Tag: album

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

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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

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Album Reviews, Zines

Cloud wallows in sensitivity while celebrating life on Plays with Fire

Photo Credit: Carson Lund Originally appeared on the 405, view archived article here.  When you play with fire, you’re supposed to get burned. But what if you’re careful with fire? Even when handling flames with your most serious demeanor, it’s still possible to get hurt. At least, that’s what can be learned from Cloud’s sensitive and joyous new album. On the band’s nine-track effort titled … Continue reading Cloud wallows in sensitivity while celebrating life on Plays with Fire

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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

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Daily

Are Our Gods Best? Ruminating on Emay’s New LP, Ilah

sngalbums: Originally appeared on Grimy Goods.  Adams worked mostly solo on this record. A few guests contribute on the refrains, grounding the lofty project, but never detract attention away from what is largely autobiographical. Emay also produced all the backing tracks throughout Ilah, filling it with chopped drums and spliced samples for a unique listening experience, if not an acquired taste. The album’s production is … Continue reading Are Our Gods Best? Ruminating on Emay’s New LP, Ilah

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Album Reviews

Paul Bergmann Gives So Much on Nothing At All

My love for Paul Bergmann came about accidentally. He shared a bill at the Bootleg in August of 2016 with strong favorite of mine at the time, Oh Pep!; I hadn’t heard his music or even his name before the show, so I had no reason to anticipate anything revelatory. But once he began playing, I was instantly drawn to his sultry voice, expert whistling, … Continue reading Paul Bergmann Gives So Much on Nothing At All

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Album Reviews, Zines

Brooklyn Duo Via Intercom Explore Subtleties of Youth on New LP

Photo credit: Kaiya Gordon Originally appeared on the 405, view archived article here.  Being young is so confusing. We don’t realize it’s happening until it’s gone, then we’re left with a series of memories and far too many regrets for such a short period of time, relative to the rest of our lives. It is our most formative time, and though we all have unique experiences, … Continue reading Brooklyn Duo Via Intercom Explore Subtleties of Youth on New LP

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Album Reviews

Fink’s Fearless Resurgam

Fearlessness is not just doing the extraordinary; often it can mean the exact opposite. One must know fear in order to overcome it, after all, and small, deliberate steps will still lead you out of the woods. Why not follow the rhythm of Fink’s new record Resurgam? This record is an ethereal rebirth. Each track is stripped back and played in seemingly half-time, fast enough … Continue reading Fink’s Fearless Resurgam

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Album Reviews, Zines

HDLSS Dumb It Down With Nuanced Complexity

Originally appeared on Grimy Goods.  We currently live in a culture of rabid misinformation. Talking heads try to convince us that our feelings are equivalent to facts. Truth is virtually meaningless. It will take decades to confront and undo these issues, and in all likelihood they will never actually be eradicated. And yet we still must fight, through whatever action we can. Artists have been … Continue reading HDLSS Dumb It Down With Nuanced Complexity

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Album Reviews, Zines

BOSCO Gets Personal On Her Latest Project, b.

Originally appeared on Grimy Goods.  b. is an emphatically human record. BOSCO goes through many emotions over its eight tracks, using opaque metaphors to weave together anecdotes. Sometimes the narrative borrows from familiar places, whether in imagery or through direct lyrics, informing how she sees her artistry. She believes in the power of collaboration, and has had a real connection with virtually everyone with a … Continue reading BOSCO Gets Personal On Her Latest Project, b.

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