Label: Amnot Records Released: October 2, 2007 Both indie and math rock can easily degenerate into dispassion on their own. Combining the two should increase that possibility exponentially, making Building the State’s latest EP all the more remarkable. Ringing guitars, complex bass lines, precision drumming, indie rock vocals and ambient sound make up layer upon layer of distinct, yet intertwined… Read more »
Label: Underdogma Records Released: November 28, 2006 With a name like Wooly Mammoth, this band has a lot to live up to. They either have to live up to the name literally as the heaviest of the heavy or ironically as light and fluffy pop. Few will be displeased that they opt for the former even if they don’t fully… Read more »
…but who doesn’t already have the whole Led Zeppeling catalog?
Label: Columbia Released: October 2, 2007 It’s been a long time since Springsteen has released a truly good album. Granted, he did a nice job with the Pete Seeger covers, but his own material has been dull and decidedly adult-oriented. Magic isn’t a full return to rock form, but it is a step in the right direction. From the opening… Read more »
Label: Astralwerks Released: September 25, 2007 The latest project of New Zealand’s Nick Harte, Shocking Pinks’ self-titled album is actually songs collected from the two previous albums. It’s a rhythm-based indie rock affair whose ambling beats support yet don’t drive it’s layers of ambient noise and dream pop. The album has bits of Joy Division and pieces of My Bloody… Read more »
Label: MVD Visual Released: September 1, 2007 In the days where a huge corporate rock band like Rage Against the Machine reunites to enrich themselves under the guise of protest music, seeing a band who lived their message as DOA did is engaging and inspiring. When DOA was tearing up stages in protest to all they saw wrong with the… Read more »
Label: Vendlus Records Released: 2006 Brazzaville is the project of David Brown, saxophonist for and longtime friend of Beck. The band is known for layering lyrics about the world’s forgotten souls — the lost and lonely, the whores and addicts, the killers and the soon-to-be dead — in sultry musical canvases that conjure images of South American beaches and salty,… Read more »
Label: Ecstatic Peace Released: July 17, 2007 Most of Turbo Fruits’ self-titled album’s strengths and weaknesses can be summarized by simply reviewing one song, their cover of the MC5’s cover of “Ramblin’ Rose.” Both versions attempt to release enormous energy on the listener in the same way that an atomic bomb releases it’s energy on a target. It takes a… Read more »
Flogging is currently cutting tracks for their new album expected in early 2008. They spent the pre-production period and are recording in Dave King’s native Ireland. The band is really excited about the new material, new album and the return of their brother in arms. Long time accordion player and gentleman, Matt Hensley has re-joined the band after leaving in… Read more »
Label: Action Rezults Records (Available from CD Baby) Released: 2007 To some extent, D’Edwin can get away with his unabashed mimicking of Morrissey, because he hasn’t graduated into the big leagues yet, but there has to be some substance to his music beyond a good Morrissey impression. On No Prognosis, that substance is erratic at best. The opening track, “Secret… Read more »