Author Archives: Rich

Mixtapes, Smokestacks, and Planetariums: Joywave Forging Their Path

“I think of it as being kind of like the space program in 1960s,” said Daniel Armbruster when asked about the level of experimentation involved in creating Joywave’s latest release. “Each mission was about accomplishing a certain goal that ultimately was about putting a person on the moon. ‘Alright, Mercury we’re going to have peopleContinue Reading

[album review] Jimmy Cliff // Rebirth

On its surface, reggae can appear to be a simple artform. Rhythms and melodies are remarkebly similar among different artists and bands, with differentiators peaking through in the form of catchy bass lines, a B-3 Hammond, or perhaps a brass instrument or two. Yet, there are certain reggae artists who have shone brighter than others.Continue Reading

[mp3] Maserati // The Eliminator

My brain nearly exploded when I came across this song on Pitchfork today. As a fan of jam bands, instrumental post rock, and electronica, Maserati offers up a wonderful conglomerate of all three, creating music that is a mixture of intensity and atmospheric trance. You may get lost in the songs, or you may rockContinue Reading

[album review] DIIV // Oshin

The dream-pop genre has certainly become saturated these days, making it more necessary for new bands to become inventive when attempting to tackle the sound. DIIV, the solo project of Zachary Cole Smith, has a jumpstart on other acts. He has been playing guitar in one of more more notable acts of the genre, BeachContinue Reading

[album review] POP ETC // POP ETC

I’ll just come right out and say it – there’s a lot to enjoy on this album. If you’re a fan of hook-ladened synth-pop, then POP ETC provides you with your fill and then some. There are melodies on this record that have stayed with me long after the last song, to the point whereContinue Reading