http://www.thegeekcouch.com Music. Movies. Random Geekdom. Wed, 28 May 2014 13:27:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.8.10 Fiercely Independent Music. Artist interviews. Hosted by Sean C. Duregger. Sean C. Duregger no Sean C. Duregger [email protected] [email protected] (Sean C. Duregger) Sean C. Duregger Fiercely Independent Music. music, independent, rock, alternative, post rock, interviews, art, culture http://www.thegeekcouch.com/wp-content/uploads/powerpress/geekcouchbp.png http://www.thegeekcouch.com/category/reviews/music-reviews/ http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2014/04/17/music-review-the-holelier-home-like-noplace-is-there/ http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2014/04/17/music-review-the-holelier-home-like-noplace-is-there/#comments Fri, 18 Apr 2014 03:06:20 +0000 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/?p=10286 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2014/04/17/music-review-the-holelier-home-like-noplace-is-there/feed/ 0 Death Cab For Cutie,New Found Glory,Saves The Day,The Ataris,The Hotelier,tiny engines Pop-punk collided with Emo-rock and hit critical mass in the early 2000s with bands like Death Cab For Cutie, Saves The Day, New Found Glory and The Ataris taking over the airwaves all over the country. The trend seemed to die off culturally in the mid... Pop-punk collided with Emo-rock and hit critical mass in the early 2000s with bands like Death Cab For Cutie, Saves The Day, New Found Glory and The Ataris taking over the airwaves all over the country. The trend seemed to die off culturally in the mid to late 2000s and seemed to head back underground by 2010. Enter Worcester, MA’s The Hotelier (previously called The Hotel Year) who seem to argue that melodic punk rock is not dead and very much alive. Their debut album It Never Goes Out hit in 2011 and has been a moderate success putting the band on the map and turning heads back toward this genre who some can argue has never left. Sean C. Duregger no 7:19 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2014/03/28/music-review-owls-two/ http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2014/03/28/music-review-owls-two/#comments Fri, 28 Mar 2014 12:30:09 +0000 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/?p=10236 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2014/03/28/music-review-owls-two/feed/ 0 American Football,Cap’n Jazz,Joan Of Arc,Mineral,Owls,Polyvinyl Records When I started to broaden my horizons away from punk rock, I latched on to more melodic emo bands such as The Appleseed Cast and American Football. As I dug more into the emo scene, I knew I was supposed to like bands such as Cap’n Jazz and Joan Of Arc, When I started to broaden my horizons away from punk rock, I latched on to more melodic emo bands such as The Appleseed Cast and American Football. As I dug more into the emo scene, I knew I was supposed to like bands such as Cap’n Jazz and Joan Of Arc, but I never fully got into them. So for me, a new Owls album is already a tough sell. I didn’t care much for their 2001 release on Jade Tree Records, so I met this long awaited follow-up with shrugs. Owls probably won’t gain many new fans with Two but fans of Cap’n Jazz, Joan Of Arc and Owls’ previous effort will love this album. Sean C. Duregger no 7:43 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2014/03/26/music-review-pillar-point-pillar-point/ http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2014/03/26/music-review-pillar-point-pillar-point/#comments Wed, 26 Mar 2014 12:30:46 +0000 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/?p=10233 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2014/03/26/music-review-pillar-point-pillar-point/feed/ 0 Charlie Smith,Depeche Mode,M83,Polyvinyl Records,Scott Reitherman,Throw Me the Statue,Washed Out For me, synth-pop and electronica has been hit or miss. Few electronic albums turn my head and most of them annoy the hell out of me, which is why Pillar Point’s debut self-titled album is such a stand-out. For me, synth-pop and electronica has been hit or miss. Few electronic albums turn my head and most of them annoy the hell out of me, which is why Pillar Point’s debut self-titled album is such a stand-out. The tinge of 80′s synth mixed with Scott Reitherman’s smooth, slightly processed vocals are reminiscent of early Depeche Mode, but it doesn’t feel like an experiment in nostalgia. Sean C. Duregger no 7:08 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2014/03/13/music-review-moonlit-sailor-we-come-from-exploding-stars/ http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2014/03/13/music-review-moonlit-sailor-we-come-from-exploding-stars/#comments Fri, 14 Mar 2014 06:29:45 +0000 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/?p=10155 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2014/03/13/music-review-moonlit-sailor-we-come-from-exploding-stars/feed/ 0   - Artist: Moonlit Sailor Album: We Come From Exploding Stars Label: Deep Elm Release Date: Out Now  (Digital | Spotify) RIYL: U137, Lights & Motion, Dorena, Explosions In The Sky, M83 - This review originally posted over at PopSyn.com -   Artist: Moonlit Sailor Album: We Come From Exploding Stars Label: Deep Elm Release Date: Out Now  (Digital | Spotify) RIYL: U137, Lights & Motion, Dorena, Explosions In The Sky, M83 This review originally posted over at PopSyn.com Music is often the product of the environment it is bred in. Instrumental Post-Rock band Moonlit Sailor resides in Boras, Sweden where they often experience weeks without sunlight; Sweden is also known for stunning vistas and full seasons. This connection to nature and beauty has always been apparent in their past albums, as well as the side project U137. Deep Elm's first official release of 2014 with Moonlit Sailor's We Come From Exploding Stars is an emotionally overwhelming experience. The beauty, steadiness and craft put into each song makes this a landmark release for year, and will be a tough one to beat. Moonlit Sailor is Adam Tornblad (drums, piano, guitars, synthesizers, programming), Markus Rundlof (bass guitar, piano, programming), Oscar Gulbrandsen (guitar, piano, synthesizers, programming) and Joakim Wiik (guitars, piano, programming). We Come From Exploding Stars was recorded at Nacksving Studio (Dorena, Immanu El, Neneh Cherry, The Spotnicks) in Gothenburg, Sweden from September to December 2013. The album was recorded, produced and mixed by Anders Lagerfors (also of the band Obliq) and mastered by Martin at Cutting Room (In Flames, Red One, Dungen, Mando Diao) in Stockholm. With all the talent behind every aspect of the album, it's no surprise We Come From Exploding Stars sounds incredible. The dreamy guitars, thick yet clean bass and intricate percussion are clear and layered marvelously. With these types of albums, it is impossible to list any songs individually. My first listen to Moonlit Sailor's album was alone, eyes closed, on my couch with the stereo blaring. Emptying my mind of all the day's thoughts and stress, I let the music envelope me. It's amazing the visuals you can imagine when listening to music like this. We Come From Exploding Stars is a rich story of creation, beauty, love and death without one word muttered or sung. It is an astonishing accomplishment. Moonlit Sailor has given us another incredible sound-scape to digest. Highly Recommended.   This album (as well as Deep Elm's entire catalog of 200+ releases) is now available on a Name Your Price basis here: http://www.deepelm.com/music Sean C. Duregger no 6:02 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2014/03/07/music-review-save-ends-warm-hearts-cold-hands/ http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2014/03/07/music-review-save-ends-warm-hearts-cold-hands/#comments Fri, 07 Mar 2014 20:40:04 +0000 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/?p=10091 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2014/03/07/music-review-save-ends-warm-hearts-cold-hands/feed/ 0 Farewell Continental,Lemuria,Save Ends,Slingshot Dakota,The Anniversary,The Get Up Kids,tiny engines Artist: Save Ends Album: Warm Hearts, Cold Hands Label: Tiny Engines Release Date: Out Now - Vinyl / Digital RIYL: The Get Up Kids, The Anniversary, Farewell Continental, Lemuria, Slingshot Dakota ★★★★☆ - Artist: Save Ends Album: Warm Hearts, Cold Hands Label: Tiny Engines Release Date: Out Now - Vinyl / Digital RIYL: The Get Up Kids, The Anniversary, Farewell Continental, Lemuria, Slingshot Dakota ★★★★☆ Boston's Save Ends is a band that has consistently improved with each release. I first discovered the band in 2010 with their EP Ten or Better. It was rough around the edges, but I could tell after the first couple of songs that this band had potential. In 2012, they blew me away with their EP Strength vs Will. The song writing was dialed in, more focused and I loved the vocal melodies traded between the sweet, airy voice of Christine Atturio (guitar, vocals) and the harsher voice of Brendan Cahill (keyboard, vocals). These two EPs were mere stepping stones to their new fantastic full-length Warm Hearts, Cold Hands by blending the energy of Ten or Better with the softer and catchier melodies of Strength vs Will. One of my favorite examples of this is the song "A Life They Wrote" Warm Hearts, Cold Hands takes the groundwork laid by their previous EPs and improves their craft in every way. As someone who particularly connects with vocal melodies, I absolutely love the combination of Christine and Brendan's vocals here. The sweet and sour elements of their vocals have never sounded better and the choruses are even more memorable. Musically the album has the unbridled energy and passion of Ten or Better combined with the sweetness, heart, and maturity of Strength vs Will. Needless to say, Save Ends have exceeded all expectations with this album. If you were obsessed with bands like The Get Up Kids, Brandtson and The Anniversary like I was, then you'll instantly love this band and this record. But even on their own terms, you can't deny the raw energy, fantastic vocal harmonies and catchy songwriting Save Ends brings to the table. Warm Hearts, Cold Hands can gladly share my LP crate with The Get Up Kids' Something To Write Home About and The Anniversary's Designing a Nervous Breakdown. Recommended. Sean C. Duregger no 6:48 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2014/03/03/music-review-arliss-nancy-wild-american-runners/ http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2014/03/03/music-review-arliss-nancy-wild-american-runners/#comments Tue, 04 Mar 2014 04:47:51 +0000 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/?p=10085 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2014/03/03/music-review-arliss-nancy-wild-american-runners/feed/ 0 Arliss Nancy,Black Numbers,Cory Call,Drive-By Truckers,Kyle Oppold,Lucero,The Gaslight Anthem,The Hold Steady,The Replacements,Wild American Runner Artist: Arliss Nancy Album: Wild American Runner Label: Black Numbers Release Date: Out Now - Vinyl / Digital RIYL: Drive-By Truckers, Lucero, The Replacements, The Hold Steady, The Gaslight Anthem ★★★★½ - Artist: Arliss Nancy Album: Wild American Runner Label: Black Numbers Release Date: Out Now - Vinyl / Digital RIYL: Drive-By Truckers, Lucero, The Replacements, The Hold Steady, The Gaslight Anthem ★★★★½ I've always felt that if an album can garner the feel of a live performance then that album is guaranteed to age incredibly well. Artists like Bruce Springsteen, Paul Westerberg, even Bad Religion and Pennywise have all accomplished a sense of timelessness with each album. Arliss Nancy blends Americana, Country and a dash of punk together into an enticing listen with their third studio album Wild American Runners. Whether you're driving down an old highway, out on the porch drinking and smoking or just spinning the record with headphones on, Arliss Nancy feels like a band already weathered from the road. Each song conjures up a smokey bar and whiskey soaked booths. Formed in 2007 by singer-songwriter Cory Call, Arliss Nancy has 6 years, 3 full length albums and 2 EPs under their belt. They can still be considered a fairly young band but Wild American Runner is mature and polished. Cory's rough voice is remnant of Springsteen with some Westerberg thrown in for good measure, a perfectly imperfect touch that compliments the music. Call is joined in the songwriting tasks by bassist Kyle Oppold. Together with the rest the band, they've filled an album with dust covered anthems that will stick with  you warranting a few more listens as you cruise down the road. If you're looking for a consistently good blend of Americana and Punk then Arliss Nancy is your jam. Gravely vocals over solid songwriting and some memorable hooks, Wild American Runner will be spinning in my record player for quite some time. Worth checking out. Sean C. Duregger no 6:45 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2013/01/28/music-review-on-being-human-eve/ http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2013/01/28/music-review-on-being-human-eve/#comments Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:00:15 +0000 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/podcast/?p=180 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2013/01/28/music-review-on-being-human-eve/feed/ 0 eVe,On Being Human,RetrowareTV,The Humans Are Coming Artist: On Being Human Album: eVe Label: Self Released On Being Human is a band that appeared on my radar after I discovered their clever covers of video game themes on RetrowareTV.com with their web series “The Humans Are Coming. Artist: On Being Human Album: eVe Label: Self Released On Being Human is a band that appeared on my radar after I discovered their clever covers of video game themes on RetrowareTV.com with their web series “The Humans Are Coming.” The life they breathed into these themes (especially Metroid and Street Fighter) was impressive. Jumping off the momentum of this show, the band has released their new EP, eVe. This isn’t the band’s first release, they’ve released a couple other EP’s as well as a 2010 full length To Light The Coals Of Our Hearts. Honestly, their 2010 album did nothing for me, however eVe is a HUGE step up from the blandness of that album. The songs on eVe are memorable, concise and seem to compliment one another. These songs are more akin to the band’s 2011 single Addicted which introduces a ferocity and edge missing from Coals. My favorite song on the EP, Dream Garden is a perfect example of this. The rest of eVe seems to tone down some of that ferocity but substitutes some electronic elements and production value that work most of the time. While this EP is superbly commercial and will no doubt turn a lot of heads, some of the bite I’ve come to love from both the song “Addicted” and their “RetroWare” songs has been watered down. There are moments, as illustrated in the EP’s strongest track “Dream Garden” but the album as a whole leaves me somewhat wanting. Especially when it comes to the cover song on this EP. While most people love covers, the band’s cover of Tears For Fears’ “Shout” is serviceable but to me, this is the EP’s lowest point and at almost 6 minutes the song wears out it’s welcome fast. eVe starts out strong, but unfortunately ends on a whimper making the EP feel unfinished. Looking back at their discography, On Being Human’s 2013 EP eVe is their strongest music to date, a launching pad for bigger and better things. From here on out, On Being Human is more confident than ever and have only began to mine their potential. Sean C. Duregger no 10:48 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2013/01/28/music-review-the-end-of-america-shakey/ http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2013/01/28/music-review-the-end-of-america-shakey/#comments Mon, 28 Jan 2013 13:00:54 +0000 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/podcast/?p=176 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2013/01/28/music-review-the-end-of-america-shakey/feed/ 0 Band Of Horses,Shakey,The End Of America,Wilco Artist: The End Of America Album: Shakey Label: Self Released RIYL: Band Of Horses, Wilco When I heard their debut album Steep Bay I knew the band The End Of America was something special. That album was recorded in 2010 in upstate New York... Artist: The End Of America Album: Shakey Label: Self Released RIYL: Band Of Horses, Wilco When I heard their debut album Steep Bay I knew the band The End Of America was something special. That album was recorded in 2010 in upstate New York at an isolated cabin. Founding members Brendon Thomas, James Downes and Trevor Leonard recorded the album live using only a two track, battery powered recorder. What they recorded was an impeccable achievement and still one of my all time favorite albums. Fast forward to 2012, the band is still focused on organic songwriting and recording. The album title “Shakey” is a homage to Neil Young, who recorded most his albums live, with minimal rehearsal. Following in his footsteps, The End Of America did the same with this album. Over 7 days the recorded live, to tape with minimal rehearsal and as few takes as possible. The result is yet another astounding recording from the band. This process gives an immediacy to the songs, beautiful imperfection and a snapshot of a true creativity. While the songs don’t grab me as much as their debut, Shakey is still a stunning achievement. The album consists of 5 full length songs broken up with an intro and interlude. Each song has it’s own personality and before you know it the album is over. Which brings me to my main complaint of both albums...when it’s over I wish there was more! The End Of America are a true example of artistry in an industry that has very few pioneers left. The are proving that creativity can go a long way and, when used correctly, analog recording is far from being extinct. The band is mulling over releasing their music on vinyl and that seems to be the only way I’d want to experience their music. Until then, both albums from The End Of America are top notch, inexpensive and well worth your time and money.   Sean C. Duregger no 10:19 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2012/12/06/music-review-our-lost-infantry-the-new-art-history/ http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2012/12/06/music-review-our-lost-infantry-the-new-art-history/#comments Fri, 07 Dec 2012 06:25:36 +0000 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/podcast/?p=149 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2012/12/06/music-review-our-lost-infantry-the-new-art-history/feed/ 0 Arcade Fire,Brand New,Explosions In The Sky,Grammatics,Joe Ashworth,Matt Phelps,Michael Parkin,Our Lost Infantry,She Bears,The New Art History,Thom Ashworth Artist: Our Lost Infantry Album: The New Art History Label: Deep Elm Records RIYL: Brand New, Arcade Fire, Explosions In The Sky, Grammatics, She Bears - The New Art History by Our Lost Infantry is a 36 minute musical movement in 9 parts. Artist: Our Lost Infantry Album: The New Art History Label: Deep Elm Records RIYL: Brand New, Arcade Fire, Explosions In The Sky, Grammatics, She Bears The New Art History by Our Lost Infantry is a 36 minute musical movement in 9 parts. Still with me? Most bands who try this sort of approach to an album usually come across as pretentious assholes. Anyone a fan of Mars Volta? If you are, hear me out before you string me up. These rock-opera type albums usually come across as forced, silly and pretentious to the average music listener but embraced by other musicians. What sets Our Lost Infantry apart is the seamless blend of artistic integrity with infectious hooks, soaring vocal melodies and rousing harmonies. Hailing from Aldershot, England the band locked themselves away for about six months writing this album. Emerging with a self-produced masterpiece, the band was signed to Deep Elm Records therefore unleashing The New Art History to discerning music aficionados worldwide. It’s a remarkable debut. During it’s brisk 36 minutes, The New Art History packs a punch and is surprisingly epic. Even though it is technically one 36 minute song, Our Lost Infantry has crafted 9 memorable movements. All related, yet all original. It’s a feat that not many bands can pull off successfully. The New Art History is one work of art that can be enjoyed in pieces, but also as a whole. The album is neither pretentious nor forgettable and is more sweeping and epic than one would think. Our Lost Infantry is Thom Ashworth on vocals, Joe Ashworth on bass, Matt Phelps on keys and Michael Parkin on drums. All contribute to the vocals during choruses and harmonies. The musicianship and vocals are so impeccable that I have added Our Lost Infantry to my “Must See Live” list, just to see if they can pull all this off live. If they can, I hope this band is filling arenas with their sounds in about 10 years. Our Lost Infantry has created one of the finest releases of 2012. It’s an album that can be embraced by the elite audiophiles to the average music lover. From start to finish, The New Art History is an epic journey wrapped in a brief 36 minutes. Each piece of the album can be enjoyed separately, however, I’d suggest starting at the beginning and let the album grab hold and envelope you. Sean C. Duregger no 8:55 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2012/11/21/music-review-big-awesome-birdfeeder-ep-2/ http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2012/11/21/music-review-big-awesome-birdfeeder-ep-2/#comments Wed, 21 Nov 2012 17:15:29 +0000 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/podcast/?p=131 http://www.thegeekcouch.com/2012/11/21/music-review-big-awesome-birdfeeder-ep-2/feed/ 0 Algernon Cadwallader,Big Awesome,Birdfeeder,Minus The Bear,Samiam Artist: Big Awesome Album: Birdfeeder EP Label: Self Released RIYL: Algernon Cadwallader, Minus The Bear, Samiam With a name like Big Awesome it’s easy to assume they could be an Andrew WK party band. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Artist: Big Awesome Album: Birdfeeder EP Label: Self Released RIYL: Algernon Cadwallader, Minus The Bear, Samiam With a name like Big Awesome it’s easy to assume they could be an Andrew WK party band. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Mixing melody with the grit of punk rock, Big Awesome’s EP takes hold and after four songs you wanting more. Birdfeeder opens with the song “Grey’s Birthday” with John Blanken’s strong vocals accented by Colin Czeriwnski's clean guitars and Tyler Giarratano's driving drums, going to a birthday party never felt so important. It’s the perfect song to kick off a Friday night of debauchery. The sense of urgency stays strong throughout the EP. Each song is a compliment to one another while maintaining their own personality and strengths. The EP’s second track “Birdfeeder” is driving, short and sweet accented by a steady bass line and complex clean guitars. While there seems to be a simplicity to the overall melody there is a meticulous finesse to the song that most punk bands sacrifice for sheer power and drive. Big Awesome juggles raw emotion and power with intricate song writing, creating a sense of humanity with each track. Big Awesome’s Birdfeeder EP is a snapshot into great things to come. The band is getting ready to record a full length album and I have high expectations. Never judge a band by it’s name because you may be missing out one something groundbreaking and new. Big Awesome is shaping up to be one of my favorite bands of 2012, making me love their name even more. Sean C. Duregger no 5:03