Beak is one of those bands that is hard to categorize. They’re heavy. They’re atmospheric. They’re diverse. Oh, did I mention they were heavy? They have the apocalyptic presence of Killing Joke (Check out the keys on “Hands Collide”), the instrumental prowess of Pelican, and both the fierceness and musicality of Isis (“Men At Arms”). On their debut album, Eyrie, Beak make a compelling case to be the only new metal band to watch in 2012. Eyrie is a 5-song aural […]
Album Reviews
Spin Cycle: Sinch’s “Hive Mind”
After taking a long break, Philadelphia’s Sinch is back with a new album. Check out our review!
Spin Cycle: Soul Khan’s “Wellstone” EP
Battle rapper Soul Khan has unleashed a new album entitled “Wellstone.” Check out the review!
Spin Cycle: The Shins’ “Port of Morrow”
James Mercer and an (all new) band of Shins are back after a five-year absence. How much does a new lineup alter the landscape of The Shins’ intricate pop? Read the review and find out.
Spin Cycle: I Come To Shanghai’s “Eternal Life Volume II”
I’ve had I Come To Shanghai’s Eternal Life Vol. II for quite some time now. As previously discussed here on Popblerd , Robert Ashley and Sam Frigard added an “early download & listen” incentive to their KickStarter project. Over the last month, I’ve had their record pop up on my iPhone as I go for long drives or as I do chores around the house. Much like one of my favorite albums, Chicago , there is a constantly flowing suite of music that seamlessly blends from one […]
Spin Cycle: The Ting Tings’ “Sounds From Nowheresville”
Regardless of one’s feelings about The Ting Tings – day-glo pop masterminds or mere dancefloor diversions – they’d doubtlessly be a surprising addition to the canon of 2000s artists granted pop longevity. Their debut record, We Started Nothing, was a dance-rock jackpot, spilling out a startling amount of durable singles like a generous Atlantic City slot machine; but it, as a record, never offered anything below the heavily stylized surface. Not that all music needs to, mind you – it’s just […]
Metal Monday Volume 62 (3.19.12)
Fly, pelican, fly–and that’s exactly what the metal band does, landing in this week’s Metal Monday column!
Spin Cycle: Lucero’s “Women & Work”
I was first introduced to Lucero in 2001 when I saw them open a string of dates for the North Mississippi Allstars in Colorado. Prior to hearing them for the first time, I was told to expect “Jay Farrar meets emo”. I found this description to not only be fairly accurate, but musically, it was wildly successful in execution. The band’s self-titled debut and sophomore effort Tennessee were quality releases, but the third album That Much Further West is where […]
Spin Cycle: Say Anything’s “Anarchy, My Dear”
You could fill years of academic journals with research about popular music and mental illness. The chemical balances that lend themselves to musical mastery will surely never be uncovered, nor will we ever understand the tendency of artistic geniuses to commit themselves to bizarre or self-destructive behaviors (or, in some cases, both). But what happens if things get better? What if you’re able to quell your demons and triumph over adversity – does the music get better, or does the […]
Spin Cycle: Delta Spirit’s Self Titled EP
At the onset of Autumn 2010, I had never heard of Delta Spirit . My friend and fellow musician was invited to a “secret show” in a small bar on Landsdowne Street (right next to Fenway Park, for all you non-Bostonians out there) to see some “Americana rock band” that I “would probably like.” My first time seeing Delta Spirit was pretty magical. Since that time, they’ve been one of my staple go-to-bands for the warmer seasons of the year, with their […]
Spin Cycle: HarborLights “All Would Not Do”
Hum meets Mogwai? Pelican lite? Describe Massachusetts HarborLights however you want just don’t call them boring. Destined for great things, HarborLights long awaited debut, All Would Not Do, channels all those bands yet adds so much more to create an epic eight track beast that sways effortlessly between serene moments of clarity and jaw dropping segments of heavy guitar fueled sonic ecstasy. Beginning with “All Is True”, HarborLights set a beautiful tone with guitarist Matthew Wright’s leads building to a […]
