Music Review - why+the+wires

The first thing I can say about why+the+wires is wow, what an amazing live show. The Ithaca, NY math rockers have lost a few people since recording Telegraph Flats but that by no means diminishes their ability to kick you in the face with pure musical energy.

Their second release with Habit Forming Records, this album best exemplifies the ability to take something raw yet subtle and put it to use. With killer percussion provided by Chris Romeis, pulsating bass by (now former) bassist Tito Butler, and a nuanced guitar rhthym and gravely Tom Waits crooning from Dave Nutt, a listener could be easily satisfied. But why stop there? why+the+wires goes a step further with a violinist, Haley Dossinger, to pull out the softer tonalities that might sometimes get lost in the more abrupt or raucous pieces, and Keevin Dossinger to tear up everything in sight on accordian, sax, random percussion (often at the same time).

Telegraph Flats is a romp through the Northeast with tinges of that "Northwest" sound. Opening with the title track, you are immediately pulled into a van with people you can trust and love and feel good about. But as with any cross-country road trip, there is oscillation. "Smokehoods" shows the bitterness that sometimes builds up in this trips while "Another Fucking Waltz" kind of gives the feel that there is some sort of redemption in every ride. The entire album leaves a feeling of having done something...even though all that something was is actively listening.

The only negative I can find on this album is that it doesn't quite capture their unbelievably energetic live performance. I look forward to seeing if they can get a little of that in the future, or maybe a few live videos or recording to capture that essence.

Where to find them (on CD or White Vinyl):

• Order through Habit Forming Records


• On their site

RIYL: At the Drive-In, This Town Needs Guns, Drive Like Jehu

Music Review - Sledding With Tigers

Back again with what might be their most "interesting" album cover, is Stockton, CA's own Sledding with Tigers. The Arrested Cats is the latest EP offering from this prolific group and while the music is still edged with punkness, their is some maturity here we haven't seen in other SWT relaeases.

With the addition of Samantha Juneman on violin, the now two-piece shows a little bit more world awareness and a softer side to the music. No need to worry, there are still plenty of group vocals on The Arrested Cats, but also a more "Kasher/Oberst" feel on some of the songs. Not completely absent, but in the minority, are the short, jackhammer punk tunes from No Randy, No and in their place are longer songs of loneliness and boredom, such as the kick off song "The Kids Will Be Alright, Eventually" and the closer, "Valentimes Is Serious Times".

Dan Faughnder brings his blend of punk acoustic guitar and desperate falsetto vocals in line with the violin of Juneman in such away as to make one wonder what genre this falls into. Which brings us to an important message: fuck genres...their stupid anyway. While they help make conversations easier, they have no place when listening to music alone. And this is music to be listened to. Sledding With Tigers conveys the type of loneliness to make it not seem so bad. This release is great to listen to when you need someone to say"It's not so bad...and it gets better". In short...give them your money and take their music...everyone wins!

Where to find them:

• BandCamp


• MySpace


• Hopefully soon in iTunes and presented by an awesome record label (they deserve it)

RIYL: Connor Oberst, Cursive, Greg Graffin's solo work

Music Review - Jake Lauer

Jake Lauer seems like a pretty nice guy, but he doesn't make my life any easier. His debut album Don't Forget to Breathe isn't really "adult contemporary" or "soft rock" (whatever those two terms mean). So I think I'll move forward and be all "I'm above genres" for this one. Yeah...I'm a real hipster or whatever...moving on.

The musicianship of Jake Lauer is apparent from the first chords of the first track, "I've Been" all the way through the last track, "Sunrise". The man can play guitar. As always, I'm a bit distracted by the use of a drum machine. There is hope that in a live setting Mr. Lauer would have someone to fill that void. The rest of the music is nicely laid. The vocals convey a subdued passion, he is truly feeling each word, but it's almost as if he doesn't want to give away too much. Jake Lauer is a cool customer who plays it close to the vest...or at least that's the image he is trying to portray here.

The lyrics are fitting in each song, and while they are very poetic, they are also easily forgettable. Not to say you can't sing along with the songs and remember them, just that they are free of over ranging imagery, which makes them easy to relate to.

All in all, Don't Forget to Breathe is a nice, easy listen. It's relaxing and showcases what seems like a burgeoning talent in the form of Jake Lauer. I look forward to hearing more in the future. Hopefully with a drummer.

Where to Find Him:

• Bandcamp


• CD Baby

RIYL: Jeremy Enigk's acoustic stuff, Walter Schriefels latest stuff, John Mayer except with decent songs.