reviews
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Ricky Byrd, James Maddock, Reagan Richards, and Gordon Brown lead RiverJAM’s next Songs & Stories event
On January 7, 2026, the New Jersey–based nonprofit RiverJAM Music will host its third installment of The Listening Room: Songs & Stories, an intimate evening of live music and personal storytelling. This edition brings together an impressive lineup: Ricky Byrd, James Maddock, Reagan Richards, and Gordon Brown. Similar to their previous installments, the event will
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REVIEW – Yubiori returns angrier than ever on sophomore album
Yubiori2 is an extension of everything Japanese rock band Yubiori delivered on their debut album yubiori, only bigger. The music is louder, the horns are in your face, and lead singer Yoshiaki Tamura has made it a point to make sure his voice is front and center within the mix. As strange as it may
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RiverJAM’s ‘Listening Room’ proved a sold-out success
Every song has a story, but not every story is always shared. At RiverJAM Music’s The Listening Room: Songs & Stories on November 12 in Red Bank, NJ, this sentiment was the focal point of the night. Three local musicians took the stage—Johnny Kasun, Jake Thistle, and Erik Mason—giving attendees a night of original music
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In conversation with Pleasure Pill: Southern California & Britpop rock and roll
A dose of Pleasure Pill interweaves British rock and roll with San Diego. Jonah Paz, vocalist for Pleasure Pill, recruited his brother and his bandmates by performing in shows with several different bands. Paz’s brother, Ethan, plays rhythm guitar, John McCain plays bass, Dom Friedly plays drums, and Justin Bordwell is the second guitarist. Coming together with experience of being in a band, playing shows, and releasing music has shaped their sound. With loud guitars, strong rhythm and big vocals, they knew the direction Pleasure Pill was
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In conversation with Peter Sun: finding inspiration in life and the land around us
There’s something unmistakably John Denver about Peter Sun. Between his sound, look, and even his natural facial features, Sun’s artistry is deeply inspired by Denver’s music and his love for the countryside. “I always appreciated how he had a unique sound to his voice,” Sun said. “Growing up, I had, and still do, a kind
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REVIEW – Mac Saturn returns to music with new single ‘Takes Time’
Over a year and a half since their last release, the Detroit-based rock and roll band Mac Saturn took the time before releasing their latest single, “Takes Time,” on Oct. 10. Encompassing the groovy funk of their January 2024 album Hard to Sell, “Takes Time” is a more-than-welcome sight of the band’s awaited return. “Takes
