May 18 Album Reviews
The Sidekicks — Happiness Hours
Alt Pop Rock
After five albums this band out of Ohio has finally managed to cross my radar with Happiness Hours. It’s an easy-going listen with a slight folk-tinge on some of the songs. While a perky and upbeat listen, vocalist/guitarist, Steve Ciolek has a lot to say throughout, and it’s not all sunshine and flowers like the cover suggests. 7.5/10
Matthew Sweet — Tomorrow’s Daughter
Soft Alternative
This American rocker has delivered a fantastic follow-up to last year’s Tomorrow Forever. Tomorrow’s Daughter is his thirteenth album in a career of over thirty years and marks my first exposure to the artist. Sweet’s nasally vocals are so inviting and seem to be his calling card, adding flavor to the soft alternative rock. The songs have a simple catch to them and are easily familiar. They come off older than they are and bring up memories of listening to Blue Rodeo and R.E.M. on family road trips in the 90s. 8.5/10
Matt Costa — Santa Rosa Fangs
Indie Rock
California indie-rock artist, Matt Costa is sounding all grown up on his first full-length in five years. Though I only know him from his 2007 single, the peppy and piano-heavy, “Mr. Pitiful”, he shows more depth on this release. The album is focused more on guitar than piano, and there’s an oldies vibe through most of the songs (see his 80’s-inspired video for “Sharon”). The oldies influence seems tired and overdone, but there are moments I find myself impressed on this album, notably the title track. 6/10
Michael Rault — It’s A New Day Tonight
Acoustic Rock
Canadian singer/songwriter, Michael Rault has been an emerging name in the indie scene for some years now and he’s supplied a very chill and light set of songs on what I believe is his third album. Rault sings at a high pitch and at a slow rate that contributes to this dreamy effect in his songs. They seem suited for exactly what Rault is doing on the cover: laying in the grass with the sun on your face, not a care in the world. Though he succeeds at relaxing and light material, it’s too light for me, and I find there’s nothing to wrap my hands around. Though I gotta say, the closing track is a lovely finish. 3/10
