REVIEW: VOLCANO CHOIR – REPAVE (2013)
It took three years for Wisconsin natives Volcano Choir to release a follow-up to their impressive debut, Unmap. The time was well spent, since Repave proves to be an unsurprisingly beautiful study of the most relatable of human emotions. Incorporating images of regret, disillusion, s
REVIEW: OKKERVIL RIVER – THE SILVER GYMNASIUM (2013)
Will Sheff knows how to tell a story. The Okkervil River band leader has written thoughtful, in-depth, well-rounded and compelling tunes along with a rotating cast of band members for 15 years now. Okkervil River songs are often times character driven, with Sheff seamlessly portraying indi
REVIEW: THE FATTY ACIDS – BOLÉRO (2013)
Today we welcome our newest contributor, Brandon Kenney! Brandon has previously written for Emmie Music Magazine, and has also played music with Nuclear Woods and Julian Lynch, as well as studied under Richard Davis. He majored in Agricultural and Applied Economics at UW-Madison and is hoping one da
REVIEW: SISTER CITY – SMALL TALK (2013)
A fragrant, calculated desperation clings to the sonic atmosphere of Small Talk; it appears that Sister City needs a good Oedipal hug and tug from an early 90’s Weezergroupie. The musical tricks that Adam Linder, lead songwriter, employs are surprising, calculated, and infectio
REVIEW: FEVER FEVER – NATIVE COLOR (2013)
Fever Fever are an ambient rock quartet from Columbus, OH. The guys are known for their stellar musicianship, energetic live shows, light bulb flanked stage shows and the epic dreadlocks of guitarist Wes Black and lead vocalist Drew Murfin (though we still have love for Sam Smith and Vince Gaeitto).
CONCERT REVIEW: BEST COAST AT THE RAVE (MILWAUKEE, WI)
Best Coast (Los Angeles, CA)August 1st, 2013The Rave in Milwaukee, WI Los Angeles lo-fi duo Best Coast made the most out of a mildly attended concert that, all things considered, was going to be a tough draw for most indie rock bands playing the bill that night in Milwaukee. Bud
CONCERT REVIEW: FOXYGEN AT TURNER HALL (MILWAUKEE, WI)
Foxygen (Westlake Village, California)July 28th, 2013Turner Hall in Milwaukee, WI If you only know Foxygen from their tantalizing pop single “San Francisco,” then you would likely be surprised by their live show, at least the one they put on in Milwaukee Sunday night. Not onl
REVIEW: DESSA – PARTS OF SPEECH (2013)
Dessa is consistent, but not. This Minneapolis MC, poet, frequent college speaker, “underrated writer, overrated rapper, undecided major” has been all over the place since 2005’s Falsehopes, including creating her own lipstick with The Elixery to support CARE.org (an organi
REVIEW: THE NATIONAL – TROUBLE WILL FIND ME (2013)
Both their harshest critics and most devout fans will agree, one of the most prominent elements of The National’s music, is, and always has been, the sadness. From the alt-country beginnings of their 2001 self-titled debut, on through the promising musical growth of 2003’s Sad Songs fo