Music Reviews

“refreshments”

Refreshments

The Bottle & Fresh Horses

Mercury

These guys never disappoint. Their music is hookish and infectious without being schmaltzy or lame. Snappy vocals, crisp guitars, unerring rhythms, and unblemished engineering mark this Refreshments release as a top-drawer event.

The song “Preacher’s Daughter” includes some scorching guitar licks and a double-edged vocal that slices through any veil of apathy. “Wanted” has a chord pattern that will win over even the most skeptical listeners. “Heaven or the Highway Out of Town” could be mistaken for Drivin’ n’ Cryin, even with a close listen. The highlight of the CD is a more thoughtful tune titled “Fonder or Blonder,” which reminds me of Toad the Wet Sprocket. This is an excellent CD, as one would expect from this highly proficient band.


Recently on Ink 19...

Swans

Swans

Event Reviews

40 years on, Michael Gira and Swans continue to bring a ritualistic experience that needs to be heard in order to be believed. Featured photo by Reese Cann.

Eclipse 2024

Eclipse 2024

Features

The biggest astronomical event of the decade coincides with a long overdue trip to Austin, Texas.

Sun Ra

Sun Ra

Music Reviews

At the Showcase: Live in Chicago 1976/1977 (Jazz Detective). Review by Bob Pomeroy.

Dark Water

Dark Water

Screen Reviews

J-Horror classic Dark Water (2002) makes the skin crawl with an unease that lasts long after the film is over. Phil Bailey reviews the new Arrow Video release.