Review / 200 Words Or Less
Sequoia
Time to Change

Independent (2007) Michael

Sequoia – Time to Change cover artwork
Sequoia – Time to Change — Independent, 2007

The metropolis of Chicago, IL is home to many many artists. While listening to Sequoia, I found their sound to be somewhat fitting, but at the same time I could pick up influences that could easily place them elsewhere.

Time to Change is the band's second full-length and features ten songs at just over thirty minutes of music. The opening number is a stellar indie rock tune, which sounds not unlike Modest Mouse or Built to the Spill - the Norwest is one of those areas that came to mind while listening. The band picks things up with a bit more of a rock action on "Bite Your Tongue," there is a slight Hum vibe given off. Throughout the album the band dabbles with a mixture of the quirky indie/pop and college-rock sound, as it was dubbed back them. "Doormat" has some sweet riffings that reminded me of the early Minus the Bear material.

Time to Change was a pleasant surprise to have land at my doorstep. If you are seeking out some guitar-driven indie rock, then Sequoia would be a good group to look into. Also, the packaging of this is pretty sweet for an independent venture.

7.0 / 10Michael • February 14, 2008

Sequoia – Time to Change cover artwork
Sequoia – Time to Change — Independent, 2007

Recently-posted album reviews

La Luz

Extra! Extra!
Sub Pop (2026)

Formed in 2012, La Luz built their reputation on hypnotic surf-noir, eerie harmonies, and a uniquely supernatural warmth that made them one of Sub Pop’s most consistently compelling bands. Their 2024 full-length News of the Universe marked a major artistic shift. The sound became lush, cosmic, dust-covered, and produced by Maryam Qudus, whose work helped push the band into its … Read more

Dead Boys

Night Of The Living Dead Dolls
Cleopatra (2025)

Dead Boys, or should I say Dead Dolls (no, not those creepy little Dolls that were mass produced for wannabe Wednesdays). Johnny Blitz had just been stabbed on the streets of New York. A benefit was created to raise funds to help the fallen comrade, known as the Blitz benefit. Look it up, plebeians. Anyways cue in snot, attitude and … Read more

Crystal Lake

The Weight Of Sound
Century Media (2025)

Formed in Tokyo in 2002, Crystal Lake have spent more than two decades shaping their own high-velocity hybrid of metalcore, hardcore, and atmospheric chaos. Few bands of their era survived the genre’s shifts with their identity intact, and even fewer survived a complete vocalist change. But instead of slowing down, Crystal Lake sharpened. Now fronted by John Robert Centorrino, the … Read more