AWOLNATION – Here Come The Runts

Aaron Bruno (front man) has brought new life to the AWOLNATION brand and sound. In his latest album, “Here Come The Runts”, Bruno mixes a variety of different sounds and genres. He integrates aspects of metal, which are seen in the title track, “Cannonball”, and “Stop That Train”. Acoustic tones are also spread throughout, they shine in “Table For One” and “Handyman”. And of course classic rock roots are the main ingredient in every song. Overall “Here Come The Runts” is a charming piece of art that reflects Bruno’s hard work and thoughts on life.

NF – Perception

In his latest album, “Perception”,  Nathan Feuerstein focuses less on his relationships and more about his mental health and troubled past. His biggest hit off Perception, “Let You Down” dives into his relationship with his dad and mental illness as he was growing up. Some songs can be intimidating at times “Intro III” and “Outcast” feature heavy drum beats and intense chord progressions. Although his songs can be intense each one is an intriguing piece of art. Feuerstein creates real music that makes the listener feel several emotions.

UNTIL THE RIBBON BREAKS – One Match

“One Match”, the third song released from Until The Ribbon Breaks upcoming self-titled album, dives into frontman Pete Lawrie-Winfield’s struggles with alcohol and addiction. The title refers to the fact that it only takes a small shove to push someone off the edge “Just one match to burn this whole thing down”. He offers an insiders view on the impacts of it. As Lawrie-Winfield states, “Stop signs, they’re blood red, you’re color blind”. “One Match” holds a lot of gravity and tells a common story from a different perspective.

Mt. Joy – Dirty Love

“Dirty Love” takes a light ukulele tune and twists it into something darker. The lyrics discuss maintaining mental health and relationships while becoming a full time musician. The chord progression is memorable and pleasing to the ears. While the lyrics are a bit strange and it’s hard to understand what Matt Quinn (lead singer) is saying at times, it’s still fun to mumble along.

Portugal. The Man – Woodstock

Portugal. The Man is the modern mash up of Phish, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Disturbed. They blend an old school sound with modern electronic tones and beats in their latest album, “Woodstock”. They came to Iowa City on February 13 as part of their world tour and played an enjoyable show. The best part was when they had to leave early because their tour bus caught on fire.