Category: Music Reviews

Posted on: December 18, 2013 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 1

Meliya Get Out Single Review

  Australia has brought a number of impressive musical forces to our shores the last few decades. Get Out, Meliya’s latest single, showcases a new force that looks to take America by storm. The sonic assault that is present at the opening of Get Out will immediately draw attention, while the unique interaction between vocals and instrumentation ensure that those listeners stick around. The track exists at the juncture of…

Posted on: December 18, 2013 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Gregor Morley Mad Men Single Review

The track comes forward in a very strong and confident way, with a stripped and straight forward rock approach. The guitars, drums, and vocals unite to make something that is melodic, hard-hitting, and is ultimately something that will be kicking around the minds and heards of anyone that has listened in. The specific strain of rock that Morley utilizes during Mad Men is a blend of seventies rock like AC/DC…

Posted on: December 17, 2013 Posted by: David S. Timbercrest Comments: 0

I Bet Your Bookshelf Looks Similar To Mine, a synopsis of Lebanon Hanover

“I Believe You Can Survive” has become a bit of an obsession lately. Lebanon Hanover is a minimal wave project comprised of power couple Larissa Iceglass from Germany and William Maybelline of England. This song is lyrically endearing while never giving up on the somber aesthetic that makes them what they are, the king and queen of post-punk revival. It’s hard to make music that idealizes the past while looking…

Posted on: December 15, 2013 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Umbrella Bed Refill CD Review

Refill is Umbrella Bed’s new EP, and it showcases a mature and polished act. The EP begins with Wish That It Would Stop, a sonic assault that recalls the hazy alternative of the early nineties before the band shifts gears and takes a Less Than Jake meets Reel Big Fish approach to ska. There is a heavier end to this track that provides listeners with a wholly unique experience. The…

Posted on: December 15, 2013 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Amelia Scalies I Should’ve Known CD Review

  Bottom of the Ocean is a high-energy track that has the proper blend of punk, rock, and pop. This means that fans of Avril Lavighne, The Distillers, Pink, and Kelly Clarkson will be able to appreciate what Scalies is doing here. For those listeners that appreciate the instrumental side of things, the overall production allows an impressive arrangement to push the track to the next level. Small Talk Friends…

Posted on: December 15, 2013 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Future Us We Are Future Us EP Review

No Good is an innovative blend of rock and electronic music, allowing the track to immediately catch listeners and keep them interested through the whole of this seven-track EP. A strong set of female vocals works alongside an emotive and technically brilliant instrumentation. The guitar that whips up at points during No Good provides additional narration to an already dense and detailed track. On My Mind has a slower burn;…

Posted on: December 15, 2013 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

XO Lover’s Blood CD Review

  Love Me Inside is a track that builds off of the foundations laid by a variety of electronic styles – there is ambient, chillwave, and trance all present here. The band is able to create something fresh and vibrant off of the works of acts like Morcheeba, Massive Attack, and even Homogenic-era Bjork. The band creates an infectious track that does not sound like anything that is currently being…

Posted on: December 11, 2013 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Eamonn Karran Distant Sun CD Review

Autumn Fall begins Distant Sun, and the sheer amount of emotion that is showcased in this piano composition is impressive. There are no vocals here, but Karran is able to imbue this introduction (and the subsequent works on Distant Sun) with a nuanced and alluring sound. The four minute-plus run times that are commonplace on Distant Sun provide Karran with more than enough time to properly express himself. Dance of…

Posted on: December 9, 2013 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

PepperDome False Words About Large Days CD Review

  The band cultivates a sound on False Words About Large Days that links together rock bands with sounds as disparate as Ween, Primus, Suicidal Tendencies, and the Butthole Surfers. The ability to change their style on a dime is comparable to Zappa’s Mothers of Invention work, while each of the tracks possesses a radio-ready production and an intimate feel that draws listeners in. Picture Box establishes a solid clip…

Posted on: December 9, 2013 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Deborah Crooks Little Bird CD Review

Like An Earthquake is a tremendously dynamic and intricate effort; the vocals are provided a proper boost through Crooks’ backing instrumentation. Crooks boldly comes out with her own style, creating an exciting overall backdrop for Little Bird. Turn the Key gives listeners the chance to hear another side of Crooks; this track takes on elements of Melissa Etheridge and early Sheryl Crow. Crooks represents a step forward for the singer-songwriter…