If It's Too Loud...

As I've stated here far too many times, I'll use any excuse to get up to Salem, MA to hang out. Moon Base One, a new all-ages sober space, keeps giving me plenty of reasons to make the trip up, and Thursday night was one of those. As soon as I saw that Little Low and Megan from Work were playing together, I knew I couldn't miss the show. Later, Cape Crush was announced, which just sweetened the deal. I had never heard The Dreaded Laramie before, but they quickly became a favorite during their set. Opening the show Thursday night was Little Low. I discovered the Boston pop punk/emo band back in March playing with Oh the Humanity, SkyTigers, and ONE FALL, which was perfect timing to not miss their excellent album Sunshine Guilt , which was released in May. They play an upbeat version of emo that lands somewhere between the more mainstream, TRL friendly version and the harder edged late 90's style. It's just all catchy songs with a punk edge, and "Dark Beer Archiv...

Artist : Queen of Jeans Album : All Again Quick Thoughts : Been a fan of Queen of Jeans for a bit and this album is definitely a play for the folk-rock mainstream, but songs like "Karaoke" are radio-friendly in the best way, and "Last to Try" one of the better songs they've thrown together. This could be a breakthrough for them, so check this one out. Songs of Note : "All My Friends," "Karaoke," "Neighbors," "Bitter Pill," "Last to Try" Artist : Towa Bird Album : American Hero Quick Thoughts : Towa Bird is a young guitarist out of the NYC area, and this debut full-length is Charlotte Hatherley by way of Girl in Red. Confessional, hazy rock songs with a little edge and a lot of fun, even the parts that feel like they might stumble out of control (like "B.I.L.L.S.," which could be cringeworthy in less skilled hands) work well. This is a great record from a great talent, and I'm looking forw...