The title of Australian trio PVT’s fourth effort Homosapien sheds light on the band’s perspective on sound. With its scientific tinge, the title alludes to the electronic infrastructure of the album. The band’s progression from instrumental electronic rock to a more electro synth-pop sound began with their last album, Church[Read More…]
Music
Richard Thompson: Electric
The title of Richard Thompson’s new release, Electric, hints at vitality and novelty from one of the British Isles’ best guitarist/songwriters. Forty-five years into his career, Thompson still succeeds in rendering spirited ballads, oscillating from heartfelt to ornery. Whether you are a longtime admirer, or a newcomer to his funky[Read More…]
Tegan and Sara: Heartthrob
After spending a decade in the music industry, and crafting six albums that have cemented the band as a powerful indie-rock duo, Canadian twins Tegan and Sara decided to take the plunge into the world of pop by recruiting producer Greg Kurstin (Ke$ha; Katy Perry). Replacing guitars with synth-pads, simple[Read More…]
Portage and Main: Never Had The Time
Well, it’s February: the Monday of months. The nasty hangover after the wild weekend that is Winter Break. For those that could use some sort of pick-me-up, Portage and Main’s new album Never Had The Time is just what the doctor ordered. It offers a smooth respite from the grey[Read More…]
Apparat Organ Quartet: Pólýfónía
There must be something in the water in Iceland. The nation has given birth to many popular acts, such as Björk and Sigur Rós, known for treading into strange, experimental realms with their music. Apparat Organ Quartet certainly fits this mould, with their inventive electro-rock and their particular style, which[Read More…]
Petra Haden: Petra Goes to the Movies
You might have heard of the American singer and musician Petra Haden, in connection with her collaborations with internationally acclaimed artists, such as The Foo Fighters and Bill Frisell. Or, if a cappella is your thing, you may be familiar with the solo album she released in 2005, containing a[Read More…]
Naked Days: Sleeping in Herndon
Naked Days, an eclectic band hailing from Leesburg, Virginia, brings us a unique arrangement of acoustic alternative sound. Reminiscent of the likes of The Silversun Pickups, Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeroes, and Montreal’s own Thus:Owls, this indie foursome fuses a muffled, low-definition sound with sweet lyrical supplement in their[Read More…]
The Joy Formidable: Wolf’s Law
The century-old Wolf’s Law says that our bones can adapt themselves to carry increasingly heavier loads over time; the more stress we place on our bones, the more resistant they become to these external pressures. There seems to be no better testament to this theory than Welsh band The Joy[Read More…]
Various Artists: Girls Soundtrack, Vol. 1
The debut season of Girls received effusive praise, and viewers fell in love with the triple-threat director, writer, and lead actress Lena Dunham. Dunham plays Hannah Horvath, a twenty-something writer living in New York, who struggles with a steady job and a relationship with an uber-horny boyfriend. Among the complicated[Read More…]
Sebastien Tellier: My God is Blue
In his latest album My God is Blue, French musician Sebastien Tellier plays with numerous different genres, sounds, languages, and emotions. Tellier’s release won’t be enjoyed by all, but those who do will like it whole-heartedly. My God is Blue is a spiritual album. Tellier asks the listener to connect[Read More…]
