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

Hoaxed

Death Knocks
Relapse (2026)

There’s a fine line between dark rock that feels theatrical and dark rock that feels transportive. On Death Knocks, Hoaxed land firmly in the latter. This is an album that doesn’t just flirt with atmosphere but commits to it fully, wrapping heavy riffs, melodic hooks, and occult-tinged drama into something that feels natural and not staged. Three years in the … Read more

Carnivorous Flower

Carnivorous Flower
Dead Broke Rekerds (2025)

There's a time to be cerebral and there's a time to tell it like it is. Carnivorous Flower lives by the latter. Their debut has 10 songs: 18 minutes in total. Each of the songs is catchy as heck and you can pretty much singalong on your first listen. It's "simple" punk with peppy energy and a lot of heart. … Read more

SUB/SHOP

Democatessen
Independent (2025)

Richmond, VA has always had a way of bending punk into something sharper and stranger, and Sub/Shop feels like a direct product of that tradition. Their EP democatessen isn’t a debut in the wide-eyed sense but a statement from musicians who’ve already spent years inside heavy, confrontational music and are now choosing precision over spectacle. Across six tracks, Sub/Shop delivers … Read more