AltWeeklies Wire
Chiddy Bang Brandingnew
The group's sugar cereal motif is of a piece with its music.
East Bay Express |
Rachel Swan |
08-24-2012 |
Reviews
Local Licksnew
This week we review Mist Giant, The Wounded Men, Afrolicious, and The Slow Poisoner.
East Bay Express |
Rachel Swan |
10-20-2011 |
Reviews
Ambrose Akinmusirenew
When the Heart Emerges Glistening.
East Bay Express |
Rachel Swan |
05-19-2011 |
Reviews
Mutual Adoration Glues The Submarines' Latest Album Togethernew
Most songs on Love Notes/Letter Bombs occur as call-and-response conversations, which render the listener into an eavesdropper — The Submarines might be singing about sunshine, but their lyrics still sound intimate.
East Bay Express |
Rachel Swan |
04-07-2011 |
Reviews
Raashan Ahmad: For What You've Lostnew
Raspy-voiced Raashan Ahmad is one of those dyed-in-the-wool B-boys who really means it when he name-checks the five elements, or uses the word "peace" as a salutation.
East Bay Express |
Rachel Swan |
03-10-2011 |
Reviews
Searching for Bart Davenportnew
Davenport is the kind of guy who can make revivalism seem less cheesy because he outstrips his forbears.
East Bay Express |
Rachel Swan |
02-23-2011 |
Reviews
Tags: Bart Davenport
Katy Stephan: Lacemakingnew
Normally, one shouldn't judge an album primarily by its packaging or its patina. But the outer shell of Katy Stephan's new disc, Lacemaking, is of a piece with the music.
East Bay Express |
Rachel Swan |
02-02-2011 |
Reviews
Tags: The Nice Guy Trio, Katy Stephan
Taylor Eigsti: Daylight at Midnightnew
At 26-years-old, pianist Taylor Eigsti has advanced from child prodigy-dom to young lion-dom with relative ease, toured with James Moody and Gretchen Parlato, and garnered accolades from Dave Brubeck. A
East Bay Express |
Rachel Swan |
12-02-2010 |
Reviews
Tags: Taylor Eigsti
Birds & Batteries: Panoramanew
Mike Sempert has one of those chalky, quavery, drawling, nasal, rough-hewn voices that we so often associate with modern rock.
East Bay Express |
Rachel Swan |
11-03-2010 |
Reviews
Tags: Birds & Batteries
Jazmine Sullivan: Love Me Backnew
It wasn't that hard for Philly singer Jazmine Sullivan to supplant her nearest competitors as the next heir to Mary J. Blige. She's young, and gritty-voiced, and closer in sensibility to a rapper than a traditional balladeer.
East Bay Express |
Rachel Swan |
10-27-2010 |
Reviews
Thomas Pridgen's Rock-Soul Revivalnew
Ex-Mars Volta drummer forms a power-rock trio with soul roots.
East Bay Express |
Rachel Swan |
10-20-2010 |
Reviews
Bilal: Airtight's Revengenew
Phily soul singer Bilal Sayeed Oliver is widely regarded by jazz musicians as the best young male vocalist in the world.
East Bay Express |
Rachel Swan |
10-14-2010 |
Reviews
Tags: Jill Scott, Bilal
Bobby Joe Ebola and the Children MacNuggitsnew
After fifteen years, this duo is still going strong.
East Bay Express |
Rachel Swan |
09-22-2010 |
Reviews
Karyn Paige Trips the Light Fantasticnew
A refugee from corporate America makes her promising debut.
East Bay Express |
Rachel Swan |
09-15-2010 |
Reviews
Tags: Karyn Paige,
