Tower Defense – Mind the Menagerie

Posted Tue December 17, 2013

If you were to tell me that by the end of 2013 of my favorite releases of the year would be from a band comprised of drums and two bass players I’d probably give you a bit of an odd blank stare. However, the full-length from Tower Defense is exactly that and I find myself revisiting it regularly.

There’s something about it that reminds me of a few Dischord bands from the late 90’s like Faraquet or Q and not U – it’s a good balance of melodic but just a little chaotic too. There’s also a sense of musicians enjoying themselves – which I can only assume to be true during the making of this.

All and all, a fine entry in anyone’s Best Of 2013 and I don’t mean that in the Local category either. This is a fine fine record period.

Roman Candle – Debris

Posted Mon December 16, 2013

Back in October I posted a preview of the new Roman Candle album, Debris. I wanted to sit with the album before I posted a proper review. In that time, I’ve listened to the record no less than ten times a week and feel like any overly enthusiastic review I give to it will do it injustice as to how great it really is. Hyperbole and gushing often gets in the way of legitimate endorsement.

The band has obviously grown in all respects from their prior albums and didn’t shy away from exploring new territory. The songs themselves find that great balance between feeling like third person storytelling and intimate personal revelations, between melancholy and uplifting and, most importantly, a balance between upbeat songs, ballad-y types, barn burning jams and weird esoteric dream explorations. Seriously, an album with this kind of diversity is more rare than you realize.

Anyway, I’m finding myself gushing too much already. My words aren’t strong enough to explain my enjoyment of this album and I don’t want to do it any injustice by playing it up too much. They did a great job and this should be on everyone’s 2013 Best Of lists.

D. Striker – Country Dance Off

Posted Fri December 13, 2013

It is Friday the 13th. This means D. Striker is playing and releasing a new edition of the RR Zine. This is always a good time. Don’t miss it. Friday the 13th in December won’t happen again until 2019! Who knows where you will be! Get to The Basement tonight.

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Posted Wed December 11, 2013

Tristen – Daytrotter Session

Clear Plastic Masks – CPM EP

Posted Wed December 11, 2013

I’m not gonna lie, I have huge suspicions regarding any band that moves from a bigger city to a smaller one. Why would they do that? What could possibly be the advantage of doing so? 

Turns out, that kind of paranoia talk really isn’t healthy or productive and, 99.9% of the time turns out to be completely wrong. The Ettes moved here from LA and they’re doing just fine. Black Keys and Jack White are more popular examples and they certainly seem to be settling in just fine.

Long story short, now that Clear Plastic Masks have released something while living in Nashville I am able to trust them again. And that’s what it’s all about right – trust between a sparsely read blog and a loosey-goosey bluesy rock band?

Sherbert – Stupid Hat EP

Posted Mon December 9, 2013

How about 3 original new songs of highly enjoyable indie pop and 1 Guided by Voices cover? Sounds like a quality EP to me and, upon listening, can be verified to be exactly that. Really enjoying what these guys are up to and glad the new releases keep on improving!

The Katies Acoustic Session

Posted Mon December 9, 2013

I still remember seeing The Katies flail around at The Boro on any given night during my time at MTSU. It’s definitely odd to see them subdued and playing acoustic versions of their songs but nice to see that they’re still willing to have the songs in their lives in some respect. Those guys got some great pipes on `em that’s for sure.

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)

Neil O’Neil – Almost Good Enough

Posted Wed December 4, 2013

“If it doesn’t work out, we can be awkward” is a sentiment about failed relationships and trying friendships that just about anyone can relate to. Neil O’Neil does a fine job of creating upbeat-yet-melancholy songs that are excellently layered with all sorts of folky instrumentation. Job well done from all involved.