Reviews (Album, Movie, TV)
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Written by Alec Cunningham
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Tuesday, 30 October 2012 10:51 |
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For an album that boasts only two members, The StereoFidelics' second studio release, Dynamite Fist, has a good deal of meat to it. The duo had a lot to live up to, considering their first album, You Are Having A Wonderful Time, was received so well by fans, but luckily they were able to deliver once again. This time, though, Chris Padgett hands over all of the vocal duties to Melissa McGinley as opposed to the responsibility being shared between the two of them.
If this is your first introduction to the band, you might become overwhelmed by the eclectic mix of music being thrown at you from song to song. But the deeper into the album you get, the comfier you will begin to feel. You will not find another two-person band, or any other band in general, with the same peculiarly addictive sound and incredible energy that these two convey so well.
The peculiarities of McGinley's voice and Padgett's guitar playing do well to complement and offset one another. They are both equally essential to the album's distinctive, impressive sound. What you will immediately notice is how attractive the melodies come across to your ears, but you will soon realize that each track boasts a strong lyrical foundation as well.
Padgett takes a handful of incredibly catchy and unbelievably intricate chord progressions and makes use of them throughout a song. Take Padgett's inventive guitar style and layer on his foot-controlled bass and McGinley's persistent drumming and wild vocals and you've got the groundwork they lay for each song. And there is an extra treat in store for listeners when McGinley breaks out her trusty violin. This happens in "Full of Sugar," a song that is sure to stick in your head for days. The violin and guitar battle out the same elaborate melody during a full 50 second break between choruses.
The meaning behind the album's title is made clear within the lyrics of the title track. McGinley sings, "I rise to the top of everybody's shit list - got a pocket full of nothin' and a dynamite fist." A killer funk-meets-jam-band guitar solo guides the track to its conclusion. "Burn It With Beauty," however, turns the intensity and excitement down a notch. The modest tempo comes as a shock at first, but they soon prove that they are able to execute a slow song as well as they do their peppier, livelier tracks.
The band transcends the label of an indie rock band, refusing to stick with any single genre within a song. They combine upbeat, jazzy vocals, with funky bass lines and psychedelic rhythms. And there is not one song that stands out of the ranks like most albums. Instead, the majority of the album's tracks are equally catchy and downright captivating, which is what makes Dynamite Fist such an enjoyable listen. The duo's album release party is set for Friday, Oct. 12 at Preservation Pub, which will be part of a forty-five day, nationwide album release tour. |
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 30 October 2012 10:54 |
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Wednesday, 24 October 2012 10:15 |
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The Bijou Theatre, Knoxville, TN
10.21.12
Every so often a concert goer gets the privilege of a special encounter. The small, nearly sold-out seated theater in Knoxville, TN buzzed and swayed with excitement Sunday October 21st for the last leg of band MuteMath’s multi-city in tour theater in east Tennessee.
The Bijou Theatre with seating less than 1,000 and founded over one hundred years ago has been a venue played by many greats though out it’s history and is a landmark of downtown Knoxville. It’s is well known for it’s outstanding acoustics and outstanding aesthetics that always allows the audience an up close and personal experience.
MuteMath along the opening act Civil Twilight and took full advantage of the intimate setting and amazing sound. The report between the two groups was genuine and friendly. They seemed as thought they were new friends ending a long journey a few of the headliners for Mute coming out for a toast and to feed the other band members sushi was a local downtown. “To the second prettiest band we’ve ever toured with!” exclaimed drummer Darren Lang of Mute Math.
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 24 October 2012 10:30 |
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Written by Jordan Knight
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Sunday, 23 September 2012 21:33 |
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Photos by: Sean Ireland
Tuesday (September 18, 2012), the much anticipated, rescheduled, Passion Pit show was finally here. The rainy, windswept day, colored the city in a brilliant afternoon sunset, as the clouds parted in time for the cool, early fall evening. As I drove east to the show, from somewhere in the Fort Sanders area, just adjacent to The University of Tennessee, a beautiful firework display, leads me toward my destination. It seemed all of Knoxville was as eager as I to enjoy the night’s festive atmosphere. At 10:53pm, the wait was over.
From the first note, the crowd was hooked. A frenzy of jumping, screaming, dancing fans, barely able to contain themselves, welcomed the highly energetic Passion Pit to the stage. “Sorry we had to cancel the other show, but we came back. I’m feeling great. I’m in a really good mood tonight. I think we all are.” Michael Angelakos’ words were met by an uproarious applause, as he smiled widely, and continued to ignite the audience with an amazing set.
This is the best concert I have been a part of in a long time. Do not miss any chance to see this band. There is no way to avoid dancing, it is impossible. If you love to smile uncontrollably (and who doesn’t), this is the band for you. The fans, comprised mostly of beautiful women, who barely stopped to take a breath between the songs, practically floated from the streamer covered room. I have never experienced a show where it was impossible to differentiate from the hits and every other song. The energy was full throttle the entire time.
The new album, Gossamer, is available at www.passionpitmusic.com along merchandise, news, updates, and an instagram link to post your pictures and tag yourself. The tour continues through the end of November, with plenty of more chances to catch them live. Go. Be a part of one of the most exciting bands out there.
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 10 October 2012 13:23 |
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Written by Brittany Norvell
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Tuesday, 11 September 2012 14:49 |
 How the Avett Brothers Saved My Soul
Avett Brothers new album, “The Carpenter” pre-released today on NPR radio giving their fans a listen to some of the best work this band has created to date. Who is this unstoppable musical force you ask? Fans of the Concord, NC based band already know. The Avett Brothers have taken America by storm over the past few years with their crooning voices, melodic tunes, and strongly emotional lyrics. As you might already be able to tell I’m a huge, if on the biggest, fans of the brother duo. Oh Seth, Oh Scott. Where to begin.
The last few years of my life have been tumultuous ones (to say the least)! Since a young age I’ve found solace and comfort in music to escape the chaos and utter catastrophe that has become my everyday. I found these boys one night after a delightful drinking binge. It may have been the whisky, but I was in love.
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 10 October 2012 13:29 |
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Written by Alec Cunningham
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Wednesday, 10 October 2012 12:15 |
 Kevin Abernathy Calms His Rock And Roll Core With Some Stories
Anyone who has listened to Scrap Metal Blues or any of Kevin Abernathy's other releases with his full band can testify that his storytelling skills are utterly convincing, but with ‘Some Stories’, he has taken it to a completely new level.
With the rock approach, Abernathy's lyrics were often at risk of being unintentionally shrouded and bogged down by the heavier instrumentals. Whereas his previous records with the band were much deeper rooted in rock tones, this one is far more acoustically and country/folk based. There is a definite thick, Americana feel to ‘Some Stories’, and his raspy twang has everything needed to carry this sound along.
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 10 October 2012 12:24 |
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