One would hope that talented musicians with a following are adequately rewarded to sustain their art, without having to take on odd jobs. So it may be a little dispiriting to learn that Jens Lekman, the Swedish singer-songwriter with a singular style, has augmented his career by playing more than 130 weddings over the years. […]
WORDS AND IMAGES: DANA WALSH IN AUSTIN, TX | Joe Bonamassa’s set at ACL Live flowed effortlessly, moving between loud, gritty, electrifying numbers and slower, more introspective, deeply emotional moments. But one thing remained constant: the music moved you. Surrounded by fellow blues-rock enthusiasts and musicians, all soaking up every note, it was easy to feel […]
WORDS AND IMAGES: DANIEL GRAY | The word genius is tossed off too often nowadays. It seems that everyone famous is getting labeled a genius for one reason or another. And while it might be too much to say that David Byrne is a true genius, if he’s not, he’s pretty damn close. The reasons […]
The night I was waiting for finally arrived—the Swedish metal circus is back in town! Swedish metal masters Avatar are touring the US again at last. On November 23, they stopped off at the Fillmore Silver Spring for the first time since 2023. They’re on tour in support of their latest album, Don’t Go In […]
OAKLAND, CA | The legendary Robert Plant is back with a new project—Saving Grace—which includes a new album and a tour that is absolutely not to be missed. Recorded over the last 5+ years between the pandemic and Plant’s other obligations, Saving Grace was inspired by traditional folk and blues and highlights his collaboration with […]
Any doubts about the “the end” of rock music were put to rest Tuesday night at the Fillmore Silver Spring, when Mammoth made a stop on their current tour, in support of the band’s latest album, The End, released in October. This third album finds Mammoth, minus “WVH” from the name, continuing to evolve. There […]
Jorma Kaukonen doesn’t turn 85 until next month, but the celebrations have already begun, with the first of a handful of concerts that cover his lengthy career alongside a half dozen notable and rotating guest stars. His hometown show at the Warner Theatre in DC brought his longtime collaborator Jack Casady on bass, along with […]
WORDS AND IMAGES: DANA WALSH IN AUSTIN, TX | It was a night of nostalgia, energy, and pure joy as Devo and The B-52s took the stage at Germania Amphitheater in Austin. From the stormy build-up to the electric atmosphere inside, the evening was a rollercoaster of emotions that culminated in unforgettable performances by two iconic bands that […]
The Cult is by far one of the most iconic and legendary bands ever to roam the planet. Their use of post-punk, hard rock, and experimentalism has pushed musical boundaries across multiple genres, influenced countless bands worldwide, and yielded numerous hits. With their mystical musical prowess, uncompromising attitude, and captivating stage presence, they have forged […]
For her big headlining tour, singer-songwriter S.G. Goodman, whose music combines Southern gothic, indie confession, and art rock, set up recorded ambient music beds. The “transition tracks,” as she called them, were to play keep the sonic groove going between songs as she and her four-piece band shifted from one song to another, largely from […]
WORDS AND IMAGES: TODD JUDD IN HARRISBURG, PA | Hirie’s Phases Tour Phase III kicked off with an unforgettable performance at XL Live in Harrisburg, PA, delivering a night of sweet island reggae infused with love, positivity, and vulnerability. The show was brilliant on so many levels, blending upbeat rhythms with deeply personal lyrics that […]
WORDS AND IMAGES: CODY CRULZ IN LAS VEGAS, NV | Under the crisp Las Vegas sun, the When We Were Young Fest 2025 brought together fans of emo, punk rock, and hardcore for a day of unforgettable performances. With four stages and a lineup of iconic bands, the festival was a celebration of the music that […]
Dave Alvin donned a huge Stetson hat for his show at the Hamilton last weekend. He has worn many hats, figuratively, since making himself known through blistering guitar work in The Blasters 45 years ago. There was a long solo career that alternately dipped into traditional folk, the mythos of California, and the joys of […]
WORDS AND IMAGES: TODD JUDD | Matisyahu’s Ancient Child Tour is a masterclass in live performance, blending hip-hop, reggae, and soul into an unforgettable experience. Following the release of his eighth studio album, Ancient Child, Matisyahu took the stage at the Brooklyn Bowl in Philadelphia, delivering a show that radiated energy, love, and spirituality. With a setlist featuring […]
There’s no fanfare when Destroyer takes to the stage. Indeed, bandleader Dan Bejar looks at the crowd warily before turning to his six-piece band to begin conjuring its unique sound. Nowhere near as metal as its name might suggest, Destroyer has instead traveled intriguing roads of pop and poetry over 14 albums to create its […]
