![The Ginger Envelope: Edible Orchids [Album Review]](http://cdn.elbo.ws/posts/1606166_lg.jpg)
One can draw several conclusions from the cover of Edible Orchids . First, it gives the distinct impression of The Ginger Envelope being a post-Elephant 6 band. The green tint, personally, takes me back to Everything Is Green , an early release by The Essex Green on Elephant 6 and the newly resurgent Kindercore. The name of the band and album is the second hint—the names roll off the tongue like those off the lovable indie pop label. So, one shouldn't be too surprised that The Ginger Envelope hail from Athens, an [...]
![Golden Triangle: Golden Triangle [Album Review]](http://cdn.elbo.ws/posts/1596942_lg.jpg)
Insanity comes in many forms, most undesirable. However, there is one that is much more intriguing and inspirational than the others: audible insanity. Golden Triangle ( MySpace ) is the perfect example of outstanding audible insanity. It can be heard in their music, and seen in the photographs of their live performances. They don't call it garage punk for nothing. Yes, it's loud. It's rambunctious and raucous and extreme. The vocals are damn near indecipherable and the guitar distortion and excessive percussion overpowers all. But [...]
![Grand Hallway: Yes Is The Answer [Album Review]](http://cdn.elbo.ws/posts/1593770_lg.jpg)
Yes Is The Answer is the debut album by Seattle's Grand Hallway . Yet prior to its release, the band already had several international shows booked in Japan, a country from which they draw severe influence. Describing their music as Experimental Classical Pop, Grand Hallway blends piano-heavy orchestral instrumentals with Tomo Nakayama's quivering alto vocals. The combination draws likely similarities to Sufjan Stevens and Anathallo. In comparison, the band's music finds a home more experimental than the former and less high school orchestra than the latter. After [...]
![The Golden Hours: Spooky EP [Album Review]](http://cdn.elbo.ws/posts/1564542_lg.jpg)
It's been a very long time since anyone has heard from The Golden Hours. That is, if you were aware of their existence to begin with; their brief lapse into the reality of 2006 saw them delivering some pretty amazing lo-fi folk via Not Not Fun Records in The Mystery & Her Crew and after a moment's notice, they were gone. Well, not any more. They've returned with Spooky EP , to be released via Eggy Records on cassette. The mere four songs is a departure from [...]
![Gregor Samsa: Rest [Album Review]](http://cdn.elbo.ws/posts/1563138_lg.jpg)
Buried in the sound of slumber, Rest is an ample title for the latest album by Gregor Samsa ( MySpace ). The music finds a home among fellow soft, melodic artists like Sigur Rös, mixing minimalism with composed instrumentation. Fittingly, guitar parts have mostly been replaced by piano - recorded on Philip Glass's old Bösendorfer! Even in the earliest of moments of "The Adolescent", the vocals act more as accompaniment than a typical focal point. The lyrics are soft and difficult to decipher beyond bits and [...]
Written by Ron Trembath Here is an artist that seems to revel in acoustic sweetness. London's Robin Grey ( MySpace ) invites you into his coffee shop friendly world on his latest release. I Love Leonard Cohen is a four-track EP so splendid Mr. Cohen himself should be more than honored to have such a talented fan. Anyone looking for a fun-filled depressive state, look no further. Grey reminisces of greater times on the title track "I Love Leonard Cohen". This [...]
![Guns 'N Roses: Chinese Democracy [Album Review Part 2]](http://cdn.elbo.ws/posts/1381154_lg.jpg)
Written by The Nice Asshole Rose's growls seem to grow to an exasperated screech throughout the album. Rose has always been a talented vocalist, and a good piece of the puzzle. In Chinese Democracy he becomes the crux, which is not his strong-suit. His vocals are VERY apparent on this album, often sounding like his head is ready to pop from the lengthy high-notes he sustains. It's commendable, and at the same time fucking annoying. Early on, Axl made the right decision by surrounding himself [...]
![Guns 'N Roses: Chinese Democracy [Album Review Part 1]](http://cdn.elbo.ws/posts/1374561_lg.jpg)
Written by The Nice Asshole I almost didn't want this album to be released. For one, it's a great punch line. (I once told an ex-girlfriend that we couldn't get married until Chinese Democracy was released. It was a good cover.) But also, there is SUCH a pop-culture vortex surrounding it. In a Rolling Stone piece written in April of 2000, they were unsure way back then of the album's existence. On November 23rd, the 13-year wait was over.... Chinese Democracy [...]
![The Glasses: Story Problems [Album Review]](http://cdn.elbo.ws/posts/1322316_lg.jpg)
Written by Fense Oh yeah. This is the stuff that gets me excited. The Glasses ( MySpace ) are the style of indie pop that's packed with male/female vocals and totally catchy vocal and instrumental hooks. I'm pretty sure I've got one of their older EPs, but the one currently in my hands is their latest LP, Story Problems . "When Moonlight Falls" kicks the album off on a massive high point. Honestly, Story Problems just gets better from that [...]
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