album review: jack's mannequin - people and things

I’ve always been a huge Jack’s Mannequin fan and if I had to pick one word to describe Andrew McMahon’s music throughout the years it would have to be this: consistent. McMahon is no stranger to the world of music, first making it big with Something Corporate, then Jack’s Mannequin. And every single record he’s released has been one hundred percent solid. Of course I’m probably biased because Jack’s is one of my favorite bands and I’ve seen them countless times, but People and Things is great. It’s poppy, catchy and each song is one earworm after another. I recognized a fair amount of them upon first listen; the band  has played a few songs live in recent months, including the previously released single “My Racing Thoughts,” “Amy, I,” “Hey Hey Hey (We’re All Gonna Die),” and “Hostage.” Read more...

album review: mutemath - odd soul

Mutemath has always struck me as overwhelmingly talented for how underwhelmingly popular they are.  They had that awesome backwards music video for “Typical” on MTV quite a few years ago; what happened after that? They seemed to fall off the map completely. Of course that’s according to the average music listener, and I would not consider myself to be the latter. The minute I saw that video I was hooked, and the minute I saw them perform at St. Louis’ Pointfest in September 2007 I was floored. I’ve kept tabs on them ever since and am always speechless after their shows. Read more...

album review: thrice - major/minor

Thrice has always been a band full of surprises, with each album sounding radically different from the one before it. Just when you think you have their sound pinned down and figured out, they find a way to go above and beyond your expectations. While their bold shifts in style may have alienated a handful of fans, if you’ve stuck around over the last decade it’s something to marvel at. Their early work is more punk while Vheissu takes an experimental turn. And then there’s The Alchemy Index, a rather lofty project that in my opinion is a true showcase of the band’s talent and one of my favorites.Beggars just didn’t do it for me and seemed rather forgettable, so I was really excited to see what the band would come up with next. Read more...

album review: blitzen trapper - american goldwing

Blitzen Trapper, with three previous Sub-Pop albums under their belt, have produced quite the wide array of sounds. 2007′s Wild Mountain Nationsounds as if it was thrown together with reckless abandon, a giant mish-mash of sounds and passions. There were indie-rock melodies and folky boot-stomping tunes with a healthy dose of country twang. 2008′sFurr leaned more to the pop-rock side of the spectrum with Americana intertwined through and through. And next was Destroyer of the Void which took on a new sound altogether with prog-rock guitar sounds and a mellower tone. So who could really predict what would be next? At first listen, American Goldwing is a nice homage to Furr with influences of traditional Southern rock. It’s blatantly alternative-country and maybe a little bit indie. If anything, it showcases the band’s versatility to record whatever they want and turn it into an album. And it sounds great. Read more...

album review: beirut - the rip tide

I've listened to Beirut’s  The Rip Tide several times through and I still feel as if I don’t have a strong opinion about it. I’ve enjoyed every listen, but it’s just not sticking with me and I can’t decide if it’s my own fault or the album’s. It’s good. I don’t have anything negative to say. But then again: it’s good – and that’s about all I can think to say. The Rip Tide is a solid, mediocre album that didn’t live up to  the fantasies I had constructed in my head after so many years of no new releases. Beirut evokes many happy memories and nostalgic feelings for me and the new album seems to have lost a little of the band’s old magic. With all of that said, it’s still an enjoyable album and you should definitely give it a listen. If anything, please prove me wrong and tell me it hits home with you. Because right now it’s just not quite sticking with me, and I really want it to. Read more...

album review: matt pond PA - spring fools

This five song EP by matt pond PA is, to put it simply, really catchy. I can’t stop tapping my foot and bobbing my head, and after just one spin the songs are becoming familiar, a sure sign of their ability to stick with you. It’s the perfect summer soundtrack with poppy, infectious hooks and light, upbeat melodies. Spring Fools is somewhat of a break between the band’s last album, 2010’s The Dark Leaves, and what will most likely become Pond’s ninth record sometime in the future whether it be this year or next. By whittling things down to just five songs, singer-songwriter and namesake Matt Pond has created a really strong EP with what are some of his best songs. Read more...

album review: balance and composure - separation

Anthemic. Epic. So incredibly reminiscent of the pop-punk days of the 90′s. I almost called this a guilty pleasure album, but there’s no reason to feel guilty. Balance and Composure’s Separation is just really good and should have come out twelve years ago. It has Kurt Cobain’s dark feelings to it, but pops and rocks like early Jimmy Eat World. Its twelve tracks clock in at around 48 minutes which means it’s initially a big undertaking. But once you give this album the time of day it deserves it becomes very cohesive and works well as a whole. Read more...

album review: dylan champagne - love songs of the apocalypse, vol. 1

Dylan Champagne claims to wear many musical hats and he’s not kidding. He released an acoustic album in 2008, charting on the CMJ top 200; he sings and plays guitar for a new-wave punk band called The Dysfunctions; he’s a a part of a secret society of composers who meet monthly; and he fronted the now defunct math-core band One Step Shift. And his newest endeavor Love Songs of the Apocalypse, Volume 1explores punk, prog, and 70′s pop roots with acoustic leanings. Champagne describes it as “Springsteenesque acoustic prog-punk” or perhaps “acoustic lyric-driven rock with strange time signatures, a strong pop sensibility and nostalgic themes. Read more...

album review: the airborne toxic event - all at once

Los Angeles, California indie rock band The Airborne Toxic Event traded lesser known label for a major for their sophomore release. They hired Dave Sardy (Band of Horses, Oasis) to handle production and it turned out to be a solid decision. The album All At Once has an epic, orchestral feel and doesn’t disappoint. This album is ambitious and it’s a wonder the band isn’t more well known. Read more...

album review: the wealthy west - EP 1

"Austin, Texas based singer-songwriter Brandon Kinder has made quite a name for himself. Not only is he the front man for the indie folk rock band The Rocketboys, but he’s ventured out into the solo world as well, under the moniker The Wealthy West. He used SXSW to his advantage to debut some new tunes of his own and though I wasn’t even in attendance, I can tell you they were well-received. Read more...

album review: the antlers - burst apart

The Antlers are a dreamy and mellow indie rock band from Brooklyn, New York fronted by Peter Silberman. Originally, the band was only a solo project of Silberman's, but after releasing an album under his own name he recruited two other members to constitute the group that they are today. The band recorded two EPs, Cold War and New York Hospitals, and eventually took Silberman's collection of songs and turned into the narrative that is Hospice, which they released independently. Sales soared though, the band joined French Kiss Records, and remastered and re-released the album to make up for selling out of their personal stock. For a band that probably had no intentions of "making it big," they definitely hit the jackpot, scoring a spot on Lollapalooza's 2010 lineup as well as numerous "Best of 2010" album lists. Read more...

album review: fleet foxes - helplessness blues

"Indie folk band Fleet Foxes originated in Seattle, Washington in 2006 and I'm disappointed I jumped on the bandwagon so late. My love began once upon a time when it was still cool to buy Target's "Artists On The Verge" CDs. I'll be honest. I judge albums by their covers and thank goodness Fleet Foxes' self-titled had a cool one. (Didn't hurt that it was on sale either.) I picked that sucker up without even knowing who or what I was getting myself into. Upon hearing everyone's favorite song of 2008, "White Winter Hymnal," I was entranced. With goosebump-inducing harmonies and covers all over YouTube, it's a hard one to miss. Read more... 

album review: pet lions - houses

"I'm feelin' some 80's vibes and I'm likin' it. Unpopular opinion? Maybe. But Chicago's indie pop-rock band Pet Lions work it to their advantage. This quartet already has the  Soft Right EP backing them up and debut full-length album Houses is a solid follow-up. Production by Neil Strauch (Iron and Wine, Bonnie "Prince" Billy, Margot & the Nuclear So and So's) really showcases the band's talent and adds a warm, fuzzy atmosphere to the album. It's not clean pop music and that's precisely why I like it. It's noisy, yet soft and laid back, perfect for a day at the beach or a late night summer barbecue. Read more...

album review: company of thieves - running from a gamble

"Company of Thieves are one of the best acts to come out of Chicago in the past couple of years and after their initial release of Ordinary Riches, I was hooked. "Indie rock band" is a popular tag these days, but add "female vocalist" and you've got something new and exciting. And Genevieve Schatz certainly does not disappoint. She may look like a fragile, pretty thing with her bouncy curls and always creative outfits, but once she belts out a couple notes I guarantee your jaw will be on the floor. She means business. Read more...

album review: manchester orchestra - simple math

manchester orchestra holds a spot in the top three list of my favorite bands. so when i was asked to review the album, i almost peed myself. the album has been on non-stop rotation and i just can't. get. enough. check it:

"Andy Hull and the company he keeps are gods. Five stars. Album of the year. The end. (Just kidding, sort of.)Words can't explain how long I'd waited for this album. Manchester Orchestra is one of those bands I can't get enough of. Like a Virgin Losing a Child, their first album, debuted in 2006 and the three year wait for sophomore release Mean Everything to Nothing was brutal. I was more than ready for Simple Math and it's finally here. Read more...

album review: ha ha tonka - death of a decade

popwreckoning knows the way to my heart. review ha ha tonka's new album? sure, yeah, okay!

These four gentlemen from the Missouri Ozarks are no strangers to the indie music world.  Ha Ha Tonka, who take their name from a state park located in Camdenton, Missouri, have been playing music together for ten years and have released three full-length albums on Bloodshot Records (home to brilliant acts including Ryan Adams, Neko Case and Old 97′s). Ha Ha Tonka personifies the essence of their mid-Missouri name: traces of southern rock,  bluegrass, classic country, a dash of honky tonk, and enough three-part vocal harmonies to make your Southern Baptist grandmother jealous. Their new album Death of a Decade packs a solid punch that’s sure to leave a mark. Read more...

album review: mansions - dig up the dead

article number two for popwreckoning! i'm loving every single thing about writing for them. i'm also madly in love with mansions, so you should definitely check them out. they're be in st. louis tuesday 5/31 at off broadway with ace enders' i can make a mess like nonbody's business. 

Christopher Browder has stolen my heart. I'll be honest: I'm pretty new to the Mansions bandwagon, but I'm glad I hopped on when I did. I bought New Best Friends from iTunes a few short months ago and have kept it in heavy rotation since. ("Talk Talk Talk" is just so catchy, am I right?!) So when I started doing some research and realized there was a new album coming soon, I couldn't have been more excited. Read more...

album review: william fitzsimmons - gold in the shadow

guys guys! check it out. my first run-around with a real music blog. doing a bit of freelance stuff for kansas city-based blog popwreckoning. great things will  come of this, i can feel it. i'm just so grateful for such a rad opportunity. here's my first little write-up for them.  you can also check it out here. 

"Jesse Lacey had it right with the lyrics "I know that you're a sucker for anything acoustic." But we're not talking about Brand New. This is William Fitzsimmons. This is the man famous for delicious, acousticy folk music and one amazing beard. His fifth full-length album Gold in the Shadow will soon be gracing your ears, and believe me. It's great.  Read more... 

album review: ryan silver's 'the dakota sessions'

i posted about this rad little ep a couple weeks back and i sincerely hope you grabbed your FREE copy. you'd be silly not to. more and more excellent musicians seem to be coming out of nashville and here's another one to add to the list. it's catchy and it's acoustic. it's happy and it's fun and it's perfect summertime music. put it on your iPod and just try to not picture being at the beach. it's reminiscent of jason mraz and jack johnson, and let's be honest: who doesn't love those two? so check our ryan's 'dakota sessions' and i promise you won't be disappointed. keep an eye on him. i'm sure we can expect more great things in the future.

take a listen if you haven't yet: www.ryansilver.bandcamp.com (and pssst! don't tell him i told you... but it's still free if you're so inclined. but hey, why not tip him a couple bucks? he's a good looking guy!)

EP review: bad rabbits' stick up kids

i had a great opportunity come my way a couple weeks ago. under the gun is a great little music blog, and they were looking to hire new writers. so i sent an email their way, not expecting to hear anything back. well imagine my surprise when i actually got a follow up email! so i wrote up a resume and reviewed the EP they sent my way. baby steps, my friends. baby steps that will hopefully help me to move up one teeny tiny step at a time in the vast world that is the music industry.

i can't say i really like the music from a personal point of view, but bad rabbits really are a taleted group, so tried to write from a little bit more of an objective point of view. we'll see if it pays off soon, i guess. but here's what i wrote:

Never judging a book by its cover is the thing to do if you’re a bookworm. But if you’re a part of the ever-growing indie music scene, perhaps the proper saying would be “never judge a band by their album cover”. Well I must admit – I’m one hundred percent guilty. The minute I caught the name of the Boston band Bad Rabbits and their 2009 EP entitled Stick Up Kids, I googled away. And immediately wrote them off as “way too hip-hop” by a mere glance at their album cover. Too harsh? Definitely. Because once you take a listen to this infectious little EP, you’ll be hooked. Not to mention I’m a sucker for clean web design, and their Myspace looks flawless. It’s the little things that count, and Bad Rabbits have lots and lots of little things going for them.

Bad Rabbits are a unique mix of soul, hip-hop and poppy dance music. “Afro punk” are the words used on many of their online sites, and I quite like the new genre name. Because let’s face it, Bad Rabbits cross many genre lines and push lots of envelopes, but that’s precisely why almost everyone with any sense of musical taste will find something they like from this EP. Lead singer Dua Boakye has raw talent and an incredible voice and the stage presence to pull off such a unique sound. The music is high energy and forces you to get up and dance. I can imagine any one of these seven songs to be present in the classic movie scene: high school girl wakes up in the morning, turns on her stereo, grabs the hairbrush and starts belting it out. It makes you tap your feet, it makes you bob your head, and it makes you want to get out to a club and just let loose for the night.

The album is chock full of soulful vocals, soaring synth sounds, and a disco fever vibe that surrounds each and every song. It’s a delightful throwback to 80’s funk and R&B, but with a great pop twist. It’s like Prince with a modern music sensibility. Opener Booties sounds like a modern take on some old school Bobby Brown, while Stick Up Kids breaks it down into a dancy keyboard and guitar duet. Can’t Back Down features killer falsettos and if you aren’t grooving yet, this song will have you shaking your hips for sure. And while a lot of the music is electronic, Auto-Tune haters have nothing to fear. These guys have real talent and are really quite innovative. All the keyboard sounds you hear on the record are in reality guitars passed through a pedalboard. Pretty badass if you ask me.

If the seven unstoppable songs aren’t enough on their own, Bad Rabbits have a lot of other things going for them as well. A shout out from Travis McCoy (Gym Class Heroes) in front of hundreds at Warped Tour is sure to gain respect, not to mention he’s featured on the fifth song Girl I’m Like Damn!, and their clothing sponsor Karmaloop.com is confident that they will be the next big thing to come from Boston. If you want some good and funky fun, and need a bit of 80’s nostalgia, check out Bad Rabbits. Their new EP will definitely lead them to great places.