Concert Review: Circa Survive (Union Transfer 12/14/14)
Walking into Philly’s Union Transfer a couple of weeks ago, I had quite a few high expectations for headliner and local legend Circa Survive, as well as openers Pianos Become the Teeth, and Title Fight. I expected no-flaws, tight bands that were into the touring groove; but after seeing two (amazing in their own rights)…
Flying Lotus – “You’re Dead” Album Review
Flying Lotus has always been a favorite of mine when I made the choice to expand my musical horizons. Ever since his second album, Los Angeles, I fell in love with the hip-hop beats and overall experimentation and how far his motifs would go. You're Dead is one of those surreal gems that shows through the drips of jazz,…
Album Review: Walk the Moon – “Talking Is Hard”
I dare you to find me someone who didn't at least like Walk the Moon's self-titled debut album. It's just an 11-song marathon of jam after danceable jam infused with glorious rock tropes and infectious pop melodies. Every time I go back to the album I can't fathom how absolutely catchy it is or how a…
Top 10 CMJ 2014 Artists: Sharpless, Happyness, & More
The CMJ music marathon, which is really going to give the Iditarod a run for its money, absolutely wiped me out. It was an insane week of head bopping, boozing, and absolute madness as I attempted to hold some sense of sanity as my sleep deprived body moved from venue to venue trying to keep…
Album Review: SBTRKT – “Wonder Where We Land”
SBTRKT, the reclusive electronic artist, came into the fray with his self-titled debut album that combined house, some dubstep elements and minimalist soul. With collaborations under his belt with Little Dragon's Yukimi Nagano, Londoner Jessie Ware and relative newcomer, the soulful Sampha, his debut was a breath of fresh digital air in this era of stagnant EDM…
Monterey – “Sailors” EP Review
"Remember all the days you were so lonely. When leaving wasn't the only thing on your mind." Trying to standout among the New Brunswick music scene isn't an easy task. It's a community that's absolutely packed with incredible potential and exciting new sounds, but Monterey is standing out in a very unique way. Just give…
Interview: Chris Beninato and Carter Henry of Monterey
If you don't know about the booming music scene in New Brunswick or Asbury Park, you should educate yourself. One of the bands making a splash are rockers Monterey. With their newest release, the trio is taking a different route and exploring a more emotional side (check out our review here). I sat down…
Album Review: The Jazz June – “After the Earthquake”
Topshelf Records has a place near and dear to my heart. It's the label that signed one of the bands that I sat in awe watching back in the 10th grade days of post-rock yore. Now that I get to review one of their newest releases, I can take a little taste of their full…
Prawn releasing New “Settled” EP and Deluxe Version of “Kingfisher”
Last time I saw Prawn they were absolutely killing it at The Studio at Webster Hall supporting Hotelier and Foxing. While I didn't know much about them then, it did spawn a slight obsession with the band. Maybe it's just natural to want to support local Jersey bands, but these guys know how to put on…