Contributions
Before Burning Man and Lollapalooza, there was Desolation Center
In recent years, massive gatherings and festivals such as Burning Man, Lollapalooza and Coachella have become destination events that draw thousands. However, the roots of these cultural juggernauts are far humbler. That honor goes to Desolation Center, an early-’80s DIY venture that booked concerts in off-the-grid locations. And they were only promoted word-of-mouth. These gigs […]
Protomartyr spins tales of lost souls and tortured romantics in 'Relatives In Descent'
Protomartyr Relatives In Descent ROCKS LIKE: The Hold Steady, Life Without Buildings, Pere Ubu WHAT’S DIFFERENT: This Detroit outfit have restrained their post-punk intentions somewhat, playing with more textured compositions rather than the blunt assault of their earlier material. This proves to be the perfect swirling yet steady backdrop for frontman Joe Casey to spin […]
Broken Social Scene's secret weapon on 'Hug Of Thunder'? New member Ariel Engle
Broken Social Scene Hug Of Thunder FILE UNDER: (Other) Great Canadian supergroup strikes again ROCKS LIKE: Chvrches, the New Pornographers, Grizzly Bear WHAT’S DIFFERENT: It only took seven years, but they finally got the band back together—all 15 original members of the group, too, including Leslie Feist and Metric frontwoman Emily Haines. Their secret weapon […]
There’s plenty of musical depth in Public Service Broadcasting's 'Every Valley'
Public Service Broadcasting Every Valley FILE UNDER: Sociopolitical art-pop ROCKS LIKE: Spoon, Radiohead, Tunng WHAT’S DIFFERENT: This U.K. prog-pop duo set aside cheeky nostalgia for at least one album to address a more serious topic: the rise and fall of the coal industry in Wales. A niche subject, to be sure, but one they bring […]
Ride's 'Weather Diaries' approach the “dream pop” sound they helped cultivate with maturity
Ride Weather Diaries FILE UNDER: A working shoegaze reunion ROCKS LIKE: Title Fight, Nothing, Beach House WHAT’S DIFFERENT: For their first new album in over two decades, this U.K. quartet don’t dare to try and replicate past glories. Just as their 2015 reunion tour proved, they’re approaching the “dream pop” sound they helped cultivate in […]
The Mountain Goats take deeper exploration into goth sound
The Mountain Goats Goths FILE UNDER: Spritely tunes about dark music ROCKS LIKE: Spoon, Prefab Sprout, Portastatic WHAT’S DIFFERENT: The 16th full-length by this always reliable indie-pop project finds leader John Darnielle exploring the weird and wonderful world of goths, applying the same sort of arch yet empathetic songwriting eye to this subgroup as he […]
Wire embrace modern sound while still sticking to their roots
Wire Silver/Lead FILE UNDER: Post-punk promise made manifest ROCKS LIKE: Beach House, Interpol, the Chameleons WHAT’S DIFFERENT: The creative hot streak that these post-punk pioneers have been on since reuniting in the new millennium continues. With 2012 addition Matthew Simms now comfortably ensconced in the lineup as lead guitarist, Wire feel free to stretch out […]
Spoon's album brings them back revived and moody
Spoon Hot Thoughts FILE UNDER: Future pop, Veteran rockers ROCKS LIKE: Franz Ferdinand, Animal Collective, Destroyer WHAT’S DIFFERENT: Britt Daniel and co. move further beyond their jagged indie rock roots with flashes of disco-pop flair, nimble production from Dave Fridmann (Thursday, Flaming Lips) and a lot of synthesized accompaniment. WHY YOU SHOULD CARE: The band’s […]
Minus The Bear reveal renewed purpose, strongest statement with 'VOIDS'
Minus The Bear VOIDS FILE UNDER: The Northwest comes of age ROCKS LIKE: Death Cab For Cutie, Silversun Pickups, Patrick Stump WHAT’S DIFFERENT: A return to the label that nurtured them and the addition of new drummer Kiefer Matthias find this venerable Seattle outfit both moving forward and stepping back, resulting in a propulsive, mature […]