Berated

Eric Littman is a complete unknown at this point. Little more than a paragraph of information is available online about his project, Phantom Power, and I actually do not know how it got in my hands in the first place. It could have put on my hard drive yesterday or last year… I’m not really [...]

Darwin Deez exemplifies a recent breed of musicians. An early fascination with classic-rock being accentuated by recent interests in electronica is a trend that the newest generation of artists continue to play with, their success being generally inconsistent for several reasons. Their parents’ favorite bands from the ’70s can influence them just as much [...]

This side-project from members of Brooklyn-based Woods shows off their acoustic chops. Acoustic Family Creeps is the second side project to emerge from the Woods. Play Live in the Woods is essentially just an EP of album songs played acoustically, but it is done so, so well.

After the monster success of Oracular Spectacular, MGMT take a somewhat predictable misstep in trying to apply a linearly re-hashed formula with too much incoherence, repetition, and stylistic regurgitation.

Sam Amidon, born Samuel Tear, has folk music heritage. His ancestors were involved in the upbringings of Appalachian folk, and it continues to serve as a familial passion with an inception that has no bearing on age. Amidon first picked up a fiddle at the age of three and has not looked back since, writing [...]

Jay Mattson takes us through his most recommended dance tracks. Since dance is often a genre associated with cameo-led hits or overly-conscious audiences, these ten tracks gravitate more toward creative tendencies that can get even the most stubborn listeners lost in a groove.

Alex Chilton, best known for fronting seminal power-pop band Big Star, died Wednesday of a heart attack. Those familiar with Chilton’s work are certainly the minority when compared to those that have unknowingly experienced his influence. It is the sign of a rare talent, truly indicative of one being years ahead of the curve. [...]

Dan Snaith's newest album, Swim, strives for a versatile type of dance music. While different than his usual offerings, Swim is a fascinating success regardless.

Throw some Wu-Tang, an orchestra, and Euro-pop into a blender. It would probably taste sour since the differences in expectations surrounding tempo and instrumentation between the ingredients are evident. Kammerflimmer Kollektief have found a recipe for success though, mainly in their ability to prioritize various strengths over personal interests in their selfless presentation. Despite [...]

Following up a feature on Damon Albarn implies a drop in quality and prestige, especially considering how few artists are able to stay relevant for over twenty years. Even if they cannot be deemed “obscure”, many figures are worth exposing regardless of their original prestige. The work they are producing is just that good. Like [...]