Pop-punk usually gets a bad rap, partly because the name of the genre is somewhat of an oxymoron. However, local pop-punk band Tough Stuff utilizes erratic rhythms and fun lyrics that could be considered silly, but are actually quite charming. Their EP, titled “College,” explores the college party lifestyle. The[Read More…]
Music
This category shouldn’t be confused with performing arts. Articles in the music category are more contemporary music, focusing more on contemporary bands and solo artists. This category will also be a home for album reviews.
Album reviews: Kelis’ ‘Food’
Kelis Rogers, better known as Kelis, is no stranger to serving up good eats. A decade ago she gave us her famous single, “Milkshake,” and now she is serving up a full-course meal in her new album, “Food.” The album begins with the most important meal of the day, “Breakfast,”[Read More…]
‘Filmage’ tells Descendents’ tale
If hardcore punk bands in the early ‘80s were told that one of the most influential punk bands for generations to come would include a scrawny science geek sporting specs and a teenage fishing enthusiast, chances are many wouldn’t have believed it. “Filmage: the Story of Descendents/All” is a music[Read More…]
Spotlight on local bands: FairLady
Dylan Fuentes, guitarist and vocalist of FairLady, handed me a pair of earplugs before I entered the garage, then closed the door behind me. During a practice performance of a medley of four very different songs, I was advised by drummer Nick Medina to further protect my hearing with a[Read More…]
Spotlight on local bands: Curly Bear
Curly Bear brings a vintage vibe that fits beautifully with retro Long Beach and conjures images of a modern Beach Boys or Stone Roses. The band is currently comprised of Jon Rivera, a junior sociology major at Cal State Long Beach, Oscar Gallegos, a junior communications major at CSULB, and[Read More…]
Spotlight on local bands: Struckout
Q. How did Struckout get together? Daniel Speer: In 2012. I guess I could start at the very beginning. Before I was in this band I was an intern at a reggae studio and over that summer, I decided that I didn’t want to be an audio engineer. I had[Read More…]
Go for broke
A new music festival has emerged and offers a diverse selection of entertainment that draws in cash-strapped Angelenos who can’t make it to Coachella. Presented by cARTel: Collaborative Arts LA, Brokechella began from humble roots as the beloved Community Pool event. Negin Singh, Brokechella Art Director, said the Community Pool[Read More…]
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame can KISS it
For a musician, being inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a benchmark of achievement. Forever being remembered for the work they created is a common goal among musicians. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation was established in 1983 in New York City by leaders[Read More…]
Smells like the Hall of Fame
It couldn’t come fast enough. After 25 years, Nirvana has finally been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, appropriately landing five days after the 20th anniversary of lead singer Kurt Cobain’s death. Nirvana, along with Peter Gabriel, the E Street Band, and the long-awaiting KISS will be[Read More…]
The future of rock ‘n’ roll rolls into Long Beach
One school of rock has moved on from conjunctions and onto power chords, and now from Norco to Long Beach. Carson Street welcomed Rockstars of Tomorrow, a music academy, on March 28 during Fourth Friday in The Village on Carson Street. This location marks Rockstars of Tomorrow’s newest franchisee and[Read More…]