Counterparts | Chicago, IL
With the rain pouring down, cars bumper to bumper, and doors being at 6 P.M. It was another day of getting through the almighty Chicago traffic to attend The Private Room Tour at Bottom Lounge. With a diverse line up of Varials, Have Mercy, Being As An Ocean, and Counterparts it was nearly a guarantee to leave the show with either tears or a smile.
Justin Courtney Pierre "In the Drink" Review
In the Drink, the debut solo effort from former Motion City Soundtrack vocalist Justin Courtney Pierre, focuses on all the trademarks that make his songwriting unique and special, while also introducing elements and ideas unexplored in his previous musical endeavors. The record can be upbeat and pop-influenced, it can take darker and moodier turns at times, all while maintaining a cohesive feel and energy that is instantly recognizable as Justin Courtney Pierre.
Bearings "Blue in the Dark" Review
Blue in the Dark, the debut full-length record from Canadian pop-punk band Bearings, immediately establishes the band as one to watch. This release offers a diverse collection of emotion-filled songs that showcase the band’s ability to blend their influences into a sound that is uniquely their own, while still maintaining a sense of familiarity that will surely bring about new listeners and take the band’s popularity to new heights.
The Weekend Run Club "Okay for You" Review
In a day and age where everyone wants to sound like the next big thing, it’s hard to find new music that doesn’t have the same tone that every other band has as a “signature” sound; that’s what makes finding a gem like Okay for You from The Weekend Run Club such a delight to listen to.
The Wonder Years | Washington DC
Every so often, a band comes around that understands the dynamic of a live show better than just about anyone. From the quality of light design to the energy on stage, to the connection to the crowd, and even the choice of support acts - everything comes together for an experience that nobody in attendance is soon to forget. For the last decade, The Wonder Years have spent their time honing their live experience into something that borders on spiritual. Seeing them perform for the first time in Washington, DC at the historic Howard Theatre was no exception. The show was intimate, the energy was high, and it was everything I’ve come to expect from The Wonder Years in a live setting.
Living with Lions "Island" Review
Living with Lions new album Island touches upon the themes of nostalgia being a blessing and curse and also upon the importance of self-reflection. Nostalgia can be nice: getting lost in the memories of a better time can be a nice way to pass the time, but getting stuck in it for too long can make it hard to see the life that’s in front of you and that things aren’t always as good as they seemed in the past.