Album Reviews (Page 22)

Static Jacks – In BlueFearless Records-out now2 / 5 This just in: the sophomore LP from Westfield, NJ rock quintet Static Jacks is more entertaining on their album cover than in their actual album. Why must we be so cruel? Let’s face it: you’re money is worth time, and when you spend forty minutes and fifteen bucks on a bland album like In Blue, now you know you’ve gotten hit twice. It’s not awful and the end of the world, it’s just the kind of album that leaves no impression upon us. It is not blue, or red, or even green; it is simply monochromatic,Read More →

Deer Tick – NegativityPartisan Records–out tomorrow3 / 5 The famed Providence-based rock quintet has come back. They’ve hit up Rolling Stone on several occasions, and make frequent pit stops on our regional radio over here, and here’s the reason why: songs like “Christ Jesus,” “Smith Hill,” and “Ashamed.” And now, on their fifth studio full-length in as many years, “The Rock.” Leadman and writer John Joseph McCauley III is quickly gaining a reputation for quality (and quantity) rock – the man’s been in side projects galore, including the absolutely brilliant collaboration of Middle Brother. And he’s back, at least initially, but we can’t lie hereRead More →

Miniboone – Self-TitledErnest Jenning Record Co.-out today2.5 / 5 “I Could, I Could.” Just so much fun. When the New York rock/pop quintet hit it on their debut, they really hit it. But our issue with this album is that a lot of the material is filler. There just isn’t that much that begs replaying, despite the fun, vivacious style! Their tracks bleed youthfulness (often to the point of nausea); they rock out, albeit somewhat uncreatively; they shout their beliefs from the top of their lungs (the exuberance of 90s ska). And yet, there isn’t really a whole lot to commend the gents here. ThisRead More →