Tag: album review

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
Album Reviews, Zines

******** Drinks to Cope with a Mad World

Originally appeared on the 405, view archived article here.  Both Ormston and Ω have established reputations for making music way outside the box, so their collaboration here makes perfect sense. What they managed to create together expands on what they both were already good at, adding effects like canned laughter or scratchy recordings of Christmas carols and film dialogue where appropriate. It often feels more … Continue reading ******** Drinks to Cope with a Mad World

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

A Steamer, a Cult, and Lauren Ruth Ward’s Debut Album

Originally appeared on the 405, view archived article here.  Lauren Ruth Ward stands in front of a mirror holding up a shimmering disco ensemble. We’re in the Echo’s green room joined by a few people that play in other bands on tonight’s bill, as well as some peripheral friends. It is the first night of Ward’s January residency and the two-piece suit and jacket on … Continue reading A Steamer, a Cult, and Lauren Ruth Ward’s Debut Album

Unknown's avatarsawdustandginLeave a comment
Album Reviews

The Crowleys Keep Things Pastel on Colours Change Their Tone EP

Premiered on Grimy Goods.  Psych rock is a fun genre, and The Crowleys know how to make it all their own. Lead singer Cohen Wylie uses his wavering vocals to lead us through kaleidoscopic guitar melodies, starting with the aptly pastel “Pink Rainbows”; layers of noise eventually snap into clarity with a Blur-like Britpop ditty at the very end. Processed vocals pick up where that … Continue reading The Crowleys Keep Things Pastel on Colours Change Their Tone EP

Unknown's avatarsawdustandginLeave a comment
Daily

Hungover with Violents and Monica Martin’s LP

sngalbums: This is the album everyone needs. I’ve been saying it all year, since its release last April: Awake and Pretty Much Sober is impossible to dislike. Violents is a project helmed by Jeremy Larson where he writes and produces music with an invited guest vocalist; previous projects include Stacy King (Eisley, Sucre), Olga Yagolnikov (Kye Kye), and singer-songwriter Annie Williams. In this iteration Larson … Continue reading Hungover with Violents and Monica Martin’s LP

Unknown's avatarsawdustandginLeave a comment
Album Reviews

Hungover with Violents and Monica Martin’s LP

This is the album everyone needs. I’ve been saying it all year, since its release last April: Awake and Pretty Much Sober is impossible to dislike. Violents is a project helmed by Jeremy Larson where he writes and produces music with an invited guest vocalist; previous projects include Stacy King (Eisley, Sucre), Olga Yagolnikov (Kye Kye), and singer-songwriter Annie Williams. In this iteration Larson teamed … Continue reading Hungover with Violents and Monica Martin’s LP

Unknown's avatarsawdustandginLeave a comment
Daily

Kacey Johansing No Longer Lives in Hiding

sngalbums: At the center of The Hiding is a lyric on the title track that gets at the heart of Kacey Johansing’s message. “Everyone keeps hiding what they long to find,” she sings, as if unveiling a universal truth that no one wants to admit that they knew. On this new record, she discusses relationships and love, often as an intrusive observer, though it could … Continue reading Kacey Johansing No Longer Lives in Hiding

Unknown's avatarsawdustandginLeave a comment