Category Archives: Local Album Reviews

Album at a glance: Wade Williamson – Tomorrow Could Have Been Yesterday

Posted on January 14, 2014 by VocalsOnTop

St. Joseph’s Wade Williamson has a heartbroken country croon and the lyrics to match. This EP reads as a Ryan Adams tribute in his most devastated state. “Summer Dress” and “Threw My Picture Away” seep of desperation and pain with their adorning … Continue reading →

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Album at a glance: Architects – Border Wars: Episode 1

Posted on December 12, 2013 by VocalsOnTop

The Architects are one of the most consistent bands in the Midwest putting out solid records for a decade now. Being bored with traditional releases they put out their new EP with an accompanying comic book. “Heartbreaker” is already in … Continue reading →

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Album at a glance: Megajoos – Mega Duece

Posted on November 24, 2013 by VocalsOnTop

The Megajoos don’t take themselves too seriously and you shouldn’t either. The Nashville, Tennessee duo takes a heavily distorted bass and drums and often pairs it with falsetto vocals. The bass simulates a guitar sound but holds the low end … Continue reading →

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Album at a glance – Hector Anchondo – Kickin’ Up Dust

Posted on November 19, 2013 by VocalsOnTop

Hector Anchondo throws a variety of blues moves at you with his debut EP Kickin Up Dust. There are the self-indulgent guitar solos of “The World Still Turns” complete with its slow blues burn and in contrast the Chili Pepper funk … Continue reading →

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Album at a glance: Deco Auto – Past Mistakes and Hauntings

Posted on November 14, 2013 by VocalsOnTop

You can hear influences from Nada Surf to the Buzzcocks on Deco Auto’s EP Past Mistakes and Hauntings. “The Mercy Kind” has growly guitars that take you back to 90s alternative with the pop hooks to match and the music on … Continue reading →

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Album at a glance: Michael Coman – Home

Posted on November 10, 2013 by VocalsOnTop

Michael Coman trots out Home with some fresh writing perspective but the same signature guitar work his records always have. Slower moments let you hone in on the lyrics but make you want more tempo changes. There is grungy guitar stomp on … Continue reading →

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Album at a glance: The Motors – The Motors

Posted on November 3, 2013 by VocalsOnTop

The Motors are a St. Joseph supergroup that make classic rock that isn’t old enough to be classic yet. Alternating singers Tracy Huffman and Sean Cleary make up the album that at times reads as more of a collection of … Continue reading →

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Album at a glance: Aotearoa – Strange Weather

Posted on November 2, 2013 by VocalsOnTop

The nomadic jungle-funk duo from Lawrence brings the funk for their first full-length album. Aotearoa (A-O-TAY-UH-ROW-UH) travels the country enticing bootys to shake and their album Strange Weather provides the songs to make that happen. The smooth vocals of “Black Plane” start the record … Continue reading →

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250 Word Album Review: Band 13 – Signal Shift

Posted on September 28, 2013 by VocalsOnTop

  Kansas City group Band 13 attacks with a shotgun style approach on Signal Shift. They switch gears often going from hard rock to funky grooves and even take a trip to the farm for a little down home country. … Continue reading →

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250 Word Local Album Review: Missouri Homegrown – You Asked For It…

Posted on September 1, 2013 by VocalsOnTop

Missouri Homegrown blasts out of the gate with their first release as a live album. You Asked For It… was recorded live in from of the band’s most dedicated fans right in their hometown of St. Joseph, Missouri. The punch … Continue reading →

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