By Ryan Getz Damage is long overdue in my book. Take that as a backhanded compliment but whatever. Point is, Jimmy Eat World have been one of the most consistently solid bands in my library. From the classic Bleed American to the underrated but breathtaking Invented, this band is a pillar of modern emo influenced...
By Ray Cobra This is the third release for Man Overboard and it very well might be their best release so far. Man Overboard has coined the term “Defend Pop Punk”. It is everywhere I look. This writer even has a “Defend Pop Punk” hoodie that I wear proudly. The thing however is this, what...
By Sean Huncherick What does a solo album sound like from a violinist who has toured with Lady Gaga, worked with Pierre Boulez, and performed in a trio alongside Ryuichi Sakamoto? Like nothing you’ve ever heard (unless you happen to listen to chamber, new age, and 80s pop music. In that case, it sounds kind...
Last weekend I attended two shows back to back evenings, both of which were good in their own way. Both can be summed up pretty succinctly, so for those jam packed weekends that just beg coverage all the way around, this will be the first of many Concert Roundups features. Truslow / Plaidbrixx at A&R...
Sean Huncherick recommends: DRESSES When your second show is a spot opening for Kate Nash, you know you’re doing something right. This duo has only put two original songs online and has received more than 80,000 views on Youtube between the two. Not a bad start for what sounds like a soon-to-be-hit indie band. “Blow...
By Sean Huncherick In the world of Bandcamp and social media, a singer-songwriter needs to be a bit different to be noticed and memorable. Sure, there are some incredibly talented solo artists that have made it big with just a guitar or piano, but it’s harder now when you’re competing with thousands of others songwriters...
In my years as a music nut, I have watched the lineups of countless festivals year after year get announced and fantasized about attending them. Upon hearing that Lauren Mann and the Fairly Odd Folk was making their first ever appearance in Columbus I recognized the name as one that I had glanced over multiple...
By Ryan Getz Portugal. The Man of Alaska (maybe you did not know that) have intrigued me for some time. I had heard their name in passing several times on the local alternative station, but the intrigue got dialed up a notch when I saw them live in April of 2012. I was there on...
By Jon McAllister The first QOTSA album in over 6 years, and still no introduction needed; …Like Clockwork has been so mystifying and highly anticipated, I’m not sure any information released thus far has been missed. Those who know Queens are (expletive) stoked, and may the unaware soon be informed of the void in their...
By Sean Huncherick Sophomore albums are tough to execute. A band generally has plenty of time to write, practice, and improve their first album before they get the attention of a label, but then are expected to put out another album in a year. Occasionally the results are terrific, but more often they fall into...
By Ray Cobra The Columbus, Oh pop-punk scene is a weird one. This writer has never understood it. Maybe it is because I am not from there but during my time there it seemed there was a shortage of pop-punk bands. And that pop-punk doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. Outside of City Lights I...
Technically this is getting posted two days late, but anyway… Ray Cobra recommends: Have Mercy This 4 piece post-hardcore band from Maryland just released their debut album on Topshelf Records.This is an album that may wind up on a few end of year lists. When listening to this album for the first time it might...
