Category Archives: Ball of Wax

Ball of Wax 54 Songs: Trash Lights -“Spirals Down Part 3”

“Spirals Down Part 3” is the second Ball of Wax offering this year from instrumental duo Trash Lights, and compared to the sprawling “Second Movements,” it’s a tiny, compact gem of musical concision. But Steven Andrea and Brendon Helgason can … Continue reading

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Ball of Wax 54 Songs: Rory Gannon – “The Waves”

Rory Gannon‘s “The Waves,” the initial track on his most recent release Panic Language, presents a driving, repetitious initial motif that builds upon itself in layers. In the absence of guitar, lyrics, or any of the usual armature, he presents … Continue reading

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Ball of Wax 54 Songs: Drekka – “Sense of Senses”

From Ball of Wax newcomer (and musical veteran) Drekka comes the nuanced drone of “Sense of Senses.” This piece moves in like strange weather, all thundering low end and effervescent hiss, with melodic elements – shapeless falsetto voices, disjointed piano, … Continue reading

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Ball of Wax 54 Songs: Music for Dead Birds – “Hot and High”

I’m very pleased to have new Music for Dead Birds, our old friends in Ireland – although for this recording I suppose I should say “our old friend in Vietnam.” Singer/guitarist Jimmy Monaghan has been living in Hanoi, Vietnam, for … Continue reading

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Ball of Wax 54 Songs: electric bird noise – “steve strong II”

I thought I’d open this review with a rumination on the meaning of the band’s name, but that can’t be done while listening to music like this. Or shouldn’t. What should be done is to block out all other sounds—all … Continue reading

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Ball of Wax 54 Songs: Darryl Blood – “Broken Book”

Darryl Blood may be my spirit animal. Every time I listen to one of his songs, I think to myself, “that sounds like something I’d do!” Nah, I’m giving myself far too much credit. Still, there are so many little … Continue reading

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Ball of Wax 54 Songs: Green Light Cameras – “Stones for Sale”

“Stones for Sale,” by Green Light Cameras, is an enjoyable indie rock piece in 5/4 delightfully reminiscent of genre progenitors like Yo La Tengo and Broken Social Scene. Built upon an octave-heavy guitar line and simple shook-out rhythm, “Stones” delivers … Continue reading

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Ball of Wax 54 Songs: The Daphnes – “Happy Apple”

If you took harps, accordions, bells, strings, horns, and symphonic percussion and you threw them all into an orchestra pit with a few blank score sheets, you might come up with something listenable, but I can guarantee it wouldn’t be … Continue reading

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Ball of Wax 54 Songs: Robert Deeble – “Orphan Song”

As I’ve mentioned many times before in this space, I’m really not a lyrics guy – at least when it comes to listening. But Robert Deeble, master songwriter that he is, always gets me to pay attention to his words. … Continue reading

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Ball of Wax 54 Songs: ____________ – “Now You Know”

“Now You Know,” from the anonymously released album The Blue Dirt of Paradise, eases into the ear with harmonized doo wop non-lexicals. They fade in with plenty of dark reverb, making a comfortable velvet curtain backdrop for the lead singer’s … Continue reading

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