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The Rocket Summer goes independent after major label success

Right now, Bryce Avary is opening for Switchfoot — giving both fan bases a treat they’ve been requesting for some time. However, such opportunities to simply whet the appetite of a crowd are few and far between…

Vol. 1 shows Young Man seeking a definable voice

Colin Caulfield can cover a song as well as anyone – his breadth of adaptations dot YouTube like colors in a Seurat painting, vibrant and warm. Whether it be David Bowie, Panda Bear, Ariel Pink or The…

MxPx – Plans Within Plans

We are all fools at the mercy of grand nostalgia. We dress like our parents did in highschool, watch re-makes (and re-makes of re-makes) of films shoot to box-office dominance and exult when long-gone bands re-unite for…

Trampled By Turtles feel the love from everyone, including the mayor of Duluth

Most bands are celebrated in their hometowns. Few have days declared in their honor. The mayors of both Duluth and Minneapolis recently named April 11 Trampled By Turtles Day, a sure sign the band is loved on…

With Always, and as always, Xiu Xiu delivers a stellar record

Whenever Xiu Xiu‘s Jamie Stewart puts out an album, it’s safe to expect a little bit of the unexpected. Still, after the band’s ten year-plus career and eighth studio album to date, Always bears some of Xiu…

UK Transplant Callaghan's eclectic debut hits and misses

Flashes of brilliance. They are all over singer-songwriter Callaghan’s debut full-length release. From the times when her vocals hit breathtaking highs to the slick production from Shawn Mullins, there are certainly noteworthy moments on this record. And…

Ravens & Chimes Holiday Life is solid and satisfying

By looking at their classic indie-chic photo on their website — a mildly flattering description of the serious/disinterested expressions of the five band members — one might assume their music would be, well,  serious and disinterested. Thankfully,…

Cygnets takes its Dark Days to an 80s-wonderland

I remember the ’80s, probably clearer than where I just left my keys (they were JUST here). The fashion, the excess, the sex, the drugs and of course the music. A touchstone of my time during the…

Father Creeper is experimental with varying degrees of success

Spoek Mathambo (Nthato Mokgata) first caught the attention of the public eye through collaborative projects (Sweat X and Playdoe), and his earlier tracks are full of dance-provoking beats that are easily accessible. 2010’s Mshini Wam (meaning ‘bring…

Joshua Powell & the Great Train Robbery Returns With A Shining Success

Indiana-based folk rockers Joshua Powell & the Great Train Robbery wasted little time between a three song EP (We All Say Hello) and a new full length — and while the general stylistic makeup of the group’s…