Wednesday, May 11 2011
Virgin Islands: Ernie Chambers V. God
Virgin Islands don’t really have much to say that you couldn’t figure out on your own, but they bring the noise in a well-crafted retro-inspired package.
Swingin’ Utters: Here, Under Protest
Swingin' Utters are proudly carrying the torch for the big-time vets at Fat Wreck with this powerful return.
Shipbuilding Co.: Radios and Flying Birds
Released on Greyday Records, the debut LP by ex-Head of Femur man Michael Partington is a thoroughly dreary indie pop excursion.
Tuesday, May 10 2011
Olde Growth: Olde Growth
This young two-piece doom metal group has plenty of potential and skill, and if they can pinpoint a single goal for their music, they will certainly do well within their genre.
Dave I.D.: Gangs
London producer Dave I.D. declares his independence from the machine and proves his resolution with a grating, morbid and self-indulgent EP.
Stian Westerhus: Pitch Black Star Spangled
Elegant, visceral guitar improvisations from a Norwegian stalwart.
Graná Louise: Gettin’ Kinda Rough
A mixed helping of live and studio tracks from a Chicago blues star.
Monday, May 9 2011
New Keepers of the Water Towers: The Calydonian Hunt
In blending styles, this Swedish quartet has found a way to appeal to every stoner metal fan in some way. Whether they will actually make that possibility a reality is less certain.
We Are the City: High School EP
Experimentation sometimes gets in the way of the grandiose majesty at which these songs aim, and it sometimes gets the better of the Canadian trio We Are the City.
The Part Five: The Tightening
Chicago post-punk trio could use a little more of the titular notion on their sprawling debut.
Friday, May 6 2011
Ravishers: Ravishers
What Ravishers have to offer is swagger and pop hooks that nail you upside the face and leave you absolutely gobsmacked.
Calahen Morrison and Eli West: The Holy Coming of the Storm
Righteous bluegrass thunder from, um... Seattle?
Daniel Romano: Sleep Beneath The Willow
Country music for those who have lost faith in real country music.
Wednesday, May 4 2011
The Trews: Hope & Ruin
Parts of this Canadian band's record come off as Tragically Hip-lite with a dash of country and folk tossed into the mix.
David Liebman: Lieb Plays the Blues à la Trane
Don't let the lofty title fool you, saxophonist David Liebman is just playing covers and having fun here.
Matthew Sawyer and the Ghosts: How Snakes Eat
A big, echoey sound wrapped around a strange, squawking voice.