Music 1
Son Step – “Right Times”
Philadelphia’s own Son Step has spent the past few years making incredibly interesting music. Their 2012 album Here Comes Dreamboat is rife with dissonant rhythms and harmony. That is what first drew me to Son Step. Their music is very unique in its timbre as well as rhythm and song construction. The song “Right Times” […]
Halsey – BADLANDS
I’m about to talk about an album that’s SUPER fresh — as in, it just officially came out like 3 days ago (even though it was leaked online August 23). Introducing Halsey’s BADLANDS: an album that will easily become the soundtrack to your last couple of weeks of summer. Halsey — legally named Ashley Frangipane […]
Frameworks – Loom
Before moving to Chicago I lived in Tallahassee, FL, about two hours northwest from Gainesville, hometown of Frameworks. They’ve been around since 2011 with their first EP, Every Day is the Same, coming out in October of that year. I booked the first (house) show they played in Tallahassee, and now they’re signed with Topshelf Records, […]
Ted Leo & The Pharmacists – The Tyranny of Distance
The Tyranny of Distance is the second album from Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, and it sounds absolutely huge. From the distant, feeding-back guitar that kicks it off, all the way through the ending featuring just Ted and his ES-335, it’s a monumental work. I’ll talk about all that comes in between in a moment, but let’s go […]
Citizen – Everybody Is Going To Heaven
I’ve been anticipating Citizen’s new album Everybody Is Going To Heaven for far too long now. After the release of their freshman LP “Youth” I was hooked. It was Matt’s soothing vocals laid over the heavy overdrive/Tube Screamer riffs that caught me. They were able to blend grungy punk with a serene pop sound very well. […]
Sumac – The Deal
With Isis/Old Man Gloom frontman and Hydra Head Records founder/owner Aaron Turner at the helm, Sumac has its roots dug deep into the metal underground. In the wake of Isis disbanding and Hydra Head closing down, Turner spent some time with various side projects like Old Man Gloom and the black metal studio band Twilight, […]
Beast Còast – Just Breathe
I need music. But it’s not because I need noise or need distraction — I actually have a need for music in my life. It’s the key to my sanity, and a single track can make my day — or put me in a weird mood. I have a pretty varied taste in music, and […]
Matt Ulery – “There’s a Reason and a Thousand Ways”
Matt Ulery has made a name for himself as one of Chicago’s top jazz bass players. Not only is he a noted sideman, but a bandleader and composer. Ulery’s 2014 album Into the Ivory is a great showcase for his compositional prowess. The second track on the album, “There’s a Reason and a Thousand Ways,” in […]
Gasolin’ – Gør Det Noget
Now without further introduction: The Danish Beatles…erhm what? I mean, with a little introduction here’s: The Boogie Beatles. The Boogie Beatles you say? Yes, exactly. That’s I meant to say. Why would one say that if such an idea doesn’t quite register without a bit of an introduction. Ok, here’s one: In 1971, young singer-songwriter […]
