(EMI International, 2006) “How the mighty have fallen…” That has been the running theme to the solo career of one Richard Ashcroft. “He can’t top Urban Hymns” people say, in reference to his previous band’s highwater mark. But, do we act the same way when any artist from a famous band breaks […]

(Estatic Peace/Universal, 2006) Much has been written lately about young punk quartet Be Your Own Pet. There’s the fact that Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore thinks they’re great, that none of the members have yet reached their twenties, and that lead singer Jemina Pearl sounds like she could be Karen O’s younger sister, among other […]

(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 […]

(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 […]

(Modular, 2006) I’m not going to waste your time listing Wolfmother’s obvious influences. I can’t imagine the band getting too offended at being labeled derivative, either, since they’re, well, extremely derivative, almost more of a ’70s cover band than three guys writing music in the 21st century. And that’s about the only bad […]

(Eenie Meenie, 2006) Death In The Garden, Blood On The Flowers is indie rock quintet Irving’s second full length album, and its first release since 2003’s I Hope You’re Feeling Better Now EP. Over the last several years, post-punky art rock has made a comeback of sorts, and that seems to suit Irving just […]