Nocturnal Animals Read the Writing on the Walls

Atlanta pop-rock band Nocturnal Animals are gearing up to release their sophomore EP, Writing on the Walls, on October 12, 2018.  Alternative Control reviewed their first EP, Dark Lit Places; this new one is similarly catchy and shows a progression in songwriting.  Critics have compared the band to Green Day and Fall Out Boy.  Check… Continue reading Nocturnal Animals Read the Writing on the Walls

Album Review: Elza’s Nothing’s Wrong

Vancouver singer/songwriter Elza has been hard at work on her debut full-length Nothing’s Wrong, coming out November 2nd, 2018.  The follow-up to her 2014 EP Glories, Nothing’s Wrong is a laid-back, artsy pop offering that is sure to make its way onto many “chill” playlists. I wasn’t sold on the single “Swayed,” and there were… Continue reading Album Review: Elza’s Nothing’s Wrong

Listening Lately: A Real Article ft. FINNR’S CANE, HOLLOW LEG, WITCHCRAFT, AND BONE CHURCH

It’s been awhile since I sat down and cranked one of these out…  I’ve been doing a lot of PR writing this summer that doesn’t get seen on the blog, and in the process I’ve come across some really interesting underground bands. If you want to listen to something brooding and cinematic, try Finnr’s Cane. … Continue reading Listening Lately: A Real Article ft. FINNR’S CANE, HOLLOW LEG, WITCHCRAFT, AND BONE CHURCH

Album Review: The Goldwyn Experiment’s Avenue B

From the first seconds of opening track “Prologue,” it becomes clear that The Goldwyn Experiment’s Avenue B represents a musical metamorphosis for band leader Goldwyn Thandrayen.  Alternative Control reviewed Psychocide, a party pop band he fronted, in 2017 — and this new project is quite a departure.  Incorporating piano, upright, bass, and even a guest rapper,… Continue reading Album Review: The Goldwyn Experiment’s Avenue B

Album Review: Sam Fishman’s The End of Time

The End of Time isn’t just an album, it’s a contemporary rock journey.  Tracks alternate between a wise woman’s narration and songs in a variety of musical genres, taking the listener on many unexpected twists and turns — which is fitting, as part of the album is about escaping a labyrinth.  In spite of the… Continue reading Album Review: Sam Fishman’s The End of Time

AltCtrlToob Video Review: American High’s “Cheye Calvo”

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”

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