REVIEWS
REVIEWS
Less is More: Shellac’s - To All Trains
It wouldn’t be appropriate to talk about this record without honoring the tragic passing of Steve Albini, esteemed producer, musician, and frontman of the band Shellac, to whom this review is dedicated. Since the release of 2014’s Dude Incredible, the band has been silently working on this album, while occasionally still doing live performances. Because of Steve Albini’s passing from a heart attack, the band has decided to put out the record as is, preserving the final recording they have as a trio.
IDLES Leads with Gratitude at Sold Out PNE Forum Show in Vancouver, BC
IDLES played the PNE Forum two nights in a row, closing out their Vancouver stay to a sold out room. Joe Talbot’s sincerity rang loudly throughout the set, melting into the audience where you could see hugs being shared, helping hands lifting people back on their feet from moshing and dancing, and unity during shouts of “Free Palestine”. IDLES is a shining example of pushing a revolution via the stage and the power of solidarity through music.
Chastity Belt Exhibits Self-Awareness on New Album ‘Live, Laugh, Love’, Moving Listeners to Think and Feel
In 2010 the 4 piece alternative indie pop rock band “Chastity Belt” was formed in Walla Walla, Washington consisting of Julia Shapiro, Lydia Lund, Annie Truscott, and Gretchen Grimm. The band’s witty, thought provoking, feminist approach to music confronts and challenges feminine stereotypes and patriarchal tradition in a semi-satirical manner that exposes and points out the idiocy/stupidity of society's rigid, out-dated gender roles, standards and expectations. Over a decade deep into the band’s existence it has become apparent that they have found a way to successfully maneuver and operate in the modern music industry doing it their own way without having to compromise their artistic vision or take themselves too seriously. Chastity Belt’s new album “Live, Laugh, Love” is a testament to the idea that music can be fun and enjoyable while still exhibiting intelligent self-awareness as well as the ability to honestly express ideas and emotions that resonate and move the listener making them both think and feel.
SXSW Day Four Recap: SNÕÕPER, Alice Longyu Gao, Glixen, Nabihah Iqbal, and more
As we inch closer to the conclusion of this year’s SXSW, the start of the weekend was busier than ever with a range of ripping showcases. With most of the unofficial showcases having stacked bills due to numerous bands dropping out of the official lineup, we were bound to hear music that was sweet for our ears no matter where we ventured. Here are a few of the best things we saw on Friday at SXSW.
SXSW Day Three Recap: Provoker, FCUKERS, La Securite, Grimelda, Pony Girl, HO99O9, and more
Easing into day three, we went from rock show to dance party back to experimental/industrial hip hop. The multidisciplinary nature of SXSW keeps things interesting and it’s been exciting to hear a vast array of acts who are all uniquely changing the genre boundaries. Whether it’s larger-than-life saxophone group O. or new up-and-coming acts like FCUKERS, we are excited to put a few on your radar. Read on to hear a few of REVERIE’s favourites.
SXSW Day Two Recap: Corridor, Dry Cleaning, Deeper, Desire, Justice, and more
Today was a longer stretch for REVERIE from panels to unofficial showcases to a late night stint at the Elysium for the Italians Do It Better showcase. Don’t worry, we made sure to grab a few bites and stay hydrated in between, but the schedules were picking up speed and we tried our best to stay on top of the action.
Springbreak Boogie at Hotel Vegas in Austin: Lip Critic, Sextile, and Mugger
During the week of SXSW there are ample of unofficial parties taking place across town and leading the charge for 3 days of showcasing was Springbreak Boogie at Hotel Vegas. With bands spread across two stages - one outside and another smaller club-sized stage indoors - it was a day for the punks to get out their rebel yell.