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The Student News Site of Biola University

The Chimes

The Student News Site of Biola University

The Chimes

The Student News Site of Biola University

The Chimes

Artist Elias Shamoon releases two new singles

Biola alumnus Elias Shamoon recently released two singles: "fool without you" and "coma."
This recent Biola graduate is diving headfirst into the world of songwriting, and he’s already well on his way.
Brendan Peters, Staff Writer January 19, 2023

Elias Shamoon, a keyboardist, singer and guitarist, graduated from Biola in December and is now using his music education to pursue a big career. GETTING STUFF OUT THERE Songwriting is a key part of being a commercial musician. That practice can be long, full of difficulty and constant changes, or...

They Might Be Giants’ ‘BOOK’ maximizes surrealness, pathos and groove

They Might Be Giants’ ‘BOOK’ maximizes surrealness, pathos and groove
The 22nd studio album rewards listeners with a sensory overload of lyrical and instrumental delights.
Lydia Snow, Freelance Writer November 9, 2021

Grammy-winning, Tony-nominated band They Might Be Giants will release its latest album, “BOOK,” on Nov. 12. For nearly four decades, the collaboration between melody-obsessed poetic savant John Linnell and individualistic rock-and-roll master John Flansburgh has enchanted lovers of alternative music. A...

A Day to Remember merges catchy lyrics with deafening rock anthems

A Day to Remember merges catchy lyrics with deafening rock anthems
Memorable and insufferable, “You’re Welcome” is a mixed bag.
Joshua Flores, Staff Writer March 9, 2021

A Day to Remember released “You’re Welcome” on March 5, an album full of interesting lyrics and dance-worthy beats. Almost violent in nature, many of the songs on “You’re Welcome” warrant headphones and a fully stocked supply of Advil on hand. Much of the album is drowned out by the screamo-esque...

“Indigo Violet” is creative and important

“Indigo Violet” is creative and important
COIN releases the first portion of their “Rainbow Mixtape.”
Lauren McBride, Senior Copy Editor October 24, 2020

With the coronavirus pandemic continuing to limit artists’ ability to connect with fans, artists are becoming increasingly creative with the work they put out. COIN’s “Indigo Violet” is a perfect example of a unique method of attracting fans’ attention and producing excitement during this time....

Bon Jovi releases flavorless “2020”

Bon Jovi releases flavorless “2020”
Genuine but lacking innovation, Bon Jovi recounts a tragic year.
Emily Coffey, Managing Editor October 6, 2020

Bon Jovi released “2020” on Oct. 2, the rock band’s first album since 2018’s “This House is Not For Sale.” The lyrics, at best, are simple and to the point, and the musicality has been stripped of most of the classic elements that made Bon Jovi so popular in the ‘80s.  THE SAME SOUND “2020”...

Other Lives releases a sonic adventure

Embark on a musical journey with this wandering album.
Emily Coffey, Managing Editor April 28, 2020

On April 24, Other Lives released their long-awaited fourth album, “For Their Love,” after five years of near-silence. A triumphant comeback, it features a theatric, James Bond end-credits feel, opening to lush musical landscapes that transport the listener. SOUND OF THEIR LIVES “Sound Of Violence”...

The Strokes return to form in ‘The New Abnormal’

After seven years, the band returns with brilliantly constructed tracks that draw from unexpected influences.
Chris Charpentier, Staff Writer April 17, 2020

The Strokes have built up their reputation since the release of their 2001 debut album “Is This It,” considered by many to be one of the best debut albums of all time. The band single-handedly brought a garage rock revival to the mainstream and influenced bands like Kings of Leon, Arctic Monkeys...

Green Day albums from best to worst

Green Day albums from best to worst
Out of the band’s 15 albums, which one stands above the rest?
Emily Coffey, Managing Editor February 1, 2020

Most music lovers know Green Day for their in-your-face hard rock, often defined by dirty electric guitar, square, accented beats and vocals that blur the line between singing and yelling. Fueled by passion against social injustice, the band often blends their teen angst vibe with lyricism that mocks...

Circa Waves teases an underwhelming album with “Happy”

The first half of Circa Waves’ upcoming album brings familiar indie-rock tropes in an uninspired project.
Sammy Newcomer January 17, 2020

After a brief pause in new releases, British indie-rock outfit Circa Waves has returned with half of their upcoming album. With “Sad Happy” releasing in March, the group has fittingly titled this half “Happy.”   UNSOLVED PROBLEM  The intention behind the new album, according to frontman...

Coldplay albums ranked from worst to best

Here are some of Coldplay essentials from their past seven albums before the release of "Everyday Life."
With seven albums under their belt, which one tops them all?
Chris Charpentier, Staff Writer November 21, 2019

As one of the most well-known bands in the world, Coldplay blends grand rock music with pop sensibility that connects with many. Now they’re back with new music after four years. In anticipation for "Everyday Life," check out this ranking of all seven albums. 7. “A Head Full of Dreams” The most...

Cold War Kids fail to expand horizons with “New Age Norms 1”

Despite a promising start, the band plays it safe in latest release.
Chris Charpentier, Staff Writer November 5, 2019

In the summer of 2018, Biola alumni and rock band Cold War Kids were on tour while the highly prolific Kanye West released five new albums from his label, G.O.O.D. Music. These albums were only seven tracks long and this format inspired the band to create a three-volume album, with “New Age Norms 1”...

Fitz and the Tantrums’ “All The Feels” fails to show variety

The indie-pop band presents an entertaining album, but does not branch out from their norm.
Lauren McBride, Senior Copy Editor September 21, 2019

After a handful of successful hits in their past two albums, Fitz and the Tantrums return with their latest release, “All The Feels.”  The alternative rock-pop band’s new music is catchy and contains a quality message but is overly repetitive. POTENTIAL COMEBACK Known for “HandClap” and...