Album Review: Kit Sebastian, ‘New Internationale’
Words by: Sam Walker-Smart Formed in England in 2017 by two globetrotting souls, Kit Sebastian is the kind of band you can’t describe in a few words. They easily defy categorization, making them a genuinely refreshing listen. Merve Erdem left her native Turkey to study film in Italy a decade ago. She later wrote her […]
VERTTIGO: Charting the Rise of a Dream Pop Phenomenon
Photo credit: Shannon Johnson Words by: Cyclone Wehner “How do you take a beloved classic and make it your own?” This is the question the mysterious new dream pop band VERTTIGO, hailing from Edmonton, Canada, answers with their captivating cover of Mazzy Star’s psychedelic “Fade Into You.” Mercurial frontwoman Karímah describes the track—reimagined in […]
Album Review: The Airborne Toxic Event, ‘Glory’
Words by: Sam Walker-Smart Four years after their LP, Hollywood Park, and nearly two decades since their debut, Los Angeles indie rock veterans The Airborne Toxic Event have returned with their seventh album. At nine tracks and a 36-minute runtime, Glory offers a breezy yet anthemic exploration of frontman Mikel Frans Jollett’s world of doomed […]
THE DISCOVERY – ASHRR
Photo credit: Jeff Fourney Words by: Cyclone Wehner Los Angeles-based ASHRR is an unlikely dance music supergroup, consisting of Steven Davis, Josh Charles, and Ethan Allen. Each member brings a unique background—ranging from swing to country to rock. While their music may initially appear to be a hodgepodge of styles, it actually comes together in […]
For Big Fat Cow, Friendship Is the Foundation of Their Craft
Photo Credit: Imani Black Words By: Alex Gonzalez Big Fat Cow’s music, though executed spontaneously, stems from the unbreakable bonds of friendship and camaraderie. The Kansas City band—comprised of vocalist and guitarist Noah Cassity, lead guitarist Kole Waters, drummer Matt Chipman, and bassist and vocalist Alex May—has found that their sibling-like bond is the driving […]
Album Review: Hello Mary, ‘Emita Ox’
Words by: Sam Walker-Smart Despite barely being out of their teens, the Brooklyn trio Hello Mary has already been making waves. Their 2023 self-titled album garnered attention from industry legends Rolling Stone and KEXP, while recent festival appearances in the UK have only amplified the buzz surrounding these trailblazing noisemakers. Now, on Sept. 13, […]
Who Are Fishmans?: Japan’s Best Kept Secret
Words by: Sam Walker-Smart If there is one thing every collector loves, it’s a list. Head over to Rate Your Music— the go-to encyclopedia for LP enthusiasts—and browse their top albums of all time. Nestled between King Crimson’s Red and Slints influential Spiderland, you’ll find a lesser-known gem: LONG SEASON by the oddly named Fishmans, […]
Album Review: Personal Trainer, ‘Still Willing’
Words by: Sam Walker-Smart Built around frontman Willem Smit’s songwriting prowess, Amsterdam’s Personal Trainer delivers the kind of indie pop that puts a dumb grin on your face and rewards repeat listens. After dropping tracks for the past six years, the band released their full-length debut, Big Love Blanket, in 2022. A confident mesh of […]
Inside the Creative Mind: Andrew Thomas Huang Breaks Down Videos With FKA Twigs, Björk, and More
Words by: Cat Woods In June, musician Sasami’s official video for her anthemic love song “Honeycrash” brought a burst of cosmic wonder, featuring thunder, lightning, meteors, tidal waves, and wild horses. It’s a whirlwind of chaos, beauty, and vulnerability into just a few minutes. The video is the latest collaboration between Sasami and writer-director Andrew […]
THE DISCOVERY – The Singer & The Songwriter
Photo Credit: Amira Maxwell Words by: David James Young McDermitt, at first glance, isn’t exactly a place to write home about. The former mining town, with a population of approximately 80 people, straddles the borders of Nevada and Oregon. It’s mainly a place people pass through while traveling through on the interstate. Yet, in […]