There is a distinct kind of magic reserved strictly for Cat’s Cradle Backroom—where the low end rattles your sternum before it even hits the back wall. Karina Rykman rolled through Carrboro with fresh tracks from Late Checkout, a blistering set from openers Wax Monkey, and enough four-string firepower to cure any case of the Sunday scaries.
Review and Photography by Thom HooperBright Eyes with Lullaby for the Working Class | The Orange Peel, Asheville, NC | October 10, 2026 The drive into Asheville on Saturday evening was anything but pleasant, as torrential rain battered the interstate, leaving substantial amounts of standing water across the roadway and creating conditions where hydroplaning was... Continue Reading →
Review by Thom Hooper / Photography by Wes Ellis - @atwes / Matt Grub @mattgrubb.americas.waffleThe Lost Tour Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC | October 9 From mysterious UFO-themed pop-up shows to the breathtaking production of The Lost Tour, Phoebe Bridgers turned grief, growth, and spectacle into something genuinely unforgettable at Charlotte's Spectrum Center on Friday night,... Continue Reading →
After fifteen years, seven studio albums, one EP, one live album and thousands of shows, the band has built an undeniable connection with their audience consistently drawing devoted fans and delivering electrifying performances that showcase their distinctly unique path through modern alternative rock. Driven by angst and gigantic melodies, this new album marks the first to... Continue Reading →
Photos and Writing by Kyle Ostrander Few bands in the world of heavy music have been more genre-defining than Russian Circles have been for post-metal. A staple in the genre, their latest album, Nine, dropped in late-August. The record plays off the group’s iconic sound while still progressing forward into new territory. In support of... Continue Reading →
Experience pure superhero ska-punk energy as The Aquabats! hit The Underground in Charlotte, NC on their Gigantish Tour 2026, alongside Crazy and the Brains and sullvn. Read the full concert review!
Photography & Review by Thom Hooper Twenty-six years after Deltron 3030 collectively imagined a futuristic world gone sideways, Del the Funky Homosapien, Dan the Automator and Kid Koala brought their epic sci-fi hip-hop masterpiece to a sold-out crowd at The Orange Peel in Asheville, North Carolina on Tuesday night. The group's self-titled debut arrived back... Continue Reading →
Album Review by Jolene Rheault There is a distinct magic that happens when an artist who has spent decades shaping the musical fabric of their community steps out on their own. It’s an unhurried, deeply seasoned energy—a rich tapestry of sound woven by someone who has lived inside the craft for a long time. On... Continue Reading →
Photos and writing by Dillon Reesor The Senate had a strong lineup on August 21, with Tobacco Road opening the night before Penelope Road and Winyah took over the stage. I didn't make it in early enough to catch Tobacco Road, unfortunately, but I was there for the rest of the show and got a... Continue Reading →
Experience pure superhero ska-punk energy as The Aquabats! hit The Underground in Charlotte, NC on their Gigantish Tour 2026, alongside Crazy and the Brains and sullvn. Read the full concert review!
