Month: February 2011

Akron/Family’s S/T II: The Cosmic Birth and Journey of Shinju TNT is a soundtrack to its own film

I haven’t had this much fun with a record in a long time. Akron/Family take experimental folk to the next level (which is actually the more accessible level) on S/T II: The Cosmic Birth and Journey of Shinju TNT. I would say it could soundtrack a film, and Where The Wild Things Are cliché-edly comes to… Continue reading Akron/Family’s S/T II: The Cosmic Birth and Journey of Shinju TNT is a soundtrack to its own film

Esben & The Witch’s stagnant vocals make Violet Cries drag on

Can an album really be completely interesting and super boring at the same time? Because that’s what comes to mind on the debut album by British three-piece band Esben & The Witch. Violet Cries, the first proper full-length by the band, is a confusing mix of sweeping, melodramatic ambiance and well-written music. Sometimes the band… Continue reading Esben & The Witch’s stagnant vocals make Violet Cries drag on

James Blake’s debut is brilliant art but inaccessible music

James Blake is one of those musicians that fits into that category called “art.” The British musician’s style can best be described by however you decide to describe it. Personally, I think of Blake as an experimental electronic crooner/composer. If you disagree, you’re probably just as right as I am. Blake released three EPs last… Continue reading James Blake’s debut is brilliant art but inaccessible music

MNDR @ 9:30 Club

Ever since I read about – and got hooked on – electropop-IDM sensation MNDR (Amanda Warner) on Sheena Beaston’s blog,  it seemed that well-earned hype has grown exponentially. MNDR is everywhere: magazines, radio, blogs, Facebook advertisements, Mark Ronson’s infectious “Bang Bang Bang,” and now on tour with Chromeo. Maybe it was all the hype or… Continue reading MNDR @ 9:30 Club

[Notable Album Release] Rue Royale – Guide To An Escape

Rue Royale is another band that comes my way via the inimitable Brendan Losch, who never fails to impress with his musical selection (check his blog, Count Me Out). The Royale husband and wife duo are friends with Losch from their Chicago days, but have since moved to the UK, which is noticeable in their… Continue reading [Notable Album Release] Rue Royale – Guide To An Escape

The Barettas

Wait, am I the first one to post about this band?? Just kidding, Jamie! Also, I’m sure others have posted about The Barettas since they rock. The trio will make you wanna rip off your winter layers and dance all night. Their energy and youthfulness is contagiousness; they’ve certainly got a knack for crafting catchy… Continue reading The Barettas

[Hype Hype Hooray] Breaking the Me-First Mindset

Every [two weeks?] Jamie Hale takes a long, hard look at the music industry and the blog scene that feeds it. Here, he releases those findings and makes snarky, sarcastic remarks. Admittedly, both Jamie and Knox Road are a part of this scene. So sue us. Every time I think about posting an MP3 or… Continue reading [Hype Hype Hooray] Breaking the Me-First Mindset

But what if The White Stripes had never existed in the first place?

Today, a legend fell. The White Stripes, with their Grammy nominations and color-coordinated outfits (and weird mock brother-sister relationship) have called it quits. The duo has as many fans as critics, but let’s think for a moment about what the world would be like without the Stripes: The year is 2001. The White Stripes never… Continue reading But what if The White Stripes had never existed in the first place?

MEN try to fill the Le Tigre void with Talk About Body

[Full disclosure: I’m an avid Le Tigre fan] After Le Tigre went on hiatus in 2007, there has been an empty void that was once filled by their dance/electronica music about feminism and left-wing social commentary. IT’S BEEN FOUR LONG YEARS but we now have something to come and fill that void! But can MEN,… Continue reading MEN try to fill the Le Tigre void with Talk About Body