The Shins – “Simple Song”
The track is built on a mechanized version of the barndance-ballad rhythm that The Shins test drove on Wincing (see tracks "Phantom Limb" or "Turn On Me" for reference, as well as any song off The Jesus and Mary Chain's Darklands.) "Simple Song" begins as an unadorned announcement of this beat, but it quickly...
Porcupine – “Rooftops”
Hear "Rooftops" by La Crosse based Porcupine. "In “Rooftops” Porcupine has collected a sequence of notes from the institution of the almighty rock riff, removed the swagger and pretense (leaving in the patented chuck and grind), and used this as the foundation for the assemblage of an otherwise unassuming pop-rock tune. The lyrics then...
Colin Stetson – New History Warfare Vol. 2: Judges
Vol. 2: Judges is loosely crafted around a surrealistic narrative (which Stetson may eventually turn into a graphic novel) in which a man who has been lost at sea washes up on an island populated by a pack of blind horses (these are the “Judges”) who charge wildly about the land firing cannons that...
Kurt Vile – “The Creature”
“The Creature” comes from the EP So Outta Reach (Fall 2011), which was recorded in the same session as the full length Smoke Ring For My Halo (Spring 2011), all of which was produced by John Agnello, whose previous work includes bands like Dinosaur Jr, Sonic Youth, the Hold Steady, etc.
Rogue Valley – “Onward and Over”
This Minneapolis band is writhing with creative energy, begetting albums with a reproductive vigor to match a motel full of Catholic newlyweds. Between April 2010 and April 2011 they release four full albums, each corresponding to a season.
Polica – “Dark Star”
The track is a danceable blend of soul and trip-hop - taking the grimier side of Massive Attack and adding the brooding lyrics and tactile instrumentation of Portishead - but "Dark Star" has an overall feel that is much more relaxed than either influence.
Wisconsin Built – One of Many Alternatives to the Charlie Brown Christmas Soundtrack
Wisconsin Built has released the first local-artist Christmas music of the year, in the form of the EP One of Many Alternatives to the Charlie Brown Christmas Soundtrack.
Slothbear – Canter On EP
As the title lets on, the freshly written music maintains a similar gate and bearing to previous releases, that is a unique blend of college rock and noise pop. In Slothbear’s case the uniqueness is partially due to the irreproducible modulations the sound that accompanies self production.
A recollection of 4onthefloor playing House of Rock
I was iffy about the show at first. It was mostly over; I’d missed the Heartpills and most of Crankshaft. Through the front window I could see the gray cash-box lying on a table. Behind it was an antsy looking gentleman, twisting uncomfortably on his stool, trying to get a look at what was going...
Halloween, Alaska – All Night the Calls Came In
Longtime favorites of the Chippewa Valley Halloween, Alaska recently released All Night the Calls Came In. The album now has the full fall season to incubate in our i-pods. It will spend these first few months, so critical to an album’s...
The Daredevil Christopher Wright – The Longsuffering Song EP
The Daredevil Christopher Wright tease listeners with an eclectic new EP of baroque pop mixed with a healthy dose of cathedral-style harmonies.
Letting Up Despite Great Faults – Paper Crush EP
Our review of Letting Up Despite Great Faults' Paper Crush EP. "A graceful synthesis from the city of angles." Also, watch the video for their track Teenage Tide, a mash up of good looking, twenty-something hipsters.
Peter Wolf Crier releases two tracks from upcoming LP
In anticipation of the September 9 release of its sophomore LP, titled Garden of Arms, MInneapolis' Peter Wolf Crier has released two new tracks, "Right Away," and "Settling It Off," the two best we've heard from the duo yet. Read a review and listen to each one right here!
The Heart Pills – To Paul, From Dad 1951
Once described as "camp-fire-tin-can-folk-punk," The Heart Pills require deeper analysis after the release of its first true LP. A combo of 80s punk, pysch and pop-rock, witty, socially conscious lyrics, and crafty, creative songwriting makes To Paul, From Dad 1951 a unique, full-package success.
The Rosebuds and Other Lives @ House of Rock
Supporting the early-June release of Loud Planes Fly Low, The Rosebuds returned to Eau Claire on July 20 for the first time in two years and played one of the most memorable shows since its last visit. A full photo set and written review of the show is included!
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