Neon Indian’s Alan Palomo struggles to find a fresh voice in his sophomore album “Era Extraňa.” Instead, the album’s “chill wave” sound becomes an analogy for our directionless youth culture.

Arts and Entertainment writer Mitchell Bates gives a thumbs-up to the new Fleet Foxes album, “Helplessness Blues,” and critiques the lack of sizzle between the love interests in the Marvel Comics-based “Thor.”

This week, the Arts and Entertainment desk reviews films “Win Win” and “Hanna,” as well as TV on the Radio’s latest album, “Nine Types of Light.”

City on a Hill Press reviews some of the latest additions to the world of entertainment. Arianna Vinion enjoys Panda Bear’s newest effort, while Mitchell Bates is critical of “Battle: Los Angeles.”

Vampire Weekend’s sound and lyrics dictate the soundtrack of a college student’s life.

Petrychor’s Dryad expands upon the Black Metal genre.

Sometimes you don’t have to reinvent the wheel, just show that it’s still relevant and interesting.

Arts writer Elsbeth Riley looks back at the popular music of 2009. Focusing on the success of Lady GaGa, Taylor Swift, and Jay-Z in the past year. And what it might be that makes them each such fan favorites.

Sept. 13 @ The Catalyst Club, Downtown Santa Cruz More Cowbell. That’s what the audience wanted and what it got as the seven-man alternative/reggae band One Pin Short, hailing from Las Vegas, started off the evening.  The band put on quite a pre-show for a modest crowd, including a daring spectacle by guitarist Jesse Magaña, [...]

Sept. 16 @ The Catalyst Club, Downtown Santa Cruz Arriving before the main event at a live gig is always a gamble.  Apparently everyone decided to play it safe and wait to show up until Sugar Ray was on stage, because opening act Aimee Allen sang to a crowd you could count on two hands. [...]