CD Review: First Aid Kit — The Lion’s Roar

First Aid Kit The Lion’s Roar Wichita Recordings By Justin Lyons After one listen to The Lion’s Roar, the sophomore album from sister duo The First Aid Kit, the terms folk, alt country, twang all came to mind. That is until the band’s bio read “from Sweden.” Wait, what? Klara and Johanna Soderberg truly emulate […]

CD Review: Heartless Bastards — Arrow; Playing The EARL, March 2

Heartless Bastards Arrow Partisan Records By Al Kaufman Heartless Bastards answer the all important question: What if Adele was backed by a Texas band? Erika Wennerstrom, the vocal storm behind the band, has penned 11 songs that show off all her abilities. The soulful “Marathon” is followed by the poppy “Parted Ways,” until the song […]

CD Review: Tennis — Young and Old; Playing The EARL, March 10

Tennis Young and Old Fat Possum Records By Justin Lyons Tennis’ initial record Cape Dory immediately charmed with its indie kid storybook romance: boy meets girl, boy and girl sail across the world, boy and girl make beautiful music together.  A solid concept based on the love story of Patrick Riley and Alaina Moore.The album […]

Live Review & Q&A: Attention System at the Star Bar, February 4

Review by Stephanie Roman (http://www.stephanieroman.com); photo by: William Buckley Attention System reminded us that it has been three years since they last appeared at the Star Bar. Since releasing the critically acclaimed debut album Wait for My Signal, the band has quickly become known for putting on the best electro-rock dance show in town. They […]

CD Review: Red Wanting Blue — From the Vanishing Point; Playing Smith’s Olde Bar, February 27

Red Wanting Blue From the Vanishing Point Fanatic Records By Al Kaufman Red Wanting Blue plays slick, mainstream pop-rock songs. That could be the whole review right there, but it would leave the layout for this review wanting. It’s like Train or Hootie and the Blowfish, or, to a lesser extent, Counting Crows. It’s that […]

CD Review: Amy LaVere – Stranger Me; Playing Smith’s Olde Bar with Rich Robinson, March 2

Amy LaVere Stranger Me Archer Records By Al Kaufman Turbulent times often leads to great art. Such is the case with Amy LaVere. While preparing to make her third album three years ago, her producer and mentor, Jim Dickenson, died of complications from triple bypass surgery. Then her guitarist, Steve Selvidge, left to join The […]