Tag Archives: Indie

Garage, Jam, Music, Music News, New Release, Punk, Review, Rock

Album Reviews: Upcoming Dirt Cult Records Releases

24 June, 2014 Brian Mc 2 Comments

If there is one thing about New Mexico that I miss, it is the breakfast burritos from the Santa Fe Grill located in those Pic-Quic gas stations.

Actually I am lying. I miss living down the street from the Dirt Cult Records headquarters. Chris was a rad dude and I am glad I got to know him even if just for a brief moment. His band, Low Culture, remains one of my favorites to this day.

Recently, I learned that Dirt Cult relocated to Portland, Oregon and I thought I would check in with Chris to see how things were going with the big move. He advised everything was going smooth and shared a few new releases his label is putting out in the upcoming months.

I thought I would do a quick review on all of them them. Enjoy!

Autonomy/No Sir I Won’t – Split

I blame Chris for getting me into Autonomy before I even became pals with him. This split is pretty bad ass crust-ish punk act that to me sound way better than Crass. I loved the samples throughout. Autonomy’s “Ashes To Ashes” was a pretty kick ass song that just started almost psycho-garagy and turned fizzled out with a Cure-sounding bass riff. No Sir I Won’t were cool to check out and full of aggressive punk rock that reached into the 80s style I grew up loving. Definitely will be checking them out some more.

Apocalypse Meow! – Baseball and Alcohol 7″

Featuring Off With Their Heads’s Justin Francis as well as members of Sundowners, I knew I was going to adore this 7″ before I even listened to it. With songs relevant to the 7″‘s title, Apocalypse Meow take two of America’s favorite past times and mix them into pure pop-punk goodness. The track “MVP” ruled with the lyrics “all I want to be is a goddamn MVP” repeating throughout. The title track though is what did it for me. Loved it.

Blank Pages – Blank Pages LP

Straight outta Berlin, Blank Pages proves to have one hell of a release with some serious garage rock layered with a old school punk rock feel. These guys really remind me of the Marked Men in a good good way. Great song writing added with vocals that could easily fit in with the 70s/80s punk scene. “We’re All Broken” was just amazing with almost a surf-punk sound in the middle. I was beyond impressed with the clean sound throughout the release and just full on togetherness of the band. It just works so well. “All In Due Time” was another great track. I am really glad Chris threw Blank Pages my way, I am totally loving what they do. If you call yourself a fan bands like the Ramones and the Dickies, I have the feeling you will like what Blank Pages have to offer Ich bin ein Fan von Leerseiten.

For more info on Dirt Cult releases or to check out some other amazing release on the Dirt Cult label, head on over to http://dirtcultrecords.bandcamp.com.

Folk, Indie, Music, New Release, Pop Rock, Review

Album Review: New Natives – New Natives

30 March, 2014 Brian Mc Leave a comment

One of the best things about attempting to run my own blog is the amazing humans I am introduced to because of it.

Years ago, I posted a review for an album called Restless Rubes. Within days, the band reached out to me with a sincere thank you for my kind words.

I soon befriended the now disbanded Ninja Gun and even was able to house them for a couple of nights in the middle of one of their tours. Without going into too much detail, I can tell you that all four members were quality individuals and we’ve kept in touch ever since.

As I was a huge fan of the Valdosta, GA act, it was no surprise to anyone that I was bummed out when Ninja Gun said announced they were calling it quits in 2010. How couldn’t I? I loved everything that band ever had to offer and also was fully away just how bad ass each of the members of the bad were. I was just stoked to have gotten to know them.

Jeff Haineault, Ninja Gun’s former drummer, got in touch with me recently to let me know that his new band, New Natives, were going to be releasing an album. I was beyond stoked to listen to what he and his new band had created.

New Natives can best be described as a chill indie pop rock act with a hint of a small town vibe. Members not only include Haineault on guitar and vocals, but also Taylor Patterson on drums, Jackson Dean on guitar, and Joe Martin on bass.

Their self-titled debut started with the fun track “Gets Around”. a song clearly about fun loving times. The song really perked my attention with their upbeat indie rock style. Had this song come out in the 90s, it probably would have been featured on the Empire Records soundtrack. I am sure that just made no sense at all, but for whatever reason, I thought about that movie while listening to this track.

“Too Far” was an instant hit to my ears. This radio-friendly song would be perfect to include in any road trip mix or even would be perfect to listen to at a summer shindig.

“Broke Your Heart” had Haineault resembling the singing style of Gregg Alexander at times and I loved it. I am sure it is no shocker to many of you out there, but I was a HUGE New Radicals fan. Guilty pleasure folks. Don’t judge.

“Hopes and Dreams” really carried that Ninja Gun style I was hoping to hear from Haineault. This was a definite laid back jam full of plenty of ohhs and ahhs.

Continuing was the farmland indie rock, was “Lonely Eyes”. This song was all over the place and I loved it. I thought from the start the song would be a country love track, but soon it morphed into an indie jam all about moving on.

Ending the album was “Take You With Me”, another track where I could not help but think of Alexander as Haineault sang. I liked how the piano hid in the background of the song, it just added just enough extra support to an already well-written song.

This really was a refreshing album to listen to from beginning to end. New Natives have the ability to take over college stations all over the place with their unique blend of indie and small town rock. Original and catchy, this album is well worth the listen.

Cleveland, Indie, Music, New Release, Punk, Review, Rock

Album Review: Signals Midwest – Light On The Lake

12 February, 2014 Brian Mc Leave a comment

I know I have said in the past that I usually do not review any of my friend’s album releases, but I seriously think it’s time to change that.

Within the last year alone, a whole slew of my friends have been dropping excellent releases left and right. Many of those said releases were immediately thrown into my regular rotation and also made it to my “Best Of 2013” list without me even thinking twice.

One of these bands I speak of is Cleveland’s heartthrobs (and beer snobs), Signals Midwest. I learned of them through friends who had shared stages and basements with them and soon became not only a fan, but also a friend. All four members are some of the coolest, kindest people I know.

They have a musical style that ranges from punk rock to indie rock while also carrying a progressive technical grace that is just so appealing. Featuring Max Stern on guitar / vocals, Jeff “JR” Russell on guitar, Loren Shumaker on bass, and Steve Gibson on drums, the band has been doing their thing since late 2008.

The band’s sophomore release of Latitudes & Longitudes was easily one of my favorite releases in 2012. It was no surprise that I turned into even an bigger fan once I heard Light On The Lake. Yeah, it may have dropped a few months back, but after listening to it again today, I realized I needed to write a little something-something about it.

Released through the ever cool folk at Tiny Engines, Light On The Lake is an impressive release from start to finish. It’s an album not only composed of great tunes but also layered with a very narrative story containing a journey of self-realization, injury, and coming to terms. The more I read into the story throughout this album, the more I am loving it.

“308” started off the album with Stern and crew singing a somber yet catchy into. With Stern singing, “give me time ’cause I’m trying to process this”, clearly emotions were beginning to rise. I really dug how the opening track snuck its way into “In The Pauses”. I enjoyed this track tremendously with continual up and down arrangements throughout.

“A Room Once Called Yours” picked things up, but the song continued down a gloomy route. The guitar playing and brutal drumming really is what grabbed my attention throughout. I loved when Stern sang: “So why do we decide to leave when what we really wanna do is stay? And when all we want to do is sleep, we force ourselves awake.”

“St. Vincent Charity” sat on me heavier than the others with technical guitar playing added to an array of group harmonies throughout. What a killer track to listen to. Listening to the song build up and climax was beyond satisfying. The lyrics though is what made this song so poignant. Easily this was one of my favorite tracks on the album.

Having been far away from home before leaving loved ones behind, “The Desert To Denver” really stuck to me. I felt that I really related to the lyrics: “Save me from sinking in this city. Be the light that guides me home.” After all, it was the love in my current relationship as well as from my friends and family that kept me stable until I was able to travel back east.

Signals Midwest - Photo by Andee Wells — Signals Midwest – Photo Credit: Andee Wells

I loved Loren’s distorted bass-smashing on “Lowercase”. It really reached back to the 90s alt-rock that I have always adored.

“San Anselmo” opened reminding me of an Avett Brother’s song – no joke. Remember the part in “Pretty Girl From Chili”right after Gabriella’s voicemail?Ok, I am sure I lost some of you just now. Anyways…the song opened up pretty awesomely and just continued to amaze throughout. I loved this west-coast-love-affair-with-a-rust-belt-local track so much.

Closing the album was “A Glowing Light, An Impending Dawn”, a track that was like a tribute and a procession. The song put the album to rest as well as the story that was being told throughout. It started softly and built up almost to a celebration status, only to thin out.

I’m pleased to have gotten to know these swell guys over the last few years and plan on keeping them pals for life. From seeing them live on stage to hanging out with them for a night when I was out in the middle of nowhere, these dudes are top notch.

Cleveland is full of amazing bands and honestly, this is the best the music scene has been for as long as I can remember. Take that how you want it, but if you are not caught up with the area talent, then maybe you need to turn your attention to some of these hard working acts in the area. Start with Signals Midwest and branch out accordingly. You will not be disappointed.

Signals Midwest are playing Brite Winter Fest this weekend before taking a well-deserved break. You can follow their shenanigans on their Tumblr page or on good ol’ Facebook.

To snag your very own copy of Light On The Lake, head on over to the Tiny Engines website and give them all of your money.

Indie, Music, Music News, Music Video, New Release, Review

Album Review: Of Us Giants – Nova Scotia

15 January, 2014 Brian Mc Leave a comment

A few weeks ago, a good pal of mine sent a text message telling me to check out a band he was digging on called Of Us Giants. He immediately said they reminded him of Manchester Orchestra.

Seeing how I respect all my friend’s music decisions, there was no doubt in my mind that his suggestion was going to at least be worth a listen, but for some reason I held off on doing so.

Recently, Jon Jennings, the bassist for Of Us Giants, emailed me suggesting I check out his band’s upcoming release Nova Scotia. I was immediately reminded of my pal’s suggestion and decided I needed to stop dragging my feet and take a listen. I am glad I did, because by the second song in, I was looking where to place a pre-order for the vinyl release.

Of Us Giants, hailing from California, is a three piece indie rock act that is certainly going to be getting some major attention in 2014 with their upcoming first full-length release titled Nova Scotia. I don’t say this just for the sake of saying it of course. I was very impressed with what I heard and can only hope that I am right.

At first listen, Of Us Giants carried a certain Brand New-like feel, well kind of. I am sure they have heard that a million times already. Truth is, they also had a great unique sound to them with the lead vocalist carrying a singing style that, to me, teeter-tottered between indie, emo and even some prog rock that I just found myself digging.

There really are all kinds of styles intermixed throughout when I listened to their release. I was reminded of Bright Eyes to Seahaven at times and I would be lying if I did not say I even heard a little Coheed & Cambria (sans the complex sci-fi story) as well as The Early November and Taking Back Sunday. Needless to say, there are plenty of likable qualities throughout this record that just kept me captivated.

“Sycamore Tomb” was a solid track that I feel has plenty of on-air playable qualities with lead vocalist Dustin Andrews giving it his all. Add additional harmonies by Jon Jennings, and suddenly the song was trapped in my mind for hours after my first listen.

One of the songs that threw me off a little was “Iron Boat” featuring Lindsey Pavao, a former Voice contestant whom I have never heard of before (that’s the competition with Cee-Lo and the spinning chairs that look like they belong in the Knight Rider car, right?).

Don’t get me wrong, I am not against the song completely or Ms. Pavao, but I just didn’t feel that the track fit in with the rest. Not sure whose decision it was to add this happy-sounding track in the midst of a more emo-heavy album, but it is what it is I suppose. I will admit that the second and third listens were better than my first taste of this track though.

“Take It Home” started off with a Nirvana sound that of got me all nostalgic for an Unplugged session. I loved this track from start to finish and that may have something to do with the guitar styles reaching back to 90s alt-rock styles only to change it up to a heavier riff.

In “Dying”, Andrews sang a convincing “all I really know is I’m sorry, I’m sorry” multiple times in this somber track that picked things up halfway through. I loved the spoken word at the end of this track, and honestly, feel that it made an even heavier lasting impression.

Staring off like an upbeat track, “All Of My Daughters” turned into more of a gloomy song about a father admitting his absence from the lives of his offspring. The song just kept building up and peaked just perfectly.

The album-titled track “Nova Scotia,” once again featuring Ms. Pavao singing along side Andrews, just did not do it for me. Pavao has a great voice and all, but as hard as I tried, I just didn’t care for this duet. Sadly, this was the last track on the album and I had no choice but to start over as I longed for more.

I would not be surprised if this band was taking over stages in the near future playing to sold out crowds. This is an impressive release that I can see all sorts of music lovers getting into. Don’t sit on Of Us Giants like I did, it is too good to pass up.