RA RA RIOT: THE RHUMB LINE (BARSUK) ***½ Sadly, the first some of us heard of Ra Ra Riot was when drummer John Pike died following a performance last year, around the time the band's eponymous EP was released. As it is, though, "The Rhumb Line," serves both as a fitting tribute to Pike and as a proper introduction to the band. ...more

September 19, 2008

ERIC MATTHEWS: THE IMAGINATION STAGE (EMPYREAN) **½ Eric Matthews albums are frustrating affairs. His chamber-pop arrangements are never less than gorgeous but they tend to overwhelm his fragile melodies. His singing, a head-down whisper so low you suspect he doesn't wish to be overheard, doesn't help either. ...more

January 31, 2008

TRAVIS MORRISON HELLFIGHTERS: ALL Y'ALL (BARSUK) *** Despite the implied ruralism of the title, Travis Morrison's second post-Dismemberment Plan album is decidedly urban, populated by cynical singles waiting for the end of their relationships, if not the world. ...more

October 26, 2007