Because of the profound impact that the music has, it is clear that it was created with a significant amount of emotional attachment by the artist. This becomes more apparent with each passing second. Because Karen Denieffe (O'Neill)'s vocals are so genuine and unadulterated, Paul Hickey made the best decision possible when he recruited her to work on this song. The new song "Lay Down" creates...

Empty Pinata – remember LA Rodriguez? – serves up the single "Bonfire," and honestly, the air changes slightly when you play it. It’s less like passively listening and more like discovering a singed diary page fluttering down a quiet street. The music itself is this curious contradiction, wrapping harrowing emotional shrapnel in the comforting gauze of indie-pop, flecked with soft rock warmth. A strangely...