Music

By Terry Quinn Deerhoof’s latest release finds a happy medium between the reverb-flecked, art rock leanings they have built much of their sound around and the nuanced, ADD-informed pop structures of their 2007 release, Friend Opportunity. On Deerhoof vs. Evil this balance allows a collection of songs that can stand strong on their own attributes to fuse together into a seamless experience upon a full listen. This can be immediately recognized in the transition from the playful opening track, “Qui Dorm, Només Somia” to its progression building follow up, “Behold a Marvel in the Darkness.” The two flow into each … Continued

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By Emily Levins Dye It Blonde is the sophomore effort from the Chicago-based group of twenty-somethings, Smith Westerns.  The album is a wonderful mix of youth, rebellion, and love, all set to a backdrop of fuzzy and dreamy instrumentals.  The songs have a certain drunken haze to them, seen especially with album opener, “Weekend.”  This ten-song collection is the perfect blend of carefree and catchy, a fun and exciting soundtrack to the glory days of adolescence. Smith Westerns – Weekend

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By Trent Harrison Mogwai’s trademark humor is apparent throughout their newest release, Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will.  As if the title wasn’t proof enough, sections of the album deviate greatly from their previous sound, using upbeat synthesizers, vocoded vocals, and simple rock compositions. Regardless, every track incorporates a wide range of dynamics, sonically beautiful atmospheres, and meticulous attention to detail. Complete with an infectious, repetitive melody and fuzzy, doom-drone guitars, “Rano Pano” is by far one of the standout tracks on the album.  The album’s brooding, 8-minute closer, “You’re Lionel Richie,” uses soft dynamics to create an enormous … Continued

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