‘9th & Walnut’ is everything we expect from the Descendents: quick, short, and to the point. And though it’s void of any nuance, it’s still fun.
‘So Far No Further’ review: Sweet Soul struggle to find a voice on debut LP
To promote their debut full-length So Far No Further, Sweet Soul created a playlist that currently resides on the SoCal quintet’s Spotify profile. It’s a self-proclaimed “soundtrack” that chronicles the band’s varied influences (and, presumably, what they were listening to…
Album Review: Chai – “Punk”
It’s nearly impossible not to give yourself over to the fiercely endearing charm of Chai. Shirking the reductive cutesy expectations society places on the shoulders of Japanese women, the Nagoya pop punk quartet is able to weaponize adorability, redefining kawaii…
From the Record Crate: New York Dolls – “New York Dolls” (1973)
It’s hard to overestimate the importance of this album. Despite racking up less than 500,000 sales on its release in 1973, reaching a dismal 116 in the US Billboard 200 album chart, and failing to chart at all in the…
Album Review: Ted Leo – “The Hanged Man”
Ted Leo has explored many different genres and aesthetics throughout the course of his 20-year career. He’s also experienced a variety of changes to his image and topics. The Hanged Man is the first album where Leo has billed himself…
Sleater-Kinney Reunion Caps Already Great Year for Women in Punk
The most exciting music news of the year came on October 19 when Sleater-Kinney, on hiatus since 2006, announced their reunion with a terrific new single, “Bury Our Friends.” With an album due in January and a tour starting in…