Category: Album Reviews

old-fashioned (and neo-modern) record reviews

Album Reviews, Zines

Megadead presents melancholy on Benjamin Shaw’s terms

Photo by Aisha Latosski Originally appeared on the 405, view archived article here.  You can cry if it’s your party, but what about when you’re just the guest? Benjamin Shaw encourages you to embrace reclusivity. He’s a musician with many facets, and on his new album, Megadead, he puts his left-field gloom to work. As part of the DIY, bedroom producer scene, Shaw’s biggest statements come … Continue reading Megadead presents melancholy on Benjamin Shaw’s terms

Unknown's avatarsawdustandginLeave a comment
Album Reviews, Zines

Ride Josh Jacobson’s future beats WAVE via his new mixtape

Originally appeared on the 405, view archived article here.  Josh Jacobson is in transition. Last year he released his lush First Light EP last fall, and recently gave fans a taste of new music with the double A-side singles, ‘One You Need’ and ‘Violet’. He’s been working on a debut album, with which he hopes to showcase his vocals and songwriting more prominently than ever … Continue reading Ride Josh Jacobson’s future beats WAVE via his new mixtape

Unknown's avatarsawdustandginLeave a comment
Album Reviews, Zines

Have some grown-up fun with Phantastic Ferniture

Originally appeared on the 405, view archived article here.  Julia Jacklin has grown since her debut solo record, Don’t Let the Kids Win. With her new band Phantastic Ferniture, she sings of missed romantic opportunities and is happy to let life happen without allowing anxiety to impede. The Ferns (please let this nickname catch on) capitalize on lackadaisical adulthood rather than insatiable nostalgia.  Read more.  … Continue reading Have some grown-up fun with Phantastic Ferniture

Unknown's avatarsawdustandginLeave a comment
Album Reviews, Interviews, Zines

Worshipping (with) Liz Vice

Photo Credit: Katrina Sorrentino Originally appeared on the 405, view archived article here.  Her new album, Save Me, is a first for Liz Vice in many ways, despite being her sophomore LP. Her debut was written entirely by Josh White, showing off her voice with what is quite literally soul music, with notable Christian overtones. It became a surprise success which has led Vice to … Continue reading Worshipping (with) Liz Vice

Unknown's avatarsawdustandginLeave a comment
Album Reviews

Black Flamingo Embrace Their Contradictions

Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. Black Flamingo is filled with contradictions. Their name is the obvious first example, and their sound reflects a dichotomy of tropical light and gothic darkness, too. Add to the pile the title and feel of their new EP, Living Ghost, which will entertain as much as it haunts you. Read more. Black Flamingo | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube … Continue reading Black Flamingo Embrace Their Contradictions

Unknown's avatarsawdustandginLeave a comment
Album Reviews, Zines

Find yourself with Isla Craig’s new LP The Becoming

Originally appeared on the 405, view archive article here.  DISCOVERY. A landmark album by Daft Punk. The name of the duo and LP by Rostam and Wesley Miles (of Ra Ra Riot). And the leading cause of existential crises for many other musicians. Today, we’ll reflect upon the journey of Isla Craig.  The Toronto-based artist’s new record is called The Becoming, and encompasses ideas of … Continue reading Find yourself with Isla Craig’s new LP The Becoming

Unknown's avatarsawdustandginLeave a comment
Album Reviews

Optimistic new record from Mamas Gun shines from beginning to end

Originally appeared on the 405, view archived article here.  “We have experienced Golden Days in the past and will experience them in the future,” recites Andy Platts of the London funk quintet, Mamas Gun. If that was not his mantra prior to the recording of their new album, It may well be now; this is of course where its title comes from. Platts’ relentless optimism … Continue reading Optimistic new record from Mamas Gun shines from beginning to end

Unknown's avatarsawdustandginLeave a comment
Album Reviews

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

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

Unknown's avatarsawdustandginLeave a comment
Album Reviews, Zines

Explore Grand Escalante with Arthur King Duo Peter Walker (of Eulogies) and Aaron Espinoza (of Earlimart)

Originally appeared on the 405, view archived article here.  Arthur King is not one particular person; it is a dynamic art collective, usually addressed as Arthur King & the Night Sea when referring to its 7-piece ensemble. But this time it’s just Peter Walker and Aaron Espinoza, venturing the plateaus of Utah with only each other and their recording equipment. Their new album, Changing Landscapes … Continue reading Explore Grand Escalante with Arthur King Duo Peter Walker (of Eulogies) and Aaron Espinoza (of Earlimart)

Unknown's avatarsawdustandginLeave a comment
Album Reviews, Zines

Feel layers of ranging emotions on Kira May’s lush LP, Sense

Originally appeared on the 405, view archived article here.  Saying that Kira May’s new album is an experience sells it short. The Toronto-based artist first made a mark with her debut Health EP, which earned praise for its prominent use of looped vocals, able to create soaring soundscapes with some accompaniment on guitar and percussion. Her new record, due out this Friday, uses these techniques … Continue reading Feel layers of ranging emotions on Kira May’s lush LP, Sense

Unknown's avatarsawdustandginLeave a comment