Mika maintains style, tones down sound on “Origin of Love”

Emily Kline, Diversions Editor
December 14, 2012
Filed under A&E, Music Reviews

Reaffirming his position as a growing pop-rock power both in the U.S. and overseas, British songwriter Mika focuses on a more simplistic sound in “The Origin of Love,” his third studio album. While his previous work featured more light-hearted, cartoony songs, this latest effort highlights Mika’s... Read more »

Lana Del Rey solidifies her success with “Paradise”

Sophie Ronning, Staff Writer
December 12, 2012
Filed under A&E, Music Reviews

Less than a year after her first album “Born to Die,” Lana Del Rey released an extended version: “Born to Die - Paradise Edition.” Del Rey’s “Born to Die” captured the hearts of fans and “Paradise” follows a similar path. Containing eight songs and two remixes on the deluxe version,... Read more »

“Take Me Home” still pop; shows growing maturity

Hannah Scherer, Staff Writer
November 29, 2012
Filed under A&E, Music Reviews

Avoiding the infamous sophomore slump, British/Irish pop sensation One Direction released their second album, “Take Me Home,” creating twenty new catchy pop hits. The five boys’ sophomore album shows them trying to gradually change their sound and have their music grow and improve with them as... Read more »

Muse gets creative on new album

Michelle Sauer, Staff Writer
November 28, 2012
Filed under A&E, Music Reviews

Over the past ten years, Muse rocked the alternative music scene with its over the top and futuristic rock anthems. The group’s unique sound returns in their seventh album, “The 2nd Law.” The album’s first single, “Madness,” topped Billboard’s Alternative Songs list, and “Survival”... Read more »

Tame Impala’s “Lonerism” unique and mesmerizing

Megan Pohle, Staff Writer
November 12, 2012
Filed under A&E, Music Reviews

Originating in Perth, Australia, psychedelic rockers Tame Impala released their sophomore album, “Lonerism,” on October 9 in the U.S. Unlike their debut album which emphasized the use of heavier guitars, this album is more synthesized, and resembles Tame Impala’s more experimental side. Band member,... Read more »

Ellie Goulding’s “Halcyon” lacks originality

Jenny Krane, Staff Writer
October 30, 2012
Filed under A&E, Music Reviews

With a voice indistinguishable from Florence Welch, Lissie, or Hope, British singer Ellie Goulding’s new album, “Halcyon,” fails to become a memorable, unique album. Though Goulding’s sound has crossed over from electronica to indie pop, her whispery, sultry vocals leave no lasting impression... Read more »

The Killers combine new and old sounds on “Battle Born”

Megan Pohle, Staff Writer
October 29, 2012
Filed under A&E, Music Reviews

Approaching on four years since The Killers last studio album, the Las Vegas based rock band makes an impressive return with their latest release “Battle Born.” The band’s latest work hit the indie rock world on September 18, proving that The Killers can still draw in rock fans, with their intense... Read more »

“The Heist” raises standards with original and impressive tracks

Will Jarvis, Staff Writer
October 16, 2012
Filed under A&E, Music Reviews, Top Stories

Within hours of being released, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ first full album, “The Heist” topped the iTunes top albums chart with deep lyrics and original, catchy beats. Seattle rapper, Macklemore, and producer, Ryan Lewis, have already teamed up to create a number of successful mixtapes, and together... Read more »

Bloc Party’s “Four” brings back the band’s early sound

Jenny Krane, Staff Writer
October 8, 2012
Filed under A&E, Music Reviews

Bloc Party, active as a band since 2003, released their new album, “Four,” on August 20, featuring an adjusted sound and catchy music produced during the four-year break the band took from releasing new tracks. This album received mixed reviews from critics and fans, focusing their critiques mainly... Read more »

“The Carpenter” shows The Avett Brothers’ new maturity

Sophie Ronning, Staff Writer
October 8, 2012
Filed under A&E, Music Reviews

After a lull of three years, The Avett Brothers managed to create yet another lyrically impressive album. The bluegrass trio strays from the boy-like influence of their last album “I and Love and You” which came out in 2009, signifying through the lyrics that they have become men. “The Carpenter”... Read more »