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by Kelsey

Matt Costa – Matt Costa

February 22, 2013 in Album Reviews, Featured, Music by Kelsey

Matt Costa has been creating catchy, simple songs since 2006. He expands his sound with his new self-titled album, displaying the perfect balance between simplicity and complexity.   Although the instrumentals are complicated, most tracks (especially the fast-paced ones) are easy to become familiar with and are instantly likeable. A lot of the songs contain collaborative vocals, which add a sense of community to the music. This is especially true in  “Loving You,” “Good Times,” and “Walls Like Windows.” After seconds of listening to them, it is clear that these tracks will be the album’s highlights.   While the slow-paced tracks contain the same complex instrumentals as the fast-paced tracks, they often contain repetitive and mundane lyrics; sadly, this can detract from the beauty of the music.  However, there are two notable exceptions. “Laura Lee” is truly great. With guitar as the primary instrument, “Laura Lee” provides a nice change of pace from the influx of strings and piano that is present on the majority of the album. “Ophelia” is equally enjoyable, as every aspect of the song is beautiful.   Unfortunately, one of the best songs on the album, “Never Change,” just does not fit. Costa’s distinct voice is not even recognizable. This charming song could have been transported from a 1960’s folk album; no other song shares this quality. Therefore, its greatness is overshadowed by its lack of cohesion with the rest of the songs.   Matt Costa is Matt Costa’s fourth LP. It is unique for an artist to release a self-titled album so late in their career. However, self-titling this album is completely justified as this album excellent and displays Costa’s depth as a musician.

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by Eric

Matisyahu – Spark Seeker (Acoustic)

February 18, 2013 in Featured, Music by Eric

Matthew Miller, better known as Matisyahu, is an artist that has been building momentum for a few years. Combining reggae, alternative rock, and hip hop with traditional Jewish values, he is best known for his songs “One Day” and “King Without a Crown.” These hit songs demonstrate both his lyrical and melodic prowess, and his newest release – a live acoustic performance of “Spark Seeker” – is no exception. The first song off the EP, entitled “Crossroads” (feat J.Ralph), begins with a melancholy guitar line which leads into Miller’s pensive voice as he portrays a personal journey. A cello soon chimes in, starting slowly, but eventually threading in a dulcet counter-melody which maintains its independence for the greater part of the song. At the last statement of the chorus, the three come together: with Miller’s passionate voice coming through strong, the guitar switches to just chords, while the cello harmonizes. At the end of the chorus, Miller jumps immediately into freestyle beatboxing, which drives the song until the very last cello note fades. With a change of pace, the next songs “Live like a Warrior” and “Sunshine” take a much more upbeat chord progression. In “Live like a Warrior” the positive mood is contrasted by Miller’s lyrics, which speak about failing the expectations of others. The song takes an uplifting turn at the first chorus; the words “today, today, live like you want to” inspire the listener to move forward and, as the last line and title state, “Live like a warrior.” “Sunshine” has a catchy chorus, during which the guitar switches between flowing chords to more choppy/staccato chords, and then back again. Once again, Miller finishes off the song with lively beatboxing that still contains the melody. “Searchin” is the shortest song on the album, and focuses on a
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AP Tour: Miss May I, The Ghost Inside, Like Moths to Flames, The Amity Affliction & Glass Cloud

October 24, 2012 in Shows by Justine

  Last Thursday, October 18th, 2012 I had the privilege to attend the Alternative Press Tour (AP Tour). The bands performing on this tour from opener to headliner included: Glass Cloud, The Amity Affliction, Like Moths to Flames, The Ghost Inside and Miss May I. Where oh where do I even begin? I guess I will begin with the location of this show, Royale Boston Nightclub. It is a large venue that is perfect to host shows like the AP Tour. It has a dance floor directly in front of the stage where kids often get rowdy, and then around the edges of the room are chairs, tables, couches, and plenty of room to stand back from the screaming and thrashing crowd, not to mention that for guests over 21, Royale has a huge bar. The venue is large enough so you don’t feel crowded, the sound quality is great, and if you’re standing in the back of the room you can still hear the concert and see it quite well! Moving on. Glass Cloud was the opener for the AP Tour; a beginner metal core band from Virginia signed to Equal Vision Records who released their debut album, The Royal Thousand, just this year on July 10th! I’ve never seen Glass Cloud before but I was very impressed with their stage presence. They had amazing energy and really kept the crowd engaged. Next up came the Amity Affliction from Australia! This post-hardcore band just released their third album, Chasing Ghosts, on September 18th, 2012 in the United States. It debuted at number one on the Australian albums chart, a huge success for the band. Their clean vocalist, Ahren Stringer, sounded just as good, if not better than he does on their albums which doesn’t happen too often. The Amity
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Mumford and Sons – Babel, Track-By-Track Review

October 24, 2012 in Music by Christian M.

  After a three-year hiatus since there last album, Mumford and Sons comeback with new album, Babel. I’m here to tell you if you liked their last album, Sigh No More you are going to love their new album. Babel has no sound changes and is closely related to their first album but while listening you can tell there is more growth and depth with more development during the production of their album. Each track tells it’s own story and gives you a sense that Mumford and Sons are not going to change in any shape or form and this is a good recipe for success. Marcus Mumford, Ted Dwane, Ben Lovett & Winston Marshall deliver on Babel and it shows why they had the best opening sales of 2012, so far. 1. “Babel” – When the title track comes on through your speakers, I’m going to have to give you fair warning. The track sound clear and fresh as day. The energy given on Babel sounds like it is right there being perform before your eyes. Marcus Mumford raspy voice shines through in a chanting way singing, “I cry, Babel, Babel look at me now. Through the walls of my town, they come crumbling down” with some kick ass banjo play and a soft-spoken chorus. Babel shines as a great album opener. 2. “Whispers in the Dark” – A sense of hope and grace can be felt here. The opening lyrics, “You hold your truth so purely. Well swerve not through the minds of men. This lie it is dead. This cup of yours tastes holy but a brush with the devil can clear your mind, and strengthen your spine” seems to start a sound about hope then you come upon “the dark ” with lyrics, “And I’m worried
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