Only Thieves
Greeting from Levy Park, T.L.H.
Independent (2009)
Only Thieves pay homage to the Boss with their cover to Greeting from Levy Park, T.L.H., but the tribute doesn't stop at the artwork. From the get go of "Hammered for the Holidays" there's a clear striving toward outspoken, plainclothes guitarman at the center. However, there's a more of a band feel to it, and more Gaslight Anthem than Springsteen. The record starts with frontman Jeremy Barnes strumming his guitar and singing into the mic in a conversational, beseeching "Come on, come on, come on." The song is pretty straightforward guitar-driven rock with a few rhythm changes to guide Barnes' inflection. He is a singer, not a vocalist, and it's clear that he's comfortable standing front and center. It's an enjoyable song and a solid way to start of the EP. Three minutes later, as Barnes proclaims "You got me all wrong," the song ends and the record begins to change, eschewing the tribute in favor of a more modern sound. "I Got Left Behind" features a more prominent bass, interplaying with the guitar to create a sound fuller than you'd expect of a three-piece. The song offers a danceable hook and emotional vocals softly over the top, but it … Read more
Black Moth Super Rainbow
Eating Us
Grave Face (2009)
Wow, just seriously wow, even though Black Moth Super Rainbow has been on my list to check out for a … Read more
Iron and Wine
Around the Well
Sub Pop (2009)
As a long-time Iron and Wine fan, I was intrigued by the announcement of this double-disc release that spans the … Read more
Church of Misery
Houses of the Unholy
Metal Blade (2009)
By a stroke of luck, my Last.fm did something good for once and recommended me this band called Church of … Read more
