Album Review: The Shape’s Masque of the Red Death

The Shape is a band that’s in it for the long haul. According to their Facebook biography, they have returned to the scene after a five-year hiatus — and what a return it’s been. Playing several shows a month for the past year and dipping their fingers into the booking pie as well, they’ve made… Continue reading Album Review: The Shape’s Masque of the Red Death

Rock Masters Band – “Hit the City/Diamonds” Double Single Review

It’s a snow day here in Fairfield County, so when I was offered the chance to review another band for I.M.P. I answered with an enthusiastic, “Sure!” Rock Masters Band is a rock and roll supergroup from Finland formed in 2007. I sat down at the computer, put in my earbuds and had a listen… Continue reading Rock Masters Band – “Hit the City/Diamonds” Double Single Review

Maybe She’ll Come Out Of It – A Review of Bjork’s Vulnicura

  Bjork is a presence in the music world that few have matched. Somehow she’s managed to gain major acceptance in the pop world while leaving her standings in the underworld community untarnished. And this was done through an equal respect for pop music’s narrow boundaries and the wide palette of art music. She scored… Continue reading Maybe She’ll Come Out Of It – A Review of Bjork’s Vulnicura

EP Review: Atomics by Problem With Dragons

A reader just turned “us” (me) on to stoner rock trio Problem With Dragons and I’m really enjoying their 2012 EP Atomics.  Hailing from Easthampton, Massachusetts, these guys deliver fuzz-laden anthems in manageable 3-4 minute chunks. The EP opens with “Wanting,” catching the listener with a doomy hook almost immediately.  That guitar riff builds gradually,… Continue reading EP Review: Atomics by Problem With Dragons

Trim The Fat: A Review of Napalm Death’s Apex Predator – Easy Meat

  What else is there to say about Napalm Death? They’re one of the longest lasting and most consistent extreme metal bands in existence. And though they’ve been plagued with a few musical hiccups and numerous lineup changes in the past, they continue to be forerunners in the grindcore genre that they helped create. And… Continue reading Trim The Fat: A Review of Napalm Death’s Apex Predator – Easy Meat

Swamp Blues from Sweden? Insubordia by The Lost Poets

When I picture Scandinavia, it’s all fjords, At the Gates, and the Northern Lights.  “Swamp” and “blues” are probably the last words that come to mind.  But it seems that my preconceived notions are getting challenged a lot these days — most recently by Stockholm duo The Lost Poets.  These Swedes in top hats have a predilection… Continue reading Swamp Blues from Sweden? Insubordia by The Lost Poets

goste (Lower Case on Purpose) Strikes The City

  If there’s three things that piss me off, it’s misspelled words, bad grammar, and electronic music.  But somehow, this guy goste’s new EP Eugene ended up in the inbox and I gave it a listen. Eugene is goste’s third EP.  He uses a mix of samples and real instrumental tracks, and also does his… Continue reading goste (Lower Case on Purpose) Strikes The City