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Kyle Craft- Full Circle Nightmare (2018)

Posted by KB on 6/28/2018 to Reviews In Brief
When the term singer-songwriter is used the first thoughts that come to mind are that of brooding, introspective with a little self indulgence (this is not an absolute). Craft has the self indulgence but employs drama, energy and a big glam sound along with smart lyrics and songs that would feel right in a smokey piano bar, club or Broadway. It doesn't mean that Craft doesn't rock it just demonstrate how versatile his songs are. His full sound could be pared down and his ballads could be crescendo-ed without losing their validity due to his emphatic vocals that make his songs feel important or urgent. "Full Circle Nightmare" defies easy categorization which is why it is such an interesting listen.

Favorite Songs: Belmont (One Trick Pony), Fake Magic Angel, Fever Dream Girl, Full Circle Nightmare

Find It: Full Circle Nightmare

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Remember Sports- Slow Buzz (2018)

Posted by KB on 6/11/2018 to Reviews In Brief
This Philly based four piece bang out muddy college rock bordering on punk about breakups, being disheartened and loss but in an oddly uplifting way. Their songs are energetic with boatload of ear-worm hooks. You know where the song is going and you are so glad that it actually got there. Remember Sports doesn't roam far from earlier LPs, and who would care since they do DIY lo-fi so well. "Slow Buzz", like all their releases, is easy to listen to over and over again which brings about the only negative. It forces you to neglect the rest of your collection.

Favorite Songs: Up From Below, Nothing's Coming Out, No Going Back, Dripping, You Can Have Alonetime When You're Dead



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Las Rosas- Shadows By Your Side (2018)

Posted by KB on 6/7/2018 to Reviews In Brief
Las Rosas is an indie trio from Brooklyn whose output is 60s-ish era garage rock. If you told me you found them on an old Rhino compilation disc, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised. Their songs are raggedly melodic with twists and turns and energetic build ups. There is nothing tricky here but the beauty of good retro-rock is having hooks that feel familiar but don't sound re-hashed. It's easy to hear how Las Rosas might get into solid jamming live giving their songs a whole new identity. I hear Diamond Rugs, Fidlar and Palma Violets blended throughout SBYS. It's nice to hear another straight forward unrefined rock band putting out catchy, fun to listen to rock music- albeit a little repetitive.

Favorite Songs: The Ghost, Tax Man, Christa, Dinner For One, Flood This House

Find It: Shadow by Your Side

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Connections- Foreign Affairs (2018)

Posted by KB on 6/5/2018 to Reviews In Brief
This Columbus, Ohio messy, lo-fi garage pop rock outfit has released an album that gets catchier every listen. Which means I'm listening to it more. What a delightful paradox. Picture The Go Betweens with epic Dino Jr solos speckled though out playing in your basement for just you and your friends. What a delightful vision.

Favorite Songs: Isle Insane, Low Low Low, Good Cop, Short Line, Downtown, Purely Physical

More Info: Connections
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Music Festival Musings: Attending to See or Be Seen

Posted by KB on 6/4/2018 to Opinions & Thoughts
Recently I attended Boston Calling music festival. I normally don't go out of my way to go to music festivals but Boston Calling this year had 13 bands that I wanted to see and who were not going to be in my area live on their own. So, even knowing that I wouldn't see true full sets, I ponied up at went for 2 of the 3 days. Boston Calling was very organized, the spectators well behaved, excellent food and beverage options at reasonable pricing. All the acts started as scheduled and ended with enough time to venture to other acts (most of the time). It was exhausting (in a good way) and I'm glad I went and I will do it again.That said there were some observations I had about the festival scene. We've all seen the photos and videos of the major festivals and I am including that with my personal experience.
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