album reviews
Reviews of albums old and new from iconic artists and up and coming musicians alike.
Adam Hopkins - Crickets
Adam Hopkins is yet another creative composer/bassist who steps out on his own, not only with a debut of his sextet but also with a new label that is not only to focus on creative music but also limited runs of visual art. Of course, Hopkins opens the doors of Brooklyn’s OOYH Records (Out of Your Head Records) with the self-titled release of his Crickets.
Ljubinko ZivkovicPublished 6 years ago in Beat- Top Story - October 2018
Review of Twenty One Pilots' New LP 'Trench'
The 2015 release of Twenty One Pilots' junior LP Blurryface had initiated an era of sensationalism for members Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun. Their record’s transition away from quirky alternative pop and towards a more mainstream synth-pop outfit triggered a storm of industry recognition and mixed fan responses, placing Twenty One Pilots at the center of pop music discussion. After two years of relentlessly touring on Blurryface, the duo had stepped down from their international platform to begin working on what is now the fifth addition to their discography, Trench, released October 5. Comprised of their style’s chaotic charm and a backbone of heavy electronic dub, this concept album marks a new age in the timeline of this band’s ever-developing sound.
Becca CarrollPublished 6 years ago in Beat Zion.T - ‘ZZZ’ Album Review
Anyone who knows me knows my love for Zion.T. The idiosyncratic artist draws various aspects of music together and seemingly effortlessly blends it into something unique and palatable, never losing consistency. For this reason, when it was announced that his latest project, ZZZ, was set to be released, it almost immediately became one of my most anticipated releases of the calendar year. With both the uncertainty and excitement over which style and colour of Zion.T we’d see on display, and a host of clever collaborations announced, when the album was released today, it took me less than a minute to save it and start the journey into what I was sure would be one of this year’s shining examples of good music.
Nathan SartainPublished 6 years ago in BeatThe Rose - 'Dawn' EP Review
In 2018, it’s rare to hear of a band that started out through busking on the streets. It’s something that attracts me to a band on a personal level. It creates a feeling that the band or artist has a genuine passion towards music and they’re willing to be authentic. They haven’t set out for the fame and success, but rather they enjoy making music and want their hobby to become their life.
Nathan SartainPublished 6 years ago in BeatHere’s to Now & to Nothing Else
As The Maine's lovely, little, lonely album era is coming to an end, I've been reflecting on the album and listening to it more than ever. If you haven't heard of The Maine, or only know them from their Warped-Tour style music from 2008, then I highly recommend you give their newest record a listen.
Kacie RiordanPublished 6 years ago in BeatReflections on 'Recircle'
Phil Circle is an independent musician based in Chicago. In his album Recircle he reveals some of his lesser known recordings, partly for existing fans and partly for those who are new to his music (like me). The fact that there are only 100 copies of this CD makes it feel special—as though this is a gift for those loyal fans who have stuck with him and follow him closely enough to know about this release. The insert which comes with the CD feels like it is written directly to you—the reader. That intimacy in writing is a talent of Phil's and also comes through in his book An Outback Musician's Survival Guide.
Sarah JanePublished 6 years ago in BeatMusic as Literature
If you have not yet appreciated the glorious cheese that is the album we'll be exploring today, I strongly recommend it. Being someone who works in both music and writing, I have run into a surprising amount of people who don't see the crossover between the two subjects. It is my opinion that as a culture we let pop radio dictate our idea of what music is, or should be. A collection of singles with no through line yet all sounding the same. When in reality, good music is good literature and can be experienced or enjoyed the same way creative writing in a novel or film can be.
Track by Track: Taylor Swift’s ‘Speak Now’ (Part 3)
This article is the third part of my three-part review of Taylor Swift’s third studio album, Speak Now. If you haven’t read parts one and two, you can check them out by clicking on my profile!
Lily KristianPublished 6 years ago in BeatA Review of 'Trench'
As I lay here in bed this morning, there is only one thing on my mind—one of my favorite bands has just dropped a new album and I have’t listened to it yet. Three clicks and a cup of coffee later, I’m on Spotify, bracing myself. I haven’t heard anything but their singles yet, and wondered how they would fit into the narrative of the story that lead singer, Tyler Joseph, always tries to tell.
Will JacksonPublished 6 years ago in Beat'Trench' Album Review
At last, Twenty-One Pilots have finally released their fourth studio album titled, Trench. The two piece from Ohio, added Trench to the list of their albums: Twenty One Pilots, Vessel, and Blurryface. This album was a year in the making after the duo took a break from their two year tour and had a year long hiatus. Following their most successful album, Blurryface, which is Gold and Platinum certified, and is the first digital album to have all of its songs RIAA certified, Trench has been much anticipated to say the least. It all began with the release of "Jumpsuit," an edgy opening song to the album which they teased in the beginning of July along with a music video. "Jumpsuit" really helped set the tone for the album, it gave it it's story and theme. They released "Nico And The Niners" the same day, a more mellow sounding tune, similar to "Lane Boy" or "Polarize." Then came "Levitate," and a cool music video to go along with it. A few weeks ago they released "My Blood," this song is my personal favorite off the album, not only is it completely different from their usual work, but its almost got a disco vibe to it; its pretty similar to "Heavydirtysoul" or "Semi- Automatic." Their sound hasn’t changed much, it’s just evolved. They know what they want to put out now, especially after the successes with Vessel and Blurryface. Each song is very diverse but extremely captivating, there's not a dull moment while listening.
Sarah RushPublished 6 years ago in Beat5 Notable Album Releases for 10/5/2018
The week of October 5th has a wide array of albums and genres to choose from, and while there's no Kanye or Eminem album within sight, there are a lot of old favorites who are putting out new stuff. Below you'll find new albums from bands like Coheed and Cambria, Behemoth and T.I.'s return from the big screen to the small stream.
Christopher SardaPublished 6 years ago in Beat'Proper Dose' Is Definitely One for the Books for TSSF
Proper Dose is the fourth album by pop punk band The Story So Far released last week on September 21. If you listened to any of the pre released tracks, you had the same thought as most people 'this is going to be different.' Ever since they released Out Of It back in 2017, I have been dying for them to release a new something, anything. They are such a staple to the pop punk community so I knew that they would really deliver with this new album, and they did.
Kelly DalyPublished 6 years ago in Beat