The Secret Machines
The very extraordinary Secret Machines, en masse, spoke to us about scaring the audience, the recording of “September 000,” and potluck dinners.
Andrew Womack
The Secret Machines, “September 000”
The Secret Machines’ new EP is magnificent: an inspiring work from what could be the best live band New York has seen in years.
Justin Sinkovich
The co-founder of the best MP3 site on the Internet, Epitonic, and member of bands Atombombpocketknife, Poison Arrows, Tranquil Eyes, and Thumbnail praises hard work and recalls getting electrocuted on stage.
Moviola, Rumors of the Faithful
Dirty, soulful pop reminiscent of Alex Chilton, The Byrds, and Neil Young. Kind of. Okay, no—here’s what it’s like: all of Big Star and Crosby, Stills, & Nash get liquored up and go out to the country for the weekend. Wait, maybe Jeff Tweedy’s along for
Skywave, Don’t Say Slow
Soaring, searing noise-pop reminiscent of The Jesus and Mary Chain’s best moments, this EP from up-and-coming Virginia band Skywave is eminently listenable and ultimately rewarding for those willing to dig deeper into the sound. The lead-off, title track grinds steadily along beneath a riff of
Plants I Have Killed
Not all destruction is intentional. Our writer has laid waste to some of this planet’s finest vegetation. Don’t let him visit the rainforest.
Inside Looking Out
A new graduate knows everything. What could the real world teach that hasn’t already been learned in those four long, grueling years? Out of college, our writer goes to Dallas, tries not to get a job, gets one anyway, and learns something new. And then quits his job.
Unwound, Leaves Turn Inside You
This, the most recent Unwound record, is among their finest work—and that’s saying a lot, given their history of creating challenging, enthralling music. This two-disc tour de force is almost unthinkably brilliant, and surprises at every turn, all the while bursting through the carefully constructed wall of—
...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead, Source Tags & Codes
Long renowned for their incendiary live shows and penchant for violently, physically tearing through the perceived wall between stage and audience, the Trail of Dead offer the future, not of rock ‘n’ roll, but of something altogether more inspirational and engaging in Source Tags & Codes. Every track is extraordinary.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, The Boatman’s Call
‘Poignant’ may be an overused word. Poignant books, poignant movies, poignant moments. But nothing is as poignant as this album, its ability to pierce your soul, so directly, with its unrelenting simplicity and forthrightness. The whole of the album is a full, horrible, beautiful experience. A somber invective against a