Baldwin’s Choice: Ulver

Most well-established experimental bands have two things to worry about. They need to remain artistically fresh, but they also need to appease a fanbase. A group like Radiohead has no intentions of staying in one place, despite the incredible success they’ve had in the past with a sound like Ok Computer. But they still need… Continue reading Baldwin’s Choice: Ulver

METZ BRING THE THUNDER TO HAMDEN

Metz are a modern loud rock band worthy of your attention. The Toronto trio, which features Alex Edkins (guitar and vocals), Hayden Menzies (drums) ,and Chris Slorach (bass), has won accolades and fans for their powerful and visceral sound, which draws inspiration from noise rock, post hardcore and shoegaze. In addition, they are one of… Continue reading METZ BRING THE THUNDER TO HAMDEN

Listening Lately: Sarah Golley, Laini and the Wildfire, and White (The Band)

Something has been going on in our local social media world lately: singer-songwriter Sarah Golley has organized a Facebook group called CT Original Musicians-Master List where people can discuss The Scene and promote their own music and the music of others.  I’m happy to find many talented women musicians in the group, which is something… Continue reading Listening Lately: Sarah Golley, Laini and the Wildfire, and White (The Band)

Album Review: Giant Flying Turtles’ Waltz to the World

A name like Giant Flying Turtles grabs attention, and this band has the musical flair to live up to their unique moniker.  The Brooklyn quartet blends jazz, prog rock, and various Americana subgenres for an eclectic and one-of-a-kind sound.  In fact, the fourth track on their upcoming album Waltz to the World is fittingly titled… Continue reading Album Review: Giant Flying Turtles’ Waltz to the World

Grizzlor to Play Record Release Show, 9/23/2017

Everybody’s favorite bummed out noise rockers, Grizzlor, are having a release show for their excellent new album Destructoid on September 23 in New Haven at Three Sheets. Those who were wondering how the band would do on their first full length have to nothing to worry about, because they have shattered expectations. It’s easily one of the best records… Continue reading Grizzlor to Play Record Release Show, 9/23/2017

It’s More Like a Warning: An Interview with Usnea

Usnea, from left: Justin Cory, Zeke Rogers (back), Joel Williams, and Johnny Lovingood. Photo by Orion Landau.

On Friday August 18th, Alternative Control talked with up-and-coming doom band Usnea before their set at Psycho Las Vegas.  The Portland, Oregon outfit — which includes guitarist/vocalist Justin Cory, bassist/vocalist Joel Williams, guitarist Johnny Lovingood, and drummer Zeke Rogers — releases their third full-length album Portals Into Futility this Friday on Relapse.  They will also be… Continue reading It’s More Like a Warning: An Interview with Usnea

Album Review: Freddie Nelson’s Shake The Cage

The new album from Pittsburgh rocker Freddie Nelson conjures up melancholy of 90s alternative ballads, with a dash of 70s and 80s hard rock guitar leads and vocal stylings.  Shake The Cage was released on July 7th, 2017.  “The record is called Shake The Cage,” says Nelson, “because I feel that a lot of music… Continue reading Album Review: Freddie Nelson’s Shake The Cage