Smug Brothers: Attic Harvest [Album Review]
Smug Brothers Attic Harvest Gas Daddy Go! Records [2019] Who: Dayton, Ohio-based Smug Brothers make a dream come true and finally release an album on vinyl. Attic Harvest is a dream for us listeners, too. Sound: Attic Harvest features a new lineup for Smug Brothers, but not to worry, Smug Brothers still showcase catchy and charming lo-to-mid-fi songs from Kyle Melton. TFN Final Take: Attic Harvest sees some rather drastic changes for...
Mike Krol: Power Chords [Album Review]
Mike Krol Power Chords Merge Records [2019] Who: LA-based Mike Krol is all about the power chords and hooks on his new LP. Sound: Power Chords is a delightful balancing act of garage rock, fuzz , power pop and earnest lyrics. TFN Final Take: Power Chords is the first Mike Krol album I have heard. I completely missed his first three releases, not sure how that happened, but it did. However, Power Chords as an intro album to the world...
Rick Rude: Verb For Dreaming [Album Review]
Rick Rude Verb For Dreaming Exploding in Sound Records [2018] Who: New Hampshire’s Rick Rude follow up their brilliant debut with a fine LP that is full of ideas and styles. Sound: Verb for Dreaming sees Rick Rude continuing their penchant for varied styles of rock wrapped up in a LP format. TFN Final Take: Rick Rude’s follow up to their satisfying debut, Make Mine Tuesday, with Verb for Dreaming and for the most part, the results are...
GØGGS: Pre-Strike Sweep [Album Review]
GØGGS Pre-Strike Sweep In The Red [2018] Who: Ty Segall, Charles Moothart (Fuzz, CFM) and Chris Shaw (Ex-Cult) record another rousing fuzz punk record. Sound: GØGGS’ second release proves they are no fluke. Pre-Strike Sweep is a force to be reckoned with. TFN Final Take: I am not a huge Ty Segall fan by any means, I have a few of his albums and have followed a few of his side projects with moderate but never rabid interest. I waded...
IDLES: Joy As An Act Of Resistance [Album Review]
IDLES Joy As An Act Of Resistance Partisan Records [2018] Who: Bristol-based joy punks, IDLES have released one of 2018’s finest and vital albums. Sound: Joy as an Act of Resistance is a joyful collection of insightful, important and fun punk rock. TFN Final Take: IDLES were not content to rest on their laurels after last year’s captivating LP, Brutalism. Where most bands have the dreaded sophomore slump, IDLES dug in deep and euded...