Nada Surf- The Weight is a Gift (2005)
Posted by KB on 8/14/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
"The Wait is a Gift", in my opinion, is the finest Nada Surf album- among a discography that is stellar. The songs are personal, introspective, optimistic and cerebral. All emotions from love to questioning it or despair to 'it's gonna be ok'. The songs make you look into yourself and understand who you are and how you are going to persevere. All with gorgeous melodies, hooks and beats. I could ramble about each song, but it's better if you play it, close your eyes and understand the weight IS a gift.
Favorite Songs: It should be listened to altogether.
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Les Big Byrd- Ruin Everything (2026)
Posted by KB on 8/14/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
Les Big Byrd is a creative Swedish rock band that fuses psychedelia with driving rock to build intriguing songs that are danceable and/or trance-like. Neither sounds like the prior but they fit together as a whole. Guitars swirl, bass lines pound and the drums are on the back beat holding up the whirlwind of synths. Easy to sing to, providing you know both English and Swedish, the songs almost have an arena feel to them. Being a big fan of Nordic area rock, I proudly suggest "Ruin Everything"
Favorite Songs: Hökvind, Artificial Sunlight, Ruin Everything, Big Flood
Zoe Pete Ford- One of the Boys (2025)
Posted by KB on 8/14/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
Part alt-country, part alt-rock. It's gritty in the vein of Liz Phair's "Exile in Guyville" twangy like Lucinda Williams. "One of the Boys" unfortunately completely missed my ear last year. Ford sings conversationally. It's not flowery or poetic. It's real. It's how we think. And none of "One of the Boys" is supposed to be perfect which is the album's charm. Would most likely been in my best of last year, so I urge you all to catch up.
Favorite Songs: Mint Juleps, Backstreet Beauty Queen, Billy/Bobby, Saturn, Baby You're Crazy
Yard Act- You're Gonna Need a Little Music (2026)
Posted by kb on 8/14/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
Another solid neo-punk band from England, Leeds to be exact. Not as abrasive as Idles or TV Priest but with attitude and opinions to spare. The talk-sing over new wave, poppy or big beat aggressive backdrops makes for an interesting and engaging listen. The piano parts, I admit, were unique for this style of music giving YA a surprise lightness within the edginess. YA have stuff to relate and talk about without being preachy. You form you're own thoughts and I encourage you to do that.
Favorite Songs: Tall Tales, Cherophobe Rock, Thrill of the Chase. Talky Talky People
Finn Wolfhard- Fire From the Hip (2026)
Posted by KB on 8/3/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
Who woulda thunk that the Netflix show "Stranger Things" would produce three musical artists; Maya Hawke, Djo and Finn Wolfhard. I am happy to say, unexpectantly, that Finn's release is quite fun, creative and entertaining. Part Archies pop, part indie lo-to-mid-fi and 60's Dylan-esque folk rock with thoughtful, novel lyrics. The pacing keeps your interest, probably more than season 5 of ST, and the earnest performances proves this is not a release due to the fame of ST, but due to actual talent. If you haven't, give ol' Mike (Finn) a listen. I think you'll be surprised.
Favorite Songs: I'll let You Finish, Common side Effects, Follow, Crater
Dinosaur Jr- Beyond (2007)
Posted by KB on 8/3/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
Beyond is the resurgence of Dino Jr, after a 10 year respite, ringing in the start of a run of excellent releases. Their song writing showed conspicuous growth without losing indie purism. The full open power chords, the high pitched and energetic (dramatic) solos, crunchy punk metal moments and the slacker whiny vocals about emotional loss- it's all there, just slightly refined. Dino Jr earned the title as the grandfathers of the indie scene and with "Beyond" they demonstrated that they could evolve that to, maybe, the greatest alt-band ever.
Favorite Songs: Not a weak song on the album
Wintersleep- Wishing Moon (2026)
Posted by KB on 8/1/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
Rarely does a band/artist put out an album where each song is different and it works. "Wishing Moon" accomplishes this. The songs range from soft emotive to catchy sing along to arena epic to riff-hook rock; there is something for everyone and they are all good. No skips on this album. Wintersleep has been around for 25 years so, being late to party, I have some catching up to do. Which I will gladly dive into.
Favorite Songs: Stranger Now, I got A Feeling, Wait For the Tide, Abyss, Redrawn, You and I
Rolling Stones- Foreign Tongues (2026)
Posted by KB on 7/21/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
At this point I think the Stones will go on, in some form, forever. "Foreign Tongues" doesn't sound like 80+ year olds. It sounds better than bands a third of their age. Does it break new ground? Nope. But do they need to? Do they use the tricks they've already used years ago? Yep. They have nothing to prove. Driving rock songs with great engineering, hooks, riffs and Mick sounding like Mick (unlike Macca- sorry Paul). This is not a sentimental 'we have been here forever' soppy release and that is what makes this so solid. Not quite "Hackneyed Diamonds" but damn, if you don't appreciate what these lads are STILL doing you need to turn in your rock n' roll member card. They are not going die before they get old or fade away. Listen to this.
Favorite Songs: In Stars, Mr. Charm, Divine Intervention, Side Effects, Back In Your Life
Oddfellows- Oddfellows (2026)
Posted by KB on 7/21/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
Punchy pop songs is how they are described and that is accurate. Fast strummed guitars bring a little edge and light touches of Buzzcocks and Undertones with their epic song They Want To Die clocking in at 3:32. "Oddfellows" is fun if you're in the right mood but can get a bit wearing and repetitive after awhile. The album was written and recorded in 3 months and probably could have used some more molding.
Favorite Songs: Draw the Line, I Hate Rules, They Want to Die
The Bug Club- Every single Muscle (2026)
Posted by KB on 7/21/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
Irreverent, lo-fi, punky and a lot of silly fun. Bug Club doesn't take themselves seriously and they have a unhealthy, or healthy, focus on male genitalia. There is some clever wisdom and reality in their lyrics about themselves and how we all think- whether we would admit it or not- if you actually pay attention. Musically we are not talking envelope pushing virtuosity but it's catchy and not wince inducing, except when on purpose ('can I play my solo now'). Music doesn't have to be always deep and thought provoking. Have a little giddy fun and give this a shot.
Favorite Songs: A Good Day For Dying, Make It Count, Every single Muscle, Semi-Automatic, Third Best Friend, My Uncle Warren Drives a Passat
Angine De Poitrine- Vol 1 (2024)
Posted by KB on 7/20/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
I'm late to the quirky, math rock party that is Angine De Poitrine, but I'm happy I crashed it. In the 'not for everyone' file, this costumed band puts together intriguing, looped jams that is structured, heavy beat chaos with solos that that float between middle eastern, rock, jazz and bat-shit bonkers riffs. All while donning equally bonkers outfits. There is something virtuoso about it, something atonal, something non-music that ends up being groove heavy- it's apparent that Angine is very hard to describe. So, for those willing to dip their toe into a new area that some may challenge them, said people may come out a worm hole into a brand new world.
Favorite Songs: Sherpa, Tamesbsz, Sahardnieh
Jet- Get Born (2003)
Posted by KB on 6/25/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
Everyone knows Jet. Are You Gonna Be My Girl. What everyone doesn't remember is that this is fantastic album even if this song didn't exist. Hard driving rock, banging riffs, sing along choruses and ballads that don't make you want to put cement in your ears. I'll admit, it's not trailblazing, but that is a-ok because once you're spinning it you won't care. Good ol' regular rock can be good ol' fun. Take my advice and listen to this in it's entirety. I'll bet that most of you will agree.
Favorite Songs: Look What You've Done, Cold Hard Bitch, Get What You Need, Are You Gonna Be My Girl, Lazy Gun
Drakulas- Midnight City (2026)
Posted by KB on 6/2/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
New wave-ish punk that is a mix of B-52's sparseness, Devo weirdness and guitar pounding of The Briefs. "Midnight City" feels retro but modern at the same time with songs about the underbelly of society. Their sum does not sound like their parts with members from Riverboat Gamblers and Rise Against, but that is where the punk and rock, that are combined with synths, are derived. Nice to have a little freakiness in 2026.
Favorite Songs: Head in the Clouds, Is It Enough, Sex, Guys Like Me Girls Like You, F.A.F.O
Blackwater Holylight- Not Here Not Gone (2026)
Posted by KB on 6/2/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
Always had a soft spot for droning shoe-gaze (My Bloody Valentine, True Widow). Not monotonous droning, but droning with a purpose. Which is very subjective. "Not Here Not Gone" has a purpose with lush layered vocals and buzz saw guitars that sound like they are going short out the amps at any time. It loses a little steam in the final third but not enough to detract from the entirety of the release. If you like dry ice fog and deep colored lasers, I suggest visiting Blackwater Holylight and "Not Here Not Gone".
Favorite Songs: Bodies, Heavy Why?, Spades, Poppyfields
Social Distortion- Born To Kill (2026)
Posted by KB on 6/2/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
Formed in 1978 Social Distortion, by all accounts, probably should not still exist. Drug addiction, deaths and early unkempt living should have extinguished the band. But here we are in 2026 with a damn solid Social D release. Sure it is not as angry, as they have grown up and become adults, but it has their full throttled punk-country riffs, straight up vintage country melodies and gritty Mike Ness vocals. And they know that they are lucky and are gracious to still be around.There is no mailing it in. Here is to perseverance and staying true to yourself.
Favorite Songs: Born To Kill, No Way Out, Tonight, Walk Away (Don't Look Back)
Ramones- S/T (1976)
Posted by KB on 5/21/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
1,2,3,4!!! Not enough can be said about the importance of the Ramones. Formed in 1974 they were THE start of the 70's punk movement. They weren't political, nor great musicians but they had the attitude, attire and the brash, noisy sound that caught the attention of virtually every major punk band of the era. It could easy to dismiss them for the silliness of some their songs, but that was their charm and there was no other sound like them. Those of you who were alive then can attest to their uniqueness. This year is the 50th anniversary of "Ramones". If you are a punk fan, pull this out and let it rip. If you are unaware of this album, shame on you and go and get it.
Favorite Songs: Blitzkrieg Bop, Loudmouth, Beat on the Brat, I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend
Grade 2- Talk About It (2026)
Posted by KB on 4/24/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
"Talk About It" gives nod to most of the better, influential punk artist; Clash, Rancid, Bouncing Souls, Against Me! Thrashing drums with a plethora of power chords and hard, meandering bass lines with all songs clocking in at under 3 minutes and pop hooks. Instead of railing against the man it mostly beseeches us to take care of ourselves and others. Punk can at times get monotonous with its unforgiving boom-boom-boom. Grade 2 has the booms, but their slight varying from song to song they keep it fresh.
Favorite Songs: Standing in the Downpour, Better Today, Talk About It, Don't Worry About Me
Brown Horse- Total Dive (2026)
Posted by KB on 4/24/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
Brown Horse's sound is an amalgamation of Drive-By Truckers, Turnstile Troubadours and The Jayhawks. Just enough twang, Americana, dustbowl and brooding to appeal to most alt-whatever fans. Grungy guitars, wailing steel pedal and heartbeat drums frame the slacker-like vocals. "Total Drive" plays like a slow burn 70s western. It pays off for those with the patience to see how it blossoms.
Favorite Songs: Sorrow Reigns, Comeback Loading, Total Drive
Courtney Barnett- Creature of Habit (2026)
Posted by KB on 4/24/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
Ms. Barnett is one of music's current cleverest song writers. She describes her mental condition, whereabouts and ideologies in simple speak with her talking sing style. While "Creature of Habit" isn't her strongest ( which is "Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit" IMHO) it still deserves attention as it is still a good recording. It has a few toss offs and may require multiple listens for it to resonate, but it should, eventually. Barnett is a modern composer that we all should keep up with.
Favorite Songs: Stay In Your Lane, Wonder, Mantis, Same, Great Advice
Iggy Pop- Brick by Brick (1990)
Posted by KB on 4/23/2026 to
Reviews In Brief
"Brick by Brick" is the founding father of punk and attitude, Iggy Pop's, best solo effort. Hands down. This takes nothing away from the rest of his solid releases. It's just that "Brick By Brick" is killer from the first note of Home to the sincerity of being a champion for the every day man. The array of songs range from crazy in your face rockers to poppy throwbacks. It's unforgivingly brash and rude and also sweet- in an Iggy way. He's not spewing nonsense. He's spewing about homelessness, lost love and the underbelly of the world. His delivery and ad-libs show a range that didn't rear its head prior. He took his Stooges persona and finally honed and defined it to be unabashedly Iggy Pop.
Favorite Songs: Home, Candy, Neon Forest, Main Street Eyes, Butt Town
