If you have not already heard of Odd Future, brace yourself, because you are in for a shock. Completely inappropriate, offensive, sexist, and downright disgusting. The rap collective from LA is every parent’s worst nightmare. But they, and the rest of their teenage fans, just don’t give a fuck. Having won VMA awards, and even getting their own TV program, Loiter Squad, this group are more popular than anyone could have ever imagined. With their…
The self-titled second album from Bon Iver, aka Justin Vernon, is what some may consider to be one of the masterpieces of the 21st century, consisting of ten beautiful, emotional, and ingeniously thought out tracks. This album being his second and not having an actual title may be considered strange. Along with the album cover- a painted landscape with a log cabin surrounded by trees and water, this makes for a fairly mysterious first…
The Maccabees are proving to be a huge brit-indie rock band – and with their new album “Given To The Wild” – have definitely grown. I must admit I was quite oblivious to the fact they would be releasing a new album, but after hearing the news I was fairly mellow, not excited. I absolutely loved their first album “Colour It In” and found it hard to stop listening to it. Their follow up “Wall…
Let me tell you – this album is bizarre. REALLY bizarre. it’s a pop-opera based on a crazy novel about Atlantis from the late 1800s, with a style that mixes up hundreds of musical sub-genres in each song. Each individual element seems too far-fetched to enjoy, but when combined something wonderful and twisted is created. Speaking of the combined pieces, Pepe Deluxé describe themselves as “an inter-continental orchestra,” but the two “conductors” of this orchestra are…
The album probably shoulda been called “Tighten Up,” considering that’s what Danger Mouse helped the Keys do for the songwriting of this record. Funny thing “Tighten Up,” too: If that was the band’s attempt at a pop song (within a retro-soul record), El Camino, and especially lead single “Lonely Boy,” is their attempt at a pop record. And, of course, since it’s Danger Mouse and it’s on a major label, the hooks aren’t happenstance like…
Everyone’s favorite obnoxious punk band is back, after only 16 years! That’s right, I’m talking about The Dead Milkmen, who have an all-new album recorded and ready to go. The Milkmen broke up in 1995, but got back together in 2008 after playing a few shows that went well for them. After composing new songs and touring for a few years, they began recording The King In Yellow in 2010, and released the hard copy…
On first listen, The Black Belles’ debut is quite comfortable; it feels like an old standby. That might be because I’m a big fan of The White Stripes and The Dead Weather, two bands that have Jack White’s weird influence. After having been signed and produced by White, this band has his presence going for them as well. Everything Jack White touches is tinted with his unique style, although I’m definitely not complaining. In addition…
Tom Waits’ newest album, Bad As Me, feels like a nice change from boring ol’ Rock & Roll. In fact, it’s everything but! As one goes from track to track, there’s soul, jazz, folk, some Spanish-sounding ballads, and more. Tom Waits has always been a versatile artist, and he sure shows it on his newest offering. Take the opening track, “Chicago.” It feels like the studio engineer hit “record” just a few seconds after the band…
Album name: American Capitalist Artist name: Five Finger Death Punch Genre: Heavy Metal Released: October 11, 2011 Label: Prospect Park ZME Rating: 9/10 Website: FFDP As one of my mates quite eloquently put it, ‘Five Finger Death Punch delivered yet another great set of groove metal’. Many have said that this would be the album that defines their sound, and that now we’re truly going to see what they’re made of. Well if you…
In which the former Fall Out Boy singer/guitarist/genius behind-ist channels his most obvious influence (Michael) and makes a soundtrack to a John Hughes film that’ll never be. A synth brush allows Stump to paint in broad strokes which, in turn, lets all of the (catchy as hell) melodies bouncing around in his head to come through. The absence of power chords allows his underrated vocal talents to soar on ohh’s and ahh’s to the top…
Joe Mills
Olivia Pad
Drew Morgan
Steve Lampiris
Andrei Mihai