REVIEW/PHOTOS: Bob Mould rips through Hüsker Dü and solo songs in passionate Bethlehem set

A packed room at the SteelStacks in Bethlehem was treated to a unique performance from one of alternative music’s most widely acclaimed influences on Sunday, Jan. 26. Bob Mould, who is best known for his work as the lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist for ’80s and ’90s punk/alternative rock bands Hüsker Dü and Sugar, played […]
MOVIE REVIEW: ‘Rise of Skywalker’ wraps sequel trilogy well but falls short as ‘Star Wars’ saga closer

Editor’s note: This review is spoiler-free and does not reveal any major plot details. Much like its protagonist Rey, “The Rise of Skywalker” has nearly impossible expectations to live up to. As Disney’s marketing campaign has repeated again and again, this movie is not only the end of the sequel trilogy, but the entire Skywalker […]
REVIEW/PHOTOS: Weezer + Musikfest = ‘Happy Together’ in Bethlehem

No matter which side of the old versus new Weezer divide fans fall on (hi, Matt Damon), they all agree that live Weezer is the best Weezer, and fans attending the 36th annual Musikfest at the SteelStacks in Bethlehem Monday evening were treated with an especially epic performance. Following garage punks White Reaper, the Wind […]
ALBUM REVIEW: NEPA blues singer Ed Randazzo asks ‘Who’s That Man?’ with timely delivery

In the era of viral Bob Bolus rants against an openly gay Scranton City Council candidate, local Trump trucks plastered with empty slogans, a bigot abusing her Lackawanna County Commissioner seat for years, and homophobia thinly veiled as “straight pride,” there is one album Northeastern Pennsylvania needs right now, and that album is “Who’s That […]
ALBUM REVIEW: Analyzing loss and death in ‘Clear’ by Scranton alternative rock band University Drive

The record starts in static waves. During a week in early February, in between moments of huddling under as many blankets as possible before tossing them off again (rinse and repeat), due to fluctuations of temperature and flu-induced discomfort, hoarding tissues and popping antibiotics to fight off an infection – all while trying to decipher […]
REVIEW/PHOTOS: Starwood, Disposable, and These Idol Hands channel alien energy at Jazz Cafe in Plains

It’s no surprise that when Philadelphia’s resident alien rock band Starwood landed in the Wilkes-Barre area, they brought with them a diverse musical lineup that would strike most crowds as strange, but those gathered at the River Street Jazz Cafe in Plains were ready for a strangely fun night on Saturday, Feb. 9. A week […]