Why Coheed & Cambria’s latest album is important and you should give it a(nother) listen

Coheed & Cambria released their latest record this month, “The Color Before The Sun,” signifying their departure from their usual conceptual storyline, “The Amory Wars.” The record has earned praise among fans, as well as others citing their disappointment due to its lack of story. It is their arguably most accessible and commercial record yet, […]

Mountain Faith returns home

People from the community packed Main Street in Sylva, Thursday, Sept. 10, with the hopes of getting just a glimmer of the returning hometown band, Mountain Faith. Firetrucks, Triple Threat dancers, and finally Mountain Faith paraded down Main Street toward Bridge Park. The band was welcomed with open arms by approximately 1,500 people, according to […]

New Music Monday: Hiss Golden Messenger

  Hearing a song by Hiss Golden Messenger for the first time, you might think you’re listening to someone from the Greenwich Village Gaslight Cafe Bob Dylan-y scene of the early 60s. The country/jazz/rock/folk sound of the band comes from a collaboration of singer/songwriter M.C. Taylor and recording engineer Scott Hirsch. Like one of the […]

Show Review: An Evening with Avidity

I can’t think of a better way to kick off my time as a staff writer for The Western Carolina Journalist than to review a show put on right in our neighborhood. Those of us addicted to concerts know that that’s a big deal because we are used to driving to Asheville to get our […]

Searching for Avidity

Daniel Ross isn’t your typical college student. The 23-year-old from Fayetteville, NC came to Western Carolina University in the fall of 2009.  Six years later, he is finishing up his communication degree with a concentration in public relations and a minor in hospitality and tourism. He is graduating in May, and he will be celebrating […]

“Spread It Heavy” with Porch 40

From house party to premier venue, Porch 40 is increasing the size of their performances, as well as their unique repertoire. Porch 40 is a college town band taking the local music scene in western North Carolina to a new level. Andrew Duncan, Carter McDevitt, Spencer Bradley, Scott Burr and Mitchell Metz formed the progressive/funk/rock group […]