We’ll be the first to admit that the Drive-By Truckers’ last proper full-length (and first since the departure of songwriter Jason Isbell), Brighter Than Creation’s Dark, left a lot to be desired. However, The Big To-Do is proof that the band have their Southern-fried mojo back. Spanning everything from the hard rocking opener “Daddy Learned to Fly” to the slide-guitar-driven “Santa Fe,” the album showcases the diversity of Patterson Hood & Co., while the melodic showstopper “Birthday Boy” confirms that Mike Cooley is the band’s secret weapon. The Big To-Do only falters on the sappy Shonna Tucker–sung ballad “You Got Another,” which is a sonic non sequitur on an otherwise excellent effort.

Vampire rockers 69 Eyes want to infect the U.S. with their goth ‘n’ roll.

READ MORE »

The original Mass Effect had everything the Star Wars prequels didn’t: an engaging intergalactic plot, badass protagonists, and universal acclaim from fans and critics alike. The sequel to this mind-blowing action RPG doesn’t waste any time in kicking ass. When human colonies start disappearing from outer reaches of space, Commander Shepard assembles a new squad to take on the mysterious organization responsible for the genocide. It won’t be easy. A sense of dread hangs over Shepard’s every move, and one wrong decision could cost you an ally, your ship, or even Shepard’s life. With explosive new weapons, intuitive squad commands, and a new starship at your command, at least you’ll have a fighting chance. And if you see Jar Jar Binks, please kill on sight.

Inked Icons interviews tattoo artist, Kore Flatmo

READ MORE »

Tibetan's, for the second year in a row, suspended their new year's celebrations in defiance and solidarity. Tibetan tattoo artist Tamding shares his art, and talks about how he uses it to make a difference.

READ MORE »

Pilot-for-hire William Grey should have known better than to fly across the Bermuda Triangle. His plane inevitably goes down over the legendary trouble spot, and he’s teleported to a parallel dimension dominated by an alien race known as the Watchers. Joining other human survivors, Grey must find a way back to Earth while fending off attacks from his oppressors. His preferred method of warfare? Jetpack. With rockets strapped to his back courtesy of Nikola Tesla (don’t ask), Grey takes the fight directly to his technologically superior enemies, scaling aerial fortresses, jacking UFOs, and blasting off to safety when gun battles go wrong. Dark Void’s unique vertical combat takes getting used to, but once you master the jetpack, the high-octane combat unleashes your inner Rocketeer.

Those who accuse Story of the Year of identity confusion have the story only half right. While the St. Louis band is a Warped Tour regular and releases albums on punk label Epitaph, the truth is that SOTY has more in common with radio rock bands such as Hoobastank and Chevelle. That doesn’t change on their fourth album as producer Elvis Baskette (who also worked with Chevelle) helps SOTY crank out at least a half dozen songs that fit perfectly on any modern rock dial. Try “Ten Years Down,” with its perfect riff and huge chorus, or “Holding on to You,” a midtempo ballad that builds from a piano riff until singer Dan Marsala wails, “I found a way to make it through/Holding on to you.” It’s rock radio fodder of the highest caliber.

On paper, there’s nothing likable about Vampire Weekend, a band made up of Columbia University students who describe their sound as “Upper West Side Soweto,” a reference to their blend of preppy indie rock and Afrobeat. But somewhere in their xylophone and harpsichord racket and seeming worship of Paul Simon’s Graceland, there is an odd earnestness that works. Rhythms are what drive this band, and they vary from Brazilian funk to wild dancehall. “Holiday” races around offbeat ska that breaks into keyboard flurry, while opener “Horchata,” an ode to the Mexican beverage, is built around tribal drumming and African chanting. All the while, singer Ezra Koenig weaves his boyish voice through the rhythm. Make it your next guilty pleasure.