ARTS Pick: Bella Morte

From the first note, Bella Morte is an all-out assault on the senses, with gothic metal as its weapon of choice. With a nod to Evanescence and Linkin Park, the local-born rockers continue the tradition of combining explosive sounds with brooding rhythms. An original mix of powerful guitars laced with electric synth that vacillates from […]

ARTS Pick: Kishi Bashi

There’s no metaphor or comparison that can illuminate the splendor of Kishi Bashi’s music. It’s beautiful and there’s no better way to describe it. Brandishing his violin, the Norfolk-based musician creates lush melodies that are soft and dream-like, accentuated by Asian undertones and complemented by upbeat electric riffs, melancholy bass chords and thoughtful lyrics. His […]

ARTS Pick: Clairy Browne and the Bangin’ Rackettes

If there’s one thing that Clairy Browne and the Bangin’ Rackettes prove, it’s that music always benefits from a little attitude. Their sound captures a swanky sense of fun from the blues era, delivering a healthy kick that wakes the soul to an experience beyond clichés and catchy hooks. Supported by a classic trio of […]

ARTS Pick: Pat Metheny

Legendary guitarist and composer Pat Metheny has been on the scene since 1976’s Bright Size Life (his seminal debut with bassist Jaco Pastorious and drummer Bob Moses) and has toured continuously for decades. His is a rich, fluid, and conceptually ambitious tone, colored by influences as wide-ranging as the swing of Wes Montgomery or the […]

ARTS Pick: Project Pat

Rap lovers know that the best beats come from hard-hitting rhythms coupled with solid flows of raw lyrics. That’s why Project Pat remains a standout of the genre. The brother of Three 6 Mafia member Juicy J, Pat gives fans exactly what they want; a steady roll of unabashed rap glory. Characterized by a pulsing […]

Bob Log III cranks up the wacky concert antics

You get the feeling that 44-year-old Bob Log III is still figuring things out as he goes, a sci-fi time traveler reborn every few minutes to turn things upside-down all over again. The neo-bluesman has been making music professionally for more than 20 years, but every word out of his mouth still comes off as […]

ARTS Pick: Man on a Horse

Folk fingerpicker Peyton Tochterman is a veteran of the local scene. His acoustic prowess has taken him across the country and the globe, playing shows for delighted fans as well as soldiers in Afghanistan. He chronicles his travels on his website, with articles, reviews, and a blog that offers candid access into the performer’s thoughts […]

ARTS Pick: Hospitality

The New York based trio Hospitality throws convention to the wind in order to create a sound that is truly authentic. Every song on the recent album Trouble has its own life, with lyrics and melodies crafting an experience that takes fans beyond listening. There’s no borrowing from other artists or rehashing of classic genres […]

ARTS Pick: Sarah McLachlan

With a voice that pierces through to the soul, Canadian artist Sarah McLachlan delivers an array of songs that pulse with beauty and meaning. Defined by gorgeous ballads that mix intense lyrics with uplifting guitars to create an experience brimming with positivity, McLachlan’s performances offer an unforced, natural bliss that is largely missing from many of […]