Album Reviews

County Mike – Live Alone

August 19, 2016

Alongside other Albanian groups like Coupons and They Are Gutting A Body of Water is County Mike, a new, mysterious one-man-band fronting a near lo-fi sound that flutters comfortably within the boundaries of alt-folk. The man behind the mask (and beard) is Michael Campana, Jr. I’m not sure if County Mike is a reference to Campana’s possible declaration that his body is his to govern, to control, or if he simply feels pride toward the county within which he resides – a more rural take on the subject. Regardless, County Mike’s Live Alone comes across as tender storytelling lullabies both confronting and skirting commonplace issues we all know and love. The first tune is “Watching/3 Years.” Campana’s voice is crystal clear amongst somber electric guitar arpeggiation. There’s a little bit of crackling going on. Soon enough, Campana kicks it up a notch, performing gentle, quick guitar widdlies. No matter how hard Campana pushes it,[...]

Michael Kiwanuka – Love & Hate

August 12, 2016

British soul singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka has released his second album for Polydor Records. For this sophomore release, he enlisted the help of veteran Danger Mouse to handle the bulk of production duties. Love & Hate is a smooth and melodic record steeped in introspection and social commentary. Kiwanuka’s diverse set of influences is on display here, incorporating elements of ‘70s r&b and soul as well as gospel, blues, rock and folk. His voice, both as a singer and a lyricist, is reminiscent of legends like Bill Withers, Curtis Mayfield or Marvin Gaye. On Love & Hate, his slow jams pull less from the sexual side of r&b and more from the protest-song side, the realm in which Withers, Mayfield and Gaye were arguably at their best. The record starts out ambitious, with opener “Cold Little Heart” clocking in at over 10 minutes long. The mostly instrumental track is complete with[...]

Coupons – Number One Hit Album

August 9, 2016

Coupons is an Albany-based group that seemingly mastered mid-tempo, just-sad-enough songs. At times they’re bluesy, at times they’re straight power-pop, and at times they’re math-y (namely the drums). In creating their Number One Hit Album, Coupons carved themselves a nook with a careful rhythmic section, jangley guitars, and forefront vocals. “Sirens” is the first song off Number One Hit Album. As you assume, the song is about deadly girl-like, winged creatures and their call that lures the curious to shipwreck. There’s a cool, slightly fuzzy break in the song connecting high point to build-up, and build-up to  true climax. “You’re such a careful siren – I never sleep!” is yelled before the band goes into full blast. The second song is “Birthday” and it starts with the singer trying to cheer up a girl in the midst the dumps. On top of a synth string pad, the protagonist also compares[...]

They Are Gutting A Body of Water – s/t

August 5, 2016

They Are Gutting A Body of Water is a rather complex name for an emotional, lo-fi solo act by singer/songwriter Doug Dulgarian. Dulgarian, a lead singer to Albany-based Jouska, proudly released late last month via the project’s bandcamp. The album is written as if staring into a looking glass watching a microcosm of the world work its underwhelming wonders. They Are Gutting A Body of Water is as contained as it is immense – the old-fashioned style helps the album both relate to and speak out against modern day apathy, regret, and introspection. “Swanny Luv” is the first track on this damaged (sound quality adjective) record. Punchy drums keep your mind afloat as the draining music pulls you down into somewhere between awful depression and teary-eyed anger. A special shoutout is given to his mom for being a “G since knee-high.” “Main Breaker” is fronted by a haunted, polka accordion sound and pleasing,[...]

Weaves – s/t

July 15, 2016

Buzz Records signees Weaves have released their much anticipated debut album. The Toronto-based indie group’s self-titled effort is an energetic amalgam of noises. It’s a delightful smorgasbord, where you’ll find elements of pop, rock, funk, punk, and indie. The contrasting styles compliment each other well, as Weaves has a penchant for capitalizing on the clash of genres. They turn the weird and the wild into really catchy and melodic rockers. The fuzzy, math-rock esque guitar riffs are a standout, as well as Jasmyn Burke’s irresistibly dynamic vocals. She sings with a carefree attitude, while at the same time possessing a heavy urgency in her voice. Her back and forth melodies are the captain of the ship, giving the record direction, while seemingly being directionless. The whole thing feels like it could fall apart at any moment, but it never does, and that’s what gives it its charm. Lead track “Tick”[...]

Andy Hull and Robert McDowell – Swiss Army Man Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

July 13, 2016

Manchester Orchestra’s Andy Hull and Robert McDowell are broadening their horizons with their latest project. The pair were enlisted by experimental film directors Dan Kwan and Dan Scheinert (known professionally as The Daniels) to record the score for their newest film, Swiss Army Man. Hull and McDowell were given one caveat; every sound must be made solely by the human voice. Though lacking any instrumentation, the soundtrack is unlike any acapella you’ve ever heard. After initially reading the script, Hull immediately recorded the song “A Better Way,” which appears as the final track. It is the only song to feature acoustic guitar, and serves as the anchor for which he and McDowell pulled musical motifs from for the rest of the score. Throughout, repeated “dahs” and “wahs” as well as droning, reverb-laden choruses and layers of various vocal noises define the soundtrack. Stars Paul Dano and Daniel Radcliffe even make[...]

GØGGS – s/t

July 8, 2016

GØGGS is a fairly recent project primarily made up of Ty Segall, Ex-Cult frontman Chris Shaw, and Charles Moothart. As we have seen with FUZZ, when Ty and Charles Moothart collaborate they can make some great riff-centric jams. Also, with Chris Shaw’s claim to fame being the lead singer of hardcore band, Ex-Cult and guest spots from Mikal Cronin, Cory Hanson of Wand, and Denee Petracek of VIAL I figured it’d be safe to say this album would make for a solid effort. This self-titled album will be a definite hit with those who love eighties hardcore. It’s not to say it’s straight eighties hardcore worship like Ex-Cult is, and I think there’s something for a lot of different music fans here. There’s some sharp guitar work from Ty that’s a mirror of the style he used in his last project, Emotional Mugger, as well as Charles Moothart as they[...]

Mitski – Puberty 2

July 5, 2016

While attending SUNY Purchase, indie-rocker Mitski self released her first two albums. After graduating, she signed with Double Double Whammy to release a third. Now with Dead Oceans Records, her fourth studio album Puberty 2 is an earnest look at growing up. She likens the pain and awkwardness of this major transition into adulthood as a second form of puberty. Though slightly more polished, lo-fi production is still at the heart of it all for Mitski. She neatly combines drum machines with rousing electric guitars, and employs a vocal distortion that brings her rich, mid-range voice to life. This effect perfectly compliments the tone of her lyrics, as she somberly details life’s qualms and inevitable loneliness. The arrangements are raucous and range between delicately sparse and all-out in your face, reminiscent of life’s ups and downs. The overall focus of Puberty 2 can be seen as contemplation of meaning and[...]

The Hotelier – Goodness

June 21, 2016

Massachusetts natives The Hotelier are just a little bit lighter on their latest release. The underground emo revival champions’ third record, Goodness, was prefaced with a statement from lead singer-bassist Christian Holden. In it, he indicated a subtle shift from deep introspection to contemplation of outwardly relations, with people and the world. While the album may not be as dark as its predecessor, it is still thematically heavy and packs an emotional punch. Goodness starts out with just Holden softly delivering a spoken-word poem. From there, thunderous drums and heavy guitars take over. He varies his vocal tone throughout, from barely audible quietness to over the top yelling. It is a pure rock record, but with well-varied dynamics that give it its kick to the gut. There are moments where the music builds to a chaotic crescendo, only to be suddenly stripped away to nothingness. It perfectly mirrors and accompanies[...]

Car Seat Headrest – Teens of Denial

June 8, 2016

Recording under the moniker Car Seat Headrest, Will Toledo has self-released eight albums between 2010 and 2015. He finally made his major label debut last year with Teens of Style, a collection of reimagined tracks from his previous albums, now performed with fuller arrangements. This year, he has a new batch of songs with an even more expansive sound for his second album on Matador Records, and tenth overall. Titled Teens of Denial, it is an epic foray into full-tilt indie rock. Toledo is pumping life back into guitar-driven indie, infusing it with the prog influences of the ‘70s and the catchy tunefulness of the ‘60s. He makes use of overlaid spoken word, screamed backing vocals, ornamental synths and horns, and layers upon layers of heavily distorted guitars. There are no tight 3-minute rockers here, as each song is carefully composed and the arrangements are fully fleshed out. The record has an effervescent ebb and flow to it, twisting seamlessly[...]

PUP – The Dream Is Over

May 31, 2016

Toronto punk rockers PUP are back with their second full-length album. The title, The Dream Is Over, is apparently a jab at vocalist-guitarist Stefan Babcock’s doctor. After incessant touring following their 2014 self-titled debut, Babcock’s vocal cords were shredded. His doctor informed him that the dream was, in fact, over. Instead of calling it quits, the group defiantly pushed forward, bringing forth a sophomore album full of dark wit and in your face punk rock. The record opens with a gradual ascension into chaos as “If This Tour Doesn’t Kill You, I Will” asserts a severe and earnest sentiment towards life on the road. From there, it’s a non-stop parade of heavy guitars, aggressive drums, yelled gang-vocals, and self-loathing. The riffs are satisfyingly catchy, suggesting a pop inflection on their unapologetic edginess. The album possesses a drunken swagger and laments life’s many failed relationships and endeavors. The Dream Is Over feels like the youthful melancholy of The Front Bottoms combined[...]

Rogue Wave – Delusions of Grand Fur

May 23, 2016

Hop in your car, roll the windows down, drive along a long winding road, and throw on Rogue Wave’s Delusions of Grand Fur in your CD player.  Well, I should say throw this album on the aux chord because this is 2016, lets be real. Rogue Wave’s sixth studio album releases those adventurous and spontaneous feelings in your heart.  Delusions of Grand Fur will run your car out of gas before you even know it.  Rogue Wave is driven by the acoustic guitar, the piano, clean guitar riffs, and the unique, echoing voice of Zach Rogue. “Take It Slow” is the first track off this album, which captures Rogue Wave’s style and deep thoughts on relationships and life.  A simple subject is what inspires this band’s lyrics.  Starting off with the acoustic rush and straight into the drums. Then comes the piano lick, which will be relevant throughout the entire[...]

King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard – Nonagon Infinity

May 20, 2016

King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard have been on a tear since forming in 2010. The Melbourne, Australia-based psychedelic rockers are now on their eighth full-length studio album in six years, an impressive output considering they are also relentless live performers. Their latest, Nonagon Infinity, is an onslaught of fast tempo, psyched-out rock that shows off their cornucopia of influences. The entire album is intended as a continuous, looped musical piece. Each track flows directly into the next, with the final track (“Road Train”) connecting seamlessly back to the first (“Robot Stop”). If you were to put the album on repeat, it would continue forever. Of course, you could do this with any album. However, there would be a clearly defined and discernible beginning and end. With Nonagon Infinity, you don’t know where one song ends and the next one begins, as you are lead on a never-ending sonic journey.[...]

Sam Beam & Jesca Hoop – Love Letter for Fire

May 10, 2016

Singer-songwriter heavyweight Sam Beam (know mostly as Iron & Wine) has released another collaborative work, titled Love Letter for Fire. After 2015’s joint effort with Band of Horses’ Ben Bridwell, Beam has teamed up with singer-songwriter Jesca Hoop, who is known for her experimentation with different genres. The result is a record of imaginative and heartfelt acoustic indie-folk that is both lively and melancholy. Their unique perspectives as composers compliment each other well. Musically, Beam’s jazzier tendencies are on display alongside Hoop’s experimental indie side. They find common ground with their inherent passion for both classic and modern folk music, offering floating arrangements with fingerpicked acoustic guitars and soft strings. Both singers posses a tender and soothing voice that gently cradles their poetic lyricism. Every composition is raw and rustic, featuring sparse percussion, complimentary violin and ornamental piano as add-ons to the predominant base of guitar and vocals. Tracks like[...]

Evil Wizardry – The Garden

May 4, 2016

On April 25, Evil Wizardry released the condensed, electronic beauty that is The Garden. Evil Wizardry is a Utica-grown ambient, dream pop, noise band. A summary of those genres is: Though there are vocals and lyrics to this 5-song EP, don’t try to listen close without a lyric sheet, or your head might explode. It’s spacious vibes can certainly be appreciated, but everything needs to be taken with a grain of salt. Try to think your way through these songs and you’ll find yourself strangled by the racket rather than cozied in its trippy waves. “Trance Path” begins with a trance drum beat and jangly nineties guitar. Soon, expressive vocal phrases show their heads, though altogether, the song is a warped, making you bend over to listen closer to the somehow distant music. “Trance Path” ends with guitar bouncing up and down from the speakers. Song Two, “Gordon’s First Informal[...]