Review – Page 32 – The Cosmic Clash

Album Review: Hip Hop duo Run The Jewels deliver timely messages with RTJ4

June 8, 2020 Brian Hillsman 646 Views album, DJ Premiere, El-P, Hip Hop, Killer Mike, new music, Pharrell, rap, Review, Run the Jewels, Three-Six Mafia

Hip Hop duo Run the Jewels is essentially the story of two lyricists who followed differing paths in a journey which lead to the formation of one of the most significant musical groups of our time, Run The Jewels (RTJ). In 2013, they released their self-titled first record to wide critical acclaim. On June 3rd, their fourth album, RTJ4 was released. The record is timely in that it speaks directly to the systemic violence and oppression that is currently dominating the national conversation amid police violence protests.

Greg Ackerman Review

Album Review: Trinidad from Sweet Spirit signals new approach

June 3, 2020 Greg Ackerman 935 Views A Giant dog, album review, Austin, glam rock, new music, rock n roll, Sweet Spirit

Like many bands, Austin’s Sweet Spirit has seen a number of iterations. The band has swelled and contracted in size over the years. The current (smaller) formation lends itself to a different direction with Trinidad that is still glam rock we know and love, but a more spare sound emerges. It’s darker in tone than the previous two full-length albums the band has released.

Brian Hillsman Review

Album Review: Sour Bridges perfect browngrass on latest record “Neon Headed Fool”

May 19, 2020 Brian Hillsman 696 Views album review, Austin, banjo, bluegrass, browngrass, new music, Sour Bridges

For more than a decade, the Austin-based quartet Sour Bridges has seeded the Capital City music scene with echoes of what they refer to as “browngrass.” The band has repeatedly stated, ”…it’s like bluegrass, but a little dirtier.” Consisting of Bill Pucci (vocals, rhythm guitar), Matt Pucci (vocals,mandolin, lead guitar), Garrett Ross (drums), Wil Vaughan (vocals, bass guitar), Sour Bridges has recently released their fourth studio album, Neon Headed Fool. The record was released May 24 of last year.

Brian Hillsman Review

Album Review: Car Seat Headrest take chances with Making a Door Less Open

May 8, 2020 Brian Hillsman 777 Views album review, alternative rock, Car Seat Headrest, EDM, fusion, indie rock, new music, Will Toledo

On May 1st, Car Seat Headrest released Making a Door Less Open, their first studio album since the 2018 release of Twin Fantasy (Face to Face). From the start, the new record is a genre-twisting collage, exhibiting the band’s embracement of their vast abilities in the most direct and honest way.

Brian Hillsman Review

Album Review: The Strokes “The New Abnormal” dropped this month

April 22, 2020 Brian Hillsman 1212 Views album, indie rock, Julian Casablancas, new music, Review, rock n roll, the new abnormal, The Stokes

In 2001, The Strokes released their debut album, Is This It, injecting a new energy throughout the rock music scene. By 2002, their profound influence was evident as a plethora of similar bands emerged. The Strokes’ signature sound has since been one of the most recognizable. Since then, the New York quintet has released multiple records, not often venturing far from the recognizable accompaniment that has defined them since. Their new album, however, displays growth and new territory for The Strokes.

Brian Hillsman Review

Book Review: Butthole Surfers’ Gibby Haynes introduces fantastical realm with debut novel, Me and Mr. Cigar

April 21, 2020 Brian Hillsman 896 Views book, book review, Butthole Surfers, Gibby Hanes, novel, punk rock, young adult

Austin area punk rocker, Gibby Haynes, of Butthole Surfers fame, initiated his career as a Young Adult (YA) novelist with his first book, Me & Mr. Cigar. The book was released in January by YA publishers Soho Teen, just in time for an era of the coronavirus pandemic shelter-in-place directives when folks have extra time on their hands. This debut novel by a well-known Central Texas rabble-rouser fills the time well.

Greg Ackerman Review

Album review: Denver noise rockers Pink Fuzz deliver on latest record Vitals

April 8, 2020 Greg Ackerman 541 Views album review, fuzz rock, Jesus and Mary Chain, Metz, My Bloody Valentine, new music, noise rock, Pink Fuzz, rock n roll

Denver noise rockers Pink Fuzz released their latest record, Vitals November last year. The five-song EP delivers a sonic punch listeners won’t soon forget. The trio reflects the influence of UK fuzz rock pioneers like My Bloody Valentine and The Jesus and Mary Chain with the aggressive approach of Toronto’s Metz.

Brian Hillsman Review

Album Review: Lord Buffalo released timely debut LP Tohu Wa Bohu

April 2, 2020 Brian Hillsman 711 Views album review, Austin, Lord Buffalo, mud folk, new music, psych-rock, rock n roll

Austin’s own Lord Buffalo released their new LP, a follow-up to their self-titled debut, Tohu Wa Bohu on March 13th, just as the world shifted to a place in which listening to relevant music as a form of therapy would hover atop everyone’s lists of prioritized tasks. And the current mood of the world is matched in tone from the first notes of the eerie opening track, “Raziel,” an ambient and drone-y introduction of an album that feels tormented in the best possible way.

Greg Ackerman Review

Album review: Brownout released lush new Berlin Sessions LP

March 30, 2020 Greg Ackerman 506 Views album review, Brownout, Grupo Fantasma, Latin funk, Latin fusion, new music, progressive rock, psych-rock

Austin Latin funksters Brownout have returned with a full-length album of lush, original songs entitled Berlin Sessions. The record is the first collection of original tunes since Oozy (2012). The album’s moniker comes from capable producer, Steve Berlin (Los Lobos) who has also produced Brownout’s better known sister act, Grupo Fantasma. Released on March 6 on Fat Beats Records, the record is the first of the band’s to feature their Black Sabbath cover project, Brown Sabbath’s vocalist Alex Marrero.

Brian Hillsman Review

Album Review: The Cuckoos recently released debut LP I Hate Love

March 6, 2020 Brian Hillsman 678 Views album review, new music, psych-rock, punk rock, rock n roll, The Cuckoos

Young and fast-rising Austin band, The Cuckoos, recently released their debut album I Hate Love, a sizzling synthesis of varied, classic genres that intrigues and energizes the listener. Heavy synth, classic rock instrumentation and unmistakable, rock n roll vocals, make this record an instant Austin classic, propelling the group to premier status as far as we’re concerned.

Mike Cosmic Review

New Music Review: Austin Acts Color Candy, March and Beauty Drop New Records

March 5, 2020 Mike Cosmic Cota 403 Views Color Candy, indie rock, March and Beauty, new music, Review, rock n roll, synth music, The Cosmic Clash

Get ready for a flood of new music with Color Candy’s new album “Something, Somebody” along with March and Beauty’s single “World Made Sense.” Both bands celebrated their new releases at Cheer Up Charlie’s on Wedenesday, March 4.