The Bird Calls Offer an Uncommonly Beautiful Take on Indie Folk
The Bird Calls have crafted yet another album combining sterling songwriting with exquisite musical arrangements. It’s Sam Sodomsky’s best work yet.
Music Reviews
Tess Clare Becomes Her Own Permission on ‘Diva 98’
Tess Clare’s debut album, Diva 98, is made by someone who decided she had waited long enough and mostly proves she was right.
Mist and Raindrops Give Bayonne’s ‘Filters’ a Refreshing Glow
With Filter, Bayonne demonstrates how the lushness of adult pop can coexist with the modular logic of modern bedroom production.
Tedeschi Trucks Band Rock Out for a Future With Soul
Tedeschi Trucks Band take the audience on a ride to spiritual freedom, with a cathartic feeling woven throughout the show at Berkeley’s Greek Theater.
Dexys Midnight Runners Marry Disparate Cultures on ‘LOVE’
LOVE is the first album credited to Dexys Midnight Runners since 1985, an apposite gesture since the themes and undertones link back to Don’t Stand Me Down.
Ruthie Foster Embraces Joy and Life on ‘Just Say Yes’
Ruthie Foster’s new LP succeeds because its optimism is carried by a voice that remains one of the most expressive instruments in contemporary roots music today.
Nicola Miller Expertly Guides Her Jazz Combo on Fantastic LP
Nicola Miller’s SPIT! is a fun, exciting, boundary-smashing jazz experiment among five deeply talented musicians with an uncommon gift for musical telepathy.
Beartooth Capture Aggression and Pop on ‘Pure Ecstasy’
Pure Ecstasy‘s highlight is Shomo’s undeniable talent for pop songwriting; however, it also pushes Beartooth’s heaviness into new directions.
The Jayhawks Remind Us to Celebrate Their Entire Output
The Jayhawks’ new LP veers too far into familiar classic rock territory but, as a player in the Americana scene, remind us how great they have always been and still can be.
The Jazz Organ Trio Lives on Thanks to Larry Goldings et al.
Rhombus is a strong album, and its choice of repertoire makes it unusually interesting to revisit multiple times. May the organ trio format live on!
Garage Flower Write Indie History With Their Controversial Single
Garage Flower saw viral success when their then-unreleased single was dubbed “indie poo”. Now it’s clear, it is more than Oasis worship.
Laura Fisher Adds an Adventurous Entry to Her Discography
Laura Fisher’s new LP is a forward-thinking, futuristic journey that looks straight ahead while also evoking past musical trailblazers.