Highlander Radar: What did you think of performing at UC Riverside compared to other venues? How was the crowd?
Mikel Jollett: It was awesome, it was exciting; I like playing for a college audience because a lot of the world events that the songs are about affect kids that are in that age range.
Steven Chen: I went to UC Berkeley...
Following their first album, “Sigh No More” released in 2009, is Mumford and Son’s latest and highly anticipated album, “Babel,” which was released on Sept. 21, 2012. In the very first track, “Babel” delivers the same sound audiences love, which is urgent, ferocious strumming, combined with a driving confidence reminiscent of folk pride.
Lead singer Marcus Mumford’s voice never fails...
A songwriter frequently known for her teenage sentimentalism or specifically providing listeners with new break-up songs, Taylor Swift has often been dubbed as a Southern songbird with a soft voice, safe songs and on a constant journey for her Romeo. (“Love Story,” anyone?) Flying away from her Nashville roots and glitter guitar, Swift welcomes pop music’s synthesizers and keyboards...
Still going strong in their now 33-year-long career, Shonen Knife released “Overdrive” earlier this month. Formed in Osaka, this three-part group has a sound that has consistently been associated with pop-punk and alternative rock. Although current members Naoko Yamano, Ritsuko Taneda and Emi Morimoto are all natives of Japan, “Overdrive” is one of many albums that are produced in...
Kathleen Edwards has not sparked too much recognition since her debut album “Failure” in 2003. The Canadian country-alternative singer-songwriter has since completed three other albums including her most recent, “Voyageur,” released Jan. 17. The title of this album is certainly more optimistic than the first. The alternative genre also seems to take the lead now over Edwards’ earlier, country-dominant...
From desperately attempting to save the soul of a person struggling with drug addiction to doubting the benevolence of a supposedly kind and nurturing God, the Fray have taken us through some of life’s deepest emotions and most challenging experiences with many of their widely recognizable songs. The band has already established itself as a groundbreaking pop-rock phenomenon, but...
Harry Styles released his first solo album since his days in One Direction. In an interview with The Sun, Styles claimed, “I wanted to put out a piece of me that I haven’t put out before.” And his self-titled album is surprising to hear because of the vulnerability and raw emotion embedded in his soft rock. Where ZAYN turned...
As a West Coast rap pioneer, Snoop Dogg’s 13th album is a return to the soulful G-funk sound of his earlier career, as if he’s already bought into his own caricature of himself. Even Pharrell Williams’ stellar production turns out to be nothing other than what could be expected. “BUSH” is a fun, smooth and incredulously boring album that...
The highly innovative and pioneering record label Stones Throw records has put out another album in "Bad Neighbor.” This album is a collaboration between underground hip-hop artists MED and Blu, and was produced by producer Madlib, who is widely considered one of the greatest producers within the genre. Stones Throw, which has boasted legendary artists such as J Dilla,...
The Highlander appreciates artists in all forms, even those less renown. As such, in our "Under the Radar" series, we bring light to the underappreciated and incredibly talented. Enjoy.
Haroula Rose
If there is anything one can say about Haroula Rose’s music is that it’s intricately crafted. The Chicago-born, LA-based folk singer and guitarist weaves her music with calm and care that...