Category: A-Sides
Matt Nasi Band-Anticipation CD Review
Anticipation, the latest release from Denver locals, Matt Nasi Band, is light-hearted, soulful and poppy at the same time. The 9 tracks have a happy feel to them. “Unsafe and Sound” has a very catchy melody, and beautiful, emotive lyrics. “Cold Front” and “Curtains” are upbeat while delivering thoughtful messages. The album sends you off […]
Elway-Leavetaking- CD Review
by Jenn Cohen If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. There’s not a bad track on this full-length release, leavetaking, from Fort Collins locals, Elway. When a formula works, why change it? Mastering the pause before the punch, Elway stays with the tried-and-true formula of punk rock: catchy melodies, thoughtful lyrics questioning authority and […]
John Bunzli-CD Review
by Tim Wenger John Bunzli’s new album of demo sessions does not sound like a demo. The record is well put together, featuring strong instrumentation and Bunzli’s twangy, folky voice, singing slightly humorous but relatable songs. Hints of rock, country, and folk perpetrate the disc creating a sound that is mellow, but loud, and an […]
Widow’s Bane-CD Review
by Tim Wenger Exotic, dark, and harrowing, all words that come to mind when listening to the pirate-themed death polka of The Widow’s Bane’s new record Don’t Be Afraid, It’s Only Death. Danceable rock from the land beneath, the record sounds a lot like a satanic version of Gogol Bordello– swapping the upbeat, jovial beats […]
Ivory Circle-CD Review
by Tim Wenger Connie Hong is on to something with her project Ivory Circle. Mellow but traumatic, emotional and honest, the EP entropy is a five-song journey into her mind, which takes the listener on a climbing journey into what soft, melodious indie rock can do. “Scarlet Letter Girl” is the catchiest tune on the […]
Andy Palmer,Hazard of the Die-CD Review
by Tim Wenger Andy Palmer’s second full-length album Hazard of the Die is full of heart. Driving, solid guitar lines reach out to pull in the listener, with Palmer’s scratchy, soulful vocals sealing the deal on a solid solo record. Palmer has found his “voice,” and keeps his lyrics easy to understand despite the […]
Acoustic Circus Compilation – Vol II
by the Swami [email protected] Acoustic Circus Vol II is final here! (See the interview with producer Mark Sundermeier in this month’s issue). This is a very well done recording of 18 local artists doing “stripped-down and caught-in-the-raw” versions of their originals. As the title states, the primary instrumentation is guitars, and lots of good performing […]
Driftin’Suns – Continental Breakfast CD Review
by the Swami [email protected] Driftin’ Suns latest full-length release captures the essence of what the guys do – grindy, semi-mainstream rock with indie flair. Kristian Kerr’s crooning voice and vocal patterns remind me quite a bit of Jerry Lee from local band Wanker, and even a hint of the old-school punk lead singers of the ’70s. […]
Allout Helter-Sinking, We Regress-CD Review
by Tim Wenger Local punk rock hard hitters Allout Helter have finally given us the full-length we’ve all been waiting for. It kicks into gear immediately with “Assume the Imposition,” which, in true Helter form, is a merciless, maybe even satirical, call to social action. The rest of the album follows suit, remaining focused on […]
Highline-CD Review
by Tim Wenger Highline covers a large amount of reggae music’s always-growing spectrum on their new self-titled record. With dancehall-influenced vocals and traditional reggae beats, the guys have put together a style that gets the listeners head banging no matter what they are craving. Although upstroke guitars and melodic keys largely dominate the eleven tracks, […]
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