13 Questions is an album that feels absolutely epic in scope. The beginning track, Turn of the Century, ties together a masterful narration with bombastic instrumentation and a lavish production. The Busker utilizes an early country and western style; Cannon’s vocals pull double duty in telling a story and providing additional harmony to the song. True Eyes is an effort that is inspired by “Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner”-era Warren…
Never Come Down is catchy and compelling, blending equal parts singer-songwriter pop with reggae. Fans of Jason Mraz and Dave Matthews can find something to appreciate. Touhill is able to distinguish himself from the rest of artists in the soul / reggae style as there is a decided effort to make each arrangement pop. One Thing builds off of the work crafted by The Police while infusing the track with…
Perfect Girl is the introductory track to Sterling Loves U, providing listeners with a catchy bit of alt-rock in the vein of Cake, Weezer, and They Might Be Giants. The chaotic energy that the track thrives on separates this introduction from other similar efforts. With a full head of steam, Witt is able to enjoy additional success with Help Yourself. This track builds thematically on the introduction while bouncing…
Don’t Give Up On Me is the first track on Nothing’s Permanent, and its poppy, female-led vocals will immediately provide listeners with a timeless, torch song-type of feel. The production present on this album is admirable, allowing each element of the band to shine on their own. No matter how clear the horns, guitars, or drums might ultimately be, there is a cohesion that makes the songs resound well…
Doesn’t Really Matter is a track that is able to build off of the goodwill established by Tried and Tried, forging a bold new path with a blend of folk, country and intensely emotional crooning. The rich instrumentation will immediately draw listeners in, while the slight shift in the vocals provides a much different feel to this composition. Sandbox is an act that can create a very close scattershot…
Cold Wind is a track that will immediately provide listeners with a microcosm of the styles and influences that will be presented to listeners on 1977. What results is a bouncy, soul-filled rock track that absolutely soars when included on the vocals. The arrangements presented on Cold Wind will immediately draw listeners in and keep them focused through the first half of the album; Quietly is an effort that…
The track is absolutely furious, but there is a sense that the distinct elements of the band are kept separate. While there is an intense musical attack from the get go, subsequent listens will reveal a surprisingly rich effort. The vocals provide additional melody to this metalcore meets pit anthem. While the specific array of styles that went into the creation of this track are not immediately discernible, Loma…
The sheer variety of different styles that are captured on these two discs is astonishing. Tune Your Mind (Momentum Folkhouse Remix) has an absolutely haunting feel created by the additional echo. As the synth fills some of space left open, the vocals begin to separate themselves from the instrumentation. Approaching the six-minute mark, the Momentum Folkhouse remix of Chords of Truth will make believers out of individuals lucky enough to…
Some of Us opens up Sparkleton, introducing Grown Up Avenger Stuff as an act that paces itself nicely. At a few seconds shy of a minute, the band immediately kicks into high gear. The distinct sides of Some of Us ensure that fans will be firmly affixed to their seats through the first half of Sparkleton. Sparkleton is the album’s titular track and provides listeners with a distinctly different…
The Dallas-based six-piece Home By Hovercraft is a family affair, comprised of husband and wife duo Seth Magill (vocals/tuba) and Shawn Magill (piano/vocals /xylophone) and Seth’s sister Abbey Magill (Step Dance) and yes, if they are listing a lone dancer as a band member you get a pretty good idea of what to expect; Somewhat pretentious pop music masquerading as experimental art rock. The band is described as…
