Author Archive
Alan Armstrong

From Melancholy Breakdown to Phoenix Rising from the Ashes: Greg Goebelt’s Downward Spiral is the Theme of St. Sebastian’s Debut EP
About ten years ago, Greg Goebelt was battling an aggressive autoimmune disease which rendered him basically immobile. He stayed in bed for several months, depression and despair gripping his very core as he wondered what the future held for him. Goebelt was desperate for something to motivate him to get

Astrofauna Brings the Intergalactic Soundscape to Southern Oregon: Reviewing Astrofauna’s Debut Album, #Powerchill
Astrofauna’s debut album explores the idea of discovering new frontiers by incorporating outer space concepts and sounds into the music. Four of the nine tracks are what is referred to as “sound skits,” each which contains snippets from JFK’s speech “We Go to the Moon.” These skits are infused

Beyond the Tide Throws Down the Gauntlet at Battle of the Bands! Amidst the Competition at Alibi Tavern in Grants Pass
When faced with the competition at Southern Oregon’s Battle of the Bands, Sunday, March 8, it seemed like Beyond the Tide was a shoo-in for the victory, presenting polished songs that have plenty of hooks. The audience had voiced its approval and, in a crowded field of regional talent, Beyond
The Questionable Overall Satisfaction One Gets from the Shelf-Life of “Twinkie Lips”: Reviewing JD Rogers’ Latest Full Length Disc
JD Rogers is a rocker. He originally hails from the “heartland,” just outside of Indianapolis. I don’t know how old he is or how many albums he’s released before “Twinkie Lips,” but when listening to this music, I can tell he’s been around the block a few times. His singing

Q: Are We Not Metal? A: We Are Death Plant! Reviewing Death Plant’s Live Show at Oberon’s in Ashland
There tends to be some confusion about this band: People make assumptions based on their name. One female DJ had said they were not at all what she expected. She thought she would basically hear <roar> <roar> <roar> with a name like Death Plant. Initially, I also admit that I

Don’t Overlook The Little Giantess: A Review of the Live Show at South Stage Cellars
“People sometimes like to ask what kind of music we play,” says Tess Minnick, the voice behind The Giantess. “I like to say, ‘dramatic.’” She proves it by singing seductively about a variety of intriguing topics, such as breaking up with Facebook, getting high, and anticipating murder in her home.

Spanning Over Four Decades of Guitar Rock Greats: An Interview with Rickishane at the Talent Club
They are straight guitar rock: guitar, bass, and drums. They stay away from keyboards. (“We like it raw.”) Rickishane is made up of Rick Bolz, a pioneering 60s rocker, his two sons, Shane and Kish, and an “adopted into the band” son, who just happens—and somewhat confusingly—also to be named

This Ain’t Your Granddaddy’s Folk Album: A Review of the Latest Work by Micah McCaw
Not only does he tour the country playing his own solo work, but locally-based Micah McCaw also tours as a member of bands named Seaons (see-ons) and everett as well. His music is described as guitar driven progressive rock. I agree with that, but let me add his music fuses

Communing with Cool Cat-centric Music: A Review of “Cool Cat Funk” and Interview with Olivi, the Guitarist and Principle Singer
“Cool Cat Funk” is an enjoyable listen, giving new meaning to the term “laid back,” and taking the listener back to the less stressful, easy-going moments of the 70s. In fact, these tunes could have been written then. Whether it’s the “Leon Haywood-esque” flirtatious guitar styling in “Tooday Loseday,” or
Alcyon Has His Finger on the Pulse of the Beat: A Review of “Soul Science” by Alcyon Massive
Near the end of his acoustic guitar set at a mid-August show at The Sound Lounge, singer and performer Alcyon declared, “I have love for everyone.” He continued by announcing his love more specifically to his adopted state of Oregon. “I’m from Connecticut,” he said; adding: “Do you know how many