By David Conner With so many indie band and solo artists’ appeal levels hovering around “disaster with a microphone” and “a voice only a mother could love,” it is refreshing–nay, rewarding–to find an artist like Dave Barnes whose youthful, soulful, and relevant voice makes you want to stare at the speaker.  If you have...
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By Sofia degli Alessandri Recorded over the span of two weeks in what the band calls an abandoned farm, “Shots” is Ladyhawk’s third release and seems to sound like the most identity-full for the band. With it’s definite rock base, the record swirls between honky tonk, blues and a very early 90′s sound that...
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By Sofia degli Alessandri Something this record doesn’t lack- dancefull-clap-tastic beats. The Foxglove Hunt have been able to pull off a cliche’ 80′s sounding record with only a few minor setbacks. The effectiveness of the songs lies in the fact that they all sound like ‘something you have heard before’ but in a refreshed...
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By Sofia degli Alessandri Boston based Hooray for Earth’s newest record, “Cellphone EP” delivers not only a pretty sound musical package but successfully creates, carries out, and leaves an impression. Ranging from progressive rock sounding songs to more Weezer inspired ones, the EP’s tracks all seem to flow into each other and with each...
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By Lauren Saul If punk is your thing, add this album to your stash. The A.K.A.’s (Are Everywhere!) eat, sleep, and bleed punk rock.  And their sophomore album (but first full length album), Everybody Make Some Noise! has stayed true to those habits.  From the first heavy drumbeat in the album opener “This is...
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By Gabe Vigh RIYL: Ros Sereysothea, Pan Ron & other Khmer Rock artists, Deerhoof, Yoko Ono It’s difficult to explain why female singers from South Asia are so consistently alluring. Is it the exotic phrasing? The pixie-like pitch? Something more primeval? These sorts of questions would probably be better answered by Ethan and Zac...
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By Gabe Vigh RIYL: Air-The Virgin Suicides soundtrack, Portishead, Ennio Morricone It may seem like a stretch, but Danger Mouse has likened his rapidly expanding career as “It” producer and eccentric collaborator to that of a film director. In a 2006 issue of New York Times magazine, he stated “I want to create a...
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By Gabe Vigh RIYL: The Chemical Brothers, Justice, Prodigy, Moby, Nine Inch Nails Without question, Daft Punk received a gift from the Gods of Relevancy when they were chosen to do the soundtrack for 2010s Tron: Legacy sequel. Staying fresh and new in today’s fast paced music industry is a difficult feat for most...
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By James Lane Do not let the headline scare you too much. This article is not about the infectious tropical disease caused by the dengue virus, but instead it’s about the six-member band from Los Angeles who combine Cambodian pop music and lyrics with psychedelic rock. Dengue Fever has been on tour in the...
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