independent thoughts on indie rock, alternative, and indie pop music
I’ll never forget when I first heard “Hacienda Motel,” the breakout hit from Can’t Talk Medicine, the debut album from Seattle-based Pickwick back in 2013; frontman Galen Disston’s soulful vocals carried on a retro-infused layer of reverb-y goodness made that track virtually strut right out of the speakers. I was hooked. Since then, we Pickwick... Continue Reading →
Nashville-based artist Adam Walton spent the majority of his youth on skateboards and playing in punk rock bands in North Carolina; in college he fell in love with the sounds and melodies of folk and mountain music. Now, under the moniker King Wilderness, Walton is crafting music that combines the energy of his younger days with... Continue Reading →
Many have made wise and enlightened statements about life being about the journey rather than the destination, about making the most of the experiences encountered along the way, relishing the lessons learned and impact that our choices have on what’s to come. Sometimes, the path winds through areas of trying circumstances that lead to self-discovery... Continue Reading →
Carver Commodore represents not only the reincarnation and rebranding of roots rock outfit The Bear & The Bride, it signifies a complete metamorphosis. Situated in Florence, Alabama amidst the rich heritage of Southern rock and soul songwriting styles of Muscle Shoals, Carver Commodore blends those roots with shimmering guitar licks and pop sensibilities. The band... Continue Reading →
copper Central Canada, with its prairies and bitter winters, is not necessarily a scene where one would expect to encounter synthesizer-filled indie rock—but meet Close Talker from Saskatoon, the urban center of Saskatchewan, a band making pop rock waves in those grassy plains. “A lot of our friends make music suited for the prairies and for... Continue Reading →
"By now I thought I'd have exactly what I wanted, but I don't remember what I wanted it for," sings Nashville-based songwriter Kiernan McMullan in "Want:Need," the new single from his forthcoming album Baggage. "'Want:Need' is about a moment of clarity," he explains. "It's about reprioritizing what's important in your life." The indie powerhouse, who released his first... Continue Reading →
One year ago, British pop rock foursome Amber Run was facing hardship and struggle—dropped from their label, the band was in a creative rut and down one member. Rather than wallow in defeat, they forged ahead through one of their darkest times as a band, and chronicled the journey in For A Moment, I Was... Continue Reading →
"Rules aren't for living, take my hand, we'll make 'em as we go along," sings California-based pop rocker and part-time philosopher Rafferty, in his new single, "Rules." The song is a fist-pumping anthem of rock rebellion, bound to sky-rocket to sing-along, or rather, shout-along status. Give it a spin: Website | Facebook |... Continue Reading →
Nashville natives Colony House made a return home on march 9th and were welcomed by a sold-out crowd at the Cannery Ballroom; currently on a nationwide tour in support of their stellar sophomore album Only the Lonely, the band performed their hearts out for over 1,000 frenzied fans on that stormy Thursday night. Not only does... Continue Reading →
If The Beatles were correct and all we really need is love, then The Heights, the long-awaited and much-anticipated debut album from Arkansas-based pop rock outfit Knox Hamilton, is the cure for what ails you. At 13 songs strong, the album’s offerings are sweet but never saccharine, and showcase frontman Boots Copeland’s nicely-honed lyric-crafting sensibilities. The... Continue Reading →
