Michael St. James

COVER STORY: Ben Kweller on the Making of His New LP

Ben Kweller needs no introduction…but he deserves one, so here goes. The mop-topped indie kid who broke onto the scene with Radish two decades ago is now, without question, one of the best pop songwriters of his generation. We don’t know how he’d like being described...

Record Review: Young Orchids

Young Orchids Afterglow Atlanta, GA “Vivid collage of indie, doo-wop, punk, and rock” What stands out most about Young Orchids’ debut release is that it doesn’t sound like a first album. The...

Record Review: Yo Soybean

Yo Soybean Manifest Blasphemy Athens, GA Yo Soybean brings youthful angst to traditional folk sounds on its new self-released Manifest Blasphemy. Lyrically centered, the songs highlight front man...

Record Review: White Hinterland

White Hinterland Eidolon Portland, OR "Celestial pop companion” Portland duo White Hinterland is back with Eidolon, the ancient Greek word for a ghostly reincarnation. The songs on this album are...

Record Review: The Division

The Division Embrace Poquoson, VA "Embracing melody and brutality" The Division experiments with different sounds and vocals in their debut album Embrace. The alternative metal album includes...

Record Review: Tennis

Tennis Cape Dory Denver, CO “Love-tinged seafaring lo-fi pop” Alaina Moore and Patrick Riley met while studying philosophy in college, where the two vowed to sell their collective belongings and...

Record Review: Susan Werner

Susan Werner Kicking The Beehive Chicago, IL “Stirring up trouble where she can” Fans of folk staple Susan Werner might double-check their disc when first placing Kicking The Beehive in the stereo....

Record Review: Smoke or Fire

Smoke or Fire The Speakeasy Richmond, VA “Poetic, Political, Punk” When the words “Fat Wreck” and “Speakeasy” are found on an album, sophomoric antics in a backroom bar come to mind. But Fat Wreck...