Music
▼ Local Reviews
Local Review: Frankie Smooches – In All Honesty
Frankie Smooches = Radio-era LL Cool J – Rick Rubin … read more
October 2014 Local Music Reviews
Local album reviews from Alexander Ortega, Alumni, Andrew Maxguire, Anthony pena, AudioTreats, Braeyden Jae, George Charles nelson III, James Junius, Jay Citrus, Kemp., Mañanero, Natt Nida, Patchz, Replica Mine, Socialists and TelePathiQ … read more
Local Review: James Junius – moth,wing,dream
A fluttery work of ambience, moth,wing,dream, evokes images of a flickering light in a cabin or a midnight walk through a cemetery. It could be a soundtrack for a horror film with its hushed chords and sci-folk vocals. “Lake Days” is composed in the style of Morrissey, with simple synth guitar and repetitive, gloomy lyricism.
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Local Review: Jay Citrus – Suck My Lemons
Jay Citrus isn’t exactly a visionary—his rhyming is sloppy, he gets his song titles from classic hip-hop tunes and, on at least one occasion, he straight-up jacks a beat without any attribution—“The Scenario” is Yeezy’s “Blood on the Leaves.”
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Local Review: Kemp. – Empty.
“Emo raps perfected,” boasts Kemp. on “Cougar Tails.” It’s a striking moment on a record that does get, well, emotional. Still, that line works on a couple of levels—as both a raison d’être and an endearing moment of self-deprecation. … read more
Local Review: Mañanero – Self-Titled
I like lo-fi, but you might want to listen to this album on some high-quality speakers. In my car’s weak sound system, I was ready to give up on Mañanero, but at home, I had much less trouble making it through the album. … read more
Local Review: Matt Nida – Explorer
Immaculately produced and incredibly sharp, Matt Nida’s latest release, Explorer, pays homage to the cosmic gods with sounds and themes that reflect the deep, dark reaches of outer space. … read more
Local Review: Patchz – Lightz Out
Lightz Out is a seven-track sampler of rap, hip-hop and R&B material, with different guest vocalists to break up the musical compositions. It begins with “Grounded,” a rap song featuring B Still, and moves right into a pretty, little R&B ditty on the second song, “Cry for Help.” … read more
Local Review: Replica Mine – Three Noble Truths
This album is split into three parts: Existence, Cause and Cessation. Incorporating both industrial and earthy sounds, Adam Harmon creates a rich and eclectic texture. The vocals have the grungy, distorted edge of the early ’90s, which contrast the earthy tones of the guitar and bass. … read more
Local Review: Socialists – Self-Titled LP/Hasta La Rock EP
Now here’s a couple of good, old-fashioned leftist punk rock releases, by local band the Socialists. You might want to call this group more of a “collective.” They are true to their beliefs enough that they include “Praise Boss,” with lyrics by the Australian IWW from the early 1900s and “This Little Scab” with lyrics by the Chicago IWW and Local 329 SEIU. … read more