Band Bonding: An Interview with Godsticks

After our raving review of The Envisage Conundrum by the incomparable UK-based Prog trio, Godsticks (in Episode #51), we were delighted to hear that the artists themselves had listened in and had shared our discussion with their fans. Naturally, we took this opportunity to learn as much as we could about the individuals behind the talent. And so we invite you to peruse the insights of Darran Charles, Steve Roberts, and Dan Nelson of the acclaimed Godsticks in this special overseas interview

Continue reading

Record Review: Dropkick Murphys – Signed and Sealed in Blood

For years, Dropkick Murphys have been able to produce music with a distinctive flair. Probably best described as ‘enthusiastic’, they have succeeded in creating a new tone, Irish-American Rock. Boston has always been at the forefront in their music, and their matter-of-fact lyrics, coupled with a punk discord and splashed with a unique choice of instruments (such as bagpipes, accordions, and mandolins), have always set them apart.  With their newest album, Signed and Sealed in Blood, one fact is apparent: they haven’t changed.

Continue reading

The Musical Cliff

Matt Storm, co-host of the Crash Chords Podcast, once proclaimed on its very first episode, “As long as human beings have creativity, they will think of something different.” That’s a proud and optimistic statement, warm to the touch but nonetheless brimming with Homosapien zealotry. I’d have loved to hop on board, and yet I couldn’t help but ponder the truth of the matter. In this glorious age of information, with genres erupting into existence at breakneck speed—via osmosis, mitosis, metamorphosis—it seems almost unthinkable that there could actually be a limit to what we can create. Indeed, this flourishing scene might sound like an artistic utopia, but the sobering irony is that quite often, the more knowledge we share, the less individuality we bring to the table; the less unique our upbringing, the more ubiquitous our artistry. So, has it come time to question whether this brave new world of ours could one day… plateau?

Continue reading

Matt, Music, and the Movies: An Introduction

So you like movies, huh? Well imagine for a second what those movies would be like without music of any kind? Pretty drab and forgettable, I bet. Music, when used right, has a way of bringing a scene to life. It can make it shine and stand out in a big way. From musicals to dramas, comedies to action, documentaries to horror, all of these genres benefit from a memorable soundtrack. Try and imagine Star Wars without John Williams’s score. I bet that movie would not have felt anywhere near as epic or powerful without it. Music plays such an important role in film, there has even been the rare occasion that I’ve bought a soundtrack without having seen the film.

Continue reading