While these local country bluesmen might have the swagger of a confident bar band, on record any kind of substance might still be far away.

Just as Book of Leaves, the new solo piano album from Rachel’s pianist Rachel Grimes, contains no lyrics, it would seem fitting to review the album without words; perhaps replaci

Passion Pit’s Manners, the sophisticated follow-up to their 2008 EP, Chunk of Change, is a sonic party from the first note.

Despite its status as a junior member of George W. Bush’s “Axis of Evil,” Syria has long been a junction between East and West.

Family is a mess in every sense of the term — sometimes endearing, often directionless, the band’s reach almost always exceeds their grasp.

On their second effort, we start to see these guys (and gal) hone their abilities.

So, are they like the Traveling Wilburys, throwing together funny pastiches? Not quite. But Jim James, M.

If Nick Cave, Rage Against the Machine, Marvin Gaye and Bradley Nowell mixed their genes in a laboratory, Tokyo Sex Destruction might emerge.

This muscle relaxer positions two rootsy ensembles together for what appears to be a seamless pairing.

A brief EP, an equally brief review: YAWN.