Tag Archives: Album Review

Although there’s something to be said about the lyrical lashing that Whoop dishes out in their new album, titled simply Whoop, songs like the bashful “Demons” don’t need a heavy linguistic presence to feel expressive to the audience. From the sizzling strings of “Jaded” to the inelegant swing of “Feel Good,” …

John DeNicola’s second solo album “She Said” is the longtime songwriters second release in less than two years after working out of the spotlight as a songwriter for over a quarter century. His spectacular success as a songwriter, co-authoring decade-defining hits such as “(I Had) The Time of My Life” …

The ten songs on Pretty Embers’ first release Under exist well within an established musical style but, fortunately, bear their own identity. The Southern roots of the band offers us a lesson about preconceived notions; I, for one, wouldn’t have expected a band with avowed influences such as Paul McCartney, Death Cab …

“It was the most fun we’ve had, playing live, to an empty room,” reminisces Oakland punk rock band Year Of The Fist. The band has just dropped their 4 song, 7-inch vinyl DCxPC Live Vol. 4 Presents Year of the Fist Live at the Ivy Room May 15, 2021. Ivy …

The new album ABBV from Dallas, Texas-based quartet Abbreviations features ten songs centered on guitar, but there’s much more going on during these performances. Textual variety is one of the chief strengths distinguishing the songs. Guitar is the musical heart, yes, but the tidy and well-recorded rhythm section provides crucial cornerstones for …

Parker Longbough’s Off Front Street is the singer/musician/songwriter’s third release this year. Each occupies distinct musical territory; the first Crackle/Hiss explored electronica while Longbough shrouds its successor 246 Tapes Volume 1 in home technology and a pronounced DIY feel. Off Front Street steers his songwriting in yet another direction  The eight songs included on this album have a …

New York born, North Carolina based singer/songwriter Hank Close’s first album under the Hank! moniker, Guilty Pleasures (Are the Best Ones), ranks high as one of 2021’s best musical surprises. It isn’t a news flash that Close, a longtime talent in the indie music world, boasts an enviable and impressive list …

Virginia Beach post-hardcore band Emerge Restless has just released their debut album, Ursus Maritimus on Sonic Decoy Records. The band consists of former In Cynthia’s Diary members Eley (Vocals), Chris Coykendall (Guitar/Bass/Vocals), and Rich Potts (Guitar/Bass/Vocals). After a long hiatus, the group brought in long-time friend Vincent Kondas (Drums) to …

It’s good to recognise your own limitations. Musician, producer, and frontman of industrial metal ensemble Al Jourgensen Ministry admits himself that their best work is never done under a democratic president, so it makes sense that he has managed to jettison out one last Tr*mp-era record with the band before …

Upon first listen, I wasn’t quite sure what to make of Luis Mojica’s latest album “Songs from the Land”. A record he describes as “for lovers of freak folk”, I was expecting a form of psychedelia mixed with poignant observations on the day to day. Instead what unfolded was something …

As we reach the midpoint of 2021, I firmly believe we start to get some of the best releases of the year. “Live Sessions” from Foolish Deep is clear evidence as such. Formed in California by front man Caspar Madaus-Bruck, the group has been cranking out some very solid singles …

A sexy rhythm and a surreal but nonetheless chaotic melody are waiting to greet anyone who comes into the fold of “Tequila” this season, but much like the other tracks in The Transonics’ new record Tides, cosmetic luster is only one side of the coin here. The Transonics find themselves amidst …