afarah has written the following articles:
Separations isn’t essential listening in the way the rest of Pulp’s work from the Nineties is, but its growing pains don’t relegate it to the realm of hardcore, forgiving fans.»
Each and every year, there are records which slip through the cracks, that individuals who write for the site absolutely adore, yet few others seem to even be aware of. To help highlight a few lost records, a few years ago we invented the Lost List, and ask individuals to write some words explaining why they love the album in question. Next up, Amanda Farrah gets to grips with what Le Tigre's JD Samson, did next... »
Weights & Measures isn’t essential listening, but as consistent as it is with the singles that precede it, it hints that Dry the River's debut full length will be. Enough teasing, let’s have the real deal. »
We ought to be grateful that Tori Amos is extending herself into ambitious works of fiction instead of pretending boys are still breaking her heart. »
DiS' New York correspondent Amanda Farah popped along to catch the return of Chairlift last week, and here's her report from the intimate show...»
An auspicious start for Minnesota band Howler.»
Virtue is every bit as lovely as First Love but has a greater sophistication in arrangements and mixes.»
Mechanical Bride has shown what she can do. Now it’s just a matter of her not selling herself short. »
On No Help Coming, their third full-length, Holly Golightly and Lawyer Dave keep a firm grasp on all that is whimsical and charming about Americana, but have a deep understanding of when to let got of these core elements.»
For any lingering sadness, Silesia is still a relaxing listen: and all of its intense sound swells still leave you with a feeling of peace.»
The demanded dedication is certainly rewarded in the innumerable layers of intricate noise, but without the patience to dissect the different elements, what you’re left with is the impression of more trendy surf rock.»
At this very weird social, political and economic juncture in American history, MEN have made a record that comments on homophobia and socio-economic stratification that is, amazingly, a lot of fun to listen to. »
Fans of Errors may be more bemused than enthused about the celebrity takeover of Come Down With Me, but as a standalone electronica album, it’s worth your time. »
Many of the DIY spaces in Brooklyn have a dubious legal standing. Some spaces are actually people’s homes, loft spaces and larger apartments that have the furniture shoved out of the way for bands to play. Some are commercial spaces the landlords rent knowing they will be used as “performance spaces” and that some of the artists will be bands. That does not necessarily qualify the venue to charge for admission or sell alcohol. It is also an open secret that some of the commercially zoned spaces are lived in, though the landlords aren’t amongst those in on the secret. »
Amanda Farah shares her past 10 years in New York, as part of DiS' 10th Anniversary look back at 10 years in various cities and genres. This mixtape featuring suggestions from various nYc bands, also kicks off this week's BlackBerry Torch suggested Mixcloud theme of "local" mixes, so take inspiration from it and make a mixcloud mix for New York or your favourite/local town or city of the past 10 years, tagged DiSis10 to enter our mixers competition. Or share the below mix to enter our listeners competition (more info here. »
Violens have achieved their sound and successfully executed their technique, but are still wanting for purpose. »
The Vaselines have succeeded where so many failed; they have remained true to the appeal of their first album while acknowledging that they are older and can’t really get away with singing about cats and riding horses with a wink and a smirk.»
For those wary of vocal-less electronica, this may prove a comfortable entree to the genre; the songs are rock music length, the guitars are rock music guitars.»
Independent labels tend to take a while to build up their reputations. Many start off with modest releases, small formats, small »
Regardless of what Orlova is saying, she is still successfully conveying a level of emotion and intensity you can connect to. »
There’s nothing weird or wacky, no left-field lyrics to cause offense. But in keeping things so tame, there’s not a whole lot to fall in love with.»
He is as in touch with his emotions as ever, but has learned to temper his darker sentiments with more light-hearted compositions. It allows him to convey his confidences and doubts, loves and longings with a respectable sincerity, rather than feeling like he’s told you more than you really wanted to know. »
In-your-face as their delivery is, Operator Please have proven to be clever on more than one front. »
There is the decided feeling of potential not being realised. »
It's a record for the so-called creative classes, or at least anyone who has ever dared to follow a creative pursuit and dealt with the inevitable struggle entailed therein.»
Musically it’s nothing wildly original, and chances are you’ve already heard the best bits somewhere else (like, say, a Fire Dept. record).»
It’s been four years since Kris Drever has dedicated himself to a solo record, but he’s hardly been idle. In that time, rock fans »
At the end of 20 tracks, Field Music actually have you wanting more. »
It was swine flu, or at least flu-like symptoms that stopped Field Music getting on a plane to New York at the beginning of Decemb»
In early 2007 Fucked Up were playing at Mercury Lounge, a relatively small but reasonably respectable club on New York’s Lower Eas»
