Hawks & Doves
Year One
No Idea (2011)
Not knowing how much in the majority that I am, the passing of Gared O’Donnell’s previous band (Planes Mistaken For Stars for those that were unaware) was a sad occasion in my household as the burly riffing and impassioned performances by that band both live and on record were a huge hit in my household; so when Hawks & Doves debut record was announced and subsequently released, my interest was immediately piqued (considering that it was described to me as his solo project). Hawks & Doves immediately struck me in the ways that I loved O’Donnell’s previous work being that the songs are bursting with obvious emotional depth and feeling, but where the two projects differ is that Year One seems more the sound of a heart broken lashing out at the world than the righteous fury of the Planes Mistaken For Stars discography, thus providing and even deeper emotional precipice (or depth, depending on your point of view) than ever before from Mr. O’Donnell. Take the slow plodding of “Another Hellfire Sermon” that while being ugly and soul crushing is still imbued with an awesome melodic hook that really drives the song home, and that melodicism is even more … Read more
The Ergs! / Grabass Charlestons
Split
No Idea (2007)
The Ergs have suddenly become everyone’s favorite pop-punk and with good reason. They contribute two songs of fun catchy songs … Read more
Ty Segall Band
Slaughterhouse
In The Red (2012)
It’s hard to know just how much back story/preamble to include when discussing the music of San Franciscan rocker Ty … Read more
Masked Intruder
Self Titled
Red Scare (2012)
It’s probably impossible not to smile at Masked Intruder’s self-titled debut. Hidden behind a veil of anonymity, the foursome have … Read more
