Author: Gabrielle DB

Review by Gabrielle DB Guided Meditation from Hurry is the epitome of a Summer playlist. The airy, fun songs encompass all that is swell with hanging out while transitioning into the dichotomy of the  nervousness of being in love. This album has exceptional production allowing a smooth balance for every instrument and sound to be heard. A thorough progression of maturity in character builds track after track as though one is following a protagonist in a novel. “Nothing to Say” is a lonesome track that serves as the rain cloud before the sunshine comes out in the following tracks. “When I’m…

Review by Gabrielle DB Joplin, Missouri’s Me Like Bees has a smashing EP in There Will Be Time. The colorful indie pop sound is infectious joy. Flutters of synth, group vocals and unique instrumentation create an enjoyable listening experience. “Changes” starts the EP off with a super groovy track. The array of instrumentation is instantly impressive, ranging from trumpets to chimes among the standard drum, bass, and guitar. Vocal ability and agility instantly hooks listeners, and won’t let go. “Tundraland” keeps the momentum moving with a laid-back rustic track full of catchy sing-a-long hooks, ohs, and lalalas. The title track is…

Review by Gabrielle DB ARRAS has created an EP that projects resiliency and grit in CMLXX. The Northern Colorado five-piece consists of drummer Roman Garcia, bassist Philip Rice, guitarists Nick Quevado and Chris Redder, and vocalist Palmer Andrist. The band is able to cohesively capitalize on their talents, equally showcasing their respective instruments throughout all tracks. This feat is most impressive, and consistent throughout. “CMLXX” opens with a beautiful melodic guitar piece. The softer vibe of this song does not resonate throughout the EP, but it provides a strong base from which the rest of the album branches from. The…

Review by Gabrielle DB One word to describe Mandroid Echostar’s debut full-length: epic. Coral Throne is a concept album encapsulating colonialism, organized religions impeding upon traditional spirituality, and cultural genocide. Mandroid Echostar hails from Guelph, Ontario, Canada, an area originally, and still, inhabited by the First Nations; this album honors their existence, resiliency, and prosperity as people. “Hypnos” lulls you into a sense of security before pummeling the album wide open. This track is instantly hooking and sets the tone for the rest of the album. Coral Throne has serious groove factor seamlessly woven into hard-hitting melodies. “The Lotus” and…

Review by Gabrielle DB The latest EP from Raise Your Fall, Echoes, is extremely fun and wholly embodies Pop-Punk. The numerous vocal handoffs throughout the EP showcase the depth of fluidity and agreeableness amongst the band. The instrumentation couples so well with the vocals. “Come Closer” opens with a distant, muffled riff before kicking in. A gritty delivery, with a bit of sarcastic laughter somehow makes the tug-of-war of wanting someone and wanting someone to leave fun. “I’ll Get My Life Back” is the summation of allowing someone in so deep that they actually take a bit of your essence…

Review by Gabrielle DB Motion Cntrl has cultivated a sound that is thoughtful, gripping, and mesmerizing. The Los Angeles based duo of Allyce Engelson and Luke Mertz grants listeners an experience of sound in their self-titled EP. Though all seven tracks are production and music centric, the lyrical content is fun and groovy. Engelson and Mertz have a great story of coming together through working at an agency, and eventually linking through music. As a whole, Motion Cntrl’s sound is synth heavy, with a learned experience to not muddle every track into a repetitive loop. The vocal pass off of…

Review by Gabrielle DB Sorrowful, holding no reservations, Fragile, As Said Before is a growing ember of sound that is captivating. Foreign Tongues deliver an eerie album that unfolds beautifully with blasé and blatantly honest lyrics encompassed by skilled musicianship. It must be noted that fellow New Englander Jay Maas (Defeater) has production credits for this stunning album. “Fools of Love” is a groovy cut, and an extremely wise opening track. This song is filled with surprises, such as a building tempo that bursts into a pleasant upbeat rhythm. “Fools of Love” is a foreshadowing track for the ebb and flow…

Photos & Review: Future Hearts Tour Featuring: All Time Low, Issues, Tonight Alive & State Champs The Fillmore Auditorium, Denver, CO. 5/9/15 Review by Gabrielle DB Photos by Shannon Shumaker Full photo gallery HERE. The Future Hearts Tour stopped in at The Fillmore Auditorium Saturday May 9, 2015. Saturday is a perfect day for a concert: all day to prepare attire and stand in line to secure a great spot, and then sleep in after the show, or after party. Dedicated fans rounded the block hours before doors, despite steady rainfall all day. Many attendees were prepared with umbrellas (that were not permitted inside) because the highly…

Teenage Bottlerocket’s new album, Tales From Wyoming is absolutely a homage to the band’s beautiful home state, and the songs on the album reflect that. As bassist Miguel Chen puts it, Tales From Wyoming is the culmination of everything they’ve done as a band. With the album out now and a massive run of tour dates lined up through the summer, Teenage Bottlerocket have much to be excited about in 2015. Interview by Gabrielle DB Hello! Thank you for taking the time to chat with us. May we have an introduction to Teenage Bottlerocket for those who may not be familiar with your work? Miguel…

Review by Gabrielle DB Courage My Love has an incredibly heartfelt release in Becoming. This full-length re-issue on InVogue Records layers on six additional tracks from the previous EP under the same name. The Toronto based trio is singer/guitarist Mercedes Arn-Horn, drummer/additional vocals Phoenix Arn-Horn, and bassist Brandon Lockwood. The mixing on this pop-punk (heavy on the pop) album is superb. The tracks digest easily, and will have you swaying and singing along. A blazing intro in “All We Are” cuts straight into “Skin & Bone.” This track features impeccable harmonies that foreshadow what will be present throughout the album. An epic…