old-fashioned (and neo-modern) record reviews
Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. If there was one word I could use to describe Never Get Back, it would be tender. Rumbling out the gates with a Black Keys-esque single, the release twists to reveal unspoken desires, then nears catharsis by the end. His vocals are deep like Justin Vernon’s, where some moments even sound like outtakes from For Emma. A steel guitar slides … Continue reading On His Solo Debut, Terence Jack is Free
Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. You may have heard of the up-and-coming Brooklyn artist Von Sell through his dominance on Hype Machine, or some other outlet of the blogosphere. His sound is based on a subgenre of electronica that has gained immense popularity recently, marked by synths and drum machines that work in an optimistic symbiosis. Some of the most recognizable mainstream pop stars (Bieber, … Continue reading New Brooklyn Producer Von Sell Makes a Mark with Debut EP
Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. “El Paso buried under red hot lava, blazing brimstone, hollow every syllable,” the song [”El Paso”] goes, spun around a rhyme and syllable structure similar to the complex equations Joanna Newsom wrote out for the scheme of “Leaving the City.” Guitar riffs swirl like a Western ballad as blazing brimstone encircles us, but the final line of “El Paso” leaves … Continue reading On Her Debut LP Ziemba Proves Hope is Both Never and Always
Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. As I ponder this record, the final image is one that I can’t seem to shake. Paul Bergmann arranged his new album, Stars and Streams, so a track called “Goodbye” feels like everything is coming to a close, yet is only the penultimate track on the record. The song that follows, “100 Years,” releases not only the body, but also … Continue reading Intimacy Ebbs and Flows in Paul Bergmann’s New LP, Stars and Streams
Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. There is not a genre so forlorn as the blues. That seems obvious; it’s all in the name. Cultural appropriation aside, blues has endured because, well, the human condition can sometimes lead us down a dark path. But Amy Blaschke takes turmoil and creates purpose in her newest album, aptly titled, Breaking the Blues. Blaschke is local to LA by … Continue reading “Breaking the Blues” with Amy Blaschke’s Newest LP, out July 1st — Record Release at Grande Olde Echo
Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. The first line of Adeline Hotel’s newest release, It’s Alright, Just the Same is a roundabout expression of devotion. “I’ve got time of yours to waste,” Daniel Knishkowy sings, “you don’t know it yet but just you wait.” The track, called “Oh Well,” is a tender ballad with a two-minute ending which I consider to be the true start to … Continue reading Adeline Hotel Delivers Uniquely Brilliant Americana Record with It’s Alright, Just the Same
Not to be mistaken for the Kanye West album that never was, Fades is the second release from Ontario-based indie rock band Don Vail. The band is comprised of Broken Social Scene alums Bill Priddle and Mitch Bowden; David Dunham, who worked with Bowden in the early ‘00s group Chore; as well as Bob Wilcox, Jordon Zadorozny (Blinker The Star), Kori Pop, and Luke Bentham … Continue reading Fade Away with Don Vail
Originally appeared on the Music Court. I’ve not heard a whole lot of folktronica recently, and I miss it. Freelance Whales introduced me to its hypnotizing combination of banjo and synth, and for that I will forever thank them. Of course, there are many iterations of the genre, give or take some instrumentation, depending on how far they wanted to lean on the spectrum of … Continue reading Isaac Vallentin perfects art-folktronica in debut album Hedera
Originally appeared on the Music Court. By my estimation, more music has been made about New York and LA than any other areas combined. Both places are enormous cultural melting pots, a huge draw for artists. But even given the vastness of these cities, the art that comes out of them all too often includes themes of loneliness and solitude. This dichotomy is so clear … Continue reading Avoid the highways, just take Sunset
Originally appeared on the Music Court. As much as I love looking for the newest, craziest fad in music, I have an appreciation for tradition. The tradition to which I am referring is Americana, as it was basically invented in the Appalachian Mountains. (I learned that from a Belgian movie, I’m a terrible American.) There is something irresistible in the familiar chords, rhythms, and above all, … Continue reading Beginner’s Luck
