Author: Richard Hewett
Record Review from web archive February 6, 2009
Heartless Bastards
The creative force behind Akron outfit the Heartless Bastards, singer-songwriter-guitarist Erika Wennerstrom left Ohio and her bandmates behind and made what may be the album of her life, disguising elegantly simple, beautiful melodies inside fuzzy guitars and organized chaos with an almost Kurt Cobain-esque knack. In 2007, having broken up with a fellow Heartless Bastard [...]
Live Reviews from web archive December 3, 2008
Proclivities/Prabir & the Substitutes
It’s saying quite a lot that the two bands onstage were almost overshadowed by the dance moves of an audience member. Thanks to two hours of spirited playing and affable demeanor, the Proclivities and Prabir & the Substitutes never let “Tiffany” steal the show. Proclivities lead vocalist/guitarist Matt Douglas kept one eye on the lady [...]
Miked - Live Reviews from Issue #71 Sep-Oct 2007
Brett Dennen – Music Box (Los Angeles, CA)
After opening at arenas for the likes of John Mayer earlier this year, one would think Brett Dennen would be capable of putting on a very engaging live show. Notwithstanding the adoration of a few throngs of college-aged coeds, Dennen showed he has a long way to go before moving on to larger venues himself. [...]
Waxed - Record Review from Issue #71 Sep-Oct 2007
Through The Sparks – Lazarus Beach
You know you’re in for a spacey ride when three-fifths of a band is credited with “noise” in an album’s liner notes. Despite their obvious love for cacophony, on Lazarus Beach, Through The Sparks never stray too far from a strong tune. On their first full-length release, the band thoughtfully combines Soft Bulletin-era Flaming Lips [...]
Town and Country - Shorter Artist Feature from Issue #70 July-August 2007
Cary Brothers – Being independent together
Cary Brothers doesn’t mind his reputation as a savvy businessman. “You have to take advantage of all the opportunities around you and make the most of it. No one has any excuse not to get their music out there,” he says. Blessed with natural musical talent and a knack for finding the right people, he [...]
Waxed - Record Review from Issue #65 Sep-Oct 2006
Weed Patch – Some Kinda Happy
Los Angeles songwriter/rock journalist Neal Weiss has no qualms about wearing his rock literacy on his sleeve. Throughout the eleven tracks on Weed Patch’s sophomore offering, he drops references to Ray Charles, Nick Cave, Jimi Hendrix, the “Wall of Sound”, and the Velvet Underground (to name a few). But this is no trite music history [...]
Waxed - Record Review from Issue #64 July-Aug 2006
Court & Spark – Hearts
The Court & Spark are a remarkably tasteful band, but not so much that they’re boring. On Hearts, the nimble veteran quintet continues to defy genres and styles, creating a patchwork of memorable songs that buzz, jangle, and slither all over the map. Just when M.C. Taylor lulls you to a comfortable nod with his [...]
Waxed - Record Review from Issue #62 Mar-Apr 2006
Mike Stinson – Last Fool At The Bar
As the unlikely leader of the thriving Los Angeles country-rock movement, Mike Stinson has garnered comparisons to the likes of Willie, Gram, and Mr. Zimmerman, and he shares their ability to make depression and despair sound almost fun. Recorded in Stinson’s living room with some of the best players friendship can buy, Last Fool At [...]
Miked - Live Reviews from Issue #61 Jan-Feb 2006
Murry Hammond – Burbank First Christian Church (Burbank, CA)
Clad entirely in black, with his head down, Murry Hammond strummed the opening chords of E.C. & Orna Ball’s “Trials, Troubles, Tribulations”. But as he approached the microphone ready to sing, a look of concern came across his face. The music abruptly stopped and Hammond stared into the congregation at the Burbank First Christian Church. [...]
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