Minus The Bear – OMNI
| Rating: | 3.0 / 5 |
| Label: | Dangerbird |
| Website: | minusthebear.com |
Stylistically this doesn't feel much different than the past progressions of albums. Maybe not as much finger tapping guitar work throughout but the same recent Minus The Bear. I think it's beginning to show that they are growing up and not writing songs stemmed from... More
Nada Surf – If I Had a Hi
| Rating: | 3.5 / 5 |
| Label: | Barsuk |
| Website: | nadasurf.com |
Previously only available at shows, Nada Surf has been kind enough to widely release this compilation of various cover songs. Honestly, if you weren't familiar with the original material you would think this is just a collection of new Nada Surf songs. That is to say, they... More
Fol Chen – Part I: John Shade, Your Fortune's Made
| Rating: | 3.5 / 5 |
| Label: | Asthmatic Kitty |
| Website: | folchen.com |
Recommended by a friend and difficult to describe. Elements of indie rock, a little dance and a healthy dose of electronic instrumentation. Overall the thing to remember here is that it's a really FUN record. Feels like a legit summertime record without delving into the... More
Jaga Jazzist – One Armed Bandit
| Rating: | 4.0 / 5 |
| Label: | Ninja Tune |
| Website: | jagajazzist.com |
It's difficult to tell someone that you're listening to a ten piece experimental jazz band from Norway but that is the case with Jaga Jazzist. Fortunately, that awkward description really just translates into meaning long form instrumental tracks with a myriad of... More
Zeus – Say Us
| Rating: | 4.0 / 5 |
| Label: | Arts & Crafts |
| Website: | themusicofzeus.com |
Picked this up because I've always had faith that Arts & Crafts was one of those labels that you could trust to put out the best music, even if you had no idea what you were getting into. I've been burned on that mindset in that past but this time it pulled through. Say Us... More
Zaza – Cameo
| Rating: | 3.5 / 5 |
| Label: | Kanine |
| Website: | zazasound.com |
Truth be told I've had this little EP laying around for awhile and keep meaning to listen to it so I can give it a proper review. I was told it was sorta Broken Social Scene-esque and that I would like it. Whenever I queue it up I like what I hear but it's so atmospheric... More
De Novo Dahl – Tigerlion
| Rating: | 4.0 / 5 |
| Label: | Theory 8 |
| Website: | denovodahl.com |
Theory 8 was kind enough to release this for one-day-only online and I snagged the official download. It is, by far, the bands best release. Poppy and interesting but undercut with a dark tone throughout. I hated 99% of what I heard from their previous release so it's nice... More
HEALTH – Get Color
| Rating: | 3.5 / 5 |
| Label: | Lovepump United |
| Website: | healthnoise.com |
I remember seeing HEALTH at SXSW a few years ago and really just not getting it. Despite my better judgment I picked this up and am curious if hardcore HEALTH fans find it more accessible than previous releases. It seems less like an onslaught of noise and more like an... More
Apples in Stereo – Travelers in Space and Time
| Rating: | 4.0 / 5 |
| Label: | Yep Roc |
| Website: | applesinstereo.com |
Have you heard of that band ELO? Have you ever wondered what it would be like if Apples in Stereo recorded an entire record devoted to ELO sounds with their influence of said sound so firmly on their sleeve that it encroaches on possibly ripping off ELO at times? Well, look... More
Medications – Completely Removed
| Rating: | 2.0 / 5 |
| Label: | Dischord |
| Website: | dischord.com |
I loved Faraquet. I even enjoyed the first Medications release a little bit but I honestly feel like all the life has been sucked out of these guys now and its not making for a pleasurable listen. Maybe I should give it more of a chance but my first attempts have yielded... More


