AltWeeklies Wire
The New Queen is Not Like the Old Queen ... and That's a Problemnew
For starters, there are too many "inspirational" ballads here, ranging from the OK to the barely-tolerable-in-its-cheesiness "We Believe," in which Paul Rodgers implores us to "hear our brothers" over watery synthesizers.
Phoenix New Times |
Niki D'Andrea |
10-07-2008 |
Reviews
The Godfather of Phoenix Hip-hop Recalls '70s R&B and '80s Gangsta Rapnew
Formerly known as Iroc Beats, Roca's been laying down lyrical flows and grinding it out in the local scene for the better part of two decades.
Phoenix New Times |
Niki D'Andrea |
09-09-2008 |
Reviews
Slut Sister Gets Epic and Violent on 'Raw Meat'new
Although the band describes its music as "metal/hardcore/Southern rock" on its MySpace page, I'd say that description's only about two-thirds accurate. It's definitely hardcore metal, but I'm not hearing the "Southern rock" aspects.
Phoenix New Times |
Niki D'Andrea |
08-05-2008 |
Reviews
On a Positive Note, Fetti Profoun is an Immensely Talented Rappernew
However, as far as Fetti's lyrical content, there has been little progression since Valley Fever, his 2006 debut.
Phoenix New Times |
Niki D'Andrea |
07-29-2008 |
Reviews
Phoenix Metal Band Fracture Point Sounds Like a Mastodon Stampedenew
But instead of directionless destruction, this beast intelligently winds its way through a well-constructed maze of down-tuned guitars, burly bass lines, screaming solos, and tricky timing changes.
Phoenix New Times |
Niki D'Andrea |
07-22-2008 |
Reviews
Flogging Molly Fans will Love the Brazen Headsnew
While many write off Irish folk-rock and Celtic punk as a musical flash in the pan already grease-fired, there's a musical prowess and cultural authenticity to the Brazen Heads' music that commands the listener's attention.
Phoenix New Times |
Niki D'Andrea |
06-24-2008 |
Reviews
If This was the 80s, the Foxglove Hunt Would Rule the Chartsnew
Thank God The Killers and their contemporaries helped usher in an '80s nostalgia revival.
Phoenix New Times |
Niki D'Andrea |
05-15-2008 |
Reviews
Tags: New Wave, Stop Heartbeat
Asses of Evil: Old-School Gutterpunksnew
The band's self-titled debut album feels like standing in a mosh pit full of sweaty, drunk punks, shouting along to lyrics like "I can do whatever I want/I can take whatever I need/I can say whatever I think/Make your asshole bleed" ("Robot Hand").
Phoenix New Times |
Niki D'Andrea |
03-25-2008 |
Reviews
Tags: Asses of Evil
Emperors of Japan Sounds Like It's on a Fabulous Tripnew
The Phoenix band's latest album has the amazing ability to bridge the best parts of early college radio rock with modern pop experimentation.
Phoenix New Times |
Niki D'Andrea |
02-26-2008 |
Reviews
Tags: Activator, Emperors of Japan
Body of Scars Creats Straight-up, Raging Metalnew
We didn't bother to read Body of Scars' list of influences (if they have one), because we can clearly hear them: Iron Maiden and Slayer.
Phoenix New Times |
Niki D'Andrea |
12-18-2007 |
Reviews
Tags: Body of Scars
Johnette Napolitano's Masterpiecenew
From the haunting synth programming on "Amazing" to the poignant ballad "The Scientist" to her deep 'n' doomy cover of Lou Reed's "All Tomorrow's Parties," Scarred is a sonic portrait of an artist who has stripped away the clamorous sounds of stardom so she can hear herself think.
Phoenix New Times |
Niki D'Andrea |
12-18-2007 |
Reviews
Tags: Johnette Napolitano, Scarred
Adam Panic is 'Wonderful'new
Panic is still the pivotal force on all his '60s-flavored folk-pop songs.
Phoenix New Times |
Niki D'Andrea |
12-11-2007 |
Reviews
Tags: Adam Panic, Wonderful
We Need Some Quaaludesnew
We can't stop listening to Phoenix rock trio Psych 101's Attachment Disorder, and it's totally messing with our heads.
Phoenix New Times |
Niki D'Andrea |
12-04-2007 |
Reviews
Tags: attachment disorder, Psych 101
Gemini Soul Injects Jazz with Heavy Dose of Funknew
The album was recorded live, giving the songs an organic feel lacking in most studio releases and provides further proof that Gemini Soul is jazz with a pulse.
Phoenix New Times |
Niki D'Andrea |
11-14-2007 |
Reviews
Tags: Gemini Soul, The Liquid Soul Tour
Weird Al: Fun for Allnew
This first edition of Weird Al's greatest hits came out in 1988, but the parodies are such familiar songs of their times that people of any age can appreciate them.
Phoenix New Times |
Niki D'Andrea |
11-06-2007 |
Reviews
