Dude York- Falling (2019)
Posted by KB on 8/22/2019 to
Reviews In Brief
Dude York's "Falling" doesn't hit the heights of 2017's "Sincerely" but it does follow the same formula and comes close with a couple songs that feel like clones of the past. There are quite a few good pop-punk gems, with rousing guitars and catchy melodies. The noisier and crunchier songs tend to be the stronger and more engrossing with the guitar a bit more front and center. Both Peter Richards' and Claire England's vocals are getting better on each release. A bit tighter without losing their urgency and authenticity, but England's leads still shine a tad brighter. While "Sincerely" was more about finding someone, "Falling is more about losing someone- deliberately. The album retains the power one expects from DY and a little dabbling in new territory which bodes well for further band growth.
Favorite Songs: Box, Unexpected, Falling, Doesn't Matter, Let Down
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Honeyblood- In Plain Sight (2019)
Posted by KB on 8/19/2019 to
Reviews In Brief
Honeyblood went from a duo to a solo act
with Scotland's Stina Tweeddale as the upholder of the band name. Her
"In Plain Sight" is a pop-rock release that attempts to wade into
alt-rock edginess with the use of echo and 80's-ish new wave angularity,
that is successful when its muscular and pounding (Touch). The
remaining efforts could easily be blended into an iHeart playlist,
accessible to the masses but unquestionably better than most of what is
on the radio. Dashes of Raveonettes, The Kills, Siouxsie and the
Banshees and Missing Persons can be heard throughout. "In Plain Sight" is solid and hummable, but not extraordinary. You'll enjoy it while its on but probably not crave it later.
Favorite Songs: She's A Nightmare, A Kiss From the Devil, Touch, Glimmer
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Angie McMahon- Salt
Angie McMahon- Salt (2019)
Posted by KB on 8/15/2019 to
Reviews In Brief
There are songs that have beautiful, sad melodies and those that have beautiful sad lyrics, but to accomplish both consistently is a feat. Aussie Angie McMahon does this on "Salt", her first full LP. The heartbreak and anger is real. The longing is real. The realization of self doubt and knowing that the same slacker mistakes will occur are real. Her songs are not all ballads/dirges, she does let loose, with the same sentiments that are punched with folk-punk attitude. She gets the most out of her voice, electric guitar and emotion. The only min-gripe I have is with elocution. McMahon leans more toward making you feel the melody instead of hearing all it's meaning- but you still get it anyway. When she powers her voice up she conjures up a little Chrissie Hynde. All in all "Salt" is an excellent first effort of well constructed, emotive, enrapturing songs that need to be heard.
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Favorite Songs: Keeping Time, Pasta, Slow Mover, Missing Me, Play the Game
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Versing- 10000 (2019)
Posted by KB on 8/13/2019 to
Reviews In Brief
Versing is a melodic drone rock crew. They aren't drone as in monotone monotony since they employ song structure with choruses and vocal melodies, but the foundation of their songs trudge along in a close to shoegaze exuberance (deliberate oxymoron). The listener is forced to take heed to get the most out 10000 and not spoon-fed. My Bloody Valentine, "Disintegration" Cure, Jesus and the Mary Chain among other gazers can be felt in their delivery- which I might add- has Pavement dressings as well. 10000 is an album whose enjoyment will depend on your current state of mind or what you are doing. Raving party and fired up- probably not. Long drive alone and brooding- could be. So I'd file this under songs for particular moments.
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Versing- 10000
Favorite Songs: Vestibule, Sated, Renew
Check Out and Buy:
Versing- 10000
