Review / 200 Words Or Less
Sequoia
Time to Change

Independent (2007) Michael

Sequoia – Time to Change cover artwork
Sequoia – Time to Change — Independent, 2007

The metropolis of Chicago, IL is home to many many artists. While listening to Sequoia, I found their sound to be somewhat fitting, but at the same time I could pick up influences that could easily place them elsewhere.

Time to Change is the band's second full-length and features ten songs at just over thirty minutes of music. The opening number is a stellar indie rock tune, which sounds not unlike Modest Mouse or Built to the Spill - the Norwest is one of those areas that came to mind while listening. The band picks things up with a bit more of a rock action on "Bite Your Tongue," there is a slight Hum vibe given off. Throughout the album the band dabbles with a mixture of the quirky indie/pop and college-rock sound, as it was dubbed back them. "Doormat" has some sweet riffings that reminded me of the early Minus the Bear material.

Time to Change was a pleasant surprise to have land at my doorstep. If you are seeking out some guitar-driven indie rock, then Sequoia would be a good group to look into. Also, the packaging of this is pretty sweet for an independent venture.

7.0 / 10Michael • February 14, 2008

Sequoia – Time to Change cover artwork
Sequoia – Time to Change — Independent, 2007

Recently-posted album reviews

Sweat

Tear it on Down
Vitriol (2026)

Tear It On Down is the third record from Sweat and it picks up where the last two left off. It's aggressive hardcore punk, but with a playful groove or swagger that really makes it feel uplifting, even when the content is not. Case in point: "Surveillance State," which rolls kind of like a call-and-response song, except that lead vocalist … Read more

Latchkey Kids

Years Of Summers
Pathetic Pinky Party (2026)

Growing up is rarely cinematic in real time but when you look back, it can feel mythic. On Year Of Summers, New Jersey’s Latchkey Kids frame heartbreak, identity, and grief through something closer to epic storytelling than simple emo confession. It’s a record that understands the drama of youth without romanticizing it. Frontman Hanny Ramadan positions the album as a … Read more

Mental Gymnast

Mental Gymnast
Say-10 (2026)

Recipe: Mental Gymnast Self-Titled Creator: Mental Gymnast Cookbook: Say-10 Recipes Copyright: 2/27/26 Ingredients: 1 Very Ripe Adam Gecking on Vocals 1 Stick Unsalted Erica Clayton on Bass 2 Slices Scotty Sandwich (1 Slice Guitar, 1 Slice Drums) 1 Dash Chris Ruckus on Synths Directions: *Preheat the recording studio to 65 degrees. Add all of the ingredients together in “One Big … Read more