Indie/Alternative Review – Page 21

Monster Island – Dream Tiger – Review

February 1, 2008

We called it drug folk. Now, it be freak folk. It’s got an eye-rolling approach to its “genre” that keeps the “revival” tag at bay using “ethnic” instruments.

Joe Fahey – Tote Bag – Review

January 1, 2008

If you can spin Lou Reed, James McMurtry, mid-period Kinks, solo Paul Westerberg, Willie Nelson, Towns Van Zant, or Robin Hitchcock, you can roll this.

The Service Industry – Limited Coverage – Review

January 1, 2008

Austin-based powerpop with ties to Mike McCoy (ex-Cher UK), bassist was in Dumptruck and Spoon, and Meat Puppet guitarist Curt Kirkwood appears.

Martin Bisi – Sirens of the Apocalypse – Review

January 1, 2008

His stuff has a classic/dated/timeless NYC feel, but seeing as he’s from Brooklyn and recorded NYC greats, that’s no shock.

Hulda – Always Haunted – Review

January 1, 2008

Lyrical cliches abound, but the tunes are solid, the guitarwork and solos are spot-on, and the addition of keyboards adds a new depth to the dark bar rock.

Cougars Kill Cobras – Review

January 1, 2008

This Portland, ME band has style, chops, some studio trickery, and lots of heart. And heart can’t be taught or faked, you either got it or you don’t, and these fuckers got it.

Beirut – The Flying Club Cup – Review

December 21, 2007

At only 21, Zach Condon has managed to wield exotic foreign traits, and utilize them in proportionately written, wonderfully executed, heart-wrenching songs.

The Jesus Lizard – Live – Review

December 21, 2007

The Jesus Lizard was rhythmic, sweaty, loud, and sexual. Singer David Yow gyrates, howls, and flails, molesting the audience at every available opportunity.

Stevie Tombstone – Devil’s Game – Review

December 21, 2007

This stuff is banged together from classic country and folk like much of the recent decade’s alt.country or Americana. Sounds for real to me.

Richard Hawley – Lady’s Bridge – Review

December 21, 2007

Elvis of the North, Roy Orbison of Sheffield, British Frank Sinatra – but there’s no mistaking Richard Hawley’s voice. Hit ’em and leave ’em wanting more.