Stories by Elliot Alpern
Jane's Addiction brings back the angst despite its age
- Capitol
BY ELLIOT ALPERN
As all things must change over time, so too has Jane’s Addiction — but not much. Like the maturing of other youthful rebel rockers, Perry Farrell’s crew has shown that it can withstand the test of aging, if not without a little loss of edge.
Personal Statement: For want of a burrito
BY ELLIOT ALPERN
I can’t imagine most people would be able to answer immediately when asked: “What was the most exciting weekend of your life?” In fact, I’m not sure many people have such a weekend, the one you’ll never forget. But seriously, shut up about that one time at whatever camp you went to in high school. Nobody cares that you drank beer from insert-piece-of-equipment-here.
The B-Side
Art goes under the microscope in bioartography
- Courtesy of Deb Gumucio
BY ELLIOT ALPERN
The image could easily be attributed as a post-Impressionist oil painting. However, the nuanced hues belie the picture's true nature — that wavy red band at the top is actually the skin surface of a mouse, and those red dots are stained tumor cells.
Blink-182 still more than all the small things
- Courtesy of DCG
BY ELLIOT ALPERN
For many fans, Neighborhoods is a response to previously unanswered prayers. It has enough hooks and charm to satisfy the loyal legion of devotees. The fundamental flaw is there simply aren't any standout hits ready to take the radio waves by storm, and for that, the listener will have to remain hopeful for one more release.
Kasabian roars on fourth album 'Velociraptor!'
BY ELLIOT ALPERN
Kasabian has always been known for their grand, driving power-rock anthems, and Velociraptor! only gives the band more occasion to dial up the intensity. The British outfit has always toed the fine line between indie and hard rock. With the advent of Velociraptor!, that line has been blurred to obscurity.
Neon Indian stays strange on 'Era Extraña'
- Courtesy of Static Tongues
BY ELLIOT ALPERN
Era Extraña should prove that Palomo is well versed in his craft of computerized composition. The question is now whether chillwave is a legitimate contender as a music genre. Hopefully the masses will one day accept it, and if that day comes, Era Mañana should be verified as one of the pioneers of the movement.
