album review

AlbumCase CockrellReview

Album review: Walkabouts shows chops with honed songwriting on debut, Bloomin’ Ocotillo

After assembling a lineup of seasoned local musicians who called the Midwest home like the band’s founder—bassist Kyle Douglas, lead guitarist Ryan Girard, and drummer Drew Dederer—Bandleader, Sam Shaffer has built his full band, Walkabouts. Since getting their bearings, the rising Austin act has been chipping away at the musical block to craft energetic live shows that drift between personable songwriting and dynamic rock-and-roll energy. For Walkabouts’ debut full-length, Bloomin’ Ocotillo, the Midwest-turned Austin musicians take a new stride that provokes thoughtful lyricism and massive instrumental triumph.

Read More
AlbumCase CockrellReview

Album review: Lauren Lakis sculpts ethereal brand of shoegaze with songwriter chops on new album A Fiesta And A Hell

For musicians like Lauren Lakis, the guitar-obsessive lifestyle of indie-gaze isn’t just about the noise but the high-stakes lyricism refined on a track-to-track basis. On upcoming new album, A Fiesta and a Hell, the Los Angeles-Austin musician offers potent song structures and celestial soundscapes that pitch her discernment with modern greed and corrupt world leadership. 

Read More
AlbumAmanda QuraishiReview

Album review: The Bright Light Social Hour’s new record Emergency Leisure is here to cure what ails us

Fans of The Bright Light Social Hour have been waiting patiently for their new album, Emergency Leisure (Escondido Sound) to drop ever since it was announced earlier this spring. It’s been three years since the release of their last LP, Jude Vol. II, and a lot has changed with the band since then. 

Read More
AlbumMike CosmicReview

Album review: Rival Waves to release latest record A Meaningless Chaos August 5

Rival Waves is set to release their eagerly anticipated new album, “A Meaningless Chaos,” on Saturday, August 5 at ACL’s 3Ten venue.  The spectacular lineup is sure to make it the party to be at that evening. Openers are none other than Austin powerhouse acts The Dead Coats and Lola Tried.

Read More
Mike CosmicReview

Album review: The Oxys to drop hard hitting new album Generation Irrelevant July 21

The Oxys, comprised of guitarist Jason “Ginchy” Kottwitz (Dead Boys, Sylvain Sylvain and The Sylvains) and Vocalist “PunkRockPhil” Davis is a rambunctious punk rock band from Austin, recently released their second album titled Generation Irrelevant on the label Dead Beat Records imprint.

Read More
Case CockrellReview

Album review: Whiskey Priest showcases songwriter greatness on new record Grief and Praise

As a revered collaborator for local Austin legends like Chris Simpson of Mineral and a member of Simpson’s indie pop outlet Zookeeper, Woods has taken his own path with The Whiskey Priest. The Whiskey Priest is the brainchild of Woods, of which this is his 3rd full-length outing.This time he’s back at it with a cohesive full-length that’s as epic as it is personal. Grief and Praise takes us on a reflective emotional journey that doesn’t rest until the end. 

Read More