Inventing Edward
We've Met An Impasse (By Midnight We'll Be Naked)
Substandard (2003)
This CD was suggested to me by staff member Robby. I put off listening to it for a day. Really bad decision. Featuring a handful of members from Under A Dying Sun, this is not the type of band you would expect. Atmospheric, almost haunting guitars, female vocals, spoken word, this CD has it all. The first spoken word track, … Read more
Inventing Edward
We've Met An Impasse (By Midnight We'll Be Naked)
Substandard (2003)
Prior to listening to this album, having seen Inventing Edward twice, I thought I had a pretty decent idea what the band was going for: minimalist soundscapes, brooding vocals and a fine balance between loud and soft. Inventing Edward presents these elements on We've Met an Impasse (by Midnight We'll be Naked), however the delivery lacks the rawness and excitement … Read more
INVSN
Self Titled
Razor & Tie (2013)
The problem with a passion project is that its appeal is going to be fairly strictly limited to those who are passionate about the focus of the project or passionate about those behind it. I'm not sure which of those sides of the coin will turn out to be the one to call in mid-air, but as turns out to … Read more
Ira
These Are The Arms
Golden Antenna (2011)
I hate writing about underwhelming releases, always because I feel like I'm slighting the artist, even if I respect them as a band. That's why it was difficult for me to listen, and subsequently write, about Ira's album These Are the Arms: I believe the band is incredibly talented, but this release is just not that interesting.Most of my issues … Read more
Irepress
Samus Octology
Translation Loss (2007)
Instrumental music that doesn't bore one to death is hard to come by, especially in a world like today. There are handfuls of bands attempting the instrumental sound and failing miserably. There are others of course that do succeed in such risky endeavors. Luckily for Irepress they are one of them. Instrumental bands have a tendency to bore an audience … Read more
Iroha
End Of An Era
Denovali (2011)
Now this is exactly what I am talking about right here, bands sneaking releases out from under people’s noses in this day an age is a feat worthy of the sneakiest thieves and skilled hackers is a true feat; and while that is just what Iroha did with End Of An Era, the real important accomplishment for the three piece … Read more
Iroha
Self Titled
Denovali (2011)
Admittedly, I was knocked off my seat when I first heard Iroha (their split with Fragment, Bittersweet was an engaging listen) and immediately began awaiting the release of their first LP; but herein lies the problem, there was waiting and waiting and more waiting until I literally forgot about this record coming out at all (which certainly is a shame). … Read more
Iroha
Shepherds & Angels
Denovali (2012)
Sometimes it feels strange championing a band, but I feel as though Iroha are one of those bands that deserve to be heard but people (at least here in the U.S.) seem to consistently overlook the three-piece outfit, in part because of their consistently being left in the shadow of another band almost to the point of being called a … Read more
Iroha & Fragment
Bittersweet
Denovali (2010)
One of the biggest thrills that I still get from music and writing about music is being smacked up side the head by some new band or (in this case bands) with a release out of nowhere or with their debut, and this release actually knocks it down with both bands on the record. Each outfit brings their own take … Read more
Iron Age
Constant Struggle
Youngblood (2006)
Despite what everyone else is saying, I can't call Iron Age a hardcore band. I know they're on a hardcore label and have members that were in fairly big hardcore bands. But they're just not hardcore music. Their music is way to metal to be lumped in with hardcore. From the opening track, "We're Dust / The Violator" it's obvious … Read more
Iron Age
The Sleeping Eye
Tee Pee (2009)
Texas natives Iron Age return with their second long-player, The Sleeping Eye, after making quite a name for themselves with 2006's Constant Struggle. The band's debut was highlighted by an onslaught of blistering crossover accented by classic hardcore undertones. With their new release, Iron Age builds on that foundation and adds some depth to their sound. What continues to strike … Read more
Iron and Wine
Around the Well
Sub Pop (2009)
As a long-time Iron and Wine fan, I was intrigued by the announcement of this double-disc release that spans the spectrum of Sam Beam's musical career. What most call a rarities and b-sides album, I see more of an insight into the progression of Beam's collaborative sound, compiling many of his strongest tracks that never made it onto his full-length … Read more
Iron and Wine
Our Endless Numbered Days
Sub Pop (2004)
Recently, I've made a pact with myself to never again purchase an album with an oxy-moronic title. This is due solely to the fact that usually the majority of emphasis can be placed on the word moronic. But, like any rule there exists a few exceptions, and surprisingly this album is one of them. Rather than sending my life into … Read more
Iron and Wine
The Shepherd's Dog
Sub Pop (2007)
I should never set expectations when it comes to music. When was the last time an album was exactly as good or as bad or as neutral as you thought it would be prior to its release? It never works out the way you want it to. Take Iron and Wine's latest release, The Shepherd's Dog. Coming off of the … Read more
Iron and Wine
Woman King
Sub Pop (2005)
Judging an artist based on another's artistic merit is an unfair and pretty bogus way of looking at music, but whenever I listen to Iron & Wine (and/or almost any other artist that could be considered part of this whole "neo-folk" mini-movement), I honestly can't help but think: "This is pretty good, but it's no Will Oldham." It's difficult to … Read more
Iron Chic
Not Like This
Dead Broke Rekerds (2010)
There are albums that you listen to with headphones to catch every subtle detail in its production. Then there are albums you blast from whatever speakers you have available to you for no reason other than to break the walls and sing along. Iron Chic’s Not Like This is the latter kind of album! After two years, a demo, and … Read more
Iron Chic
Spooky Action
Bridge Nine (2013)
Iron Chic are back with their first new music since their split with Pacer. For some, a couple years isn't long, but waiting for new Iron Chic is like waiting for a ride at Disneyland. As soon as you finish the thrill of one, you're automatically anxious to get in line for another, and the wait is unbearable. No matter … Read more
Iron Chic
The Constant One
Bridge Nine (2013)
If ever a band was created for an epic singalong, it was Iron Chic. There’s that big feeling at the core of their soaring melodies as they build and rage, starting with a verse from Jason Lubrano and building to a gang singalong at the chorus in nearly every song. They’re songs that transcend the performers, taking on the personality … Read more
