Shoegaze is an odd musical genre, with the difference between transcendent power and boring repetition resting squarely on effective execution. A secondary challenge for bands in the genre is redefinition, as the label refers to the performers literally looking down at their feet as they perform—not really the most exciting of images. Sigur Ros has thrown everything but the kitchen sink into carving their own niche, right down to using a violin bow on a guitar, while My Bloody Valentine opts for a more raw, upbeat sound.
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Album Review: Grits and Gravy – Space Clinton
Since their early releases, Grits & Gravy have found a unique perspective on hip-hop to explore in their music, focusing on every aspect in an academic and technical way. Each recording since has further developed a different focus and through that, a different style.
Continue readingLocal Band Disguise the Silence Paving the Way With Their Debut Album Roads
In a time when popular rock is filled with indie and folk acts, and hard rock with the same generic rock that’s been on the radio for years, Disguise the Silence fills a gap that few bands fit into. Their energetic live performance at the Battle of the Bands got the crowd moshing and jumping and demonstrated the bands connection to their songs.
Continue readingAlbum Review: Pearl Jam – “Lightning Bolt”
For a while, Pearl Jam had become a band that is mentioned and everyone nods and acknowledges them. They were in danger of merely existing, while the world either forgot about them or worse: just didn’t care. They’ve barely escaped downfall and obscurity multiple times. But they get another chance, four years after their last album, to jump back into relevancy. The result is “just another Pearl Jam album,” which, after years of the same feel, will feel worn out to all but the most devoted of fans.
Continue readingAlbum Review: Paul McCartney – “New”
Paul McCartney is one of the most electrifying, successful musicians of all time. Not only does he enjoy immortality as a member of the Beatles, he went on to form Wings and continued after that with a robust solo career.
Continue readingAlbum Review: Darkside – “Psychic”
Dark and brooding electronic music is not difficult to find, but electronic musician Nicholas Jaar has managed to stand out from the pack with his cerebral, beat-driven style.
Continue readingAlbum Review: The Dig “You & I”
Based out of New York City, the members of The Dig are no strangers to the workings of the modern music scene. In a seemingly constant state of “record then tour” since their first album in 2010, their hard work has taken this four piece on the road with acts such as The Walkmen, The Antlers, and Portugal. The Man. Now, the release of their latest EP You & I shows a band locking in on sound ready for a bigger stage.
Continue readingAlbum Review: RJD2 – “More Is Than Isn’t”
RJD2 is known for his talent when it comes to instrumental hip-hop music. You may have heard his music without realizing it in the theme to the AMC television show Mad Men. The smooth, catchy vibe exemplified in that track is what the artist does best, and it’s a strength that he brings to the table for his latest album, More Is Than Isn’t, to great effect.
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