rawk Archive
24 Jan 2017
Shonen Knife: Sharp as Ever
The Japanese have long had an odd fascination for specific bits of Western pop culture. Even if confining the discussion to pop music, there are myriad examples. The 1960s garage […]
23 Jan 2017
The Struts: Second Time’s the Charm
In July 2014, the Struts released their debut album. With arena-sized melodic hooks and a lead singer who bore more than a passing vocal resemblance to Freddie Mercury, Everybody Wants […]
20 Jan 2017
The Verve Pipe Learns From its Mistakes
The Verve Pipe got its start in Lansing, Michigan in the early 1990s. Led by singer-guitarist Brian Vander Ark, the group got its first big break when RCA signed the […]
19 Jan 2017
Kyle Travers’ Brothership Connection
Twin brothers Kyle and Eric Travers have been making music together since they were young. In 2012 the Black Mountain, NC residents put together a seven-piece band, Travers Brothership, initially […]
18 Jan 2017
Steven Wilson: Hand. Can. Remix.
Steven Wilson came to fame via Porcupine Tree – one of his many group projects – and his name has become synonymous with current-day progressive rock. In addition to a […]
17 Jan 2017
Project/Object: Frank Zappa Fantasy Camp
“I started Project/Object around 1989 or ’90,” says guitarist André Cholmondeley, leader of the popular Frank Zappa tribute group. “I thought, ‘Yeah, we’ll do this for fun. We’ll do it […]
16 Jan 2017
The Supersuckers: F-bombs and Devil Horns
Michael Jackson anointed himself King of Pop, so it’s no surprise that other artists would engage in similar hubris. After touring and recording for a few years, the Supersuckers branded […]
03 Jan 2017
Album Mini-review: The Legal Matters — Conrad
File next to: Wings, Lannie Flowers Power pop is the Rodney Dangerfield of the rock world: it gets no respect. Detractors call it shamelessly derivative and lightweight. Those who have […]
03 Jan 2017
Album Mini-review: Sshh — Issues
File next to: The Pretenders, Transvision Vamp Zak Starkey has already had a fascinating career. The son of Ringo Starr, Zak was given drum lessons by “uncle” Keith Moon, made […]
03 Jan 2017
Album Mini-review: Various Artists — Friends and Frenemies
File next to: Sloan, Matthew Sweet Based in the redwoods of Northern California, Allen Clapp‘s Mystery Lawn Music has in recent years become a trademark of pop music quality. Originally […]