Like a swingin’ 1960’s rave-up on amphetamines – OK, make that MORE amphetamines – “Petals,” the latest track by the UK’s The Primitives, kicks into high gear from the jump and doesn’t relent for an “Oh, I could listen for SO much longer” two-and-a-half minutes. But, of course, if it WERE longer than that, it […]
If there were an award for “least-used descriptive phrase in rock writing,” I’d wager that “Danish quartet” is somewhere close to being on the final ballot. Let’s face it – aside from Mew and the Raveonettes, you don’t hear of too much in the way of rock coming out of Denmark, that smallest of Scandinavian […]
The only thing better than a fuzzed-up homage to psychedelic rock is an appropriately trippy accompanying video. Luckily, you’ll get it both and more with “Flying Golem,” the new track from Wand – a four-on-the-floor romping-stomping beat, distortion-drenched guitars punctuated by wailing mini-solos and vocals not too far removed from “Pictures of Matchstick Men.” That’s […]
There are only so many more-or-less perfect albums out there and, for me, one of them is The Byrds’ “Sweetheart of the Rodeo.” Maybe it’s because it was a favorite of my Dad’s, maybe because it perfectly captures that fascinating fringe of hippie culture that embraced real country music – or maybe it’s because it’s […]
I’m a sucker for a nice little three-minute pop gem. Whether it’s the Beatles, Teenage Fanclub, the Lemonheads or the latest from Anglo-Australian (Angstralian?) quartet, Allo Darlin’, a song that can grab you, shake you and implant a melody in your head is an under-appreciated pleasure. Maybe it’s their economy of vision or maybe it’s […]
Dark Blue‘s haunting, dissonant “Hanging from A Chandelier” is an anti-summer jam for the ages – a clanging post-rock effort that will thrill some and set others’ teeth on edge. But I, for one, welcome our new noise-rock overlords. With an atmospheric mood and baritone vocals direct from the Joy Division school, Dark Blue’s lead […]
If they weren’t Australian, they’d never get away with it. But worry not – The Griswolds ARE from Down Under and, as such, their rock-infused bouncepop works. Why? Because to us relatively dour Americans, Aussies are allowed to have fun, even when they’re indie rockers. And The Griswolds are definitely enjoying themselves on their new video, […]
Johnny Marr is the Smith we need now. As his former bandmate descends further into his unique brand of curiously indefensible madness, Marr, ever the workman, soldiers on, dropping solid albums laced with his signature sparkling guitar work and vocals that are growing more confident with every passing track. No longer content to dabble on […]
With a Laurel Canyon-esque lilt and sun-dappled harmonies that would make Roger McGuinn proud, LA’s own Allah-Lahs may yet slide into that oft-coveted spot of the unofficial sound of Southern California. But wait – there’s a twist! There’s an almost-missed edginess that weaves its way through the peace-and-love vibe, giving the music just enough of […]
Like shoegaze slowed down to half-speed, “There’s a Girl in the Corner” by Scot rockers The Twilight Sad layers and layers chiming guitars and synths to extremely satisfying results. Toss in a well-placed kick-snare combo and lead singer James Graham’s resonant – and delightfully Scottish-sounding – vocals and you’ve got a recipe for semi-depressing success. […]