Unknown Mortal Orchestra coming to Variety Playhouse

Unknown Mortal Orchestra at Variety Playhouse on Sunday, July 8th. Unknown Mortal Orchestra continues to bridge the gap between punk and funk with their 4th album, Sex & Food, that released in April via Jagjaguwar.  It confronts real-deal serious themes such as “What are we consuming? How is it affecting us, and why does everything feel so bad and weird sometimes?” Through a vibrant […]

CD Review: Michelle Malone — Stronger Than You Think; Playing @ Eddie’s Attic 5/30

Michelle Malone Stronger Than You Think SBS Records By Al Kaufman “Mature” is a tricky world in the music business. It’s often code for “losing your edge,” or “quietly slipping off into adult contemporary oblivion.” Michelle Malone’s last two albums, 2012’s Day 2, and 2014’s Acoustic Winter could both be considered “mature” albums in the […]

CD Review: “Tomorrow’s Hits” by The Men

By: Rosie Judd Tomorrow’s Hits may not be the most original record from Brooklyn’s The Men, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not packed full of ear candy. This record provides a great balance of pop sensibilities, garage-rock boogie and classic rock homages. Opening with the jangly, minor-key rocker “Dark Waltz”, Tomorrow’s Hits immediately puts you […]

CD Review: The Band of Heathens — Sunday Morning Record; Play Vinyl October 27th

The Band of Heathens Sunday Morning Record BOH Records By Al Kaufman The name Band of Heathens conjures up images of boys in overalls playing one string basses and banging on wash basins and other assorted metals while downing some blinding moonshine. The actual Band of Heathens have never lived up to their name in […]

CD Review: Ministry – From Beer to Eternity

By Ellen Eldridge   Calling the thirteenth Ministry release schizophrenic implies that Jourgensen’s work isn’t grounded in reality. From the chaotic beats and frenzied samples to the intermittent bursts from Jourgensen himself, From Beer to Eternity sounds off about the world. From the astounded “Holy cow!” introducing “Hail to His Majesty (Peasants)” through “Punch in […]

CD Review: Radiation City- Animals in the Median; Play the Earl 6/6

Radiation City Animals in the Median Tender Loving Empire By Al Kaufman On their sophomore record, Animals in the Median, Radiation City has done the near impossible. They have made electronic music sound warm and soulful. The five-piece (three boys, two girls) indie band out of Portland, Oregon has created an album full of rhythmic […]

CD Review: David Mayfield Parade — Good Man Down; Playing @ Smith’s Olde Bar April 12th

The David Mayfield Parade Good Man Down Beautywood Records By Al Kaufman With crystalline vocals reminiscent of a young James Taylor, it would be easy for David Mayfield to write adult contemporary songs and have middle-aged women swoon over him for the rest of his life, but Mayfield isn’t that type of guy. He spent […]

CD Review: Intronaut – Habitual Levitations Drops Tuesday, March 19th

Review by Ellen Eldridge The word Intronaut makes me think of a spacesuit-clad band destined only to open for bigger bands, spiraling out musically while standing still on stage. After listening to Habitual Levitations, I feel quite certain that Intronaut will break out of its well-earned slot opening for bands including Tool and Meshuggah. Maybe […]

CD Review: Tegan & Sara — Heartthrob

Tegan & Sara Heartthrob Warner Brothers By Al Kaufman The indie pop darlings have discovered the ‘80s. The goal of the seventh album for the Canadian twin sisters was to write a batch of fun ‘80s synth-pop love songs, but add an undertone of darkness. They succeeded. Ditching their producer from the last two albums, […]

CD Review: The Romans – Coldest Weather

Review by Ellen Eldridge The Coldest Weather debut introduces The Romans as empathetic to indie rock while immersed in influences from wider sources. Atlanta acts as a melting pot for music; so many genres and influences inspire the music from our city’s bands and The Romans belly up to the bar bringing a warm nostalgic […]

CD Review: Ben Folds Five — The Sound of the Life of the Mind

Ben Folds Five The Sound of the Life of the Mind Legacy By Al Kaufman It’s been 13 years since the last Ben Folds Five album, The rather lackluster The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner. In the intervening years, Folds has cobbled together a rather successful solo career, including the brilliant Lonely Avenue, a collaboration […]