The primary triumph of Santogold’s self-titled debut is how well it translates the energy of her live show onto disc. Tracks like “You’ll Find a Way,” “Creator,” and “Unstoppable” are just as infectious coming through the speakers as from the stage. Not for a lack of polish, the production value is top-notch and the songs have a wonderful attention ... Continue Reading

Beginning with a sweet yet strong call of “hello, my friend,” in “Body Buzz,” Aloha’s latest Light Works (2007) is as welcoming as the band’s name. The album is a surprisingly robust and round offering considering its mere seven-song duration. Still, it’s not perfect manna from heaven. There are slight lulls like parts of the tracks “Broken Light” ... Continue Reading

I have just fulfilled every punk's dream (well, what should be every punk's dream) of spending some time immersed in Japan's illustrious hardcore/punk scene. My band, Pulling Teeth, was invited to play six shows in ten days throughout central Japan. We started in Tokyo, made our way a couple of hours north to a small town called Ashikaga, home of J ... Continue Reading

It’s been difficult to understand whether Atmosphere’s now signature sound has become redundant or a masterful recipe to continue. On their sixth official LP, When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint that Shit Gold, Slug (MC) and Ant (producer) collaborate for another array of third-person heavy narratives and catchy piano melodies. Their recent relea ... Continue Reading

I was instructed to ask if you believe In rubbing the big bellies of Buddhas or trolls. If so, I must know Whether you wish and what upon--- The arc of a comet, The depth of a well? There may be heavy lashes And level teeth, Friends or interests that mend our separation--- We may have many mutual things--- But nothing, nothi ... Continue Reading