For Hope Sandoval fans, the wait is finally over. Through The Devil Softly, her first full-length album in over eight years (and second with Warm Inventions partner Colm Ó Cíosóig of My Bloody Valentine), is a rich brocade of pastoral meditations that resonate with the kind of restrained yet provocative intimacy that only these two artists can provide. Spin calls the album "...a collection of breathily perfect lullabies," while Pitchfork says "Through The Devil Softly is a quietly enveloping listen...Sandoval's husky voice and worn-down delivery are perfectly served by this open, reverb-heavy, and downtrodden background." Sandoval is taking her storied live show to intimate concert venues across North America, alongside Colm Ó Cíosóig and Irish band Dirt Blue Gene (tour dates below). DOWNLOAD "Trouble" from Through The Devil Softly.
Rock trio and social activists State Radio release their third studio album, Let It Go, and celebrate with a sold-out hometown show tonight in Boston at the Paradise Rock Club to kick off their 35-city tour, including dates with 311 and a stop at the Austin City Limits festival. The band also releases today a special digital deluxe version of Let It Go on iTunes. For a limited time, fans can purchase the new album plus a double disc Live at The Brattle Theater—a total of 41 tracks for $14.99. Live At The Brattle Theatre not only features live, acoustic State Radio songs and rarities, but also three Dispatch tracks, including “The General.” In a review of Let It Go, the Boston Herald commented, "Fast becoming the ultimate protest band, State Radio successfully melds Bob Marley populism (‘Calling All Crows,’ ‘Bohemian Grove’) and Clash and Pearl Jam ire (‘Knights of Bostonia,’ ‘Let It Go’).(A-)" DOWNLOAD "Calling All Crows" from Let It Go.
