Stories by Erika Harwood
Phoenix soars to new heights with latest 'Bankrupt!'
- Glassnote
BY ERIKA HARWOOD
Thanks to this impossible-to-predict performance, the hype for Phoenix’s fifth album, Bankrupt!, had reached its peak.
Erratic 'Mosquito' lacks allure of past Yeah Yeah Yeahs efforts
- Interscope
BY ERIKA HARWOOD
Mosquito is a scattered album with tracks containing everything from a gospel choir to hints of reggae and a sample taken from the subway that fails to live up to the last Yeah Yeah Yeahs album.
France's M83 delivers versatile score for Cruise flick 'Oblivion'
- Universal
BY ERIKA HARWOOD
While it’s too soon to say whether “Oblivion” will be a successful film, if M83’s contribution is any indication, it will do just fine.
Wavves laments the realities of adulthood on honest 'Heights'
- Warner Bros
BY ERIKA HARWOOD
Usually, public meltdowns coupled with a fair share of personal woes breed self-destruction and a trip or two to rehab. Fortunately for Wavves, this combination creates the honest, confident-sounding Afraid of Heights.
Single Review: 'Voyeur' a disorienting yet characteristically soulful James Blake single
- Republic
BY ERIKA HARWOOD
But as we move on, “Voyeur” progresses into a disorienting, electronic trip in just over four minutes. Blake’s vocals become indistinctive as different samples and sounds — from distorted sirens to cowbells — take over the track.
Youth Lagoon defies the sophomore slump with 'Wondrous Bughouse'
BY ERIKA HARWOOD
Nothing conjures up panic and probably nausea in both artists and listeners alike quite like the release of a sophomore album. Going into his second effort, Trevor Powers, better known to the world as Youth Lagoon, had reason to fear the dreaded sophomore slump.
Woodpigeon back with new, risky sound on 'Thumbtacks and Glue'
- Fierce Panda
BY ERIKA HARWOOD
Thumbtacks and Glue proves to be worthwhile as a collective thanks to Hamilton’s willingness to embark on a journey of risk. Though the album loses steam at points, Woodpigeon’s commitment to artistry and experimentation is admirable, if not impressive.
STRFKR forges a funky and danceable 'Miracle Mile'
- Polyvinyl
BY ERIKA HARWOOD
With an unashamed willingness to embrace every synth and guitar riff, STRFKR creates dance/pop bliss on its latest album, Miracle Mile.
