Year: 2014
Review: Old Smokey – Wester Easter
Old Smokey = Wilco + Kingston Trio + Warren Zevon … read more
Review: Pharmakon – Bestial Burden
Pharmakon = Prurient + Cremation Lily + Eraserhead Original Soundtrack … read more
Review: Our Wild America – Self-Titled
Our Wild America = Of Monsters And Men + Mumford & Sons / Deer Tick … read more
Review: Pere Ubu – Carnival Of Souls
Pere Ubu = Rocket From The Tombs + Red Krayola – Devo … read more
Review: Orthy – E.M.I.L.Y. EP
Ian Orth’s edits, meant for Austin’s electro dance Learning Secrets, ended up as the four songs on this EP and are typical electro-pop of the moment—but I feel as if there’s nothing super enticing or even pleasantly generic about them (though a Baio remix of the title track provides a nice twist on the EP’s singular sound). … read more
Review: Painted Palms – Forever
Painted Palms’ debut EP, Canopy, saw its release in 2011 and was later discovered by of Montreal’s Kevin Barnes. After gaining momentum from touring with them and STRFKR, Painted Palms has released a stellar LP, which sounds as vintage as it does modern. … read more
Review: Origamibiro – Collection
Samples of the guitarist’s creaking chair, sounds of his breath and the squeak of the wood in the guitar were implemented in the songs. It gave a very personal and intimate feel to the album. This album is a lengthy novel in comparison to the norm and is something that should be listened to intently rather than as an accompaniment. … read more
Review: Outrageous Fun – Trustfund DIY
Trustfund DIY moves through the greater lo-fi genre, reminding me of a new group with every song, but always holding an upbeat quality I’d associate with Marvelous Darlings. The album opens with “Town Like This,” which could be Matt Whitehurst of Psychedelic Horseshit singing over Cloud Nothings’ first album. … read more
Review: Overlake – Sighs
The opening track (aptly titled “First”) is sleepy and cinematic, a dramatic yet understated introduction to an album that attempts to walk the fine line between indie and post-rock. … read more
Review: Patrick Sexx – The Shadow That Took Shape
Patrick Sexx created an album that sounds like a coloring book from an alternate reality. The title track has a slow synth accompanied by an upbeat chorus of backing vocals, which create a friendly atmosphere that sounds like a waking dream. … read more