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David Janes: Deathcard [Album Review]

David Janes

Written by JB.

It took nearly a year to record his first proper LP (and almost twice as long to release), but Deathcard is the sweet fruit of singer/songwriter David Janes‘ tedious work. After a limited release of his Kill-a-man Sessions in early 2008, Janes spent months writing, recording, and mixing songs for the next record, only to scrap the majority of it and start anew. Backed by his live band, including Philadelphia studio-musicians Phil D’Agostino and long-time collaborator Nathan Gonzalez, as well as Rick Wise and Emily Shick, the nine songs on Deathcard represent a maturity in both sound and writing that Janes has undergone since striking it out on his own. Whereas previous songs tended to lean heavily on the more-adolescent musings of Ryan Adams contrasted by the dark-strum of 16 Horsepower, these tracks achieve an emotional gravitas akin to the material produced by Grant Lee Phillips and John Doe in their solo work. Read More »David Janes: Deathcard [Album Review]

Leif Vollebekk: Inland [Album Review]

Leif Vollebekk

Raw, naked, Leif Vollebekk lays it all out like a modern day Jeff Buckley, Elliott Smith, or better yet Nick Drake. It’s doubtful Vollebekk will succumb to the same fate; there more hope in his music, a powerful thing that pulls the listener in. Inland is packed with the sound, from the pleasant instrumentation of “Northernmost Eva Maria” to the breathtaking “Don’t Go to Klaksvik”. With a soft shuffle in the brushed percussion and a low, rumbling piano, Vollebekk pours his soul into “Klaksvik” in a way so moving it’s unnerving. You might just shed a tear. Read More »Leif Vollebekk: Inland [Album Review]

Snowglobe: A Little More Lived In [Album Review]

snowglobe

For over 10 years now, Snowglobe has been producing psychedelic pop music that is gentle yet wicked. If you haven’t heard of them, don’t feel bad. Their career has been one based around constant touring and creative self-expression. The seeking of fame slides itself into their prototype here and there, but in a very minor way. If you have found yourself to be a longtime fan, it’s not hard to believe since it is possible to fall in love with their music at first listen. On their fourth album, A Little More Lived In, the band has successfully consolidated a decade’s worth of experience into a brand new collection of catchy and sly pop tracks. So, there’s something for everyone. Read More »Snowglobe: A Little More Lived In [Album Review]

Magic Bullets: Magic Bullets [Album Review]

Magic Bullets

From the first moments of Magic Bullets‘ self-titled LP, one is taken back a quarter century on a journey into the music of The Smiths. No, Magic Bullets do not cover the famed band, but to say they were influenced by Moz’s early entourage is an understatement. Magic Bullets pack on the indie pop jangle and provide Moz-ish obscure, melodramatic vocal hooks that make you want to dig those Smiths records out for a spin on the ol’ turntable. Read More »Magic Bullets: Magic Bullets [Album Review]

Paul Turner: Another World [Album Review]

Paul Turner: Another WorldPaul Turner has returned with a new batch of his classic soft spoken acoustic melodies made for bohemians and monks alike. This Australian-bred songwriter doesn’t stray too far from the comfort zone he developed on his previous release, Clear Blue. But Another World does seem a bit darker in a lyrical sense. His words contain questions that have no answers, as well as answers that are never questioned. Although the direction of this album has not skewed into a new direction, it is still a huge leap forward with a well perfected easy listening oriented diagram. Read More »Paul Turner: Another World [Album Review]

Spraydog: Karate Summer Camp [Album Review]

spraydog

In fashion we are edging back to the early nineties. The spawn of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore was recently photographed in a flannel shirt. Seattle groups are beginning to look like tailored lumberjacks with their button down, tight fit flannels and lengthy beards. And music is beginning to look to the early days of grunge as we embark on the 20th anniversary of Sub Pop Can you tell yet that this is a repost from 2008?. Spraydog definitely fits the grunge mold, mashing with it garage pop and a droning lo-fi power pop. Add to these elements a blend of boy/girl vocals and the definition is complete. Read More »Spraydog: Karate Summer Camp [Album Review]

Citay: Dream Get Together [Album Review]

citay

Citay‘s new LP, Dream Get Together, just found its way into my inbox. There are several descriptors you could apply to the album, from Cosmic to Anthemic. But when it really comes down to it, Dream Get Together finds a unique place in music simply due to its wide breadth of influences — so wide that the music they create has become unlike any of the bands whose influence they draw. Read More »Citay: Dream Get Together [Album Review]

Collider: BBM EP [Album Review]

collider

Collider is a band that just plain rocks. And it’s worthy to say that 16 years ago they would have been considered “buzz worthy”. With their latest EP, BBM, these guys blend modern indie rock with 90’s low key yet sultry alternative that is reminiscent of groups like Primitive Radio Gods and Everything But The Girl. These San Francisco-based rockers have a sound that is as cool as flannel and Matt Dillon were back then. Read More »Collider: BBM EP [Album Review]

Johnny Bertram & The Golden Bicycles: Days That Passed [Album Review]

johnny-bertram

The 1970’s still conjure up a lot of inspiration these days. The indie rock and Americana explosion of the last decade has not been entirely original. There is always someone else to draw from. In the case of Johnny Bertram, it appears as though his roots in Idaho, and his current residency in Mississippi, have had more than just a regional blessing on his own special concoction of modern folk and rockabilly on his debut full length album, Days That Passed, featuring his brilliant backup band The Golden Bicycles. Read More »Johnny Bertram & The Golden Bicycles: Days That Passed [Album Review]

The Atlantic Manor: The World Beneath This World Is Brightening [Album Review]

The Atlantic Manor: The World Beneath This World Is BrighteningFor those unfamiliar with The Atlantic Manor, here’s a brief crash-course. The band consists of one Rick Sell, who records and releases his own music without a label or any promotion outside of whatever Sell himself does. He’s done it this way for years, and it seems to be working alright. His music, under The Atlantic Manor, is a dreamy country-tinged folk that sometimes nears the rock level, but typically maintains tranquility. Read More »The Atlantic Manor: The World Beneath This World Is Brightening [Album Review]

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