If there was one word that could be used to describe the band Umphrey’s McGee it would have to be “progressive”.  Not just in terms of the music they play, but in their approach to how they present their craft.

It’s funny how music can change. It’s so malleable; you could hear it in one setting and hate it, vowing to never again let such filth invade your eardrums again. I’m referring to sonic pop by the way. Then, you could hear it at a different time, in a different situation, a different artist and see something in it that you never considered. It’s not just to down to peer pressure, either. You could be listening to a song on repeat in the morning that by night time you can’t stand.

Meshing musical styles ranging from Prog to Pop, with wholesome doses of 90’s Alternative & Electronica, Umphprey’s McGee “Similar Skin” (Release Date: June 10.

It's easy to know how to categorize an artist like Christina Rubino. Self-described as “a Female Johnny Cash” Alive from the Scrapheap’ is one of the more dark releases I’ve heard this year. It’s not so dark and apocalyptic steeped in the fog of shock mind you, but rather extremely truthful and honest. It’s got sold melodies and impressive musicianship – which is a rarity in today music.

Since I began my professional music writing career over 20 years ago, one thing I have taught myself over that time when it comes to new album reviews is to never pass judgment after only one listen.  Yes, there is something to be said about first impressions however one cannot truly digest the music until given ample hearings.

Blending the elements of Blues, Rock, Funk, Jam & Soul, Chicago’s own Nick Moss Band, on this, their 10th album release, bring an electrifying smorgasboard to the table with Time Ain’t Free (Released March 18th 2014 and in stores now).With the addition of Michael Ledbetter (Descedant of Lead Belly) as rhythm guitarist and second lead vocalist, there comes along with him his soulful vocal renderings on Light It Up, Fare Thee Well, Tell You Somethin’ Bout

Never has an LP’s title been more apt—Eccodek’s sixth and latest, Singing in Tongues, is foreign to the letter. (And no, I couldn’t tell you what tongues we’re talking here.)

Those on the Henry & Co. payroll say “breezy melodies and relentless grooves” are par for the course with Onemanphunkband... okay, I’ll allow it. Sure, this funky little EP doesn’t really go all that far, but does it even need to?

The Mother Hips’ve been around long enough and released a helluva ‘nough material that this collection of rarities and demo tapes, Chronicle Man, is gonna be for the band’s ready-converted disciples first and foremost. That being said, I still have my bones to pick with the set, as well as a few highlights of note. Let’s get down to it...

"Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time." - Thomas Merton

The first album from French Style Furs, "Is Exotic Bait," is an existential collaboration. Nathan Willett and Matt Maust of Cold War Kids came together with lifelong friend and We Barbarians drummer Nathan Warkentin to document a spontaneous urgency to lose themselves and, in the process, find themselves.