Adam Grundy
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Adam Grundy
An enthusiastic music blogger who lives in the Washington DC Metro area. My favorite bands are My Chemical Romance, Yellowcard, the 1975, and Paramore.
recommended
My Chemical Romance – The Black Parade
Night Riots – New State of Mind
Four Year Strong – Brain Pain
Vinnie Caruana
SORTED BY: REVIEWS

Review: Teddy Swims – I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2)

Adam Grundy

There’s a lot for the Atlanta-born vocalist Teddy Swims to be proud of these days. From the speedy success of his debut album called I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 1), to the chart-topping smash of “Lose Control”, paired with a Best New Artist Grammy nomination, plus the wonderful news that his girlfriend Raiche Wright and him are expecting their first child together, leads to the assumption that Teddy Swims must feel like he’s walking on air. The second part of Teddy Swims’ journey in the music world picks up right where he left off, offers stunning vocal performances, and a more optimistic outlook. Teddy Swims shared, “I thought that I was in such turmoil and heartbreak on the first one and it was nothing but questions and there was no real closure. So I thought that was important, especially with the title, I wanted to go into finding love again, learning how to move on, going to therapy and showing the healing process. Like, ‘Here’s me on the other side of all that mess.’ I’m so happy to be here on the other side of that mess, because it’s lovely.” You can feel the passion behind each lyric, each note, each precise beat, as everything clicks succinctly into place on this wonderful sophomore album.

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Review: Crossing I’s Dotting T’s – “You, In Everything”

Adam Grundy

The latest single from Alt Rock band Crossing I’s Dotting T’s, called “You, In Everything”, recalls the days of when grunge and post-rock dominated the radio airwaves, albeit with a modern twist. The single was produced by Max Dickenson and Lars Deutsch, and showcases the improvements made in the band’s sound that keeps the vocals front and center, while adding in some interesting guitar sounds similar to bands like Deftones, Superheaven, and Hum.

The song builds around the chorus of, “Tell me what it means / See you in everything / Tell me what it means,” that feels like 90’s Alternative magic and recounts the singer’s tortured feeling of visualizing a person they can’t seem to get out of their head. The bridge features shouted vocals paired with heavy power chords and plenty of fuzz pedals to round out the sound they were going for here. Crossing I’s Dotting T’s plan to rally around this lead single bodes well, and their forthcoming EP this Spring should garner some extra attention.

Review: The Maine – Dyed (2008

Adam Grundy

The surprise new album from The Maine dropped mid-week, just as many fans of the band were en route to the 8123 Fest, taking place between January 16-17th in Mesa, Arizona. This new LP, called Dyed (2008 – 2023), features several re-worked demos/ideas from every era of The Maine’s discography, and yet it plays out much better than any other “compilation” of collected B-sides ever would. The reason why it works so well is that The Maine have the confidence to go in any direction they please, as was displayed on their 2024 single “Touch”, and further cemented on this latest record. The band have been no strangers to reinvention, as documented in their dynamic nine-album discography, and yet this album that touches on each of their past recordings showcases what The Maine are capable of creating when firing on all creative cylinders. While it may have been easier for the band to simply dust off these old demos and release them as-is, taking the easy road simply isn’t in The Maine’s DNA. Dyed brings the listener back to where it all started, offers a cohesive journey through their past work, all while still sounding like the band we have known and loved over time that continues to get better with age.

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Review: All Systems Go – “Everything Going Well Is A Bad Thing, Right?”

Adam Grundy

The new lead single from NJ pop-punk band, All Systems Go, comes from their recently announced EP Finding Closure, and is a solid slab of heartfelt punk rock filled with great guitar breakdowns and passionate vocal performances. “Everything Going Well is a Bad Thing, Right?” was produced by Gary Cioni (Crime in Stereo, Hot Mulligan) and mastered by Mike Kalajian (New Found Glory, Senses Fail), and All Systems Go have really developed a professional and poised sound on this track. Guitarist and vocalist Matt Pezza shared, “This song is about how poor communication leads to people being on different wavelengths. In context, the ‘remember me when you’re famous’ line is essentially a substitute phrase for communicating ‘this isn’t going to work out’. But no one knows that until it’s actually stated a couple lines later. There’s a reason why people always say ‘communication is key’ – not just in dating but in working relationships, friendships, etc. It’s always better to be direct; mean what you say and say what you mean.” The song is reminiscent of the starry-eyed pop-punk of The Starting Line, paired with the complex guitar parts of Four Year Strong, and put on blend with a bit of the band’s own flavor.

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Review: AFI – Andi Coulter

AFI Book
Adam Grundy

The latest book by Andi Coulter, called AFI, takes a comprehensive look at the meteoric rise of the legendary punk band AFI whom have been no strangers to reinvention throughout their storied musical career. While Coulter mentions in the Prelude that this book is “not an all-encompassing narrative” on the band, AFI still serves as a gripping tale of a band with a clear vision for their music, style, and ethos. From the early days of AFI finding their footing in the underground punk scene, to their breakthrough into the mainstream on Sing the Sorrow, everything flows with great pacing and intricate details that even the band’s most dedicated fans will devour. In an easily-digestable 130-plus page effort, Coulter does a fantastic job of getting to the core of what made AFI such a key major label “catch,” while offering clues as to why certain records didn’t resonate as firmly with their fans. It’s a book that you won’t be able to put down, and can easily swim through in one sitting.

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Review: Lauren Mayberry – Vicious Creature

Lauren Mayberry - Vicious Creature
Adam Grundy

Albert Einstein once said, “A ship is always safe at the shore, but that is not what it is built for.” Lauren Mayberry takes a brave step forward on Vicious Creature, the debut solo project from the front-woman of CHVRCHES that features a fun mix of pop anthems filled with thoughtful lyrics and great beats. Mayberry mentioned in a Rolling Stone interview leading up to their release of this record that, “So much of this process has been an exercise in empowering myself to listen to my own intuition — something I really trained myself out of. That’s ultimately why you start making things — because you felt a feeling, and you wanted to articulate that somehow. I think it was important for me to relearn that kind of independence, and recognize what I bring to any table I choose to sit at.” By crafting an album different than what she has grown accustomed to creating with her bandmates, Mayberry solidifies herself as someone willing to take creative risks to grow as an artist.

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Review: Battleviews – Two Ghosts

Adam Grundy

The sophomore effort from Battleviews, composed of husband and wife duo Ryan and Natalie Raichilson, is a heartfelt collection of songs that have a lasting impact on anyone who takes the time to listen to it. Two Ghosts was recorded in Ryan and Natalie’s home in Metuchen, NJ, and the LP was mixed and mastered by Steve Sopchak (Ice Nine Kills, Motionless in White). The themes range from the unbridled joy of parenthood, the heartache that comes when the realization sets in that your kids won’t stay young forever, to the feelings of loss plus a slight detour to an 1800’s ghost story. The warm vocals from both Ryan and Natalie are filled with a love towards Indie/Americana music, with some slight nuances to their songwriting to keep things fresh and exciting. Two Ghosts is a record you can put on as you sit by the warm glow of the fireplace during the winter season and ponder your next steps in life. The soundtrack that these two musicians have created here is a glowing testament to their dedication put towards their craft.

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Review: Career Day – I’ll Always Be This

Adam Grundy

The debut EP by Queens, New York-based emo band, Career Day, called I’ll Always Be This tackles a wide variety of themes such as the current working environment, substance abuse, mental wellness, and dealing with it all one day at a time. During the span of four crisp songs that span just twelve hard-hitting minutes, Career Day quickly highlight their band’s strengths with a sound that strays somewhere between The Starting Line, Motion City Soundtrack, and Hawthorne Heights. The band is Ryan Maguire (drums), Robbie Levin (bass), Jacob Cutler (guitar), and Desmond Zantua (vocals) and were formed during the pandemic. By leaning into their core influences, Career Day are starting their musical journey on the right foot.

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Review: Bush – Sixteen Stone

Adam Grundy

The 6x Platinum debut by English rock band, Bush, is getting a comprehensive vinyl reissue today in honor of Sixteen Stone’s 30th anniversary. You probably know the hits by heart. “Everything Zen,” “Little Things,” “Comedown,” “Machinehead” and “Glycerine” were the five massive singles released from this album that still stand the test of time today. The album was recorded at Westside Studios, London with producers Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley, and marked the breakthrough of legendary Alt Rock frontman, Gavin Rossdale. Through his gritty vocal performance throughout Sixteen Stone, Rossdale captivated audiences far and wide on this record that if you didn’t own it yourself, you likely knew someone nearby who did. Bush had recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of Sixteen Stone with a comprehensive Greatest Hits tour that coincided with a singles compilation and put their decades-long career back into focus.

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Review: Circus Trees – This makes me sad, and I miss you

Adam Grundy

It is my utmost pleasure to introduce everyone to Circus Trees, a relatively new emo band comprised of Finola (vocals/guitars), Edmee (bass) and Eoghan (drums/guitars) McCarthy, who are already making their mark on the indie scene. The band has been releasing music since 2018, and their latest release called This makes me sad, and I miss you is a solid collection of post-rock, grunge and lo-fi music. The record was produced by Eoghan and Finola, and it showcases their growth as musicians and artists with a clear vision for their music. Their sound is similar to the punk brashness of Bully, the lyrical depth of Soccer Mommy, and the indie emo of Momma and Snail Mail. Circus Trees may just be the next great undiscovered band, but they won’t be hidden for much longer if this album is any indication of their future plans.

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Review: Linkin Park – From Zero

Adam Grundy

After the tragic passing of longtime front-man Chester Bennington in 2017, Linkin Park were faced with an impossible decision. Should they retire the band, or find a way to carry the LP flag with a different vocalist? From Zero has a dual-meaning: Xero was the first name of the band and From Zero also refers to the re-birth of Linkin Park with two new band members in Dead Sara vocalist Emily Armstrong and drummer Collin Brittain. The new album was produced by vocalist/guitarist/band leader Mike Shinoda, and it has a familiar sound and feel, even with a lot of new elements injected into the band. Armstrong and Brittain each make their presence felt throughout the record that is filled with stadium-ready anthems that borrow key sections of past Linkin Park albums all with a renewed focus towards the future.

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Review: Zebrahead – I

Adam Grundy

The countdown is complete for Zebrahead and they have finally released the exciting, concluding chapter in their trilogy of EPs, called I. I is the follow-up to the III (2021) and II (2023) EPs, completing the band’s III.II.I. series. “Finally, the last EP is here… this series represents where our heads have been during and since COVID,” shares bassist Ben Osmundson. “It’s been a trying time for everyone, and now it’s time for fresh starts. See you on tour!” Having already released a good number of singles leading up to I, culminating in today’s single release of “Puppet Stringers,” the band continues to be armed with an arsenal of slick tunes to take on the road. By getting back to the core values of what makes this band so damn special, Zebrahead leaves just the right taste in our mouths on this electric EP filled with passion and breakneck energy.

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Review: Koyo – Mile A Minute

Adam Grundy

The new EP from Koyo comes hot off the heels of their well-received debut LP, Would You Miss It?, and features two re-imagined songs from their catalog, plus a new song indicating where they can take their sound in the future. Mile A Minute impresses by showcasing what this band is capable of creating when they strip away most of the energy behind their songs and get to the core of what makes Koyo unique. “Ten Digits Away (Deluxe)” kicks off the record with an acoustic guitar-based approach, and vocalist Joey Chiaramonte dials back his trademark growl to a smoother approach that took me back a bit in its crisp delivery. The expanded song comes from a previous EP of the same name, and acts as a great companion piece to the original, while adding in some piano and other backing instruments to round out their sound.

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Review: The Cure – Songs Of A Lost World

Adam Grundy

The Cure are back, and it’s a dark and beautiful thing. Songs of a Lost World is the first new music from the band in roughly 16 years, and the long-awaited new LP doesn’t disappoint. In many ways, this new record feels like the direct successor of 1989’s Disintegration, what most fans consider The Cure’s finest work, and the comparisons in stylistic choices and the artistic direction can be felt on this concise 8-song album. The set of songs was composed entirely by goth rock icon, Robert Smith, and was co-produced by Smith and Paul Corkett (Tori Amos, Placebo). Each of these tracks are brooding with long intros to set just the right tone before Smith’s trademark vocals break through the wall of sound with veteran ease. Robert Smith sounds as confident and strong as he’s ever been, while his bandmates rally around his every word. On the opening track of “Alone” Robert Smith shared, ”It’s the track that unlocked the record; as soon as we had that piece of music recorded, I knew it was the opening song and I felt the whole album come into focus. that was the moment when I knew the song – and the album – were real.” By letting everything come flowing through him, Smith and The Cure have delivered a late-career masterpiece.

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Review: A Place For Owls – how we dig in the earth

Adam Grundy

The sophomore album from Denver emo band A Place For Owls is a great exploration from a group of musicians taking their time to get to the root of what makes us all human. The affectionately-titled how we dig in the earth is an album that was recorded over the course of one week at Coalesce Audio with producer Dave Wilton (A Boy & His Kite, Loud Harp), and finds the band showcasing what they are capable of creating when all the right parts click together into place. The band described their process as, ”We were digging deep into the arrangements, practicing songcraft as gardening: pressing dead seed gently into the soil, praying for rain.” By finding that other-worldly connection to music, while still continuing down the path of self-exploration, how we dig in the earth quickly becomes a defining moment for A Place For Owls.

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