Fitz and the Tantrums picked up steam in 2008 thanks to their blend of neo-soul and indie pop, and their first successful single, “MoneyGrabber,” which went Gold here in the states. Their style was “retro enough” for the kids, while serving up some pop with substance for those of us who can remember music before…
When Day 2 of Boston Calling came to a close, I’d never been more indecisive about a set. I was invigorated, yet disappointed; inspired, but perplexed. Four days later, these feelings have yet to dissipate. Robyn’s headline gig at the Massachusetts festival was my first live glimpse of the Swedish songstress/dance-pro–an artist who had eluded me since…
Omaha, Neb. natives and former Saddle Creek faves The Faint is back with the band’s first offering since 2014’s Doom Abuse. Though there’s no word on a new album just yet, the new track “Young & Realistic” is sure to hit the clubs hard when the band hits venues across the States in the fall.…
Whirring synths, pulsating bass and yet another artist shrouded behind a mask (this time of the ski variety). Released in March of last year, I’ve been wondering for weeks why people are sleeping on Leikeli47’s “Heard Em Say,” and why this song hasn’t exploded beyond belief yet. But under the radar is exactly where Leikeli47…
If you mixed Otis Redding with Bill Withers and added a dash of Van Morrison, you’d get a taste of what British soul-folk maestro Michael Kiwanuka brings to the table. Or you could watch him obliterate this performance on Conan earlier this month. On “Black Man In A White World,” Kiwanuka and his band use handclaps, slick…
Garbage’s new album Strange Little Birds isn’t due until June, but the band recently shared the first single from their new sessions: the dark and soul-baring rocker, “Empty.” Long known for their post-industrial, tricked-out rhythms and electronic-pop melodies, the band’s new material is set to have the back-to-basics feel found on their self-titled debut 20 years ago. The…
Anyone who’s known me longer than an hour knows that No Doubt is my favorite band, one that was largely influential to my musical education. Through their alternative-ska hybrid, I explored punk, ska and reggae from the 60s, 70s, and 80s in ways that I wouldn’t have otherwise at the age of 11. I talk…
This trio from Dublin likes it loud. Blending grunge and stoner rock with metal and hardcore riffs, Bitch Falcon (best. name. ever.) delivers tracks so epic you can’t possibly play them loudly enough without blowing out your speakers or pissing off your neighbors. Their songs (especially “Wolfstooth”) are energetic and ferocious, leaving you wanting to…
It had been 15 years since Veruca Salt’s Louise Post and Nina Gordon shared a stage together, but in 2013, the band posted on social media: “for now let’s just say this: hatchets buried, axes exhumed.” The grunge alt-rockers picked up right where they had left off, along with the other two original members as…
David Gilmour swung by Jimmy Kimmel Live earlier this week to perform his new single (“Rattle That Lock”) and an old favorite (“Wish You Were Here”) proving that any music worth anything is truly timeless. The Pink Floyd masterpiece is over 40 years old yet still radiates an ageless, all-compassing twister of emotion and artistry.…