rock
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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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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…
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In conversation with Golden Cats: building a community with music

The moon’s light guides the cats among a night sky surrounded by nature’s greenery as “Night Walks” by Golden Cats begins to play. This band started as a fun project by two friends, Laura Dalla and Kyle Lenski. One day, Dalla and Lenski were walking on the street. A young child approached them, saying they…
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REVIEW – Geese might be ‘Getting Killed’ by the modern era, but they’re thriving in chaos

Geese is comfortable with chaos, but on Getting Killed, they learn to embrace it to the max. The Brooklyn band’s fourth studio album stands out among their previous releases, catapulting the group into mainstream spotlight. Geese may be rising to fame, but their lyrics and musical instincts remain rooted in that same gritty unpredictability that…
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REVIEW – Peter McPoland’s ‘Big Lucky’ lands as a big letdown

Peter McPoland’s sophomore album, Big Lucky, returns to his roots of independently produced tracks, a breath of fresh air after his dance-inducing, synth-loaded debut, Piggy. Big Lucky, however, is less a nostalgic throwback than it is a step in the wrong direction. Released on Sept. 26, Big Lucky starts off strong with a guitar-led, 30-second…
