Erick Arc Elliott – Almost Remembered [9.0]
On his twenty-track release Almost Remembered, Brooklyn-based recording artist/producer Erick Arc Elliott’s skill as a lyricist, as well as his soul, hip/hop, and jazz influences, are on full display. The standout track off this album has to be the song “Almost Remembered.” Elliott has made it known that he prides himself on being a lyricist, and although that is evident... Read More
Foster The People – Torches [9.3]
Foster The People are currently touring, promoting their debut album Torches, which dropped this June. It has a similar vibe to Passion Pit’s Chunk of Change, with complex layers of electronic sounds fused with the occasional real instrument and vocals that ascend to a falsetto range. There’s a lot going on in each song, a lot of unique noises, change-ups and well-timed breaks,... Read More
Grouplove – Self-Titled EP [8.0]
Grouplove is a five-piece band from Los Angeles, CA, who released their six track self-titled EP in January 2011. The band is reminiscent of the Pixies, especially the lead singer, Christian Zucconi who sounds a lot like Black Francis. At times his voice breaks and trembles with the imperfections and inconsistencies of his emotions, which is refreshing because it makes you feel... Read More
3 Dollar Band – Self-Titled [9.0]
Although previously releasing recorded live performance albums, the arrival of 3 Dollar Band’s first studio album is here. This great first album showcases the talents of Adam Braunschweig, Keith Van Winkle, and Chris Carr. All members of the band contribute to the combination of acoustic rock, and Irish and American folk music. I found this album to be a refreshing sound, and... Read More
Kevin Kinsella – Great Design [7.3]
Kevin Kinsella makes a strong reemergence in the roots and reggae scene with the release of his third solo album Great Design. He expands his musical diversity by adding elements of acoustic rock and soul, resulting in an album that’s easy on the ears. Great Design allows listeners the opportunity to be a part of a genre that is growing rapidly, and listen to a new style of reggae... Read More
Classified – Handshakes and Middle Fingers [8.6]
Record Label: Decon Records Big-time Canadian rapper Luke Boyd, better known as Classified, released his new album Handshakes and Middle Fingers through New York record label Decon. This marks his first US release in sixteen years. Classified has come a long way in his career since his first self-produced album Time’s Up, Kid in 1995. With his new album, Classified debuts hot... Read More
Friendly Fires – Pala [8.0]
(XL Recordings) It’s been a while since Friendly Fires has been on the scene. Back in 2008, they dropped their first official album cleverly self-titled Friendly Fires, which included “Skeleton Boy,” “Kiss of Life” and “On Board.” Now back and currently on tour, Friendly Fires has composed an album that will take listeners on a permanent vacation to none other than... Read More
Thurston Moore – Demolishing Thoughts [9.0]
(Matador) Thurston Moore is a master songwriter — solo, in collaboration, and of course with Sonic Youth. His brand new album, Demolishing Thoughts, is yet another testament to his immense talent. Moore has the ability to shift-shape — he can rev up his guitar and break into voluminous distortion, or he can glide his fingers over an acoustic and whisper across its... Read More
The Kills – Blood Pressure [8.1]
To be perfectly blunt, The Kills are cool as fuck. I doubt many rock fans would disagree with that statement. Jamie Hince and Alison Mosshart have proven themselves to be one slick duo, most notably on Midnight Boom, released in 2008. From the lyrics to the beats to the sometimes deadened vocal delivery, it was one of the coolest albums released that year. Now, three years later,... Read More
TV on the Radio – Nine Types of Light [9.1]
On their fifth album (and fourth studio), TV on the Radio remind listeners that their jazzy, indie, Afro-punk tunes are as melodious and heartfelt as ever. Throughout every album, the band has maintained a signature sound; a sound that is both completely original and obviously inspired. But unlike other modern Brooklyn bands, TV’s many influences lay beneath the surface of... Read More
