REVIEW: Lacrimosa – ‘Revolution’

I remember Sehnsucht by Rammstein being the first album my liberal parents disapproved of. They kind of heard this gothic German metal and thought it was devil-worshipping music. If only I had Lacrimosa’s new album Revolution back then, I could have eased them into it a little more. The product of this male/female, German/Finnish duo […]
Stars / Diamond Rings @ The Mayan – 10/18/2012

Apparently Los Angeles was the first city that the indie coed class-act that is Stars could draw a crowd outside of their native land up in Montreal. Within the confines of The Mayan, an ancient Aztec theatre in downtown LA, the whimsical vocal duets of this Canadian band took their time in reaffirming us of […]
First Aid Kit @ The Fonda – 10/16/2012

Within the classic frame of an elegantly disheveled theatre, The Fonda sits on the outskirts of the surging heart of Hollywood. One simple tour around the venue provides you with enough artful stimuli to charm you as you experience an intelligently lit live performance. Here, in this majestic setting is where Swedish-powered First Aid Kit […]
REVIEW: The Janks – ‘Hands of Time’

Fun. No, not the band – F.U.N. – the measure of enjoyability. Hands Of Time, the latest release by the genre-braid that is The Janks is…fun. I was just reading up on Zeppelin’s documentary covering their recent reunion show, and Jimmy Page describes the band as a bunch of musicians at the top of their […]
REVIEW: MIKESCHAIR – “Redemption Song”

You know what they say, “Happy Halloween…and a Merry Christmas to you too.” Despite our current worry for our Halloween costume decision, it’s not too early to get in the sleigh-bell spirit. Philanthropic and sweet-rocking MIKESCHAIR offers up a pop-rock winter anthem with “Redemption Song.” The trot of a string of metal bells(of the sleigh […]
REVIEW: Man Overboard – ‘Acoustic Covers: Volume 1’

Defend pop-punk. Zac Eisenstein of Man Overbhoard does. There’s a novelty in the punk world – among other top favorites such as guitar flips, hair flips, crowd surfing, etc. – that is one of the most unique ways a band can break through the pack. Punk covers have had mainstream success with bands like New […]
REVIEW: Ellie Goulding – ‘Halcyon’

Ellie Goulding. Her first US single, “Lights” showed some of the most persistence ever, embarking on a 33-week climb to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Maybe you’ve heard “Anything Could Happen,” the single off her latest record, Halcyon, maybe not, but you’re in for a treat if you save this album the 30-week trip […]
REVIEW: In Fear And Faith – ‘In Fear And Faith’

Get down! Run for cover! They’re just overhead! Other exclamations you might expect in a war movie!!!;) Oh holy post-hardcore. I haven’t listened to new music in this genre for a bit and I really miss the compelling symphony of metal and gothic rock. When I listen to albums, if the vocals aren’t right up […]