Reviews
Click here for alphabetical archive
July 20, 2019
Salt Creek's sophomore EP leans heavily on alt-rock for a catchy blend of radio-friendly songs.
June 15, 2019
Leem of Earth - Chapter 1, Chapter 2, and Chapter 3
Atmospheric, floating, literary and lush. Leem of Earth has completed their trilogy with the June 7th release of Chapter 3, the third EP in their belletristic series: Chapter 1, Chapter 2 and Chapter 3. In all three efforts, the band from Pensacola, Florida, creates a fragile wall of sound that hearkens between the fuzz and soundscapes of 90s 4AD shoegaze bands and the ethereal charm of Mazzy Star, The Sundays, Cocteau Twins and The Innocence Mission.
June 2, 2019
MrENC - On and On and On
Right off the bat, it’s loud and energetic. This is melodic, yet noisy indie rock, reminiscent of the classic 90s Britpop with hints of 70s glam (think the rock riffs of Suede meet the swagger of The Divine Comedy). But don’t be fooled, this isn’t simply nostalgic stuff, stuck in the past. There is a real energy and drive to this music that captures one’s attention right off the bat.
For those who don’t know, MrENC is Eric Collins’ nom-de-rock (formerly of Denison Marrs). Lyrics deal with the need for love and compassion—both the giving and the receiving—through the chaos and noise of life. … Continued →
May 17, 2019
Chris Bernstorf - It's All Joy
Chris Bernstorf is the poetic equivalent to a bowl of jelly beans. Well, unless you study those jelly bean guides, but that’s beside the point. Opening track “Swing” lives up to its name, offering a dizzying array of topics from water parks, to The Mentalist, to online classes, all pointing to the theme of overcoming personal vices. That probably sounds random – which it is – but that’s precisely what works for It’s All Joy: the negative “without rhyme or reason” is turned into a positive.… Continued →
May 12, 2019
My Epic - Violence
My Epic returns with their long-awaited follow up to Ultraviolet, and it's aimed to be one of their most provocative releases to date.
April 24, 2019
Cruentis - Alpha and Omega
This 5-song EP contains 3 songs of melodic death metal (tracks 2-4) sandwiched in between 2 longer, unusual songs that genre-wise feature a hybrid of nu metal, doom metal and some classical instrumentation. Stylistically, the middle 3 tracks are similar to bands like Pantokrator, World to Ashes and similar melodeath bands (or In Flames and At the Gates from a mainstream perspective), but there is not a huge emphasis on the lead guitar. These are the strongest tracks with the most cohesive sound. The first and last tracks are more original, but ironically also weaker.… Continued →
April 22, 2019
Subways on the Sun - Capsize
It'd be remiss to think Fair was simply Aaron Sprinkle's backing band. Subways on the Sun is fronted by Fair alumni and offer listeners an eclectic blend of grungey alt-indie that demonstrates their songwriting prowess.
April 19, 2019
Starflyer 59 - Young in My Head
Starflyer 59 are back. But, what does even mean when they never went away? Christian indie rock’s most prolific band have just released their 15th full-length album (not counting their 9 EPs, 4 live releases, 3 box sets/collections, numerous vinyl singles and LP variants or compilation appearances—I didn’t even mention the side projects: Pony Express, Bon Voyage, Dance House Children, The Brothers Martin, White Lighter, Neon Horse and Lo-Tom) making them probably the second most prolific band in all of indie rock (second only to Guided by Voices, who are at something like 100 releases).… Continued →
April 6, 2019
Kings Kaleidoscope - ZEAL
Kings Kaleidoscope has shifted gears a bit on ZEAL, incorporating a heavy focus on production and hip-hop elements.
April 5, 2019
American Arson - Rise & Fall
American Arson's Facedown Records debut is a great entry point for new fans.
April 1, 2019
Death Therapy - "Voices"
Death Therapy appeared on the scene for many with their debut album, “The Storm Before the Calm”, in early 2017. An album that just dripped of a mix of industrial and metal, it was met with a positive response from both fans and critics alike. It elicited such a positive response in fact, that even at the time, it was hard to ignore that it set a pretty high bar for whatever might come next. Fast forward to March 2019, just a little over two years later, and we’re about to find out how the new album, “Voices”, one of the more anticipated releases of 2019, stacks up.… Continued →
Flactorophia - Redemption of the Flesh
Grindcore. You either love it or think it’s not music and wonder why it ever existed. There’s not a lot of in-between. It’s possibly the most extreme form of music that exists (it’s either that or some form of harsh noise). Flactorophia hail from Ecuador, have been around for quite a while. In fact, Redemption of the Flesh was originally released in 2006. The band released this one album and a few split releases, before its sole member, Jose Barragan tragically died in a fire at a local gig, along with several other members of other bands.… Continued →
March 26, 2019
Relent - Heart Attack
Sometime last year, Brandon was kind enough to introduce me to a band named Relent. At the time, the band only had a 2 song ep available called “Embers”, but it was more than enough to pique my interest. What we have in these guys is a what I’m going to call a new nu metal sound. Normally, when I’m putting together a review, I like to make comparisons to other bands to help give an idea of what to expect sound-wise, but here that’s a little difficult.… Continued →
March 25, 2019
Demon Hunter - Peace
So, it’s been a couple weeks since Zac reviewed Demon Hunter’s “War” album. If you haven’t yet given it a read, you can find it HERE. Go check it out, I’ll wait. Caught up? Good. Now that we’re all on the same page, it’s my turn. Let’s talk about the other album the band released on the same date (yes, a double release), “Peace”.
When it came down to reviewing one of the new Demon Hunter albums, I’m not gonna lie, I was a little disappointed to find I’d be reviewing “Peace” rather than “War”.… Continued →
March 24, 2019
Their Throats Are Open Tombs - Of Psalms & Snakes
When a band includes members carrying the names, Agent 57, Colonel K, Donnie Murdo, Isambard Sinclair, and Penfold, you know their music is destined to be far from ordinary.
Their Throats are Open Tombs have returned with a follow-up to their 2016 self-titled debut. Defining OF PSALMS & SNAKES is an impossibility. It’s grindcore, it’s electro, it’s punk, it’s noise, and it’s undeniably fast and chaotic. And it’s brilliant. The album gives the struggles and the triumphs encountered while living a life of faith.
The delicate piano on “Nachsinnen”, the opening song of OF PSALMS & SNAKES, gives no indication of what’s to come.… Continued →
March 10, 2019
Good Saint Nathanael - Hide No Truth
If you’re reading this review, chances are you’re aware of Nate Allen. Released a ton of folk-punk albums with wife Tessa as Destroy Nate Allen. DNA was energetic, fun, and although there was always a message, it was generally focused outward (“Jesus, Keep us Safe from the Cops” and “Boobie Bar” come to mind). Good Saint Nathaniel is Nate’s latest project, a solo outing, in which he turns inward to personal reflection and resolution. And the results are surprisingly good.
Stylistically this is indie folk. Closest comparisons I can make are Damien Jurado’s darker stuff (there are no pop songs here), or even some of Mark Kozelek’s stuff (Red House Painters, Sun Kil Moon), but with more uplifting content.… Continued →
March 9, 2019
Heath McNease - Be Clean Again
Be Clean Again feels like a Sunday. The weather is somber, you’re feeling introspective, and everything just seems rather slow. Very little of Heath McNease’s latest effort (save for “Believe”) could be deemed upbeat from a musical or lyrical standpoint. This album is 54 minutes of slow hip-hop meets folk, never lacking in sincerity or seriousness. While McNease is most proficient at handling this task – being the guitar playing and singing, yet thought provoking rapper, that he is – Be Clean Again made my eyes (and heart) feel a shade heavy.… Continued →
March 8, 2019
Families / Kevin Schlereth - Split
Check out one of Chroma Artist Collective's first releases of the year!
Hallowell - Hallowell
Hallowell is quick to capture listeners' attention but ultimately demands careful rumination to fully enjoy.
March 4, 2019
Demon Hunter - War
There’s really no need for any introduction to these giants. However over the years, Demon Hunter’s sound has slowly transformed from that signature “DH” sound to a cleaner vocal driven sound. With mixed responses, Ryan Clark has continued to showcase his pipes with an impressive vocal range and control.
So here we are not even two years after Outlive with two brand new albums from the band. The two are musically separated into two categories. War handles the heavier side of Demon Hunter, while Peace handles the softer side.… Continued →
February 13, 2019
Stephen Mark Sarro - The Spirit Shrill
Most readers will know Stephen best as the founder/frontman for alternative metal acts Tantrum of the Muse and Unteachers. Where Tantrum and Unteachers ‘taught’ us how to rock out, solo Sarro efforts want to make us uncomfortable. Spirit Shrill is his second solo album, continuing to explore experimental and noise fields.
This album is one 55-minute-long track, although there are distinct movements within the piece. Samples abound, and whereas SMS’s last solo album critiqued our culture’s fascination with sex, Spirit Shrill is an unapologetic critique of the Charismatic movement.… Continued →
January 31, 2019
The Drowned God - I'll Always Be the Same
I’ll Always Be the Same is a tiring listen. For an album that focuses on negative thoughts and emotions, the lyrics really accentuate the music. Human psychology is paradoxical in the sense that even when emotions and thoughts seem to repeat themselves, they can never actually be the same qualitatively, since they occur at different points in time. The music of The Drowned God is an effigy of consciousness, for the song structures are entirely unpredictable, even when there is repetition at either the lyrical or musical level.… Continued →
January 6, 2019
Lo Inconmovible "El Que Abre Brechas"
Christian Hardcore/Post-Hardcore act from Argentina, Lo Inconmovible (translated: The Unshakable) after 6 years of being a band, have finally released their official full length.
December 16, 2018
The Chairman Dances - Child of My Sorrow
The Chairman Dances' latest release wrestles with the pain of life and death over brooding orchestral arrangements.
December 14, 2018
Valleyheart - Everyone I've Ever Loved
Valleyheart's moving debut is repentant, vulnerable alt-rock laced with explosive crescendos.
December 10, 2018
Dystopian Futures - The Tyranny of Things
The Tyranny of Things, the latest release from Dystopian Futures, builds on the foundation laid during the band’s debut self-titled EP, and Low Arts. This world is a dangerous place. And it’s not just the horrific scenes that appear on the evening news. The danger lies in our hands, our thoughts, and by the technology that absorbs and directs our every waking moment.
The opening notes of “Dead Philosophers”, leaves the listener expecting a light pop song. Not so. The vocals build to a shout, naming philosopher after philosopher, no longer alive.… Continued →
December 7, 2018
Thin Ice "Misery Noose"
San Antonio, Texas' Metallic Hardcore act Thin Ice has recently released demos for what would've been their full length follow up to their Blood & Ink records EP release "Revelation Through Tribulation". Needless to say, this doesn't disappoint in the least. Heavy and aggressive as expected.
Young Oceans "Songs of Christmas"
There are albums that one finds out about and count the days in anticipation for its release. Young Oceans' "Songs of Christimas" is one album that I, myself was not aware was being worked out, but was exceptionally joyed upon hearing of it's release.
December 5, 2018
Eager Seas - Mine As Well
Eager Seas' latest release is composed of songs released consecutively throughout 2018. Does it suffer from being single-driven or does it maintain enough cohesion to be considered a proper album? Does this question even matter?
December 2, 2018
Review: Amongst the Giants - Obscene
A while ago, I remember hearing a small snippet of a track from a band I would later find out was Amongst the Giants; just a few seconds in length really, but based solely on that, I already had high expectations of what was to come and was eager to hear more. Then, in April, that “more” came in the form of the bands first single, “Lost In Translation” and my expectations rose even higher. So, when the time came, and it was announced that the debut album, “Obscene” would have a November 16th release date, it really felt far away.… Continued →