Music Reviews

Varnaline

Sweet Life

Zero Hour

Yes, there are bands that plug away in the New York scene and get signed. But in a music business climate that is as volatile as the stock market, I can’t imagine Zero Hour expecting too much from the latest Varnaline record. In fact, they do so many things “right” (the way you might expect a contemporary alt-pop band to), they don’t allow for much innovation. As for the music itself, Varnaline reminds me of the Moody Blues, without all of the pretense and bloated lyrics – which is to say the melodies are good; the vocals are good; but the chances of me giving this more than a couple of spins? Not very good. Zero Hour Records, 14 West 23rd Street, Fourth Floor, New York, NY 10010


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.