Broadband Shortwave’s “Lazy Atoms” EP reaches a lot of places. It's like a running account of trying to find inner peace, a lifelong struggle to reconcile the mixed blessings of worldly fame with a consuming desire to reach a higher, purer state of grace, all the while creating some very catchy alt. pop tunes in the vein of Radiohead or Spoon. The band has a way of gently intoxicating the listener with big questions about guilt and transcendence with zero irony. Fear and acceptance run together in these six songs, as well as anger and serenity. "Monster," and "Technicolor" are two of the strongest songs here, centering on the vocals over a lazy river of strum, uncrowded by excess reverb, or overstuffed choruses. Broadband Shortwave make every note count for something, and it's true from the overlapping rings of electric guitar in "Space Real Estate" to the blues that are subliminally snaking through "Shatteredhead." There is little bitterness or regret in this music - mostly acceptance, anticipation, and big, colorful stories. - Phil Rainone

Hermano - ...Into the Exam Room (regainrecords.com)

Hermano deliver twelve tracks ranging from acoustic blues ("Left Side Bleeding") to free-form rockers with big guitars ("Kentucky," "Out of Key But In The Mood,") to charming pop-rock ditties ("Hard Working Wall," "Don't Call Your Mama"). A murky, low-fi sound appears alongside the clearer production creating a cryptic feel ("Bona-Fide"). Most of the songs on ...Into the Exam Room approach pop/ rock goodness amid oddball creativity and traditionalist guitar rock, ensuring that this will remain a cornerstone in the band's live shows. - Phil Rainone

 

 

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