Author: sawdustandgin

Album Reviews

Iconique’s Ovation EP honors disco’s past while simultaneously invigorating the future of the genre

Originally appeared on the 405, view archived article here.  When you hear Iconique’s new release, you will want to stand and applaud. The Los Angeles trio honors the original disco divas, embodying a genre that has been pulled and stretched in many directions recently. Iconique is known for putting on unforgettable live shows with the raw energy of the ‘70s and ‘80s, and much of that enthusiasm carries … Continue reading Iconique’s Ovation EP honors disco’s past while simultaneously invigorating the future of the genre

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Album Reviews

THE WLDLFE shake off their insecurities on their new LP, I’m Not Worried Anymore

sngalbums: Originally appeared on the 405, view archived article here.  I’m Not Worried Anymore is certainly danceable, if rather predictable: eleven tracks with shallow layers, but layers nonetheless, that delve into friendship, life, and love. The album opens on one of its highest octane tracks, ‘Headache,’ setting a high bar that is consistently met by the band’s infectious production. Other tracks from the album are … Continue reading THE WLDLFE shake off their insecurities on their new LP, I’m Not Worried Anymore

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Album Reviews, Zines

Scott Orr’s Worried Mind is a peaceful welcome for winter

sngalbums: Originally appeared on the 405.  The newest release on earnest Ontario label Other Songs is a fitting welcome for winter. I felt lucky to finally experience it myself when I left the desert to visit the midwest this past weekend. Snow fell for an hour in Minneapolis on my final day in the city; the neighborhood where I was staying was quiet save for … Continue reading Scott Orr’s Worried Mind is a peaceful welcome for winter

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Album Reviews

Music for Films represents a distinct era of Eno

sngalbums: Originally appeared on the 405 as part of a four-part retrospective honoring the recent re-issues of several of Brian Eno’s back catalog. View this archived article here.  Brian Eno knows a unique level of fame. He has worked with innumerable other prolific musicians, having been close friends with characters such as David Bowie, Robert Fripp, and David Byrne. He has produced for the mega-famous … Continue reading Music for Films represents a distinct era of Eno

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Album Reviews

Life-sized imagery brings DONCAT’s new Preservation of the Spirit LP to life

sngalbums: Originally appeared on the 405. A mustachioed Duncan Nielsen is the mind behind DONCAT, having begun the project about six years ago. His last full-length effort was called Easy Cowboy, which demonstrated a more pastoral take on his evocative style of indie rock. Preservation may be more succinct than its predecessor but the emotion it channels is arguably more potent, once again able to … Continue reading Life-sized imagery brings DONCAT’s new Preservation of the Spirit LP to life

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Daily

Gain a fresh perspective with Odessey & Oracle’s new album, Speculatio

sngalbums: Originally appeared on the 405, view archived article here.  Speculatio boasts a melting pot of influences, maintaining its heavy flutes and harps while introducing beeps and hums that change the album’s perspective. Even with my limited knowledge of French, it is evident that motifs in the lyrics also tie into the conspicuously psychedelic instrumentation. The story on this concept album is bookended with goddesses … Continue reading Gain a fresh perspective with Odessey & Oracle’s new album, Speculatio

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Daily

Jenny Hval, Dinner @ Resident

sngshows: Jenny Hval and Dinner Come Together at Resident to Light Up a Dark Week Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. Words and cheesy photo edits by me. Without meaning to, Hval ended up addressing our recent election several times. She decided not to show us a video of zombies doing aerobics because it didn’t “feel appropriate,” then she stopped herself to apologize. “Everything I say … Continue reading Jenny Hval, Dinner @ Resident

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Daily

A Holy Saturday Evening with Joanna Newsom

sngshows: Two Saturdays ago I had what felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Joanna Newsom live in concert. I bought a ticket somewhat late but because I only needed one, I was assigned the first available seat—I was not prepared for exactly how perfect a seat it was.  The night of the show, I was conflicted. It was a friend’s birthday, and I wanted … Continue reading A Holy Saturday Evening with Joanna Newsom

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Daily

Andy Shauf – “You Slipped Away”

Andy Shauf Reveals Cold-Hearted Single “You Slipped Away” Originally appeared on Grimy Goods.  One of the last shows featured in Grimy Goods, before mass tour cancellations and venue closures, was Andy Shauf at the Fonda. The Canadian musician performed songs from his January album, The Neon Skyline, which feels like it came out a lifetime ago. Now he has returned with a new single taken … Continue reading Andy Shauf – “You Slipped Away”

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Daily

Cavetown, Miloe – “Let Me Feel Low”

Congolese Newcomer Miloe Embraces Joy Yet Returns to Melancholy on Cavetown Collab “Let Me Feel Low” Originally appeared on Grimy Goods.  If you hadn’t heard, 19-year-old newcomer Miloe has made a splash in the indie scene in recent months. Toward the end of October, the Congolese artist released Greenhouse, a laid-back 5-track EP; fans of SALES or UMO know the vibe. Miloe basks in the … Continue reading Cavetown, Miloe – “Let Me Feel Low”

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