Divisible: Less Than Lion
Posted on 26. Aug, 2009 by spencer in Album Review, Music
Divisible
Less Than Lion
Self-Released
LA’s Divisible are an indie rock duo comprised of drummer Albert Sadia and a lead singer known simply as “Shola.†Their debut album, Less Than Lion, is a great group of light songs loosely based around Shola’s experience of journeying to Ghana to reunite with her father. This concept provides an interesting dimension to the record, yet the songs’ themes about love, death and abandonment remain universal. Musically, Divisible’s compositions are accessible and catchy, simple guitar melodies accented by richly layered backing vocals and synthesizer effects. “Big Machines†[...]
Synthesis Weekly Reviews — Mute Witness: “Mute Witness”
Posted on 05. Aug, 2009 by Author in Album Review, Music
Mute Witness
Mute Witness
Parapet
Chicoan heroes Mute Witness decorously begin their self-titled debut with the upbeat and danceable pop/rock gem “Find the Way You Are.” This track is perhaps the most well-rounded and excellent on the album; led by the solid drumming of Tino Marrufo and vocal showcase of Rett Mathews and alternates from a decipherable shout to an angelic mid-range vibrato. “Dog” proves to be one of the better songs on the disc due to soulful bass lines performed by Ryan Maker and excellent four-part harmonies. “Side of the Road” oozes [...]
Synthesis Weekly Reviews: “White Lies for Dark Times” by Ben Harper and Relentless7
Posted on 01. Jul, 2009 by Author in Album Review, Music
Ben Harper and Relentless7
White Lies for Dark Times
Virgin
Ben Harper’s musical career has been filled with much praise and prestige. Whether it be his certified gold solo album Fight for Your Mind or his groundbreaking Live From Mars with the Innocent Criminals, Harper has enjoyed the luxury of much-deserved critical acclaim. His new album, White Lies For Dark Times, with Texas-based backing band Relentless7 should be received with similar enthusiasm to prior efforts. “Number with No Name” kicks the album off with a danceable bluesy swagger led by crafty guitar work [...]
Mates of State in Sacramento, CA 10/6/08
Posted on 08. Oct, 2008 by Daniel Taylor in Music
Mates of State & Two Sheds
Harlows, Sacramento
Monday, October 6th
Mates of State used a day-off on their current tour with pop chanteuse Santogold to make their first stop in Sacramento (and for that matter, anywhere north of San Francisco) in some matter of years, headlining a thrown together two-band bill at the decidedly swanky Harlow’s in Midtown Sacramento. Upon arrival, one could not but notice the band’s graduation from underground twee-pop duo to veritable indie pop icons as evinced by the ample tour bus gurgling out front. More vexing perhaps, were [...]
