(Capitol, 2006) Whatever happend to the likely lads of 2001/2002? The garage rock revival was supposed to be the saving grace of “real” rock and roll. At the very least, it saved us from more of that moronic rap rock that had become so prevelant in the late ’90s. The Vines were […]

(Nettwerk, 2006) The Submarines are quite the stereotypical little indie pop band - members John Dragonetti and Blake Hazard are married, and probably because they made Declare a New State! together; they’d broken up, but grew together again over the course of recording an album about their relationship woes. The music reflects that […]

(71 Recordings, 2006) “I’m ready for my luck to turn around,” the phrase that gives the first song its title, is the clearly sung opening statement from singer-songwriter Marykate O’Neil on her new record. It’s unfortunate and ironic, really, because O’Neil is clearly not ready for her luck to turn around. Luck, as […]

(Red Ink, 2006) Mellowdrone is essentially a vehicle for guitarist/singer Jonathan Bates’ songs and artistic vision, rather like Nine Inch Nails is really just Trent Reznor. The only real difference is that although Bates writes all the music and lyrics, he allows other musicians to play on some of his songs. And it’s quite […]

(Columbia, 2005) The American release of The Go! Team’s debut differs only slightly from its import version, which was nominated for a Mercury Prize, and both have received considerable amounts of critical acclaim. The amount and degree of that praise is really quite baffling. Some critics make Thunder, Lightning, Strike out to be […]