Ulver: the mighty shape shifters. Black metallers turned electronic artists turned classical composers have once again reinvented themselves into…a jam band? Yes. They’re back and have once again left genre classifiers scratching their heads. They’re the musical collective that won’t stand still and I love them for it. And they haven’t let me down this… Continue reading Interpreting the Stars: A Review of Ulver’s ATGCLVLSSCAP
Tag: rock
4 and ½ Stars: A Review of Steven Wilson’s 4 ½
Anyone who is an avid listener of Steven Wilson’s output knows that he has a knack for changing things up. That’s why his recent moves have been frustrating. The last two albums he’s been involved with, despite their excellent craftsmanship, have been pretty predictable. He’s been writing 70s progressive rock; a genre influence that he… Continue reading 4 and ½ Stars: A Review of Steven Wilson’s 4 ½
A Tyranny of Vastness: Eight Bells’ Melynda Jackson and Haley Westeiner on Their New Album, Their New Drummer, and More
Eight Bells plays a hypnotic form of experimental/progressive loud rock that references everything from metal to kraut rock. The band, which features Melynda Jackson (guitar/vocals) and Haley Westeiner (bass/vocals) and new drummer Rae Amitay (Immortal Bird), is about to drop their excellent new album Landless, on February 12 through Battleground Records. They are also embarking… Continue reading A Tyranny of Vastness: Eight Bells’ Melynda Jackson and Haley Westeiner on Their New Album, Their New Drummer, and More
New Star Fixed In Space: A Review of David Bowie’s Blackstar
David Bowie left us with a parting gift. It’s a gift that almost brings me to tears. Not only because it’s his last piece of art to the world, but also because of its sheer creative genius. Even at a sickly 69 years old, the man never compromised his vision nor settled his restless nature… Continue reading New Star Fixed In Space: A Review of David Bowie’s Blackstar
Angela Burns Isn’t Here to Make You Feel Better
Influenced by grunge and pop-punk, 21-year-old Texas native Angela Burns has put together an eight-track “mixtape,” So You Can Feel Better, that sounds like the beginning of something promising. “I’m calling it a mixtape,” Burns said on Facebook, “because production-wise, it was such a learning experience. This is my first effort, and I’m proud of it!” Incorporating… Continue reading Angela Burns Isn’t Here to Make You Feel Better
EP Review: Bad Reed (Self-Titled)
Canadian rockers Bad Reed released their three-song EP in June of last year and it’s beginning to make its way down to the States. “Slackjaw Romance” is the standout track. The delicate intro gives way to an irreverent ballad about unhappy love. Its refrain, “All I want is a pack of cigarettes / And a… Continue reading EP Review: Bad Reed (Self-Titled)
Acid Blast: A Review of Yuri Gagarin’s At the Center of All Infinity
Late December has to be the worst timing for album releases. Most if not all of the best-of-the-year lists are completed by this time. And there’s such a long wait for the following December that lots of critics forget about anything that was released before early February. But I’m going to try my hardest not… Continue reading Acid Blast: A Review of Yuri Gagarin’s At the Center of All Infinity