NERD TALK with Lee from HER DESPAIR

UK gothic rock band Her Despair is back with more Nerd Talk!  Following in the nerdy footsteps of Her Despair bassist Vikki, drummer Lee takes over with his thoughts on video gaming, Old West movies, and detective novels.  Video Games I have gamed for years. Since I first played the Sega Megadrive in the early… Continue reading NERD TALK with Lee from HER DESPAIR

EP Review: Snailmate’s Existential Anxiety

Trip-hop duo Snailmate is in last leg of a seven-month tour supporting their February release Existential Anxiety.  Maybe I don’t listen to enough (or any) trip-hop, but Snailmate’s music is pretty wacky!  Stream Existential Anxiety below and see if you can keep track of the surprising rhythms and tongue-twisting vocals: After giving the EP a listen, it’s… Continue reading EP Review: Snailmate’s Existential Anxiety

EP Review: The Thirds’ Dork Matter

Weezer was the first influence that came to mind when listening to The Thirds’ new EP Dork Matter.  Self-released on May 25th 2018, the Oneonta, New York band’s sophomore offering dials up the Buddy Holly and destroyed sweaters on second track “Say a Few.”  (The first track, “Buncha Nerds,” is more of an intro/voiceover than a song.) … Continue reading EP Review: The Thirds’ Dork Matter

AltCtrlToob Video Premiere: “Phylactery” Playthrough by Parius

AltCtrlToob is proud to present the “Phylactery” Playthrough by Philadelphia’s Parius!  Say that ten times fast and the next beer’s on us…. Seriously though, this Pennsylvania prog-death outfit is making waves with their upcoming release The Eldritch Realm.  Combine the snarl of Black Dahlia with the melodicism and dynamics of Obscura, and you have this immediately appealing… Continue reading AltCtrlToob Video Premiere: “Phylactery” Playthrough by Parius

Curtis Dewar: Family Man, PR Man, and Giver of Dangerous Advice

Curtis Dewar, right, with his #1 intern.

When my band was looking to get our EP heard beyond two counties in Connecticut, Curtis Dewar of Dewar PR came highly recommended as a person who could get our music to the ears of people who would write about it.  Mid-level bands (or those seeking to be mid-level) may try to downplay the fact… Continue reading Curtis Dewar: Family Man, PR Man, and Giver of Dangerous Advice

Listening Lately: Mourn the Light’s Weight of the World

This week I was happy to get a review request from a great new band on the Connecticut heavy music scene, Mourn the Light.  The southeastern CT group formed in 2017 and have just released their three-track Weight of the World EP.  Citing influences like Clutch and Crowbar, this is a strong debut that will… Continue reading Listening Lately: Mourn the Light’s Weight of the World

NERD TALK with Kelly and Jessica from DAXMA

On the flip side of the Nerd Talk’s “shared culture” theme, I’ve also enjoyed getting submissions that discuss completely unexpected topics.  When members of Oakland post-doom band Daxma sent in their column, I was surprised to read about magic mushrooms and picture frames.  Yep, picture frames — or rather, “custom framing.”  Didn’t even know that was… Continue reading NERD TALK with Kelly and Jessica from DAXMA