dexter…

Posted on: July 1, 2014 Posted by: John B. Moore Comments: 0

Eureka California – Crunch Vinyl

For a duo, Eureka California make a hell of a lot of noise. The Athens indie rockers, comprised of drummer Marie Uhler and singer/guitarist Jake Ward, have just turned in their second full length in 18 months and far from sounding like a rushed out also ran, Crunch is a remarkably satisfying slice of unpretentious college rock.

Posted on: June 26, 2014 Posted by: Sargeant Comments: 0

Eric Frisch Goodbye Birdcage CD Review

Goodbye Birdcage is a fun and hopeful album that will be eagerly devoured by any fan of rock, whether it be The Beach Boys or They Might Be Giants. Pretty Girls has a sun-drenched and slightly jazzy sound that highlights a set of lyrics which will tattoo themselves upon listeners’ minds and hearts. Learn to Swim looks further back to the nascent days of rock music; this 1940s and 1950s…

Posted on: June 26, 2014 Posted by: Sargeant Comments: 0

Chains of Logic Age of Progress CD Review

Age of Progress is Chains of Logic’s new album, and the 12 cuts on the album provide fans with a considerable amount of genres, styles, and looks into his soul. I Love You creates a dark and emotionally intense atmosphere that is punctuated through the rapid stylistic shifts that occur. As the track continues to gain speed, listeners will begin to pay attention – Chains of Logic is able to…

Posted on: June 26, 2014 Posted by: John B. Moore Comments: 0

The Bastards of Fate – Vampires Are Real and Palpable Vinyl Review

Sounding like very few bands around today, on The Bastards of Fate’s sophomore record (Vampires Are Real And Palpable), they offer up a perfect example of how refreshingly creative a group can be if they simply don’t give a fuck about pleasing anyone but themselves. Over the course of just 10 songs, the Roanoke-based band pull apart pop, psychedelic and college rock and then twist and force it into their…

Posted on: June 26, 2014 Posted by: Sargeant Comments: 0

Earth & The Next Society The 100th Monkey Review

Earth & The Next Society are currently preparing their latest effort, The 100th Monkey. Cheap Hustle has a soulful and funky groove that builds off of eighties rock into something vibrant and current. Confident bass, drums, and vocals elicit comparisons to Hall and Oates and later Eagles, while the bold and front-forward vocals ensure that listeners will be on the edges of their seats.

Posted on: June 26, 2014 Posted by: John B. Moore Comments: 0

Animal Lover – Guilt (Vinyl)

Three dudes and six songs can still add up to a lot of noise. On their latest 12” EP, Guilt, this Minneapolis trio conjure up an aggressive, eclectic mix of atonal music. Whether or not the result is impressive all hinges on how much you can take of the barrage of sounds. I gave up after just two go rounds with the record.

Posted on: June 24, 2014 Posted by: Sargeant Comments: 0

Dyanne Harvey Whiskey & Wine EP Review

Whiskey & Wine is the new EP from Dyanne Harvey, and it contains five new compositions that, taken together, paints a good picture of where Harvey has been and wants to go with her career. The titular track Whiskey & Wine is catchy, with both the instrumental arrangements and Harvey’s vocals tattooing themselves upon listeners’ minds and hearts. The track is destined for radio (and online) rotation and represents a…

Posted on: June 24, 2014 Posted by: Sargeant Comments: 0

Sean McMorris Lo & Behold CD Review

Together has a blend of pop rock and mid-seventies styling; there is a current and contemporary feel to this effort that is provided further depth through the sheer eclecticism of the styles that McMorris has included here. The track Lo & Behold expands upon McMorris’ repertoire with slightly hard rock styling; the track comes forth as a blend of Matchbox 20 and John Maher while still having a bit of…

Posted on: June 23, 2014 Posted by: John B. Moore Comments: 0

Dave Matthews Band – Remember Two Things (Vinyl)

Long before they became catnip for modern hippies and jam band devotees, the Dave Matthews Band was just another group trying to find their niche in an alternative rock music world. Remember Two Things, featuring mainly live tracks, was released on the band’s own label in 1993, when radio stations were liberally defining modern rock as something between Liz Phair and Pearl Jam. It was pretty adventurous then for a…

Posted on: June 16, 2014 Posted by: Sargeant Comments: 0

Namasté Yoga CD Review

Kiran Murti begins Namasté Yoga with a timeless sort of composition that provides listeners with an authentic feeling; by the end of the track, listeners will be able to tackle the nearly ten-minute Guru Charanam by Sacred Earth. The track has an atmospheric feel that approximates the winds and cold chill that a late-Spring outdoor gathering would have. The momentum ebbs and flows in a fashion that ensures that listeners…

Posted on: June 16, 2014 Posted by: Sargeant Comments: 0

36? where do we go from here? CD Review

There is a very intricate and dense tack taken during Soul Searching by the Calgary alt-rock band 36?. The track has a tremendous vocal harmony that is further highlighted through the turbulent and tempestuous arrangement. The act is able to further establish their own unique styling with Beauty/Strong, a trip-hop inspired track in the vein of Massive Attack or early-oughts Bjork. There is a warmth to this composition that keeps…

Posted on: June 16, 2014 Posted by: Sargeant Comments: 0

Best Not Broken Falling In EP Review

I Won’t Stop Loving You showcases Best Not Broken’s confident approach to rock, touching upon hints of Green Day and the Goo Goo Dolls. The drums, guitars, and vocals push each other to greater heights as the track comfortably settles down. Breaking My Heart is a mash-up of Weezer and Interpol; Best Not Broken keeps the momentum high with a sentiment that will be understandable if you have ever loved…

Posted on: June 12, 2014 Posted by: Sargeant Comments: 0

Villainettes Feature

Australia’s Villainettes have all spent time in previous bands, providing them with ample opportunity to hone their sound – what results is nothing less than amazing. The act is able to provide new luster to the rock style with intelligent arrangements, catchy compositions, and a sense of depth that simply is unable to be found in current music. The interplay between the guitars, drums, and bass lines during a Villainettes…

Posted on: June 10, 2014 Posted by: Sargeant Comments: 0

Tan A Summer to Remember CD Review

Heat Wave is a tremendously hopeful pop-punk song that is replete with sizzling guitars and emotive lyrics. Tan is carefree music in the vein of Metro Station or Sum 41. The production of tracks on A Summer to Remember is tremendously lush, making it easy for these tracks to make it onto pop rotation. If I Could I Would is an effort firmly ensconced in the pop tradition; Tan’s vocals…

Posted on: June 10, 2014 Posted by: Sargeant Comments: 0

Nettie Rose People I Know CD Review

Ride Ride Ride is a straight-forward retelling of early country. Rose’s vocals are gritty with a tinge of sweetness; taken alongside the guitars and percussion, they make for a track that will stick with listeners long after the track ceases.

Posted on: June 9, 2014 Posted by: Sargeant Comments: 0

Matchstickmen Acoustic Grooves to Soothe the Soul EP Review

Few artists are able to do the acoustic-only release to the same effect as Nirvana and other acts took to MTV’s Unplugged twenty years ago. England’s Matchstickmen are able to imbue their own unique style and a radio-friendly demeanor into each track on their latest release. Jealous Times hangs perfectly with the Counting Crows and Blues Traveler, while Dark Blues is darkly emotional and simultaneously touches upon the seventies and…