independent thoughts on indie rock, alternative, and indie pop music
In 2015, Bryan Akcasu, the creative force by alt-pop project Two Cheers (and pizza chef extraordinaire), was in transition. In the midst of releasing a brilliant sophomore album, Splendor, the Los Angeles-based Akcasu packed his bags, drove cross-country, and put his kickstand down in his home state of Michigan. After lineup changes, personal tragedy, and... Continue Reading →
At the ripe old age of 20, New York-by-way-of-Detroit-based songstress Blaire Alise is already a seasoned professional, in her fifth year of writing and recording as Blair Alise & The Bombshells, who just released a new album, My Eye, in February. “I started this album almost two years ago,” she says of My Eye, which... Continue Reading →
With their forthcoming album, Detroit-based folk pop outfit Frontier Ruckus invites us to “enter the kingdom”—however, in their world, that kingdom is set in the crumbling remains of the Motor City, and provides insight into the hardships endured in realizing that permanence is sometimes an idea instead of a fact. In this kingdom, old neighborhoods... Continue Reading →
Detroit-based folk-pop outfit Frontier Ruckus, who will unleash their fifth album, Enter The Kingdom, on February 17th, have released the first video and single from the record, "27 Dollars." The video depicts a pair who have apparently consciously uncoupled, as the poor guy mopes around the city sending texts to his former lady friend, who is busy at her fancy job... Continue Reading →
This year I was introduced to Detroit indie pop band Two Cheers, who released what I firmly believe is one of 2015's best records, Splendor, their debut. With glistening guitar licks, simmering basslines, pop-tactic drum rhythms, and frontman Bryan Akcasu's Cure-esque vocal stylings, this song will create a confetti party between your ears. There's just something about the easy... Continue Reading →
Two Cheers will be releasing a brand new album on July 21st, with ten tracks of Cure-laced head-bobbing goodness, and it is delectable, y'all. I had a lovely (and hilarious) chat with Bryan Akcasu, lead vocalist of Los Angeles-based band...at least they used to be Los Angeles-based... Me: Hey Bryan! How's it going? Bryan: Well, I just... Continue Reading →
