Sometimes the best music is the kind that transcends its composer. I’m not talking about some prog rocker’s ridiculous concept album about worshiping leaves, or some self-important indie rocker making the end of a relationship with his girlfriend into a pseudo-intellectual lecture on depression. I’m talking about musical notes that are written, organized and played… Continue reading Baldwin’s Choice: Arvo Pärt
Tag: music
Single Review: Sinoptik’s Standalone Syndrome
Ukrainian indie rockers Sinoptik just released a new single, “Standalone Syndrome.” Says the band, “This story is about the hardship of being yourself in this reality. Reality itself can leave just a tiny ghost in your identity. You did all you possibly can, and still you didn’t get anywhere near your aim. But you will… Continue reading Single Review: Sinoptik’s Standalone Syndrome
EP Review: NYDTyson’s If You’re So Smart, Why Are You So Sad?
The debut EP from garage rock duo NYDTyson is irreverent at times and relaxed at others. If You’re So Smart, Why Are You So Sad? experiments with meter, dynamics, and effects to create a paradox befitting of the album title. My favorite track was “Who Cares?,” a slow number with some nice bass grooves that kick in… Continue reading EP Review: NYDTyson’s If You’re So Smart, Why Are You So Sad?
Album Review: Psychocide’s Alcohol & Bad Decisions
The March 2017 album from Canadian rockers Psychocide, aptly titled Alcohol & Bad Decisions, is surprisingly catchy for being named after a cliche of everyone’s early twenties. (Or mid… Or late… Or early thirties…) But there’s truth in cliche — in “Temporary Friends,” Goldwyn Thandrayen croons, “Seems I could never get this right.” Haven’t we all… Continue reading Album Review: Psychocide’s Alcohol & Bad Decisions
CT Innovation: A Review of Xenosis’ Devour and Birth
A band in the local Connecticut metal scene often consists of people that know how to play and want to play heavy metal. Well, duh. But it takes a special kind of band to take that ability and passion and turn it into innovation. There’s nothing wrong with a group of people getting together and… Continue reading CT Innovation: A Review of Xenosis’ Devour and Birth
Tom’s Top 20-ish Of 2017
For the past few years, I always think I’m finally going to become a stereotypical old man and declare, “There isn’t any good new music being made” — and every year I’m proven wrong by the tons of great new albums that come across my computer. Granted, these lists are subjective, so one person’s trash… Continue reading Tom’s Top 20-ish Of 2017
Book Review: What Does This Button Do? The Autobiography of Bruce Dickinson
I had the rare opportunity to meet the almighty Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden on Halloween night at St. Vitus in Brooklyn, NY where he was signing his new autobiography, What Does This Button Do? After reading the book, I have even more respect for him if that’s even possible. The man fronts one of… Continue reading Book Review: What Does This Button Do? The Autobiography of Bruce Dickinson