Interview: Alexi Front of Scorched Tundra

Photo from Alexi Front

Need a sneak peek at this weekend's Scorched Tundra? Check out my interview with founder/organizer Alexi Front over on Chicago Crowd Surfer! (link below) Dude has a vision that only he is qualified to explain, and this year's ST is shaping up to be an epic end to this summer's concert season.

Interview with Alexi Front and preview of Scorched Tundra XI at CCS

Pour yourself a brew and click on through for the goods!

Album Review: BJ the Chicago Kid - 1123

I’m keeping my groove this week with the classic cool vibes of Second City native, BJ the Chicago Kid. BJ is an always-on hype man, who has worked behind the scenes to propel the careers of Kenya West, Chance the Rapper, and countless others. Despite his ubiquity in the local hip-hop scene, BJ has very few releases to call his own. His studio release this year, 1123, is only his second LP. Thankfully, it’s usually worth the wait with BJ, and 1123 sees the influencer sticking to what he knows and does best, translating the mood and flow of classic R’nB into the clubs of today. A talent he shares with the likes of D’Angelo and other enigmatic MCs. The album opens nice and easy with the smooth bass and wiggly beat of “Feel the Vibe” featuring Anderson .Paak, this is followed by the glossy, luxurious, and Chic flavored R’nB of ‘Champagne.” Other hits include the juicy bumping slow jam “Playa’s Ball” featuring Rick Ross, and the ‘00s soul throwback “Too Good.” However, the absolute, show-stopping highlight is the damp trap slapper “Worryin Bout Me,” a too hot to touch banger about minding your own damn business.

Pick up a copy of 1123 from Motown records.

Interview: Of Montreal

Photo thanks to Kevin Barnes

Of all the podcasts you could listen to this week, I think you should give my interview with Kevin Barnes of Of Montreal a try! I had a great conversation with Barnes at his most recent Chicago stop, supporting his latest album White Is Relic / Irrealis Mood. We talked about his creative process, connecting with fans, building community, and his summer reading list. It's two parter, so get ready! Thanks for CHIRP Radio 107.1FM for the opportunity to talk to such a phenomenal musician. Links below.

Part 1: Conversation with Kevin Barnes @ CHIRP Radio Podcast
Part 2: Conversation with Kevin Barnes @ CHIRP Radio Podcast

Grab a copy of White Is Relic / Irrealis Mood over at Polyvinyl

Album Review: Friendship - Undercurrent

My review of of the latest album from Japanese hardcore and grind golems, Friendship has just been published over on Post-Trash. The band has taken a bit of a left turn with their sound, but the results are no less affecting and unruly. Worth a spin if you are a fan of Harm's Way and Nails. Link below.

Review of Friendship's Undercurrent only at Post-Trash

I made the mistake of buying that other Friendship (PA)'s Shock Out of Season while doing research for this one. Here is my review of that album as well: It sucks.

Album Review: Lowest Creature - Sacrilegious Pain

My review of the new crossover thrash and hardcore album from Scandinavians Lowest Creature is up over at InEffect Hardcore. f you like Power Trip, Red Death, and Iron Age, this brutal onslaught of an album was conjured with you in mind. A punishing party album for the end of the world, and I dug every fire-breathing second of it. Link below.

Review of Lowest Creature's Sacrilegious Pain over at legendary InEffect Hardcore

I'm really loving the cover art for this album. If you know who did it, let me know in the comments. 

Album Review: Thy Art is Murder - Human Target

New stuff from deathcore heavy weights Thy Art is Murder. Human Target is not their best work but it still slays. Check out my review over at Chicago Crowd Surfer.

Review of Thy Art is Murder's Human Target

We're all soft targets.

Album Review: Sanction - Broken in Refraction

Everyone wants to talk about Knocked Loose, but their album one be out for a couple more months. There not even the only metallic-hardcore band making waves out there either. Like Jesus Piece? How about Year of the Knife? Then feast your ears on the purling fury of Sanction. You can read my review of their new LP over at Chicago Crowd Surfer.

Review of Sanction's Broken in Refraction

Break it all. Start over. Leave no regrets.

Album Review: De Lorians - De Lorians

Checked out the debut by Japaneses psychedelic jazz ensemble De Loraians. I really dug it and you can read my review over at Chicago Crowd Surfer. 

Review of De Lorians's S/T over at CCS

I have seen the future and it is trippy. 

Album Review: All Out War - Crawl Among the Filth

Got to cover a band who inspired some of my all time favorites. Check out my review of All Out War's Crawl Among the Filth over at Chicago Crowd Surfer. Link below.

Take a bite out of the new album by All out War 

It's good to have another album from these guys.

Show Review: Anderson .Paak @ House of Vans Chicago

Image provided by the artist

I got to see Anderson .Paak be a boss at a house party he threw at Vans' place this past Thursday. It was pretty wild. Want to know what I thunk? Click below

Recap of Anderson .Paak laying it down over at Chicago Crowd Surfer

All the pictures featured in the article were taken on my cell phone. Judge if you want but I think they came out fine.