GREAT LAKE SWIMMERS – ONGIARA (Nettwerk)
GLS have an innate understanding of what makes music beautiful. Bonus points for dexterous use of banjo.
RATING: FOUR STARS
HAALE – PARATROOPER (Haale/Darya)
Pure brilliance. Seek this Iranian siren’s work and listen immediately.
RATING: FOUR STARS
HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE – THE LONG DURÉE (He Who Corrupts, Inc.)
Gorgeous vocals on top of wholly boring copycat music. The next Evanescence?
RATING: TWO STARS
IMMOLATION – SHADOWS IN THE LIGHT (Century Media)
It’s death rock: I’m sure the fans love it.
RATING: TWO STARS
TENDERHOOKS - VIDALIA (Rock Snob)
Unmistakably Southern pop. Catchy. Could become part of my permanent collection.
RATING: FOUR STARS
VULTURE WHALE – VULTURE WHALE (Ol’ Elegante)
Allegedly the live show is “blistering beauty,” but the recording lacks energy. It’s cardboard rock.
RATING: TWO STARS
WHITE RABBITS – FORT NIGHTLY (Say Hey)
Normally I don’t care for post-punk, tight pants, you better clap your hands rhythmically at our shows type of music, and this probably won’t become a permanent addition to my collection, but this shit is catchy as fuck.