The band has tackled the Trump era with an urgent political edge on two recent albums that have surely lost them a share of good ’ole boys who were part of earlier audiences.
Paul Robicheau
Concert Review: The Noah Preminger Group — Balancing the Cerebral and the Physical
Composer Steve Lampert wrote “Zigsaw” at the request of saxophonist Noah Preminger, whose group recorded it for one of 2019’s most provocative albums.
Concert Review: Rex Orange County — A Love-in for Bedroom Pop
For all the teen-pop trappings, however, there is an old-fashioned sensibility to Rex Orange County’s music.
Music Review: Providence Art-Pop Trio Arc Iris stretches its wings in “iTMRW”
So, after three original albums (plus a re-imagining of Joni Mitchell’s Blue) that fell short of wide acclaim, perhaps it was only a matter of time for them to think big.
Music and Concert Favorites 2019
Our expert music critics serve up their usual highly eclectic round-up of the year’s most memorable.
Rock Concert Review: FKA Twigs –Renaissance Woman
Nearly halfway into the set, Twigs finally turned to Magdalene, which casts an empowering light on Jesus Christ’s female companion — and stands among 2019’s best albums.
Concert Review: Tool — Defying Convention
Tool is going to remain relevant as long as the band can still effectively unleash its nightmare-ish delights for fervid fans.
Concert Review: “The Last Waltz 40 Tour” — The Best Approximation Possible
To hear a 13-piece ensemble of this caliber, doing justice to these great songs, was simply hard to beat.
Rock Concert Review: Steely Dan — Old-School Sounds Redux
These are songs that have forged a life of their own across eras.
Theater Review: David Byrne’s Wondrous “American Utopia”
David Byrne and the band has clearly made a home out of the Emerson Colonial, working out tweaks in what has evolved into an extremely tight, invigorating show.