Archive
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…
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…
Lindstrøm's Six Cups of Rebel is fit for dancing, a bit of an overload for listening
First impressions are everything: and fact is, Six Cups of Rebel gave a rough first impression. That’s primarily because the opener, “No Release,” is a bit of a headwrecker: it features a looped organ and, true to…
Allo Darlin grow up a little and lose some of their charm on Europe
Well, I was afraid this might happen. Everyone has to grow up sometime. It’s true, I just didn’t want it to be so soon. But Allo Darlin’, a band whose name is embarrassingly indicative of its sweet…