Five stars, four albums, One Direction
Once a band of five strangers put together by Simon Cowell on the X Factor in 2010, One Direction has made their name within the music industry indestructible — four years and four albums...
Arca’s new album mutates into something great
With credits ranging from Yeezus to FKA twigs to Bjork, the Venezuelan-born producer Alejandro Ghersi has had an unusual career, walking the line between mainstream and underground production. He’s injected his albums with his...
Gardens and Villa at the Barn
The latest and greatest band to come out of Santa Barbara, Gardens and Villa, played to an enthusiastic crowd at the Barn Wednesday night. The band was the headliner for the highly anticipated “free...
Childish Gambino successfully switches it up with “STN MTN / Kauai.”
If you’re still reeling from the fact that you were unable to witness the greatness that is Childish Gambino at UCR’s 2014 HEAT music festival that never happened, I have a nice surprise for...
A$AP Mob puts on for New York and reaches new heights on Cozy Tapes
The commercial success of A$AP Rocky and A$AP Ferg has led to the two Harlem rappers becoming arguably the most influential rappers to come out of New York in the last 15 years not...
“Slowdive” and the graceful maturation of ‘90s shoegaze
“Slowdive” is the final act in what the band would liken to a cinematic representation of their musical journey. Fitting, that their debut EP bore their name as well, as if to anticipate the...
Iceage tries new sound for “Plowing Into the Field of Love”
Too messy for mainstream rock and alternative and too tame for punk, Iceage’s new album “Plowing Into the Field of Love” is one that can’t be easily placed into any subgenre of rock or...
Heat Music Festival 2012
UC Riverside’s annual Heat Music Festival continued this year with an incredibly successful show featuring eclectic and highly acclaimed musicians. Three different stages provided ample options for a variety of musical tastes.
The Highland Stage...
“Faith in Strangers”: Atypical Techno
Manchester producer and electronic artist Andy Stott has released his anticipated fourth album, “Faith in Strangers,” which features the careful mastering and atmospheric style indicative of his work. Light and airy with a dark,...
Coldplay’s “Ghost Stories” tells a familiar story with an unfamiliar tune
Ever since their release of “Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends,” Coldplay has steered away from their more traditional alternative and indie rock sounds of acoustic guitars, piano riffs and anthemic...