I’ve always emphasized the importance of a musician or band’s live performance. During these times, the musician is in their most raw and vulnerable form and you can either love ‘em or hate ‘em. Shakey Graves is one of those musicians that can really let his true colors show in a live performance. He is sincere, grappling and charming all at the same time. Thanks to Greg Giannantonio for showing me these videos.
- Yvonne
Ghost in the Night by Stereo Soul Future (October 14, 2011)
Ghost In The Night is an album that could make for some great radio play. Now, I’m not just talking about college radio, because there are some songs on this album that could truly make for great “hits” on commercial radio. The opening song, “If I…” says it all, this band has that catchy, mainstream sound that can be big.
- Yvonne
Posted in T: LP/EP
Tagged Boston, Ghost in the Night, on music, pop, Review, rock, Stereo Soul Future, Yvonne
‘The Morning After’ by Stella Le Page (October 6, 2011)
With ‘The Morning After’, I’m less concerned with the lyrics and more concerned with how this song makes me feel. The lovely vocals and simple harmonies are carried by low-key synthesizers and midi instrumentation. The lyrics do have some importance in the telling of a story in this song, but what makes “The Morning After” worth the listen is its ability to leave me wondering what else Stella Le Page has to offer.
- Yvonne
Posted in T: Single
Tagged female vocalist, London, on music, pop, Stella Le Page, The Morning After, Yvonne
Canter On by Slothbear (November 1, 2011) *
Just last Friday, I saw Slothbear play live at a Halloween-themed house party at the University of Delaware. The show was crowded (almost too crowded), but that didn’t stop Slothbear’s execution. Canter On is a hard thought record that is a good representation of their style. I’ll try to refrain from making comparisons to other bands because although they are only a few releases in, this is the album that really feels at home.
The lengthy ‘Goodnight, Retrograde’ comes close to uncapping their potential as a sort of “jam band” while the rest of the songs are skillfully written and consist of catchy guitar riffs and melodies. Put two and two together, and that makes for a great record.
- Yvonne
‘Rich Hands (Pumpkin Lover)’ by Porches (July 1, 2011)
I don’t think I’ve ever played a song on repeat more than “Rich Hands (pumpkin lover)” by PORCHES. Lead singer, Aaron Maine, is a “thick-headed boy” who has seemingly simple wishes that tend to hit a soft spot in this helpless listener. “I don’t want to hold your hand/ I just want my best friend.” Human quality is something that is sometimes overlooked with the production of music these days. But with the absence of a click track, Maine takes his time performing the song and hits the nail on the head. I would even possibly call it perfect, but nothing’s quite perfect in this world.
- Yvonne
Posted in T: Single
Tagged New Paltz, on music, PORCHES, Pumpkin Lover, Rich Hands, Sunday's Best, Yvonne
Yellow Lights by Little Anchor (September 6, 2011)
Yellow Lights is an EP by Brooklyn’s very own folk/pop group Little Anchor. Yellow lights figuratively and literally represent the action of slowing down, and that is exactly what this music is trying to remind us to do. Little Anchor has shows at The Rock Shop on October 22 and Union Hall on December 1st; both shows in NY.
- Yvonne
Posted in T: LP/EP
Tagged Brooklyn, cmj, indie pop, Little Anchor, on music, Review, the rock shop, Yellow Lights, Yvonne
‘Born an Angel’ by Lady Bones (October 5, 2011)
It’s one thing to hear a band for the first time on the internet and another to hear them for the first time live. Live shows express the true, raw and authentic nature to a band’s music. Lady Bones is a band that I heard for the first time live and I immediately became a fan. These guys are not only extremely nice but their music is awesome. The vocals remind me of british indie bands such as The Kooks or The Arctic Monkeys and the music itself is starting to resemble the brilliant work of The Dismemberment Plan. I’m seeing more and more bands resemble the 90′s and I’ve gotta say, I’m not complaining.
- Yvonne
Posted in T: Single
Tagged Born an Angel, Boston, Lady Bones, on music, Review, Yvonne
Seventeen Once 7″ by Slothbear (June 10, 2011)
Slothbear is an interesting band that adds to my currently delirious/tired state. The base line and vocals suggest alternative 90′s rock, yet the low drum track and loud lead guitar give Slothbear’s sound a unique and inviting twist.
- Yvonne
Soulbound Volume Two by Various Artists (September 30, 2011)
Featuring some of our favorites, the crew here at Dingus salute you, the diy supporter with this free compilation album. A special thanks to all the artists involved.
- Dingus, Big Boss, Yvonne, Solidus, Dandelions
Posted in A: Dingus, C: Best New Music, T: LP/EP, T: News
Tagged #2, A: Dingus, Babe Youth, Big Boss, cant see Shapes, Card Houses, Compilation, Corb Beats, Dandelions, DIY, Global Nomads, Harvey Eyeballs, Holland Creek, Just Kids, on music, Parsha, paul cook and the chronicles, Pree, Rev Shark, Solidus, SOULBOUND, The Boy Besides, two, Volume, Yvonne
Waiting on an Island by Destry (May 3, 2011) *
Destry is the indie-pop project from Boston. The music consists of catchy hooks and dreamy vocals that never wander or waiver in intention. Waiting On An Island sounds like She & Him, only seasoned. Michelle DaRosa can not only hit the notes, but she adds her own unique style that brings more maturity to the music. Not to mention both male and female vocals compliment each other in a wonderfully charming way.
- Yvonne
