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 / 10 — Michael • February 14, 2008

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

Recently-posted album reviews

Sweeping Promises

You Say I Romanticize
Sub Pop (2026)

What strikes me foremost about this record are the vocals. As the father of a 13 y.o. daughter I feel qualified to say that this person could be a pop singer. I mean I don’t really know what it takes to be one, although I’m sure that it’s more than a voice good enough to win a game show, I’ve … Read more

Moonraker

Me and the Bells
Punkerton Records (2026)

I have probably talked about this before, I knew of Moonraker through split EPs and things like that, but they didn't fully pop into my consciousness until The Forest. Me and the Bells, four years later, is their follow-up full-length and it continues the trajectory from that record while still capturing its own distinct vibe. Musically the band is heavily … Read more

Dreamwell

Hymns for the Denial of God
Prosthetic (2026)

Some records make their intentions obvious from the very beginning. They use the same structure that countless bands have for decades: verse, chorus, breakdown, payoff, and the blunt force of explaining what you are supposed to feel. Hymns for the Denial of God does something much more complex. It’s a series of difficult questions no one wants to answer, proposed … Read more