For some people in the United States, the sight of a police officer brings on feelings of safety and relief, perhaps even pride. For others, police officers elicit an automatic fear of brutality. Which group a person belongs to is often determined by their skin color and social status — but one summer afternoon in… Continue reading AltCtrlToob Video Review: American High’s “Cheye Calvo”
Tag: music
The Robots Are Coming: Justin Pierrot on Stormland’s Songs of Future Wars
One of the cool things about being the editor of a music blog is that I get to talk with people all over the world about what inspires them. Most recently, I chatted with Justin Pierrot of British Columbia, Canada about his solo death metal project Stormland. He’s recorded a couple concept albums over the… Continue reading The Robots Are Coming: Justin Pierrot on Stormland’s Songs of Future Wars
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
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