Category: Music Reviews

Album and song reviews

Real Estate hits home with “Atlas”

Real Estate from Ridgewood, N.J. (Courtsey of the band/ Shawn Brackbill)
Real Estate from Ridgewood, N.J. (Courtsey of the band/ Shawn Brackbill)

Why can’t it feel like summer? I’m not just longing for beautiful weather and endless days spent wandering the miles of New Jersey shoreline. “Atlas,” the latest release by Real Estate, has given me a new perspective on summer fun. As I waded into immersive sound that comprises the third album by the band that hails from Ridgewood N.J. I found myself seeing the entire world through the warmth of summer’s glow.

Real Estate has a modern rock ‘n’ roll sound. Leading off with a sultry and bluesy guitar intro, “The Bend” is among the best songs on the album and features some of the best guitar work including a very Zepplin-esk outro. One of my favorite aspects of this album is the jammy riffs that are prominent throughout the 10 tracks here and is a signature of band.

Fanfarlo shows evolution with ‘Let’s Go Extinct’

"Let's Go Extinct" by Fanfarlo was released Monday, Feb. 10 by the band's own New World Records in the United Kingdom.
“Let’s Go Extinct” by Fanfarlo.

Fanfarlo takes listeners on a musical and philosophical journey into the future with its third third full-length album, “Let’s Go Extinct.” The album is an adventurous leap in the time machine both back to 80s by incorporating synth melodies and into the future with progressive, futuristic themes by the London folk quartet.

Released Feb. 10 on the Fanfarlo’s own New World Records label in the United Kingdom and by The Orchard in the United States, the 10 tracks of “Let’s Go Extinct” were enjoyable and weird. I fell in love with the eclectic band after hearing the heavily trumpeted “The Walls Are Coming Down,” from its first album, “Reservoir” released in 2009. Although I didn’t find “Rooms Filled WIth Light” from 2012 until late last year, Fanfarlo has held a warm spot in my inner-ear.

“So Long, See You Tomorrow” is an enjoyable ride with Bombay Bicycle Club

The members of Bombay Bicycle Club with a poster announcing the release of "So Long, See You Tomorrow." (Courtesy of the artist.)
The members of Bombay Bicycle Club with a poster announcing the release of “So Long, See You Tomorrow.” (Courtesy of the artist.)

With the bitter chill of February rattling windows throughout the northeastern United States, there is a hopeful reprieve found in “So Long, See You Tomorrow,” the latest album by Bombay Bicycle Club.

Songs for the Christmas season [Spotify playlist]

The eve of Christmas is upon us and it’s time to start feeling jolly. Some of Santa’s elves need a little extra pep. So, step on it reindeer, we need to deck the halls for tomorrow. Whether you’re doing some last minute shopping, decorating, baking Christmas cookies or preparing a holiday feast; The High Note has picked its favorite tracks to help everyone get into the mood this holiday season.

Open this link or click on the Spotify playlist at the bottom of this post to take these tunes with you into the kitchen, car or party as we celebrate the season with the best holiday songs. 

She & Him have old soul sound

M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel have created yet another timeless collection of pop songs on She & Him “Volume 3,” released Tuesday, May 7. The retro sound is as authentic as it was on their […]