When Cracow-born indie project Seven Nation Army dropped their new EP "Power and Money", I found myself struck by the sudden urge to bite a gold coin to see if it would break my teeth. The Polish act, operating since 2006, specializes in brewing heavy alternative rock with dark electronic textures. Founder Jarek Balsamski handles guitars, vocals, synthesizers, programming, and the razor-sharp lyrics, while...

TJ Howlett has officially ushered in the heavy, introspective season with his new release, "Easy Street". The Melbourne singer, songwriter, and early-90s grunge veteran bypasses modern polish altogether, choosing instead to steep himself in sultry, slow blues-rock that carries the weight of a smoke-filled room and deep-seated regret. https://open.spotify.com/album/6wLvX4vix5YygVOuQ7039p?si=aasK_0XHSAmhDNLFrh-aUw The title track maps out the murky topography of a rundown dive bar. We are observing melancholic...