Wye Oak kicks it up a notch, but keeps things very Wye Oak on Civilian

I thought Wye Oak was a folk band? I mean, they’ve been described as “indie folk-rock,” I suppose, but what’s this I hear on their latest full-length, Civilian? Heavy guitars? Crashing drums? Moments of intense emotion? Sounds a little bit like rock and or roll to me. Ohhhh but that’s not to say the band… Continue reading Wye Oak kicks it up a notch, but keeps things very Wye Oak on Civilian

Kurt Vile strikes perfect balance on Smoke Ring for My Halo

What’s that saying? “Life is full of regrets, so eat your chocolates now?” (Close enough.) Well, my latest regret is not buying tons of stock in Kurt Vile. For three years, I’ve known about – and heard constant praise of – Philadelphia’s psych-folk rising star, yet I’ve skipped a half dozen of his shows and… Continue reading Kurt Vile strikes perfect balance on Smoke Ring for My Halo

Beach Fossils show great, organic talent on What A Pleasure EP

Are Americans chilling out or what? I don’t what it means, but a lot of American indie music has gone from the jittery rock scene of the early 2000s to the chilled out scene of the early 2010s. One such act, Brooklyn’s own Beach Fossils, charmed us last year with their debut record, Beach Fossils,… Continue reading Beach Fossils show great, organic talent on What A Pleasure EP

[Hype Hype Hooray] A Politics-Free Case to Keep NPR or Would You Rather Listen to Creed?

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. Congress’ battle over NPR has involved a lot of… Continue reading [Hype Hype Hooray] A Politics-Free Case to Keep NPR or Would You Rather Listen to Creed?

Rainbow Arabia has trouble juggling influences on Boys and Diamonds

On paper Rainbow Arabia sounds just fascinating. They’re a U.S. art/electronica/dance group with heavy Arabic and African music influences (apparently Syrian singer Omar Souleyman in particular). But in practice, the band is maybe a little less than fascinating. Rainbow Arabia has churned out a few decent singles across their two recordings so far, The Basta… Continue reading Rainbow Arabia has trouble juggling influences on Boys and Diamonds

Hidden Pictures

Please believe me when I tell you I was not compelled to write about Hidden Pictures simply because of the male part of the duo’s striking resemblance to Elliott Smith. I mean, it certainly helped (and it’s pretty eerie), but their music struck me in a sweet spot as well. It’s simple, pop-infused rock, with… Continue reading Hidden Pictures

[MP3] Sam Owens: “How To Build A Clock”

Sam Owens’ fourth album, How To Build A Clock, is making some serious rounds after his first few albums were only heard by a select few. Which is a shame, really, as Owens knows how to craft head-boppers. Nowhere is that more evident than on the title track off the album, which he’s made available… Continue reading [MP3] Sam Owens: “How To Build A Clock”