The troubadour was a figure of lyrical poetry that became very popular during the Middle Ages. Christopher Owens seems to embody this role in the 21st century. After the breakup of his debut band Girls just six short months ago, Owens takes listeners through the journey of his promising musical career with his first solo album “Lysandre,” titled after...
If you’re anything like me, you’re the type of person who takes pride in searching high and low for music that most people have probably never heard of. Instead of listening to the never-ending loop of overplayed songs on the radio, you prefer listening to songs or albums that don’t get nearly as much attention as other popular artists,...
I have been waiting for “Ride Your Heart” for a few eons now, and after being teased with two seven-inch records, Bleached has finally released their first full length album––and it didn’t disappoint. The Clavin sisters, Jennifer and Jessie, have taken off their skuzzy punk coat on this release and replaced it with pleasant pop hooks and beachy instrumentation....
As a band with Grammy-winning fame, the Black Keys have produced music that has become familiar to audiences of all different genres, ranging from ‘60s blues to modern alternative. Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney have worked together in this duo since 2001, cultivating a distinct garage rock sound with an authentic blues influence. With tracks like “Tighten Up” and...
Hip hop artist Freddie Gibbs' third studio album, "Shadow of a Doubt" is a defiant synthesis of trap music and gangster rap which come together to weave a brilliant sonic tapestry. This album has everything that makes a strong hip hop album: brilliant lyricism, venomous flow and beautifully crafted beats. While this album doesn’t necessarily surpass the genius of...
The rock band Crobot, equipped with their funk-rock revival sound and new age psychedelic elements, recently released their sophomore effort, “Welcome to Fat City.” For loyal fans, this album delivers the exact same hardcore sound from their first album, “Something Supernatural,” but unfortunately that’s not enough to keep this album interesting.
“Welcome to Fat City” offers 12 tracks that follow...
Over the past 10 years or so, baroque-pop-influenced music has made a steady comeback. The likes of Arcade Fire, the National, St. Vincent, Regina Spektor and more have helped popularize the format characterized by emotional guitar builds, "wo-oh" choruses and strong, melodic piano and string sections. Continuing in this vein, Lanterns on the Lake attempt to establish their own stake in...
Jose Gonzalez, Swedish indie folk singer, songwriter and guitarist, has released his most recent work, “Vestiges and Claws,” in a return to much of the same melancholic, spatial folk music he has released in the past. The album is a series of 10 midtempo indie folk jams that use Gonzalez’s usual formula of layered finger-style nylon guitar playing and...
Fans of “Robbers and Cowards” will enjoy the latest album dropped by the Cold War Kids. “Hold My Home” has the same upbeat energy and variety that is unique only to the Cold War Kids. After ten years of being together, Cold War Kids have the same momentum they’ve had since their 2006 debut album. From what this album...
The Shins, known for their singles “New Slang” and “Phantom Limb,” released their fourth album, “Port of Morrow,” their first album in five years. Even with the break, the band has not sacrificed any of their appeal. This new album falls seamlessly into their signature style with calming narratives, James Mercer’s steady tenor voice and poetic lyrics. Though “Port...