I’m sad and slightly ashamed to admit that Matt Bauer hasn’t been on my musical radar in the past few years. Despite his release of two well-received albums (The Island Moved In The Storm and The Jessamine County Book Of The Living), I was never privy to the unique brand of orchestral pop Bauer has to offer. No Shape Can Hold Me Now is a short collection of songs, but giving a listen to the album in its entirety feels…

The sophomore full-length from London guitar band The Vaccines is a baffling back-step from the irony and cool distance of their exceptional 2011 debut. Gone is much of the playful humor of their earlier work, replaced by a sullen through line of self-conscience doubt. The clear influence here is still The Strokes. And, while that comparison isn’t entirely fair, considering how much The Strokes borrow from others that have come before, The Vaccines are certainly inviting it through instrumentation and…

Mumford & Sons are a powerful live band. They could turn a packed venue – arena sized or clubs- into a folk revivalist party; turning doubters to believers. Combine incredibly talented and handsome-looking multi-instrumentalists Brits in their ‘30s inspired attire with the energy of thousands-over strong crowd singing along to the rollicking-goodness of crowd favorites like “Little Lion Man” and “Winter Winds,” the truth is at one point you would feel somewhat alive and belong. Since the release of their…

A breathy, rhythmic voice starts chanting, “I gotta be above it” with chugging drums following suit. Vocals introduce the melody; sounding like a life-changing revelation has just taken place. Grandiose synths interject, creating the feeling of lifting off into the air. This is all a call to get on the psychedelic rock train. All aboard, we’re listening to Lonerism, the new LP from Tame Impala. This is the second, much anticipated full length from the psychedelically awesome “epiphany pop” band…