If It's Too Loud...

Artist : The Dead South Album : Sugar & Joy Quick Description : New album from an underrated roots act. Why You Should Listen : They're gritty but polished, which is a great mix. Overall Thoughts : For what it’s worth, I never read about The Dead South when I’m hearing about current roots/Americana acts, and I don’t know why, because they’re great. They had the one viral hit, yes, but this new album does not betray their sound or provide any sort of sea change that would make you think they’re anything less than one of the more solid, skilled acts in the genre. If you want good roots music? Just make time for this. Recommendation : You won’t regret a moment of it. Artist : Cursive Album : Get Fixed Quick Description : Second new album this year from the indie emo band. Why You Should Listen : Cursive is good, guys. Overall Thoughts : A surprise second release from the indie act, this one is a little more chamber-emo than the harshness of the solid album earlier ...

Photo by Sergio Carrasco Normally when we describe music as stripped down it means that it's intimate, and usually warm. "Falling Dreams" from Very Good isn't that. At all. "Falling Dreams" is intensely minimalist. There is barely any instrumentation behind Sean Cronin's vocals, and the tiny bit there is isn't always pleasant. It's hardly noise rock in the traditional sense. It's a challenging listen, sure, but more because it's so sparse and quiet. Instruments come and go, but more like they know it's their turn and it's required of them. All that said, it's not entirely unpleasant. By the end, the song becomes quite enjoyable. I'm not sure if it's because the music changes in a more pleasant way or if you have just adapted to the way it is, but "Falling Dreams" is almost nice for the last two or three minutes. You can watch the video for "Falling Dreams" below. Adulthood , the new album from...

Photo by Sergio Carrasco For those of us that enjoy off-kilter rock, the latest single from Very Good is a goldmine. The New York City based band has released "Adulthood," which is a rambling, bizarre little six minute song. The vocals on "Adulthood" just sort of drone on and on, very rarely stopping, in a Bob Dylan or Ramblin' Jack Elliott way. But musically? It's a completely different world than those folk legends. It's not quite noise rock, but maybe noise folk rock? Instruments just kind of meander in and out, usually when Sean Cronin decides to take a vocal rest. It's kind of like a less linear Neutral Milk Hotel or a freaky Violent Femmes. Regardless, this is a great weirdo song, if you're into this kinda thing. You can listen to "Adulthood" below. Adulthood , the upcoming album from Very Good, will be out October 11. You can pre-order the album via Bandcamp . For more on Very Good, check them out on Facebook . Adulthood b...