An eighties echo, but amplified, streamlined, and anthemic. Think cruise control on a Summer-burnt Autobahn, joyously windswept at redline. An oddly cathartic church bell drives an ocean of emotions to a pinnacle of exaltation under far-too-convenient foot-pedal control. “I took my medicine The voices won’t stop My shadow’s caving in My feet won’t walk” Originating as John Kunkel’s dorm room imaginings after … Continue reading The New Division ~ Modus [2⊘2⊘]
The best multi-member bands tend not to rely on simple individual addition to create their exceptional art. Rather, each additional member is a multiplicative increase, or even better, exponentially so. Not just leveling skill gaps, overlaps between members sport a synergistic effect that, unlike the lie of giving 110%, truly accounts for each member’s ability to enhance … Continue reading Vandal Moon ~ Heroine Dancer [2⊘23]
While some bands may strive for a level production in most endeavors, others prefer to more proverbially “fly by the seat of their pants“. A Place To Bury Strangers, often known simply as APTBS, is firmly stationed in the latter with their renowned live performances considered … Continue reading A Place To Bury Strangers ~ Let’s See Each Other (Grimoose Remix) [2⊘21]
I was and still am a sucker for pure, unadulterated synthpop. From Abba and Bee Gees disco to new wave Duran Duran to the murmurings of industrial Depeche Mode and the revitalized Victorian gothicality of Siouxsie and the Banshees. It may seem like a progression away from pop, but in actuality, it is simply a fork-in-the-road diffusion between light and darkness. Both are still appealing and mixtures of the two sometimes bleed … Continue reading Cannons ~ Tunnel Of You [2⊘22]
One of the more unfortunate things I have learned from my Gen Z daughter is the prevalent undercurrent of fear in their generation. An inherent dread of voicing the wrong sentiment and offending one another with everyone seemingly wearing their naked heart on their sleeve, open to unintentional attack, and corresponding haphazard reprisal. No one is safe it seems; friendship and constructive criticism be damned. It is … Continue reading AFI ~ Miss Murder [2⊘⊘6]
