Album Review: Dark Before the Light by Anti-Social Club

Album Review: Dark Before the Light by Anti-Social Club

Well thought out, intricate melodies and emotional lyrics by a band unafraid of a little synth. These are some real songs. Our favorite: Six Feet Under. (Featured on our #29 podcast, How to Get the Fans to Sing.)

Single Review: Sunburn by Tongues of Fire

Single Review: Sunburn by Tongues of Fire

Think about what you’re definitely not going to do, and then shout it along with Tongues of Fire in this cathartic singalong! `I won’t eat peas!’ `I won’t back down!’ `I won’t say no!’ `I won’t do laundry!’ – whatever ya got. Tongues of Fire is great. (Featured on our #29 podcast, How to Get the Fans to Sing.)

Album Review: Bask by HSY

Album Review: Bask by HSY

If only they hadn’t broken up. One of the best darkwave/sludge (John insists that they are ‘industrial’) bands that we’ve heard. Our favorite song: Sally. (Featured on our #29 podcast, How to Get the Fans to Sing.)

Album Review: Here and There by Organ Mug

Album Review: Here and There by Organ Mug

In a lot of musical contexts, ‘ethereal’ might mean ‘good for going to sleep to’. But this artist takes beauty and makes it sort of strange and great. We love ‘A Somewhere Place’ and we can’t wait to hear the rest of the album. (Featured on our #29 podcast, How to Get the Fans to Sing.)

Album Review: Fondue by Appetizer Cheesecake

Album Review: Fondue by Appetizer Cheesecake

We adore this band. Especially that gravelly-voice singer. Most of this album is very art-rock, but our favorite is their cheesecaky single, ‘Bicycle.’ (Featured on our #29 podcast, How to Get the Fans to Sing.)

Podcast 29 – How to Get the Fans to Sing

Podcast 29 – How to Get the Fans to Sing

Episode 29 – How to Get the Fans to Sing. Why anonymity is the new fame, a cathartic call-and-response from Tongues of Fire, and John’s secret desire to be sung-back-to. Israeli rock and Swiss rock both have their Holy Crap debut. And, as always, all of our music is excellent:

Album Review: Rock Nacional with Come Madness First

Album Review: Rock Nacional with Come Madness First

Big, heavy blues riffs mixed together with aching ballads. This sweet-voiced and angry girl can really write songs. Our favorite: I Let You Down. (Featured on our #28 podcast, Hampton Inn Hallway.)

Album Review: Skeleton House by Crooked Ghost

Album Review: Skeleton House by Crooked Ghost

Humongous-sounding music — this band sounds like an orchestra — with a talented singer whose tone is exactly between hopeful and despairing. This band will go far. Our favorite song: Sleepwalker. (Featured on our #28 podcast, Hampton Inn Hallway.)

Album Review: Headache Time by Beach Bugs

Album Review: Headache Time by Beach Bugs

Cheerful harmonies and self-deprecating songs from Limoges, France. This band would be really fun to see live, and if you can’t manage that, they’re fun to listen to. Our favorite song: Loser. (Featured on our #28 podcast, Hampton Inn Hallway.)