Authors: CJ Morgan
Local Review: Spell Talk – Rough
Spell Talk Rough Self-Released Street: 09.26.12 Spell Talk = Black Keys + De Stijl–era White Stripes It’s too bad Spell Talk broke up following this release, because their down n’ dirty rock n’ roll went straight for the guts and would’ve won a “vintage sound” contest any day. Rough has a distinguished, antique sound that’s
![Local Review: RunAway Blues – Self-Titled](/uploads/318/10085-runaway-crop-396x396.jpg)
Local Review: RunAway Blues – Self-Titled
RunAway Blues = Wakane + Alicia Keys … read more
![Local Review: Rise In Style – Self-Titled](/uploads/305/7566-rise-crop-396x288.jpg)
Local Review: Rise In Style – Self-Titled
This six-song album has notes borrowed from a variety of alternative rockers. Opener “Do Away” is a hopeful anthem that strokes the edge of Angels and Airwaves without the excessive reverb. “Revival” has a post-hardcore, At the Drive-In feel, though without as much edge. … read more
![Local Review: Out, Out – Songs to Forget Me By](/uploads/303/7239-out%20out-crop-396x288.jpg)
Local Review: Out, Out – Songs to Forget Me By
Songs to Forget Me By is rife with songs ripped from the romantic, early ‘00s atmospheric alt-pop camp, which is fine, but I must say I was bored for most of this album. … read more
![Local Review: MiNX – Together Forever](/uploads/313/8713-minx_togetherforever-crop-396x396.jpg)
Local Review: MiNX – Together Forever
MiNX = Blondie + Phantogram
… read more
![Local Review: Larusso – Life in Static](/uploads/309/8155-larusso-crop-396x288.jpg)
Local Review: Larusso – Life in Static
If you’re someone who still digs the alt-rock/emo scene, Larusso nail it. The vocals are passionate, the guitar lines have a nice tone and are well honed, and the production is truly top shelf. … read more
![Local Review: Kitfox – Where We Were](/uploads/313/8711-kitfox_wherewewere-crop-396x396.jpg)
Local Review: Kitfox – Where We Were
Kitfox = Straylight Run + Gardiner Sisters
… read more
![Local Review: Herban Empire – Self-Titled EP](/uploads/312/8551-herban-crop-396x396.jpg)
Local Review: Herban Empire – Self-Titled EP
Herban Empire = The Dirty Heads + Pepper + Slightly Stoopid … read more
![Local Review: I’m Designer – Lulled from Reality](/uploads/313/8709-imdesigner-crop-396x396.jpg)
Local Review: I’m Designer – Lulled from Reality
I’m Designer = Alarms and Controls + 30 Seconds to Mars + A Perfect Circle … read more
![Local Review: Giraffula – Smile and Wave](/uploads/307/7903-giraffula%20smile%20and%20wave-crop-396x288.jpg)
Local Review: Giraffula – Smile and Wave
Giraffula Smile and Wave Self-Released Street: 04.25 Giraffula = Neon Trees + TOBACCO A variety of influences are packed into this electro-pop composite. There’s some Robert Smith–inspired vocals on “Haunting Me,” bass akin to Radiohead on “Magic Figure 8,” and even some Kraftwerk-meets–Black Moth Super Rainbow on “Geronimo.” Wacky hip-hop track “Pizza Party” sounds like