“It was a little frustrating at first, but we’re figuring out how to give music to the people that need it right now.”
Scott McLennan
Rock Album Review: Puscifer’s “Existential Reckoning” — Amusing Ourselves to Death
Existential Reckoning confronts today’s lethal inanity in blistering fashion, via songs that posit dire consequences for a country that wants to be entertained more than wants to be informed.
Rock Album Review: Blue Öyster Cult — Still Defying Norms
The record celebrates everything that has made Blue Öyster Cult such an enduring presence — yet it sounds totally in the moment.
Jazz Album Review: Butcher Brown’s “#KingButch” — Beautifully Blurring Retro and Progressive
“Best band in the world”? Butcher Brown spends the next 40 minutes or so living up to its boast, as song after song heads off into a different direction without a stumble or misfire.
Album Review: Molly Tuttle’s “…But I’d Rather Be With You” — Beyond Expectations
This cover album is a pretty wild ride, yes, but Molly Tuttle navigates the course with supreme cool.
Music Feature: Gimme Radio — Making Streaming Human
Gimme Radio brings the human element to streaming by relying on DJs to curate playlists and provide context to what listeners are experiencing.
Concert Review: Billy Strings’s Streaming Strings Tour — Virtual but Unbridled
If the first set was all about reminding us the breadth and depth of the talent in Billy Strings’ combo, the second set was all about dynamics and power.
Shelter in Place Attractions: September 6 through 22 — What Will Light Your Home Fires
In the age of COVID-19, Arts Fuse critics have come up with a guide to film, dance, visual art, theater, and music — mostly available by streaming — for the coming weeks. More offerings will be added as they come in.
Rock Album Review: Larkin Poe’s “Self Made Man” — Bursting with Defiance and Muscle
Self Made Man is a perfect piece of music for anyone eager to push, shove, jump, and shout after months of being told to stay put.
Rock Reviews: Heavy Metal Round-Up — Competing Apocalypses
The cumulative message of these heavy metal bands might be: “I see your pandemic, and I raise you one.”