The Echo

Ben Gibbard’s 'Former Lives' an intimate triumph

Ben Gibbard still hasn’t lost his touch. Like in the video for “Soul Meets Body,” he is still able to make music fly. Gibbard’s debut solo album, “Former Lives,” shows fans a side to the artist they can’t know from his previous projects.

By Jeremy Conigliari | October 16, 2012

5 reasons why supernatural dramas are all the same

Whether it’s “True Blood,” “Teen Wolf” or “The Vampire Diaries,” supernatural-drama TV shows all have five common plotlines.

By Mikayla Gilbert | October 11, 2012

Metric dazzles for wrong reasons

Sometimes a band's biggest detriment is its desire to be overly entertaining. It was apparent Wednesday night, when Metric's theatrics overshadowed their musicianship.

By Mitchell Bobman | October 11, 2012

Affleck expert at recreating real-life tension in ‘Argo’

For most of “Argo,” directed by actor-director Ben Affleck, the film works from the sheer level of audaciousness at work, only derailed in the end by, of all things, reality.

By Taylor Costello | October 11, 2012

Mainstream horror movies in need of revival

Based on an increasing supply of subpar horror movies over the past several years, the genre must be scrutinized for the purpose of improvement in order to make this Halloween and future Halloweens sufficiently frightful.

By Jeremy Conigliari | October 10, 2012

British rockers The Wombats finally made a stop in Phoenix at the Crescent Ballroom on Tuesday. (Photo courtesy of Taylor Flamini)

Arizona fans give Wombats reason to visit valley

While the band explained they don’t know why people live in the Valley, they managed to make their first concert in Phoenix energetic and lively.

By Stephanie Habib | October 10, 2012

The Black Keys hammer out true rock greatness

The Black Keys performance on Tuesday made no concessions or reservations. Instead, the set of brash blues-rock reassured the audience that the night belonged to the music of Auerbach and Carney, so deal with it.

By Mitchell Bobman | October 10, 2012

Rock band Metric is set to perform at the Marquee Theater in Tempe on Oct. 10. (Photo courtesy of Metric Official Website)

Must-see Metric show trumps other local events

With five full studio albums and several feature film contributions, Metric has plenty of fan favorites to binge on before its Wednesday show and some new “Synthetica” tracks to put on repeat.

By Yvonne Gonzalez | October 9, 2012

‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ gets movie adaptation

Fans of “Fifty Shades of Grey” rejoice, while haters quiver at the fact that the book series is getting a movie.

By Tyler Verti | October 9, 2012

Ellie Goulding flips her wholesome image with 'Halcyon'

Gone are the days of angelic synth riffs and album covers shot with glitter and spotlights. Goulding’s new record is dark and unrelenting and shows miles of growth beyond the likes of debut album tracks “The Writer” and “Every Time You Go.”

By Stephanie Habib | October 8, 2012

Lemon Andersen will kick off the ASU Gammage "BEYOND" series with his one man show, "County of Kings," this weekend. Photo courtesy of ASU Gammage.

Tony-Award winning actor shares childhood stories

Lemon Andersen’s life in Brooklyn, N.Y was brought to the stage last weekend in “County of Kings,” his one-man play.

By Maria Thompson | October 8, 2012

All Time Low on all-time high with new album

“Don’t Panic” takes all of the great things from All Time Low’s previous records and combines them in great songwriting, heartfelt lyrics, driving guitars and stomping beats.

By Olivia Khiel | October 8, 2012

Fans must catch The Hives in Tempe

On Tuesday, The Hives return to the Marquee Theatre in Tempe.

By Jonathan Fortner | October 7, 2012

Circa Survive performing at the Marquee Theatre Friday night. The band recently produced and dropped a new album titled "Violent Waves." (Photo by Vince Dwyer)

Circa Survive creates waves of energy surging, indie music

A roaring Arizona audience welcomed the Philadelphia-based band Circa Survive, who played a plethora of songs from all of its albums Friday night at the Marquee Theatre.

By Thania A. Betancourt | October 7, 2012

Phoenix Oktoberfest embraces many different cultures

This year’s Oktoberfest truly celebrated culture — not just German culture, but the convergence of many different ones.

By Mikayla Gilbert | October 7, 2012

Ron May stars as Mike Daisey in the one-man production "The Agony and The Ecstasy of Steve Jobs." (Photo courtesy by Jeff Groseclose)

Actor Ron May shares behind the scenes preparation of one-man show

“The Agony and The Ecstasy of Steve Jobs” Actor Ron May spoke with The State Press about preparation for his role and being a late-bloomer to the “cult of Apple.”

By Taylor Costello | October 7, 2012

‘Pitch Perfect,’ a finely tuned film

“Pitch Perfect” in all essence is a film about how times change and accepting that change.

By Tyler Verti | October 4, 2012

‘Glee’ star writes film, director reveals details

“Struck by Lightning,” a film written by “Glee’s” Chris Colfer, will be playing at the Scottsdale International Film Festival. The State Press got the opportunity to speak with the film’s director, Brian Dannelly, about life on the set.

By Olivia Khiel | October 4, 2012

Peter Asher sits with James Taylor in-between taking photos for the album cover for "Sweet Baby James" at The Farm in December 1969. (Photo courtesy of Henry Diltz)

Beatles friend Peter Asher visits Musical Instrument Museum

Peter Asher is truly a rock legend toured with the rock’s greatest names including The Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Asher will perform at Phoenix’s Musical Instrument Museum on Oct. 5 and 6.

By Jeremy Conigliari | October 4, 2012

One-man theater production cautions technological advancement

“The Agony and The Ecstasy of Steve Jobs” remains remarkable for painting a simple portrait of the impersonal and soul-crushing working conditions for those slaving away to meet the endless demand.

By Taylor Costello | October 4, 2012

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