7eight5

17/07/2024

This was one of the trickiest reviews I’ve had to make. I’m completely split. Is the three star, right-down-the-middle score a cop out? Perhaps. But I’m so split on this album that I couldn’t justify bumping it down to a two, or up to a four.

Eminem, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce) ⭐️⭐️⭐️❌❌ This was one of the trickiest reviews I’ve ever had to make. I’m completely split. Is the three star, right-down-the-middle score a cop out?…

12/07/2024

The state of Kansas music is filled with interesting characters, and few are as unique as Wasay Oblique from Wichita. Eclectic, Electric, Eccentric, there truly is few their equal when it comes to their on stage presence.

The state of Kansas music is filled with interesting characters, and few are as unique as Wasay Oblique from Wichita. Eclectic, Electric, Eccentric, there truly is few their equal when it comes to …

08/07/2024

The third and final day of The Wild West Festival began with a parade down Main St. at 10 am. Later in the day, following a two-hour weather delay, those of us who were willing to brave the winds and potential storms gathered around the stage for the festival's final two performances, featuring Salina's Sunset Sinners, and Quiet Riot!

The third and final day of Wild West Fest (website) began with a parade down Main St. at 10 am. Later in the day, following a two-hour weather delay, those of us who were willing to brave the winds…

06/07/2024

Night two of the The Wild West Festival went off without a hitch as the city of Hays turned out in droves to soak up the sunshine and savor the sounds of three captivating acts, Jake Dunworth, Savanna Chestnut and The Field Hands, and headlined by the highly anticipated Sawyer Brown.

It’s nights like these that really highlight the importance of events like the Wild West Fest. It’s a rare opportunity for the community of Hays to gather in such large numbers and enjoy top-notch outdoor entertainment. Whether you were seated close to the stage or watching on large LCD screens, Night 2 was another picturesque summer evening under the prairie sky. Families and friends came together, singing along, savoring cold beverages and quality food, and making cherished memories.

Night two of the Wild West Fest went off without a hitch as the city of Hays turned out in droves to soak up the sunshine and savor the sounds of three captivating acts, Jake Dunworth, Savanna Ches…

05/07/2024

The Wild West Festival, Hays Kansas’ 4-day annual event, kicked off on Wednesday night under a scorching sun and fickle sky. Even though the night was limited to two acts due to impending weather, they really got the crowd rocking. Night One featured live music from Paramount and Nate Smith.

The Wild West Fest, Hays Kansas’ 4-day annual event, kicked off on Wednesday night under a scorching sun and fickle sky. Even though the night was limited to two acts due to impending weather, they…

04/07/2024

Lawrence based The Perfect Pursuit recently released their long in production sophomore album, Legacy. Check it out on Spotify, or on Bandcamp:

13 track album

03/07/2024

Megan Thee Stallion is back with her third album, and it’s a bit of a mixed bag. It’s starts off really solid, with a few tracks calling people out. Namely Nicki Minaj. But then she settles into the album, and her intensity and urgency kind of goes out the window. Which wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing if it was replaced with something just as interesting. But it’s not. But thankfully, the backstretch of the album gets good again as the tracks get more exploratory sonically.

Megan Thee Stallion, Megan ⭐️⭐️⭐️❌❌ Megan Thee Stallion is back with her third album, and it’s a bit of a mixed bag. It’s starts off really solid, with a few tracks calling people out. Namely Nicki…

19/06/2024

Baroness brought portrayal of guilt and Seattle's Filth is Eternal to The Bottleneck in Lawrence on Saturday.

Baroness brought Protrayal of Guilt and Seattle’s Filth is Eternal to the Bottleneck in Lawrence on Saturday.

18/06/2024

It’s rare that I even consider reviewing a box set for one of these weekly reviews. It’s just way more listening, and it’s a completely different set of standards when it comes to reviewing a box set. But I could not resist this one. The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars is of course an all-time great album, so releasing a box set exploring that era has a ginormous task. And does it succeed? Does this set add anything of value to the original album? I absolutely think so.

David Bowie, Rock ‘n’ Roll Star! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ It’s rare that I even consider reviewing a box set for one of these weekly reviews. It’s just way more listening, and it’s a completely different set of …

12/06/2024

Whenever I go into an EDM album I get a little nervous because honestly I’m not a very good dancer, and more importantly, they usually tend to get tedious because they’re usually kind of designed to be listened to in little bits and pieces at a club. But, this album does not suffer from this.

Charli xcx, BRAT ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️❌ Whenever I go into an EDM album I get a little nervous because honestly I’m not a very good dancer, and more importantly, they usually tend to get tedious because they’re…

12/06/2024

The Other Side, as a mirror in the room to the north of Centennial Lanes says, feels a lot like a “What The F**k Is Up, Dennys?” kind of place. It’s not necessarily big, but just about the perfect size for a small hardcore show on a Saturday night. Something that Hays hasn’t seen in a little while.
Remorsefully Numb
Kuwabara
LOVE LOST
Billy

The Other Side, as a mirror in the room to the north of Centennial Lanes says, feels a lot like a “What The F**k Is Up, Dennys?” kind of place. It’s not necessarily big, but just …

06/06/2024

Apparently this is Willie Nelson’s 75th album, which is absolutely insane. That being said, I really didn’t expect much. I didn’t think there was any way an artist’s 75th album could be that good. I was wrong.

Willie Nelson, The Border ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Apparently this is Willie Nelson’s 75th album, which is absolutely insane. That being said, I really didn’t expect much. I didn’t think there was any way an art…

03/06/2024

"I've pretty much pulled inspiration from every corner of the musical spectrum to create my “sound”. I think having this variety of influences has helped me not try to fit my music into one box. I like to let myself experiment with a lot of different things, and you’ll notice when listening that no two of my songs have the exact same sound. They all have their own personalities to them, which is a result of all of the influences that went into them."

After a couple weeks off, our Artist Spotlight is back, this week with Manhattan's own Nirvana Hope!

“I’ve pretty much pulled inspiration from every corner of the musical spectrum to create my “sound”. I think having this variety of influences has helped me not try to fit my music into…

29/05/2024

You know those people that haven’t changed since high school? Yeah, Twenty One Pilots are the musical equivalent to that. Not that it’s necessarily bad music, but I thought they sounded juvenile back when I first heard them almost a decade ago, and they still sound the same.

Twenty One Pilots, Clancy ⭐️⭐️❌❌❌ You know those people that haven’t changed since high school? Yeah, Twenty One Pilots are the musical equivalent to that. Not that it’s necessarily bad music, but …

22/05/2024

I couldn't help but feel utterly captivated when watching Nirvana Hope. Her performance and songwriting abilities possess the depth and maturity of an old soul, someone who has lived on Earth enough to be able to authentically convey the array of complex emotions each song portrays. Filling the intimate space of the Paisley Pear with a voice so thick with passion that the very walls of the building seemed to strain to contain it.

I couldn’t help but feel utterly captivated when watching Nirvana Hope. Her performance and songwriting abilities possess the depth and maturity of an old soul, someone who has lived on Earth…

21/05/2024

Billie Eilish, HIT ME HARD AND SOFT ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️❌

Billie Eilish is back with her third album. Now, 2024 has been pretty hit or miss for the major pop artists so far, but thankfully Billie pulls through here.

Billie Eilish, HIT ME HARD AND SOFT ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️❌ Billie Eilish is back with her third album. Now, 2024 has been pretty hit or miss for the major pop artists so far, but thankfully Billie pulls through…

15/05/2024

Childish Gambino, Atavista ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️❌ Donald Glover is back with a new-ish Childish Gambino album. What I mean by that is this is a finished version of a project he dropped in demo from back in 2020 called 3.15.20. Why it took so long to get a finished version, I don’t know. But it was worth the wait. There are tracks that have been cut from the album, so there might be some grievances there from fans....

Childish Gambino, Atavista ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️❌ Donald Glover is back with a new-ish Childish Gambino album. What I mean by that is this is a finished version of a project he dropped in demo from back in 2020…

13/05/2024

If you haven’t heard the news, refer to one of our most recent posts. We are looking for a drummer that wants to play loud, rock n roll drums! Here is some of our criteria:

-Must have their own equipment
-Available to rehearse weekly
-Available to gig once or twice a month depending on gig opportunities
-Experience with writing music and live performances (definitely a plus!)
-Wants to do it for fun! There’s no money in this business, so please inquire only if you’re about it!
-We’re all in our mid 20s and early 30s, so someone within that age group would be awesome, but not required!

We’re located in Dodge City and would prefer to rehearse in Dodge City if we can help it. Now, if you got a rehearsal space and the drive isn’t terribly far, then we are definitely open to commuting for rehearsals!

If you know someone that wants to slam the drums, please have them message us or email us at: [email protected]

Please share! Thank you! 🙂

11/05/2024

The third year for Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Rock Against R**e show moved down the street to the Home Event Center from the previous events locations at the Sip N Spin. Bringing in the largest headcount from previous years, there is no doubt that they will continue making this an annual tradition.

Adrian Parl
Before the Winter
Cactus Collateral
Free Minded
Dangerously Biased

The third year for Options Domestic & Sexual Violence Services Rock Against R**e show moved down the street to the Home Event Center from the previous events locations at the Sip N Spin. Bringi…

10/05/2024

"Personally, my main goal is to get people to move their bodies. I'd like to write some more dance-able songs, not unlike Jailbreak Maria Ross, with the very "backbeat" chorus. I try to make the songs rock but keep the vocals pretty palatable." Hays is no stranger to great music coming from it. In 2018, Dangerously Biased formed and has built a solid foundation in their music and a dedicated fan base. Few full-sized bands are able to accomplish the depth and vibrance of what these two artists are able to produce with only a bass and drums. This week's spotlight is Dangerously Biased from Hays, KS....

“Personally, my main goal is to get people to move their bodies. I’d like to write some more dance-able songs, not unlike Jailbreak Maria Ross, with the very “backbeat” chor…

10/05/2024

04/27/24Paramount Bar, Salina, KS It's been a while since I last stepped into Paramount Bar in Salina. A fun little bar with a stage that always gives musicians a chance to pay for their fans.
Dangerously Biased
The Ephinjis
Strong Like Bull

04/27/24Paramount Bar, Salina, KS It’s been a while since I last stepped into Paramount Bar in Salina. A fun little bar with a stage that always gives musicians a chance to pay for their fans…

08/05/2024

Dua Lipa, Radical Optimism ⭐️⭐️❌❌❌ What an unfortunate weekend to release new music with the rap beef of the century taking all of the spotlight. But regardless, I don’t think this would have gotten much talk anyways. Despite the title, there’s nothing radical about this. It’s pure pop radio fodder, where I’m sure it will find a home. But at times you feel like you’ve accidentally looped the same song. Favorite song: “End of an Era”

Dua Lipa, Radical Optimism ⭐️⭐️❌❌❌ What an unfortunate weekend to release new music with the rap beef of the century taking all of the spotlight. But regardless, I don’t think this would have gotte…

08/05/2024

On April 20th, Harbingers.ks performed with Island Policy , Starslinger, & Tree Kitty at The Antique Mall of Hays....

On April 20th, Harbingers performed with Island Policy, Starslinger, & Tree Kitty at The Antique Mall of Hays.

07/05/2024

We are currently sitting at 499 followers to our FB page! As the great scholar Socrates once said, "Holy s**t" (I think). Please share and invite your friends, family, anyone who loves music, and help us get over this 500 follower bump!

04/05/2024

50 years of friendship, and Steve Vai and Joe Satriani had never toured together until this year. On April 29th, the two guitar aficionados took to the stage at the Historic Stiefel Theatre in Salina, KS to astounded audiences. The connection between Vai and Satriani goes back to when they were high schoolers in the early 70's, with Satriani giving guitar lessons to the soon to be lifelong friends. Collaborations between the two have happened regularly over the years, both in recorded projects and sharing the stage together at music festivals, but this tour marks the first time that the two have shared a tour together....

50 years of friendship, and Steve Vai and Joe Satriani had never toured together until this year. On April 29th, the two guitar aficionados took to the stage in Salina to astounded audiences. The c…

04/05/2024

Azura Amphitheater in Bonner Springs hosted "Sessanta" on Tuesday, April 30th, a 60th birthday celebration of Maynard James Keenan, lead singer of Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer. Featuring both A Perfect Circle and Puscifer, they were joined by Primus, all three bands "on stage" at the same time. Due to nearby lightning and severe weather, the venue were keeping the doors closed until the conditions improved. With each lightning strike, the timer reset 30 minutes. Frustrating for fans, but 100% understandable. Within the hour they sent everyone back to their vehicles as the storm began to roll in over the area. A tornado warning 30 miles west, heavy downpours, and lightning did not deter the dedicated fanbase from hunkering down and waiting for clear skies. By 830, the storm had passed and the cool, fresh air welcomed the audience back to the doors as they opened up and let everyone in....

Azura Amphitheater in Bonner Springs hosted “Sessanta” on Tuesday, April 30th, a 60th birthday celebration of Maynard James Keenan, lead singer of Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer. …

01/05/2024

St. Vincent, All Born Screaming ⭐️⭐️⭐️❌❌ The fun thing about a new St. Vincent album dropping is that you never really know what it’s going to sound like. Thankfully, this reinvention is more successful than her last one on Daddy’s Home. I think the majority of listeners will be pleased to find that faux 70s rock has been left behind....

St. Vincent, All Born Screaming ⭐️⭐️⭐️❌❌ The fun thing about a new St. Vincent album dropping is that you never really know what it’s going to sound like. Thankfully, this reinvention is more succe…

27/04/2024

"Voted "Kansas Most Okayest Band" by your mom probably", Kota Lewis and the Flyers have been setting stages on fire (figuratively speaking) the past couple of years, bursting from the Southwest Kansas scene and taking their mixture of country, rock and alternative show throughout Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. It doesn't get much better than this. Recently dropping their new single "Overthinkin'", we shine the spotlight on them this week....

“Voted “Kansas Most Okayest Band” by your mom probably”, Kota Lewis and the Flyers have been setting stages on fire (figuratively speaking) the past couple of years, burstin…

22/04/2024

Taylor Swift, THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT ⭐️⭐️⭐️❌❌ Taylor Swift’s eleventh album arrives hot on the heels of what was probably her biggest year so far. This monumental hype has resulted in this album getting a lot of extreme reactions on the internet. It’s either the greatest album ever, or the worst album ever. But the truth is that this might be the most middle of the road album in her discography....

Taylor Swift, THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT ⭐️⭐️⭐️❌❌ Taylor Swift’s eleventh album arrives hot on the heels of what was probably her biggest year so far. This monumental hype has resulted in this a…