February 1, 2023
Stein (I Know You Rider) depicts the jubilant highs and grimy lows of life in a touring rock band in this richly detailed fictional travelogue about Major Threat, a Brooklyn-based band on a monthlong tour across the United States. On drums there's the ever-reliable Ed; on bass, the unbelievably easy-going Paul; fashion-forward guitarist Lilith is determined not to let the recent dissolution of her long-term relationship prevent her from having a good time; lead singer Marcus is the youngest and least experienced member of the group and anxious to learn all there is to know about life on the road. Like, is it ever appropriate to blow off helping load or unload equipment? What is the ideal meal to enjoy before a performance? How do you maintain your cool while suffering the indignity of watching your opening act achieve stardom far in excess of your own? Stein's amazingly expressive illustration utilizes simple, fluid lines to create human figures capable of conveying nuanced emotion. VERDICT An immersive odyssey featuring a cast of truly lovable characters.
Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
February 1, 2023
A rock band called Major Threat is about embark on a music tour, and they're breaking in a new lead singer. The band consists of Ed, a responsible drummer; Lilith, a perpetually high guitarist; Paul, a bassist of little words who attracts attention and adoration wherever he goes; and Marco, the new twentysomething singer with a bushy mustache. This comic acts as a love letter to pop culture, major U.S. cities, and--of course--band tours as the group experiences highs and lows, performing night after night in venues that start to blend together. The characters have been rendered with slumping postures, pinpoint eyes, and shapeless, chinless faces, and their dialogue looks handwritten, which allows for a changing font that adds voice and emphasis. Long hair, round glasses, and drug references lend a nostalgic hippie vibe to this contemporary story, and the somewhat sad yet humorous colored-pencil drawings contribute to the overall dry humor. Hand this one to music lovers, whether they've performed onstage themselves or have simply wondered what it'd feel like.
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February 27, 2023
A rising indie band loads the van for a cross-country survey of dingy clubs, outdoor festivals, and at least one half-price wing night in this quirky fictional tour diary by Stein (I Know You Rider). Major Threat (they know...) hope a stint with a younger opening act will jump-start a breakthrough. Their agent has booked a mixed bag of gigs—low-key bars, a couple larger venues, but also a deflating bill with a stand-up comedian. Lighthearted vignettes of the tour grind get a lift from Stein’s distinctive colored pencil and watercolor art and expressive, twee caricatures of the band (their puppet-like heads are dashed as little more than eyes, mouth, and a haircut). New singer Marco acclimates to the band between calls to his girlfriend, Ed (drums) cultivates a tour beard (he’s taking time off from a tech job), Lillith (guitar) broadens her horizons in the wake of a recent breakup, and the beatifically chill Paul (bass) naps and abides. Real-life rocker Stein’s insider perspective shines through in scenes of hurried sound checks, Red Bull–fueled debates, occasional hook-ups, and road trip humor, and in how the narrative lays bare the uncertainties and loneliness of life in a roving makeshift family unit. This endearing hangout comedy has a lived-in feel that’s sure to resonate with aspiring musicians and music lovers alike.