Review: Orrin Campbell – Nocturnal

Review: Orrin Campbell – Nocturnal
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 Orrin Campbell, an 18-year-old rapper from Brooklyn, recorded this debut album in his NYU dorm. It’s downtempo hip hop set to atmospheric spacey beats—call it minimal seapunk, if you like. … read more

Review: New Model Army – Between Dog And Wolf

Review: New Model Army – Between Dog And Wolf
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This would be perfect for the road trip to Burning Man, or for any fire performance, as it is packed with tribal drum beats, grungy guitar riffs and a pinch of spaghetti Western twang. The lyrics carry you away and make you think. … read more

Review: Nausea – Condemned to the System

Review: Nausea – Condemned to the System
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It’s a given that January is going to start with a lot of nausea, but this Nausea is a different kind. It’s the band of grindcore (not the crust punk band) legend Oscar Garcia, who did the vocals on Terrorizer’s World Downfall album. … read more

Review: Mt. Royal – Self-Titled

Review: Mt. Royal – Self-Titled
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“More” has a certain Peter Bjorn and John feel and is a little more upbeat, though vocals stay in the shadows. “Yes Your Majesty” has great bass that travels over casual synth backings and lazy slide guitar. “Mockingbird” has nice acoustic strums over snappy, quick-paced drums—it reminds me of closing credits for a 007 movie.  … read more

Review: Motörhead – Aftershock

Review: Motörhead – Aftershock
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In an age when most of the great classic hard rock bands are slowing down and approaching their twilight years, Motörhead keeps charging ahead, playing the hardest and truest rock n’ roll ever recorded. … read more

Review: Mogwai – Rave Tapes

Review: Mogwai – Rave Tapes
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If I would have bet you 10 years ago that Mogwai would return to its synth explorations on 2003’s Happy Songs for Happy People and turn into a kinda boring post-rock band that locked itself into a relentless kraut groove, I would be $12.69 richer (adjusted for inflation). … read more

Review: Mode Moderne – Occult Delight

Review: Mode Moderne – Occult Delight
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For their third LP, Vancouver outfit Mode Moderne have embraced their goth pop style wholeheartedly and created their most confident album to date. … read more

Review: The Mast – Pleasure Island

Review: The Mast – Pleasure Island
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For their debut album, this Brooklyn-based duo pleases the listener with a relaxing experimental electronic album that features beautifully harmonized female vocals paired with synthesized drumbeats, similar to the Garage Band style production favored by acts like Grimes.  … read more

Review: Marley Carroll – Sings

Review: Marley Carroll – Sings
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It’s similar to the chattering electronica of Caribou, with just a bit more sophistication. If you’ve been waiting for Caribou’s next release, I suggest giving Carrol’s new album a try. … read more

Review: Magic Trick – River of Souls

Review: Magic Trick – River of Souls
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Lead singer Tim Cohen croons in a cool, ’60s tinged way, complemented by an accompanying female voice, keeping it psychedelic, but not losing the driving bass and trumpet of the folk genre. River of Souls is definitely an album to keep loud and keep on repeat. … read more