(Atlantic, 2006) Zero 7’s third album continues in the direction suggested by their previous release, moving further from Air-inspired downbeat electronica and towards electro-pop, folk rock, and soul. Ten of the twelve tracks on The Garden feature guest vocals from either longtime Zero 7 collaborator Sia Furler or Swedish sensation José González, and each […]

(Thrive, 2006) Who would have thought that a band started by a former drummer would spawn another band fronted by a drummer? Well, the Foo Fighters’ Taylor Hawkins steps to the mike for this sunny, often satisfying album. He stays behind the drums, though, and they remain a focal point throughout. It […]

(Reprise, 2006) This is one of those records that I have been waiting for for a long time. Ever since I heard Now Here is Nowhere, I thought “God, I can’t wait to get their next record.” And now it is here. The spacey guitars are still all over the place, […]

(J, 2006) It is always exciting when a band you have kind of grown up with comes out with a new album. I can remember buying Ten when I was thirteen years old and being completely blown away. Anyway, the new album is fast, heavy, wordy, and everything you would expect from a new PJ […]

(Tent Show, 2006) From the very beginning of In Bocca al Lupo, Murder By Death’s second full-length, it’s clear this isn’t a plain ol’ indie rock record. The very first line comes out sounding like Johnny Cash, as many of Adam Turla’s vocals do, and as soon as the music starts, the eastern European […]

(Independent, 2006) When you have had an album sell one and half million copies, your life should be set, right? Everything should fall into place for a lengthy and wealthy career. Ten years ago, these were the prospects facing Brian Vander Ark. His band, the Verve Pipe, was in the process of selling over a […]