ALBUM REVIEW: Rival Sons – Darkfighter


 

Since their debut in 2009, Long Beach four-piece Rival Sons have been cranking out seventies-influenced rock records at regular intervals. Since Feral Roots in 2019, COVID forced them to take their time on the follow-up – it turned out to be time well spent as they have two albums due for release this year, Darkfighter and Lightbringer (Elektra/Low Country Sound). Darkfighter is the first one to be released and it is a tight, eight-song offering that continues their accomplished rock n’ roll – marrying Free, Led Zeppelin, and Black Keys influences to Dave Cobb’s rich production values.   

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The Woodstock 50th Anniversary Festival Is Canceled


In news that surprises few following the story, the previously announced 50th Anniversary event of the original Woodstock Festival has been canceled. The three-day music event that was meant to honor the original Woodstock was set to take place the weekend of Aug. 16 in Watkins Glen, N.Y. Some of the rock artists set to perform were Robert Plant, Black Keys, Greta Van Fleet, The Killers, but mostly pop and rap artists with little in common with the original festival were to dominate the lineup.  This made it a non-starter for fans from the jump. Dentsu Aegis Network was funding the festival and released a statement earlier today. Tickets for the festival were originally set to go on sale April 22, but news broke last week that the sale was being delayed. Continue reading →


The Picturebooks – The Hands of Time


The relentless push for originality can be as paralysing as it is focusing. For bands that stake their entire existence on pushing the boundaries sonically, every new release is another chance to be skewered by their own need for clear and evident advancement. Continue reading →