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Reviews by Ian-vanek

9 total search results

Ian Lawrence Campbell Swordy – The Bull Loving Truth

Review — May 14, 2019

I came to this book through it’s author. Ian Lawrence Campbell Swordy aka Pony. His involvement in Bent Outta Shape, Behavior and the New York art scene makes him a fascinating character in my mind’s eye. So naturally, reading his first book was an easy ask when given the …

Foxhall Stacks – The Coming Collapse

Review — October 29, 2019

The best part of a super group is hearing talented musicians working in a comfortable space. A diligent review of Foxhall Stacks is obliged to mention Jawbox, Government Issue, Velocity Girl and Minor Threat, with whom this band shares members. I hear similarities to many of these …

Supreme Commander – Tooth and Nail

Review — November 3, 2020

Supreme Commander is a prototypical, overtly masculine, DC hardcore quartet. Points for extremely proficient galloping drums, and a Slayer-like metal break on “…Jonestown.” The singer mimics Dave Smalley of Dag Nasty, a 1980s DC hardcore group, past the point of remaining original. I love Dag Nasty’s 1986 album …

Partial Traces – Can’t Come Down / Nights I Dream

Review — November 9, 2020

This synth punk group hails from the headwaters of the Mississippi River. A mighty mass of water that connects Minnesota to Louisiana and sings all the way south. Water seemingly makes music as it flows and this super group (FFO: The Soviettes, Dear Landlord) is actively tapping into …

Pitch & Bark – Two EPs: Nowhere Near Ohio & Father Hoxy

Review — January 5, 2021

Elegant desert-shoe-gaze-rock from Santa Fe, New Mexico FFO Pigrow, Storming The Beaches With Logos In Hand and Father John Misty. The landscapes and artistry of Santa Fe, New Mexico comes through well on this older “post rock” cassette. The region’s Kokopelli imagery is a reminder to celebrate fertile …

LMI – Excess Subconscious

Review — March 23, 2021

Oh my god, where should I start with this one? Saying you’re something doesn’t make you that thing! Just because this band smokes weed does not make them the genre “stoner punk.” LMI process elements of hardcore, punk and stoner music. But not the parts I enjoy about those sounds. …

Pop Icons – Prelude

Review — November 23, 2021

The slack jawed audio sample that begins this EP sets a tone like many other humorous pop punk groups, a promising sign. Southern Arizona’s Pop Icons instantly launch into a full throttle punk sound that reminds me of many things I’ve heard before. Catchy lyrics and sharp chords played on …

TV Moms – Buzz Mallory

Review — March 22, 2022

The best band names are unique but not hard to remember. Funny, apropos or fierce, depending on the group’s take. Something somebody somewhere can proudly wear on a shirt, a patch or a pin. Something a new fan can easily tell a friend and then search on the internet. TV …

Partial Traces – Lost In The Days / Shallows EP

Review — May 24, 2022

Open chord guitar and warm synth start the single in a typical indie manner. The poetry that fills the space is earnest and serious, beaconing the listener to keep up. When the small drum machine picks up you feel a sense of relief. References to travel, reflections and an illusive …