Author: Casey Gallenberger

Over the Ocean‘s last release is almost five years behind us now. “Be Given to the Soil” was a heavy blend of post-rock and post-hardcore paired with gritty baritone vocals. Think if John Mark McMillan sang for My Epic. It’s always refreshing when a band takes an unconventional route in conveying faith-based topics in an nontraditional context – and that’s certainly something these men do well. Thankfully they’re back and working on brand new music. Be sure to follow them on social media for more updates and check out a track from their last album below to get a good taste of what they offer.… Continued →

Chasing Victory's first material in almost 11 years showcases a powerful mix of post-hardcore and southern rock that's full of grit and energy.

Eager Seas, formerly known as Lakes, has surfaced with a new single. Always On Your Side continues their tradition of sentimental, hazy slow dance songs. More importantly, they’ll be releasing each of the songs off their upcoming album, “Mine As Well”. Here are the release dates of all of the tracks off the album 1. ALWAYS ON YOUR SIDE : February 9 2. JEAN : March 2 3. FADE AWAY : March 23 4. DREAMER : April 13 5. HOLD ON (pt 2) : May 4 6.… Continued →

The Oh Hellos have wasted no time releasing a strong follow-up to "Notos", this time opting for a festive, autumnal mood.

We haven’t heard much from James McCurley’s solo project, Black Pages, for several years. His first EP was a promising mix of ambient, pop, and singer/songwriter, but his new single, Back Down, takes things up a few notches. Much like his previous tracks, Back Down is largely subdued and a bit pensive, though it feels a bit more stream-of-consciousness as well. Pop sensibility is mixed with a manner of progression, with no discernible chorus, changing tempos, and vocals reminiscent of Silver Sun Pickups. It’s proof that pop music does not need to be predictable nor inane.… Continued →

Jonathan Ogden experiments with melding worship and R&B on his latest EP but fails to leave a lasting impression.

After Nashville pop act Medic announced their recent dissolution, many fans (including myself) suspected that it wasn’t the end. I can thankfully say I was correct: the trio has rebranded to VEAUX with new music on the way eventually. Check out the announcement video below. … Continued →

LEDGES' debut album is an ambitious release that proves they're not afraid to take risks.

Indie pop group Medic have announced they will be calling it quits. However, this all follows the group’s move to Nashville and the release of several singles (with hints at even more music). Other bands have made similar announcements before rebranding under a new name and optimists think there’s a chance that may be the case here. However, it’s still too early to tell. In the meantime, the band has cleared out their Facebook page apart from this announcement, which you can view below. … Continued →

Bastard Tongue is a doom metal band featuring former members of Idealist. Their self-titled EP was produced by Evan King (formerly of Attalus) and debuts 1/12. You’ll be able to find it on their Bandcamp.… Continued →

Cam Smith of Hotel Books fame has announced a new side project, Camp Hope. Musically, Camp Hope deviates from the emo/post-rock atmosphere of Hotel Books, opting for a poppy rap-rock approach comparable to early Linkin Park. Check out the debut single, Ready to Fall, below. The band has also announced their first album, “Michael”, will be out 1/26. … Continued →

Author's sophomore release takes the best of "Of Brighter Days" and tops it off with synths and 80s influence for an album that's full of energy and technicality.

The defunct Kansas City indie/ambient group We Are Voices has posted for the first time in years to share their rendition of O Come, O Come Emmanuel. While they haven’t hinted at a reunion, we can only hope that this activity leads to more news. For fans of: SONS, Least of These, Thrice … Continued →

Experimental hardcore/spoken word project Autumnboy has released a video for the title track off “Ghost of a Broken Record”, which you can check out below. The full album is available here. … Continued →

Here is my “deluxe” review list for 2017 – 20 great albums paired with 17 EPs you shouldn’t overlook. This year, we saw strong releases from veteran acts and new groups alike, and they certainly weren’t confined to one genre. Hopefully you can find a new artist through the list below – and please let me know your opinions in the comments! *Denotes IVM Artist Albums 1.*’68 – Two Parts Viper This abrasive return to form by one of our generation’s most iconic rock duos manages to top their previous release, with a succulent mix of rock, grunge, hardcore, funk, and plenty of passion.… Continued →

Here is a small selection of originals and covers throughout the years by some of our favorite artists.

"Notos" is an explosive EP full of layered, diverse instrumentation and compelling vocals and lyrics.

About Chris DuPont Chris DuPont is a singer-songwriter from Ann Arbor, MI. who mixes stylistic elements of indie, folk, and ambient. His approach to songwriting is down-to-earth and honest, paired with subdued instrumentation. Vibrant strings accentuate the emotional experience, resulting in songs that certainly have a lot of radio potential but which manage to maintain artistic expression nonetheless. Fans of Motherfolk and Ed Sheeran will find much to enjoy. Check out his 2015 album, “Outlier”, below. … Continued →

New Archabald Album Out in 2018 Albuquerque, NM. experimental rock group Archabald has been teasing followers with a combination of cryptic posts, humorous polls, and poetic quotes. All this considered, a new album is in the works. It hasn’t been revealed exactly how far the group is into the writing process, but you can expect more news as time goes on. The band has also strongly hinted toward a giveaway, so be sure to follow them on social media. About Archabald Archabald released their debut full length, “Relativity”, in early 2016.… Continued →

“Is It Far // Or Is It Close” Due 1/1/18 Minneapolis-based indie act Author has announced their first new album in just about three years. “Is It Far // Or Is It Close” is due 1/1, but the band has set up pre-orders and has three tracks up for preview. “IIFOIIC” sees Author dabble with the ambient, post-rock leanings found on their debut, “Of Brighter Days”, this time incorporating some electronic elements as well. Add in the band’s penchant for technical, noninvasive drumming and they’re set to open up 2018 on a strong note.… Continued →

Although Abandon Kansas dropped off the map for several years after the release of “Alligator”, they’ve returned with a deluxe edition of their 2007 album, “You Build a Wall, I’ll Build a Ladder”. It contains the original track listing along with demos, acoustic versions, and other sundries. You can check it out below or on most other digital outlets: … Continued →

Acoustic/spoken word/rock project Wind Words has released his debut album, Digging Up Earth, produced by Mark Nicks of Cool Hand Luke. … Continued →

The Welcome Wagon returns with a strong orchestral folk follow-up to 2012's "Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices".

Mark Mathis' latest EP is a refreshing blend of folk, alternative, and worship.

Harp & Lyre's aggressive 2012 finale deserves some time in the light.

If this is the first time you’re reading about Nashville’s explosive dance-rock trio, Medic, let me first direct you to a few other articles: A review of their 2016 full-length and their previous single, Smoke. For those who have been following the band for any length of time, their sound has developed from traditional indie pop into a more refined, darker synthetic wall of reverb. It’s moody, summery, and introspective. I’m excited for the next proper release, but until then, check out Wander below.… Continued →

Eclectic electronic rap-rock project SMOTZ has resurfaced with a new single in anticipation of his new album, “Ghost Boy”. Listen below. WARNING: VIDEO CONTAINS FLASHING IMAGES … Continued →

We're proud to celebrate the (second) one-year anniversary of IVM. Take a look at some of our most-read content and share your own memories.

Hotel Books' latest release manages to hit me where it hurts the most.

Beautiful Eulogy's anticipated third full-length is out - but weak hooks and some filler keep it from being an instant favorite.