_CD Reviews 2011 (Page 4)

Hallelujah – Self-TitledSelf-Released-out now3 / 5 The Brooklyn octet, replete with a female choir, is self-described as “psychedelic gospel music for atheists.” And as self-described “punkedelic anarchists,” their description strikes a chord with us. Either that, or it’s just the pure infective energy of “Old Time Sickness,” which, we’ll let you know right now, you can DL for free (see bottom of post). We dig that one something monster, as well as the rockabilly of “Taking It To the Grave.” Though you do get songs like “Skinny Women,” which just feels too apathetic and dull, we’d put this album as a whole just shy ofRead More →

Locksley – Self-TitledFeature Records-out today2.5 / 5 Madison, WI is the hub of the Mid-West musical universe, as far as we’re concerned. The capital is a fantastic crossroads for traveling bands, as well as home-grown groups such as punk-rock quartet Locksley. While they have seen some success, we’re going to have to be blunt: this latest album is not the cat’s meow. It’s got pep, it’s got pop, but it doesn’t have much personality; if we were to put it on the scale of actors, we’d say this album ranks somewhere between post-Seinfeld Jason Alexander and Keanu Reeves with Christopher Walken’s voice. And if youRead More →

The London Souls – Self-TitledSoul on 10 Records-out tomorrow3 / 5 Rock + roll + soul = The London Souls. This talented trio know what their sound is, and should be, and confidently display their chops on their debut. When you get a song like the opener, “She’s So Mad,” a heavy rocker with Zeppelin-esque riffs, you know what you’ve been missing by listening to too much obscure cerebral indie (we love you, Antlers, but sometimes straight rock is where it’s at). That’s the good news, though, and here’s the flip side to that: the Souls don’t really bring much new to the genre. UnlikeRead More →