CD Review: Ryan Adams — Ashes & Fire

Ryan Adams Ashes & Fire PAX-AM/Capitol Records By Scott Roberts If anyone deserves to make a slow, quiet, introspective record after going through several tumultuous years at a non-stop pace, it’s Ryan Adams, and he has done just that with his new release Ashes & Fire. The North Carolina singer-songwriter, undoubtedly one of the most […]

CD Review: Five Finger Death Punch — American Capitalist; Playing The Tabernacle, November 14

Five Finger Death Punch American Capitalist  Prospect Park By Ellen Eldridge The way bands like Five Finger Death Punch pack a powerful punch inside a pop melody takes listeners by surprise.  Remember, pop refers to popular so calling a band like Five Finger “pop” shouldn’t be considered an insult. Bands seeking a heavier audience, or […]

Live Review: Dark Dark Dark at The EARL, October 7

By David Courtright The music of Minneapolis quintet Dark Dark Dark is easily illuminated by their name itself. Easily categorized as “dark,” or more specifically, moody, down-tempo chamber pop, their music has gained notoriety with its quiet intensity and powerful lyrics. Singer Nona Marie Invie crafts songs of quiet longing, songs that burn slow and […]

CD Review: Mutemath — Odd Soul

Mutemath Odd Soul Warner Brothers Records By Ellen Eldridge My interest in Mutemath reached its peak when I heard the term “mathrock,” because I assumed Mutemath would use more than the standard 4/4 time signature. I expected something of an intellectual band rich with musical texture, and style. Honestly, I don’t know why I thought […]

Live Review: tUnE-yArDs at The Basement, October 4

By David Courtright; photo by Michael Koenig I was surprised when I heard indie darling tUnE-yArDs was playing at The Basement, considering where someone of her stature would usually play in town. I was, therefore, not surprised when the show quickly sold out, and for good reason. Merrill Garbus, the New England brain-child and songwriter […]

Live Review: Grace Woodroofe and Ben Harper at The Tabernacle, October 7

Review by Ellen Eldridge; photo by Lisa Keel Grace Woodroofe opened for Ben Harper at the Tabernacle as part of a six-fingered handful of dates supporting her recent Always Want release. Her energetic smile and genuine appreciation won over many of Harper’s fan. Those who hadn’t heard of her before should check out her latest […]

CD Review: Man Overboard — Man Overboard; Playing Masquerade, October 14

CD Review: Man Overboard — Man Overboard; Playing Masquerade, October 14

Man Overboard Man Overboard Rise Records By Al Kaufman Now that Blink 182 have gone all mature with their new release, Neighborhoods, it’s good to know that there are bands like Man Overboard (who take their name from the Blink 182 song) to hold high to pop-punk, smarmy teen trophy. Man Overboard, a five-piece out of New […]