Benjamin Ricci

RECORD REVIEW: Drew Beskin — Problematic for the People

Athens singer/songwriter Drew Beksin’s upcoming third full-length solo album, Problematic for the People, feels like it just fell out of an episode of American Bandstand. Visualize a gaggle of girls in front of the stage swooning over the lead singer and you get the...

Record Review: Mouse on Mars

Mouse on Mars Parastrophics Düsseldorf, Germany “ADDreams” It is not yet possible to experience another person's dream, to inhabit their mind while they navigate their subconscious in strange and...

Record Review: Lost in the Trees

Lost in the Trees A Church That Fits Our Needs Chapel Hill, NC “A record born in tragedy reaches transcendence” When I interviewed Lost in the Trees’ Ari Picker in 2008, he had just released his...

Record Review: John K. Samson

John K. Samson Provincial Winnipeg, MB “A dark and winding journey down the somber roads of Manitoba” The depth of John K. Samson’s lyricism and his ability to create honest and poignant music has...

Record Review: Foxy Shazam

Foxy Shazam The Church of Rock and Roll Cincinnati, OH “Melodic, glam super pop with multi-layered harmonies” On the rise for some time now, Foxy Shazam is ready for the big time with their fourth...

Record Review: Butterknife

Butterknife Do the Needful Boston, MA “Delightful power chord pop” Do the Needful is a strong pop-punk EP from the Boston group, Butterknife. But unlike the shortly enjoyed pop-punk bands from high...

Record Review: Bhi Bhiman

Bhi Bhiman Bhiman San Francisco, CA “Smooth and soulful sounds from a Sri Lankan-San Franciscan” You only have to get about 30 seconds into Bhi Bhiman’s almost-self-titled album, Bhiman, to realize...