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John Vanderslice – Romanian NamesDead Oceans-out now While there is much to enjoy, including the opener, “Tremble and Tear,” John Vanderslice’s seventh studio album just doesn’t quite cut it. Throughout the album, there is simply a feeling of sparseness, a sort of desertification of sound, and while that plays rustic and well for some, it leaves “Romanian Names” feeling unfortunately plain instead. “Carina Constellation” suffers especially from this, repeating the chorus a few too many times, and “D.I.A.L.O.” also falls victim, with only vocals, synth and percussion. In addition, the somewhat unpleasant chorus to “Fetal Horses” doesn’t help, either, but the main culprit is aRead More →

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The Antlers – “Hospice”Frenchkiss-out now4.5 / 5 The Antlers have taken a giant gamble on this ambitious concept album, and in many ways, it has paid off. Their fourth album is replete with synthesized sounds, hushed Grizzly Bear vocals, electronic buzz, and perplexingly, an achingly slow pace. But this all serves to the Antlers’ advantage, as they pull off several strong tracks: “Sylvia,” which burns slow and soft until the brash chorus; the strange opening lullaby of “Bear;” and the plaintive pulse to “Two.” In general, you’re likely to run into a good track on “Hospice,” but it still has its few detractors: extremely softRead More →

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The Felice Brothers – “Yonder is the Clock”Team Love Records-out now Another in our yearly recap is the Felice Brothers, from whom Simone Felice broke off. While their albums don’t necessarily merit comparison, there is little doubt that Simone’s “Duke and the King” duo took the greater part of the talent in the transaction. To be sure, “Yonder” will please the Felice Brothers fanbase, but does little to reach beyond. While tracks such as “Run Chicken Run” and “All When We Were Young” display the range of their talent, with the former’s Louisiana swing propelling it, and the latter’s slow rag-time piano, the album onRead More →

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Hey Mama – “Hey Mama”-out Dec 114 / 5 Formerly Avi and Celia, “Hey Mama” officially marks Mr. Salloway’s and Ms. Woodsmith’s first release under their new name and band. While the songs of their previous release “Let it Rise” sometimes eclipse some of the songs here, “Hey Mama” still gives a heady rock and roll, with fantastic bluesy vocals from Woodsmith. For those who are unfamiliar with the young prodigy, she smacks of old jazz singers, blue smoke-filled bars, and importantly, displays impressive range and technique. The backing band, whether it be guitarist Salloway with rhythm section Ben Kogan and Jared Seabrook, or ifRead More →