“Conceptual avant-rock album finally released after 20 years!”
Wired and restless in the alternative underground: I Ya Toyah reaches through the wall with WHITE WALLS, a raw confession about invisible darkness released for World Mental Health Day. Dino DiMuro dresses up Beefheart's bones in psychotic Americana new clothes, while his Mirror Man finally gets its "real" vocals after four years. Unquiet Nights conjures stirring synths and fret wizardry meditating on the eternal versus the temporary, and Chalice Sect closes a chapter with pulsating EBM-charged darkwave drama. Ian Cat channels Wilco-meets-Britpop homesickness on his debut, bridging coasts with layered guitars.
“A song that gives shame, embarrassment, and insecurity a voice, and asks how those feelings shape who we become.”
“The allegorical donkey in the lion's skin, but it's a bear that wants to be an eagle that wants to be a bear... who cried wolf.”
“Seven cinematic rock tracks from Japan, built around heavy guitars, piano, strings, and the feeling of trying to move forward when fear keeps pulling you back.”
“RF release their jangliest, most baroque and thoughtful album yet, but maintain 'Pavement playing Teenage Fanclub” mission statement”
“Crunchy guitars and two-part vocal harmonies; power pop influences distorted through 90s alt rock sensibilities.”