by Meredith Schneider | Sep 20, 2019 | albums, review
The Berries‘ sophomore release — a full-length titled Berryland — is something of a commodity right now, as its focus on guitar riffs and an all-encompassing vibe has us begging for more. Mastermind Matt Berry has created a ten track masterpiece, that effortlessly blends Americana and Brit rock in an interesting and dynamic way. It starts with whirring guitar and an energy all its own with “Makes Me Sick“, adding more twang with “Lowest Form of Life”, and coming in hot with the leisurely, more radio friendly “Fruit“, two of these selections which have amazing 70s-inspired music videos to accompany them.
Continuing at a leisurely, backyard bonfire pace, “Passing Scene” gives us a hard glimpse into our autumnal future, slow motion jumping in leaves comes to mind. “Feral Eyes” revs it up a bit more, while “D.Y.W.I.B.” brings a more ethereal feeling to the piece. “Hell on the Speedway” has a title that would indicate it picks up the pace a little bit, yet it maintains a drawn out and beautiful disposition. “Along the Water” is delicate and incredible, while “Pedestal” provides a little more attitude. They round out the album with “Heavy Rain”, a track that will take you back in time right alongside some of rock’s greats (i.e. Jimi Hendrix). We’re big fans, and will most likely keep that track on repeat for quite some time.
Keep up with The Berries here.
by Michael Arnold Porter Jr. | Sep 19, 2019 | snapshot, visual
Amidst the magic of the full moon on Friday, September 13th, we found ourselves enjoying the musical stylings of Tobi Lou at Uptown Theater in Kansas City. Highlights below!
Keep up with Tobi Lou here.
by Ashleigh Lee | Sep 16, 2019 | snapshot, visual
On Friday, September 13th, American Football entertained with a powerful performance at The Granada in Lawrence, KS. Photographer Ashleigh Lee caught some highlights for us, which you can enjopy below.
Keep up with American Football here.
by Meredith Schneider | Sep 16, 2019 | albums, review
This year, we had the insane pleasure of sitting down to chat with Throwawy for an imperfect Fifth podcast recording session. In fact, it was our very first one. We were honored then to speak with her, and even more honored now to be laser focused on her most recent release, a full-length titled What?
A collection of 8 high energy songs, What? boasts a relatable string of lyrics and an inviting disposition, despite the heaviness of the topics and the cadence with which the vocals are delivered. Titles like “Bonatan Jyers”, “The Brilliant Society of the Illustrious Mule”, and “I Work!” draw you in, with the unexpectedly wonderful blend of theatrical, edgy instrumentals (“The Revenge Society”) and attitude keeping you in place. As each new track begins, a sense of urgency — and, at times, insanity — appears for a moment, and then you relax into the layers of energy blasting from the speakers.
Definitely do not try to enjoy this album right before bed.
For more about the artist, check out our podcast episode under your first listen to the album!
Keep up with Throwaway here.
by Kira Cappello | Sep 13, 2019 | albums, review
Dori Freeman’s new album titled Every Single Star is a perfect follow up to her 2016 break out year. Produced by Teddy Thompson this album features a sparkling voice over simplistic instrumentals allowing her Appalachian style to fully shine through. The powerful way she talks about heartbreak in so many of the tracks allows you to feel a connection to the pain she has been able to withstand, leaving hope for women who are in similar situations. Though Freeman’s personal life has changed between the release of her first album to this one, her message remains clear as she is loyal to the roots that have gotten her this far in music.
Choosing to sing about motherhood and the music industry itself Freeman is able to bring to light a little-discussed topic in the business. Taking on the role of the contended mother instead of a rejected lover Freeman speaks to her experience making this album by saying, “Musicians that are also moms and have to juggle touring and being at home and spending enough time with your child; that’s something that’ really hard for me to find balance in.” In the track “Like I Do” she expresses her love for her child singing, “nobodies gonna love you like I do” a lyric I’m sure almost every parent can relate to. The song plays an important role in her need to include her daughter into the album without making it all about her; a charming tribute this song is definitely one to take note of.
Providing a classic feel Freeman does an exceptional job making her songs sound like they’ve been around for ages in a comfortable and quintessential way. As a listener, you will often experience hints of Reba McIntire, Loretta Lynn, or Dolly Parton through the old twang and lofty notes of the tracks. This is most noticeable in songs “How I Feel” and “Darlin’ Boy” with the way she utilizes the instrumentals to accentuate her lyricism.
The most unique track on the album is definitely “2 Step”, where produce Thompson joins in for a duet with Freeman, creating a mystical blend of dazzling harmony. As a song about dancing, it’s no wonder the track sets forth a desire to stand up and let yourself loose as the music flows through you with a strong mountain soul.
Creating an album with songs of all emotions, Freeman has done what so many artists strive to do in crafting a complete story of songs to settle into. Her sophomore album Every Single Star should definitely not be overlooked and will provide endless hours of joy and powerful feministic inspiration. Be sure to catch the release of Every Single Star and to follow Dori Freeman on Instagram.
by Meredith Schneider | Sep 9, 2019 | albums, review
Kansas City-based favorites Madisen Ward and The Mama Bear have done it again with their new release, a delightful full-length titled Started With a Family, which — to their credit — it did entirely. And they’ve packed it to the brim with their signature robust, at times raspy, and beautiful vocal harmonies. “Saturday Morning Cartoons” opens the collection, beginning with a beautiful sentiment of current and future happiness. But hang on through to the end and you will either be slightly disturbed or just completely worried about your future. Nonetheless, they speak truth and continue to do so through slower second track “Hell Better Make Room”. “Never Met a Mutha” begins with a soundscape similar to Death Cab’s “I Will Follow You Into the Dark”, however it blossoms into a folk song that seems to be a testament to Mama Bear, though it could be easily applied elsewhere.
“Botticelli” slows things down again, a bit of a detached option from the relatable side of things. “Back to the North” has an interesting melody, prepping us for the more intricate “Started With a Family”, in which Madisen Ward addresses his family specifically. It’s simple, beautiful, and elegant in a way. Stemming from it is “Guts n Glory”, a bit more graphic than its predecessors, however still very relaxing in its disposition. “Crackle Lyn Wood” possesses both a clever name and a beautiful video, which can be seen below.
“Lightning Kids” holds its spot as the second to last track on this incredible folk album. It doesn’t have quite the pace we expected for having the term “lightning” in the title, but also leaves a lasting impression with its introspective lyrical content. The duo rounds the album out wonderfully with “Little Mountain”, showcasing Mama Bear’s (Ruth Ward) timeless, heartbreaking vocals. That packs a powerful punch, and we’re going to go ahead and hit “repeat” for a while.
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Keep up with Madisen Ward and The Mama Bear here.
