Music
Review: Future Death – Special Victim
Future Death is a relatively new and explosively addictive noise/punk outfit emerging from Austin, Texas. Their new LP, Special Victims, is an assemblage of lo-fi tracks containing chaotic rock tracks thinly glossed with infrequent pop hooks—each delivering a mildly sweet flavor followed by an incredibly sour bite. … read more
Review: Faces On Film – Elite Lines
After acknowledging such artists as Harry Nilsson and Frank Ocean as grounding inspirations in creating Elite Lines, Mike Fiore of Faces on Film laid no waste in implementing their styles within his own contributions to the ever-advancing genre of contemporary pop. … read more
Review: Doug Tuttle – Self-Titled
From the moment the first track starts, you will immediately feel as though you are listening to a record from your odd uncle’s collection acquired during his “experimental phase.” … read more
Review: Document – Reset Your Mind EP
Tel Aviv seems to be abuzz with great indies of late who, perhaps tired of political baggage, are making their music make a scene. Unlike fellow Levantines in the ‘90s-vibing shoegaze band Vaadat Charigim, though, Document’s Nir Ben Jacob sings in English. … read more
Review: David Novick – Your Sister’s Hand
If ever you find yourself on a meditation retreat in a forest, you might end up listening to this album. Novick’s mixture of acoustic and electric guitars is delivered in a relaxing, soothing way, with Spanish-style plucking and soft hums, especially during “Until You Show.” … read more
Review: Broken Bells – After The Disco
The Shins vocalist James Mercer and producer Danger Mouse are back with their second offering as Broken Bells. From The Grey Album to his work with The Black Keys, it’s clear that Danger Mouse has an affinity for the blues and moody sounds. … read more
Review: Bobby Bare Jr. – Undefeated
Bobby Bare Jr. has some years under his belt, performing and creating post-punk, indie-rock music. Undefeated will be his first series of new songs since 2010 and one on which Bare Jr. showcases his ability to be musically diverse. … read more
Review: Arum Rae – Warranted Queen EP
Somewhere between deadmau5 bass drops, the high-timbred soul of Donna Summer and the ragged guitar riffs of The Kills, you might find Arum Rae (formerly White Dress). … read more
Review: The Men – Tomorrow’s Hits
It seems that The Men have been moving away from their aggressive roots in favor of piano riffs, harmonicas, and slow, steady guitar solos. It is a step forward. … read more
Review: Yasmine Hamdan – Ya Nass
“Shouei” stuck out most for me, evoking the sounds of staring out the window and watching the rain in your cozy setting of choice. The album sways gracefully between the nostalgic sounds, like in “Aleb,” to darker, tormented melodies, such as “Enta Fen, Again” and “La Mouch.” … read more