Alternative music, cult films, and pop culture explored through a Gen X lens — with reviews, interviews, and a deep-dive podcast.
How many arguments have you had with your friends on whether a band is great or terrible? If you’re a music nerd, probably too many to count. Some bands just don’t inspire a casual fan base. They’re so polarizing, so absolute, that they either cultivate a die-hard fan base or legions of haters. And that’s […]
Ty Segall ‘Fanny’ Single Review: vinyl edition of Freedom’s Goblin single’s proceeds to benefit animal rescue organizations One of the highlights of Ty Segall’s 2018 release Freedom’s Goblin was Fanny, a touching ode to his pet dachshund of the same name. Segall is following that release with a new 3-track vinyl EP (on Aagoo Records) […]
Christopher Sky ‘Vastness’ Review: L.A. based instrumentalist conjures immersive ambient soundscapes that both invigorate and soothe. Composer/instrumentalist Christopher Sky’s newest album Vastness (out November 9th on vinyl through Aagoo Records, and digitally via Hidden Shoal) is a master class of ambient mood, light, and shade. Crafting rich soundscapes through guitar, electronics and percussion, Sky creates a fully immersive sonic […]
This year, Prince’s powerful backing band The Revolution are touring to celebrate the legacy of the late icon, and they’ll be playing Emo’s Austin on December 29th. And one key member who will be performing live is Matt Fink, better known as ‘Dr. Fink.’ Click here to get tickets. Click here for my review of […]
The Room In The Wood ‘The Mars EP’ Review: 4 song release from New Wave vets is a space oddity indeed. The Room were a cult UK New Wave act that formed in the late 70’s and drew acclaim from the likes of John Peel for their accomplished angular sound. The band broke up in […]
10 Best Pete Shelley Songs: remembering the Buzzcocks frontman who brought romanticism and heartache to punk rock. Last week saw the untimely passing of musician Pete Shelley, who died at the age of 63. Shelley (born Peter McNeish) was a founding member and leader of The Buzzcocks, an English punk band that challenged the notion […]
Twilight Fields ‘Songs From The Age of Ruin’ Review: one-man band Allister Thompson offers ethereal, melodic protest anthems on new album. It’s fascinating given the tumultuous era in which we live, that most modern music rarely addresses it. Gone are the days where musicians questioning authority during trying times was expected. Indeed, most modern rock and […]
Book Review: ‘Superheroes Say Please’ by Morris Katz: DC’s finest teach children about minding their p’s and q’s. Sure superheroes like Batman, Wonder Woman and Aquaman may get in knockdown drag-out fights with super villains, but they never forget their manners. That’s the premise behind the delightful new children’s book Superheroes Say Please, the latest DC […]
SLIS’s 18 Best Albums of 2018: celebrating the best in rock, metal, alternative, electronica and alternative hip-hop amidst a chaotic year. We’re just a few weeks away from saying goodbye to 2018. It was a year that rattled nerves, tested our mettle, and raised questions about where we’re heading. Luckily we had a great soundtrack […]
Buildings and Food ‘Quick Beat Save’ Review: assured début from Canadian multi-instrumentalist is an invigorating, atmospheric delight. ★★★★ Canada based indie act Buildings and Food have just release their début album ‘Quick Beat Save’, but its accomplished tone sounds like a veteran act. What’s even more impressive is that the album (out November 2nd on Number F records) is the […]
