“Transitions” bores audiences with repetitive guitar riffs
Initially, I expected that a two-man band originating from Stockholm would not fail to provide a unique and interesting sound that differed from normal alternative and indie rock bands. Unfortunately, with the release of...
Wolfmother is close to victory with “Victorious”
In an era where hard rock music is being quickly overshadowed by other genres, it is nice to see Wolfmother step into the fray with their balls-to-the-wall rock attitude. With in-your-face guitar riffs and...
Lorde returns with a fluorescent melodrama
Empty vodka bottles, clothes on the floor and rearranged furniture leave traces of a party that poses the thought: What happened last night? Fumbling over the furniture and bottles as you trace through the...
We need more quality from “We Are All We Need”
After the success of “Group Therapy,” I was excited when I found out that Above & Beyond had come out with a new album called “We Are All We Need.” But instead of being...
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...