The Afghan Whigs Hint at a Reckoning on “Jungle Roux”
Afghan Whigs’ latest taste of their upcoming album, Soft Control, builds to a soulful, swagger-filled catharsis.
Brian Stout
Brian's work has been featured in PopMatters and The Ryder magazine.
Death Cab for Cutie Look Backward and Forward
Death Cab for Cutie’s first release for their new label, I Built You a Tower, is a full-circle collection that still adds new layers to their signature sound.
Chicago’s Body Shop Will Make You Sweat and Think
Body Shop’s sound blends danger and wit and a reputation for confrontational live shows. The music drips with danger and sex, but isn’t just empty provocation.
UltraBomb’s Punk Legends Deliver a Fiery, Fun Time
There aren’t enough great punk records coming out about the current hellscape, but UltraBomb’s latest is certainly one of them.
UltraBomb on Minnesota, Hard Rock, and Being Unapologetic
UltraBomb’s Greg Norton is unapologetic about his new LP, The Bridges that We Burn: “If you don’t like my politics, you can listen to Kid Rock.”
American Football Expand Their Sound to Great Success on ‘LP4’
The emo institution American Football incorporate alternative rock touchstones like the Cure on their latest superb collection, LP4.
The Afghan Whigs Stir an Agonizing Wait for a New LP
As alternative rock icons the Afghan Whigs begin a 40th anniversary tour, they also whet the appetite for a new album.
Friko Deliver on the Exciting Promise of Their Debut
Buzzy Chicago band Friko go harder and prettier on their latest album, Something Worth Waiting For. It’s destined to be loved by their ever-expanding fanbase.
Evil Island Deliver Catchy Noise on “Tiger Baby”
Evil Island features three members of the Blood Brothers, and the rotting apple doesn’t fall far from that tree.
The Afghan Whigs’ ‘Black Love’ Is an Underappreciated Masterpiece
Thirty years ago, the Afghan Whigs doubled down on their obsessions with funk and soul to create a song cycle that’s closer to a concept album than it isn’t.
Tigers Jaw Deliver a hooky, emotionally-charged LP
In Lost on You, emo band Tigers Jaw are still interrogating life’s joys and challenges, as well as the shifting perspectives that come with time.
Sweet Pill on Burning It Down and Finding the Glow
Philadelphia band Sweet Pill’s sophomore release is a cathartic journey through writer’s block to rediscover resilience and optimism.