Gets the Girl. Because music is involved, of course.

Gets the Girl, a duo based in NY, is a bold band name in these days of quippy hipster critique, putting their credibility on the edge a bit too early. But I applaud the sincerity, as it’s truly an accurate portrayal of what the guys are aiming for. Per their MySpace: The music of Gets… Continue reading Gets the Girl. Because music is involved, of course.

Future of the Left @ Siren

Raging forth from the stage like the Kraken from the sea (1981’s Clash of the Titans anyone?) was the furious sound of Future of the Left. Playing by far the most angst-ridden set all day, the three boys from Wales delivered tight, crunching guitar rock made complete with roaring screams and head thrashing (the latter… Continue reading Future of the Left @ Siren

Forest Fire’s Survival is curious, memorable, intriguing

Here are some things that are instantly noticeable about Brooklyn-based band Forest Fire‘s debut, Survival: The male/female vocals and harmonies The near-constant strum of acoustic guitar A wealth of instruments poking their heads in at random parts of songs What you might not notice so quickly, though, is how driven by percussion this record is.… Continue reading Forest Fire’s Survival is curious, memorable, intriguing

The Raveonettes @ Siren

On a day full of jocularity, spontaneity, and just general insanity, The Raveonettes were an anomaly. Having never seen the Danish folks live, I was curious how their relaxed music would translate to the stage. Would they amp it up? Would they scream and shout? Would they take their clothes off?? All can be answered… Continue reading The Raveonettes @ Siren

Frightened Rabbit @ Siren

Allow me to preface this post before I delve into Frightened Rabbit‘s performance at Siren. They were, by far, the act I was most looking forward to, as I have been utterly obsessed with the The Midnight Organ Fight, and to a lesser extent, Sing The Greys. I also was well aware of the fact… Continue reading Frightened Rabbit @ Siren

The Fiery Furnaces keep it simple, solid on I’m Going Away

The Fiery Furnaces have made their career with bizarre, off-kilter, ADD alternative music. So one can only come into a new album with zero expectations. But as the metaphorical needle drops on the title track of their latest LP, I’m Going Away, a surprising thing is immediately noticeable– it sounds almost normal. But far from… Continue reading The Fiery Furnaces keep it simple, solid on I’m Going Away

[MP3s] Your Siren Music Festival Preview

It’s Thursday, so that means the bestest, hippest, most free music festival of the summer is about to kick off. For those of you at Under A Rock University where you major in not knowing things (zinger!!), the Siren Music Festival is a one-day, two-stage, free show at Coney Island, NY. Home of people eating… Continue reading [MP3s] Your Siren Music Festival Preview

NYC Show Alert: The Grates playing Pianos tomorrow

Australia’s The Grates will be playing Pianos Residency in Manhattan (Lower East Side) TOMORROW (7/14). You may not expect them to be my cup of tea, but then consider that the trio (two girls, one guy) meshes so many different sounds together – I feel like I’m listening to the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s and Cold… Continue reading NYC Show Alert: The Grates playing Pianos tomorrow