Tag Archives: album review

250 Word Album Review: Elder Brother – Heavy Head

Posted on March 9, 2014 by VocalsOnTop

Elder Brother has a strong hold on the 90s alt-rock sound and deliver it in droves on Heavy Head. That particular sound isn’t really edgy right now and is played out but it still works as a good vehicle for … Continue reading →

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250 Word Album Review: Against Me! – Transgender Dysphoria Blues

Posted on March 4, 2014 by VocalsOnTop

There is an elephant in the room, let’s just acknowledge it. Against Me! lead singer Laura Jane Grace got a sex change before this album. This album is understandably largely about that to no surprise but other Against Me! songs … Continue reading →

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Album at a glance: Maps For Travelers – Change Your Name

Posted on January 25, 2014 by VocalsOnTop

If you are into amped up guitars and passionate screaming vocals you will love Maps For Travelers’ first full-length album “Change Your Name.” The tracks on the record are painted with distorted guitar textures that will bring to mind Cursive … Continue reading →

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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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250 Word Album Review: Vampire Weekend – Modern Vampires of the City

Posted on December 9, 2013 by VocalsOnTop

Vampire Weekend’s third record delivers no surprises. This is not to say it isn’t good, because it is. They are holding steady with what they have done in the past, they aren’t shaking foundations or moving in dangerous, uncharted directions. … 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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