Album Review: Rift by Forming the Void

Album Review: Rift by Forming the Void

Sweeping soundscapes, big concepts, and a dark, dark emotional palate. This Louisiana band’s roots allow them to be vaguely, darkly spiritual while saying almost nothing. Our favorite song: Arrival. (Reviewed on our #21 podcast, the Ultimate Compliment.)

Album Review: Constance by The Restoration

Album Review: Constance by The Restoration

This imaginary time and country of the old American South is doomed, optimistic, playful, sad. Lots of stringed instruments. Five stars. Our favorite song: Constance. (Reviewed on our #21 podcast, the Ultimate Compliment.)

Album Review: Los Muertos by Arson Daily

Album Review: Los Muertos by Arson Daily

They’re young, talented, and their command of music seems pretty effortless. We look forward to more from this band. (Reviewed on our #20 podcast, hills hoists.)

Album Review:This Will Haunt Me by Dollar Signs

Album Review:This Will Haunt Me by Dollar Signs

Do you like emo? If your answer is ‘kind of’ then you will love Dollar Signs. Mixing punk with personal/emotional angst really works (they call it ‘student-loan-core’). Our favorite song: Tears/Beers/Fears. (Reviewed on our #20 podcast, hills hoists)

Album Review: Getaway by The Launderettes

Album Review: Getaway by The Launderettes

Five gorgeous women making sweet/harsh ‘Nordic Noir’ music would be hard to take, except for the fact that they’re so dang good. Twenty straight years of practice really makes for some great songs. Our favorite song: Marks on My Map. (Reviewed on our #20 podcast, hills hoists.)

Album Review: Wohlerzogen! By Tonfabrik

Album Review: Wohlerzogen! By Tonfabrik

Whatever sound you have in your head about music from Austria, it is probably not this sound. This pop rock band sounds a lot like bands touring up and down the East coast of the US, only cleaner. More organized. And singing in German. Our favorite song: Wilst du Was Werden. (Reviewed on our #20 podcast, hills hoists.)

Album Review: Meat Head by Gaffa Tape Sandy

Album Review: Meat Head by Gaffa Tape Sandy

Roll up your sleeves alongside a smart, young pop group that really wants to talk about gender and equality, in the most intellectual and also in the danciest terms. Our favorite song: Meat Head. (Reviewed on our #20 podcast, hills hoists.)

Album Review: Skeleton Run by The Pretty Littles

Album Review: Skeleton Run by The Pretty Littles

The Pretty Littles are the best thing to come out of Australia since Hills Hoists. Our love for this band knows no bounds. One to watch. Our favorite song: Hills Hoists (and Sober). (Reviewed on our #20 podcast, hills hoists.)

Album Review: Master Manipulator by Native Daughters

Album Review: Master Manipulator by Native Daughters

Big, huge, massive sounds, made more enormous by their adherence to perfect rhythm. The best double drum kit sound ever. Get your metal on! Our favorite song: Sleep Lump(reviewed on our #19 podcast, Honest Expulsions)