I try to review new albums as close to their release date as possible; I’ve been slacking a little as of late and this one has not helped me at all. My queue was all set, Avid Reader, since I have a few albums from March that haven’t been touched, but for some reason the new Flaming Lips has been on repeat and I would much rather tell you about this one than any of the others that are waiting around.
Not many bands can express real emotion the way the Lips can. Their use of sound, harmony, texture and
Youth and Heartbreak
by J Frazzetta May 6th, 2013 | Artist Review, Featured Artist
As I explained last week, Avid Reader, I came to discover Kings of Leon in a very roundabout sort of way. Some coincidences led me to their debut album and while I liked some of it, it was when their second album dropped I was ready to believe. Funny how that works out sometimes: I had tried to sell their first album on a few occasions but since it was marked "promo copy" I could never get rid of it. In retrospect I’m glad that I held on to the album because in time, a lot of time,
Device — Self Titled
by Jason Lightner May 3rd, 2013 | Album Review
As a fan of the alternative metal licks of Disturbed, I was excited to find out about frontman David Draiman's new side project Device, especially after the relative disappointment in Disturbed's last album and the group's hiatus in 2011. The new project seems like a great direction for a songwriter like Draiman, who's right at home with dark themes and pounding melodies.
Device's lineup consists of Draiman on vocals, as well as Geno Lenardo of Filter on guitar — that's it. Touring members include Virus from Dope on guitar, and Will Hunt from Evanescence on drums. The sound of the
Device's lineup consists of Draiman on vocals, as well as Geno Lenardo of Filter on guitar — that's it. Touring members include Virus from Dope on guitar, and Will Hunt from Evanescence on drums. The sound of the
Sound City, Real to Reel, 2013
by J Frazzetta April 25th, 2013 | Album Review
If you’ve been living under a rock for the last 6-8 months you may not know that Dave Grohl directed a documentary about his favorite recording studio, Sound City, in Los Angeles. The studio was unique for being one of the last bastions of using tape instead of digital machinery, and it housed a Neve 8028 analog mixing console. If there was a lead role in this film, Avid Reader, it would be that console. There weren’t many of these consoles made back in the 70’s so when Dave heard the studio was closing down he put
The Love Atomic — The Falling Stars
by Jason Lightner April 23rd, 2013 | Album Review
Those of you who know me know that my musical tastes are, shall we say, multifarious. A fan of classic metal and punk, and a lover of all things involving the electric guitar, I've also never shied away from the more poppy varieties of music — call it a guilty pleasure, call it a curiosity, or call it a wanton disregard for a reputation I don't care really care about. Music's about feeling, and sometimes the only feeling that matters is fun.
Those of you who have experienced Owl City or The Postal Service know vaguely what to expect
Those of you who have experienced Owl City or The Postal Service know vaguely what to expect