written by Chris Familton Band of Horses return with their second album of soaring, americana tinged rock and this time round they’ve continued to write widescreen songs but tempered them with some restraint and less of the grandiose hooks that made songs like Is There A Ghost so compelling on their previous album. Previously trading somewhere between Kings Of Leon and My Morning Jacket, Ben … Continue reading REVIEW: BAND OF HORSES | Infinite Arms
written by Chris Familton Perth’s Tame Impala have been widely tipped for great things since they first appeared in 2008 with their self-titled EP. Luckily, they haven’t rushed into their debut album but instead allowed their music to evolve and mature through countless live shows which have given them a stronger sense of direction and a wider sound to draw from. Innerspeaker is the culmination … Continue reading REVIEW: TAME IMPALA | Innerspeaker
written by Chris Familton Jeremy Jay is a Californian who plays music more suited to the East Coast or the UK. He has an undeniable knack for creating hummable melodies and a cool way with minimal instrumentation that has enough velocity to keep your head nodding along. His latest release, Splash, is a lighter affair than previous albums and surfs an effortless wave between Television, … Continue reading REVIEW: JEREMY JAY | Splash
written by Chris Familton Sydney’s Circle Pit have been the subject of much online debate in recent months with their support slot for Yeah Yeah Yeahs, fashion spreads in Vice and assorted art and musical excursions. What they are primarily is a rock n roll band so it is a relief that they have finally released their debut Bruise Constellation to satiate the fans and … Continue reading REVIEW: CIRCLE PIT | Bruise Constellation
written by Chris Familton Youthful energy and a lust for rebellion has long been a driving force behind rock music. From rock & roll, garage rock and punk through to metal and grunge it has ignited the fire in the bellies of young men and women seeking to kill boredom and create art. inevitably most of them lose that initial spark, the magic dissipates and … Continue reading REVIEW: VIOLENT SOHO | Violent Soho
written by Chris Familton Over the course of five albums Jim Putnam has been the one constant in Radar Brothers. It is his austere voice that has constantly steadied the ship and prevented the band from slipping out of sight. The Illustrated Garden is employs a new rhythm section who subscribe to the ‘less is more’ policy and in doing so they provide some wonderfully … Continue reading REVIEW: RADAR BROTHERS | The Illustrated Garden
written by Chris Familton Never underestimate Mr Jack White when he puts his mind to a task. He has proven time and time again with White Stripes, The Raconteurs, his label, studio and with the videos he directs that he throws himself wholeheartedly into every new move he makes. The Dead Weather project surprised many who thought he had covered similar territory with The Raconteurs … Continue reading REVIEW: THE DEAD WEATHER | Sea Of Cowards
The intimacy of songwriting is a difficult skill to master for the best of musicians. When they do you find yourself pausing, experiencing a physical reaction to the music as it halts your progress and you allow it to wash over you, taking hold of your emotions and ushering them inside the songs. This magical power of music was something I experienced when I sat … Continue reading REVIEW: MARK MOLDRE | The Waiting Room
1 2 3 4 5 Reviewed for FasterLouder Back for album number 8, Quasi show no sign of slowing down or watering down their take on indie that embraces power pop, americana and psych influences with opens arms. They are a tricky band to categorise which is of course a good thing for music listeners who like their sounds to be complex and multifarious. Hailing … Continue reading REVIEW: QUASI | American Gong
written by Chris Familton, reviewed for FasterLouder Six full length albums in 8 years is a pretty impressive hit rate in these times of promotional release cycles. The work ethic of The Black Keys and their fertile creativity has seen then long outlast the early criticism that they were riding on the guitar/drums duo bandwagon. Many of course have followed in their well trodden path … Continue reading REVIEW: THE BLACK KEYS | Brothers
1 2 3 4 5 reviewed for FasterLouder From the americana stables come another group with high expectations born from glowing reviews and media hype. The Avett Brothers (Scott & Seth plus bassist Bob Crawford) aren’t new on the scene though, I And Love And You is their 6th studio album in the last decade, but they are just beginning to gain some momentum in … Continue reading REVIEW: THE AVETT BROTHERS | I And Love And You
1 2 3 4 5 reviewed for FasterLouder Drive-By Truckers return with their tenth album, a landmark in any band’s history, proving that they are still remarkably consistent with their quality control and ability to create musical stories that captivate and enthrall the listener. This time round The Big To-Do loosely deals with crime and (self)-punishment but these heavy subjects don’t necessarily translate into a … Continue reading REVIEW: Drive-By Truckers | The Big To-Do
Doubtful Sounds 