Shotface
Shotface
This Las Vegas ska-influenced quartet continues to impress with their debut full-length CD, their sound filled out with the help of Brandon Duvall on trumpet and flute and Kyle Vaden on sax. Some tracks, like "Typical Vegas," fall flat, but most cruise along, and a few even soar, like "California Song." The CD release party is May 14 at the Cheyenne Saloon, where you can pick it up for the bargain rate of $5.
Sandra Luna
Tango Varón
There's something odd in that I enjoy listening to music with lyrics I can't understand. This is an amazing collection of tangos, the traditional kind born of the Argentine slums, with a wonderful folksy feel. Listening, I close my eyes and see myself in a small Buenos Aires bodega, filled with hookers and pimps. Either that, or another episode of Amar otra Vez on Univision. And as a bonus for gringos, the liner notes are bilingual.
Vandelay Industries
Postcards From Alaska
A solid EP from this Las Vegas trio. Five straight-ahead-rockin' tracks with strong vocals from Matt Ivie, though he really should lay off the screaming.
The Matches
E. Von Dahl Killed the Locals
Four angry, young white lads from Oakland make up this pop-punk band. Their debut CD is full of tracks with solid hooks and rhythms ("Dog-Eared Page," "Chain Me Free"), though the lyrics sometimes falter while trying to keep apace.
Broken Spindles
Fulfilled/Complete
May must be Experimental Music Month, as a bunch of eclectic CDs are hitting the streets. Among them is this bizarre compilation from Joel Petersen of new wave-punk band the Faint. Petersen ties a rope around your ankles and swings you around the room, your head smacking into classical piano pieces, punk beats, atmospheric effects and synth sounds. Perfect for the frustrated art-school student in all of us.