5 BROTHERS LOST
5 BROTHERS LOST
SELF-RELEASED CD
5 Brothers Lost is a Brooklyn-based quartet who, much like its hometown, are
brash and in your face. Encapsulating the early sounds of fellow Brooklynites
Type O Negative, Biohazard, and Life of Agony, the five tracks that comprise
the band's disc hit as hard as a freight train, chugging along and gaining momentum
before it steamrolls over you. If you enjoy loud, heavy music that (as the back
of the band's CD highlights) is chock full of raw energy, then you're ready for
the sledgehammered sounds of 5 Brothers Lost. Website
-Mike SOS
20 MILES
LIFE DOESN'T RHYME
FAT POSSUM RECORDS
If you're familiar with The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, then you're familiar
with 20 Miles' vocalist/guitarist Judah Bauer. Anyway, with LIFE DOESN'T RHYME,
Judah and co. head off on an adventure to explore and create music that is inspired
with facets of blues, R&B, rock, and rockabilly. This album (on Epitaph offshoot
Fat Possum) is an experience in superior songwriting and craftsmanship. This
probably isn't something the reader of SKRATCH would normally listen to, but
the passion and talent that is showcased on LIFE DOESN'T RHYME may just change
your mind. The album is almost a throwback album of sorts, because it gives a
modern spin to American music that was popular in the early- to mid-20th century.
If you're bored with the scene today, then 20 Miles is a refreshing change, especially
if you're already a fan of blues and other similar forms of music. I highly recommend
this album to those with open minds. It even got me interested in checking out
Jon Spencer.
-Dane Jackson
40 BELOW SUMMER
THE MOURNING AFTER
RAZOR AND TIE
Simply put, this was "the bad album" of the month for me. Upon first
reading an awful review of THE MOURNING AFTER in MEAN STREET, I didn't expect
to hear much. All the tracks seem to blur together. I do recall one particular
song that I enjoyed: "A Season in Hell"; but other than that, the album
was not too memorable. Each song blended metal and rapcore, which is not very
impressive to my ears these days. I recommend that 40 Below Summer reinvent their
sound, rather than pressing their humdrum sound on the music scene.
-Luke Skywalker
A SMALL VICTORY
THE PIECES WE KEEP
LOBSTER
The victory this relatively young Georgian quintet has won is definitely small,
but surely a victory. Playing their own take on a heavily-explored genre, A Small
Victory create catchy, driving, and energetic rock, and they do it well. The
lyrics are similar to those of Chris Conley (of Saves the Day)—bitter and
resentful over love gone wrong (but not quite as gory). Lines like "With
you is like pulling my teeth out / So we are spending this year's holidays alone
/ Nothing to keep us warm but the water that burns in our guts" are laced
within every song on this EP. This band has everything it takes to gain a strong
following and go far. Website
-tChow
A THORN FOR EVERY HEART
SILENCE IS GOLDEN
SELF-RELEASED
To put it simply, A Thorn for Every Heart is Finch meets Yellowcard—another
cookie-cutter pop-punk band with screaming attempts to put their own "unique" spin
on the exhausted genre by stealing an idea from another band. Unfortunately for
them, the violin does not help. Songs such as "Eleven" are already
cluttered with conflicting vocals, and the violin makes the track hard to listen
to. The lyrics sound like they came out of the "screamo" edition of
Mad Libs, the vocals are filtered to the point where their singer sounds like
a robot, and the musical proficiency is nowhere nearly as good as their peers
in A Static Lullaby. This is just another forgettable band with a terrible name.
Dust off your Finch CD, and save your ears.
-Ryan Pangilinan
AGAINST ME!
AS THE ETERNAL COWBOY
FAT WRECK
Against Me isn't as much a band as it is a movement of one man joined with a
musical force, as outcast punk Tom Gabel's rise to fame started as a one-man
band's acoustic crusade and filled out to form a visceral punk-rock band. Florida's
new punk heroes seem loads more wistful than other bands on the scene, which
makes AS THE ETERNAL COWBOY head and shoulders above most of its peers' releases.
At times it also gets as sleepy as alt-country and as punchy as any self-respecting
power-pop punker's output, making the sing-along styling of Against Me, as well
as the group's diversity, unrivaled. Carrying the spirit of punk rock, yet showcasing
so much more, Against Me's adventurous offering may be the most unlikely fist-pumping,
rebel-rousing release heard since The Clash entered the picture. Website
-Mike SOS
AKERCOCKE
CHORONZON
EARACHE
Akercocke are unassuming by appearance, but don't let the English death-metaller's
tailor made suit and tie fashions fool you: this band is as Satanic as any face-painted,
pentagram-wearing Swede—and CHORONZON is the band's audio guide to evil.
Mixing the bowels-of-hell guttural growl with some of the most technical metal
heard in the genre, these guys are relentless in the pursuit of bringing the
occult to the forefront of their music. Sharing traits with bands such as Emperor,
Possessed, and Slayer, Akercocke's blast-beated brutality is mixed with elements
of progressive rock, making this outfit not only feared for its beliefs, but
also for its musical ability. Savagely satisfying, if you denounce the current
wave of bands that rely solely on image and lack musical prowess, Akercocke's
latest release should challenge you on all levels. Website
-Mike SOS
ANADIVINE
SELF-TITLED
SIDECHO RECORDS
The debut release from this Kingston, NY, quartet is a lengthy eight-song EP
that showcases a progressive rock style and a band that is unafraid to deal with
complicated life issues. Scathing, heartfelt lyrics about alcohol abuse, suicide,
and murder dominate the album, as the band blasts through its material with a
passion and emotion born of experience. With a sound similar to (but spacier
than) Tool, the band crafts breathtaking thematic material that almost passes
for prog rock. After already having shared the stage with bands such as Midtown
and Dashboard Confessional, it seems a foregone conclusion that these guys are
born for success. This is an incredible piece of work from one of New York's
most talented new bands. Do yourself a favor and catch these guys live before
they become a headliner. Listen to the new EP for free at Website.
-DUG
ANGRY AGENCY
THIS IS WHAT DEMOCRACY LOOKS LIKE
CORE-UPT
Man, when I was 18, I loved Rx Bandits. I was walking around my school with a
copy of "Adbusters" and rocking HALFWAY BETWEEN HERE AND THERE in my
tape player like it was nobody's business. I imagine that's exactly what the
members of Angry Agency were doing last week. These guys are Rx Bandits-lite:
all the political rhetoric, but they sound like Reel Big Fish—which doesn't
make them very angry at all. There's very little that makes this CD good. The
recording quality is very poor and the singer doesn't sing very well. The only
good songs are the two where they poke fun at emo kids ("Tickle Me Emo" and "One
for the Emo Kids"). This is just another ska band with a funny name. Skamazing!
-Ryan Pangilinan
ANN BERETTA
THREE CHORD REVOLUTION
UNION 2112 RECORDS
Formed in '96 after the break-up of Inquisition, Ann Beretta drew their influences
from the likes of The Ramones, Green Day, and Rancid. (I'll just go ahead and
forget that they used the Joker's lines from the movie BATMAN ("Dance with
the devil in the pale moonlight") for their song "New Revolution" (which
also features a guitar solo from Joe Banks of Avail).) Ann Beretta are at their
best on hook-driven and deeply infectious tunes like "Not Invited", "Angry
All the Time", "Better Half", and (my favorite) "Lipstick
and Makeup". This goes down easy and is recommended for those who like a
little pop in their punk. Annberetta.com" target=_blank>Website
-Jude Ruiz
ANTI-FLAG
THE TERROR STATE
FAT WRECK CHORDS
This record is fun. It even comes with a cut out stencil of Bush with a caption
that reads "one term president," with instructions on how to graffiti
it around your town and stuff. Anti-Flag has been in the press a lot about their
opposition to Bush, so I sincerely hope something comes about from it all; I
hope it isn't all hype and promotion for the album—since EVERY song on
the album is against Bush. But they do a Woody Guthrie cover, which is kind of
cool. This is a really good album, I suppose, but if the intent is protesting
instead of rocking, then this seems to lack urgency—like it's more about
dancing than protest. When I think of protest albums, I think of Crass. But I
suppose I shouldn't limit my view of what people can do to stop the rise of Republican
dictators. Fight the good fight—that's all you can ask, I guess. Am I making
any sense? Just buy the album: it'll help elect a different jerk in 2004...and
any jerk is better than Bush, right?!
-chad
APB
KAROSHI (WORK YOURSELF TO DEATH)
DO THE DOG MUSIC
This album has everything a true ska fan desires. It's upbeat, peppy—and
besides that, the songs on this album are anti-establishment in nature. When
I listen to a ska band, I like to hear something that breaks the ska mold. If
every band uses upstrokes and horn blasts in the same ways, things get monotonous,
so it's always fun to hear a band like APB play around with the ska formula and
makes it its own. APB succeeds because of its bland of reggae, dub, synthesizers,
and a 2-Tone ska sound. Plus, not since The Slackers album earlier this year
have I heard an instrumental as powerful as "Yami". Ska fans rejoice—it
looks like 2004 may be the year ska comes back with a vengeance.
-Dane Jackson
APRIL SIXTH
MARIPOSA AVE.
ELEKTRA RECORDS
Another paralyzing nu-rock band to further gum up the airwaves and appease fans
of Nickelback and Creed, April Sixth's rise to the top and subsequent fall from
grace should culminate with this six-song disaster. They're a spiritual band
at their core, but this plodding foray into secular music is one giant waste
of time—faceless, vanilla hard rock/metal akin to P.O.D. without the hooks
or Starflyer 59 sans ambition.
-Jason Jett
ARMY OF PONCH
VS. THE CURSE
SABOT RECORDINGS
If Gainesville is the Seattle of now, then Army of Ponch is its Green River.
Consisting of (at one point or another) members of more well-known bands like
Twelve Hour Turn and The Blacktop Cadence, Army of Ponch seems to be greater
than the sum of its parts. This EP is an exercise in tight, brash post-hardcore.
Frantic vocals work well for the overall feel of the three songs featured here.
I would recommend this to any fan of No Idea bands—and anyone who needs
proof that Gainesville doesn't fuck around.
-Casey Clague
ASTERIUS
A MOMENT OF SINGULARITY
CRUZ DEL SUR
Asterius is a German-based metal outfit whose sound spans the metal spectrum,
mixing in Iron Maiden's gallop with the majesty of Cradle of Filth and the grooves
of Soilwork. Ambitious and unafraid to shake the scene up, this quintet seem
well-enough versed in the history of heavy metal enough to emulate its greatness
without treading the same old paths other bands choose. While songs like "Another
Me" may be too goth for the metal crowd and songs like "On Black Tusk" may
take the listener to a place darker than anticipated, this nine-track album succeeds
in providing metal fans with open minds a new band to enjoy. Website
-Mike SOS
AUTUMN PICTURE
FAIT MAISON
HILL BILLY STEW
One of my favorite things about acoustic singer/songwriters is the honesty with
which they craft their songs. Autumn Picture is the project of Canadian Hubert
Taschereau, whose music sounds suspiciously like that of late Elliott Smith's.
Though many of the songs could be mistaken as that of Smith (e.g., "Daylight"),
many set Taschereau completely apart (e.g., "Words Mean Nothing Anymore").
His voice sounds downright whiny on some tracks, but his candor is extremely
winning...and the tunes are not half bad, either. Website
-tChow
BELLA FUTURO
EMPIRE OF DIRT
MAKE BREAK RECORDS
Started by Ray Taddeo (formerly of The Operation and Me Without You—so
his musical resume speaks for itself), Bella Futuro attempts to mix the two worlds
of indie rock and hip-hop. The EP sounds like something Gorillaz would've released.
There are many similarities between the two groups, including the vocal and ambient
sampling style. The tracks on this EP are very consistent, each showcasing a
solid beat and a vocal rhythm that'll get you nodding your head. This attempt
at creativity has come off well.
-ADF
BLACK ROSE DIARY
BURNING BRIDGES AND BROKEN HEARTS
SELF-RELEASED
The harmonies are coarse, and the melodies reach too far to be catchy on nearly
every track of Black Rose Diary's debut record. While their raw guitar-punk sound
can hint to Social Distortion and Bad Religion at times, neither of the alternating
singers are particularly good (unlike those of their heroes). Guitarists Josh
Zimmer and Jeff Phillips share vocal duties—and apparently the same voice,
as you can't tell which one sings which songs the bulk of the time. The vocals
come off more like Buster Poindexter than David Johansen on "Devil Town". "Another
Shallow Grave" visits the hardcore mindset the band suggests, but more times
than not they seem too myopic in their compulsion to part their listener's hair
with that big rawk sound. In the end, their first effort comes off more piss
than polish—which usually doesn't make a better punk record sound like
crap.
-Rob Macy
BOY AND GIRL
SELF-TITLED
SELF-RELEASED
This gets a high score for originality. Boy and Girl are (as you might have guessed)
made up of a guy and a girl. They alternate vocals throughout the album, with
occasional screaming from the guy and varied vocals from the girl. What makes
this band different are the synthesized percussion and electronic beats that
liven up each track. The formula here is definitely an acquired taste, and some
tracks are really cheesy, but their sound is undeniably matchless. If you are
into electronic music and intense vocals, this might be right up your alley.
-Anthony
BRODII SPLIT
EVERYTHING I HATE
WORLD
Brodii Split is a very ironic band. The cover art for EVERYTHING I HATE is a
collage of images featuring Britney Spears, AMERICAN IDOL, Ben Affleck and J-Lo,
President Bush, and MTV. But Brodii Split is a saccharine-soaked pop-punk band,
so generally, the 14-year-old girls who like MTV, Britney, and Bennifer will
probably like the band. The album is fairly mediocre, and the band is three guys
in their mid-20s who refuse to try to play anything other than the Blink-182
tabs they printed from the Internet. The best song on this album is "Blow".
[Insert funny joke here.]
-Ryan Pangilinan
BROKEN BOTTLES
NOT PRETTY
FINGER RECORDS
The music of Broken Bottles brings back memories when punk rock was still dangerous—not
like the mall punk of today. Drawing its inspiration from bands like T.S.O.L.
and Social D, Broken Bottles may just be the answer to the prayers of all the
Good Charlotte and Simple Plan haters. No one is safe with this album. Broken
Bottles touch on everything from goth chicks to Kelly Osbourne and broken homes.
You'll hear remnants of The Cramps, The Ramones, T.S.O.L., and Social D in Broken
Bottles' music—and that's not a bad thing. Broken Bottles are the complete
package of punk-rock anthems and relevant subject matter.
-Dane Jackson
CATCH 22
DINOSAUR SOUNDS
VICTORY
Catch 22's latest release is a lean 33 minutes in length. But don't let that
fool you, as the 13 tracks that comprise DINOSAUR SOUNDS are rich in content.
With horns blaring and a punk-ska backbeat as a constant, the New Jersey sextet
are continuing to write bouncy, fun-loving music that instantly energizes and
refreshes. Tunes like "Dreams of Venus" and "Rocky" mix infectious
horns with memorable melodies and a punk-rock underbelly that truly picks the
mood up. Benefiting from the explosion of the ska scene and from being venerable
veterans of the road at a tender age, these guys have survived the rigors of
the road and have focused attention on making fun music for the world to dance
to. DINOSAUR SOUNDS does just that—and then some—and fits nicely
in between NOFX and Less Than Jake. Website
-Mike SOS
CHARGERS STREET GANG
THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD
GET HIP RECORDINGS
This is the second record by Cleveland's own Chargers Street Gang, which has
been part of the great garage-rock revival the Midwest has been promising for
some time. The unfortunate part about Midwestern garages is that they're all
built identically from a pattern that's 30 years old. The MC5, The Deadboys,
The Stooges, and The Sonics were all great bands, and Chargers Street Gang definitely
shows their influences. But what I really want hear in a garage-rock band is
something new and raw and destructive. I want hear music that shoves those old
fogies out of the way! Move over, Iggy—the new rock 'n' roll is going to
kick down all the doors you missed! But Chargers Street Gang doesn't quite do
that; they kick down the doors that've already been kicked down—so who
cares, right?
-chad
CIVET
S/T
CALL GIRL RECORDS
All female punk bands probably have a hard time in the scene, often getting pigeon-holed
and grouped with similar bands. I could go a completely different route with
this review—but I won't. Why? Well, because I personally think the ladies
of Civet are trying a bit too hard. It seems as is lead singer Liza Graves screams
for screaming's sake, and that just holds back the overall sound of the band.
She sounds like a Brody Armstrong clone—who, in turn, sounds like a Courtney
Love clone. Musically, the band is solid. In fact, the guitar work on the album
is some of the best guitar work I've heard in a while, just the right mix of
distortion and eerie riffs to make Carmen Cappetta one of the major players in
the scene. This band has what it takes to be great. The lyrics are great, the
music is great—the only piece of the puzzle that's missing is a distinct
voice. As soon as Graves steps out of Love's shadow, Civet will be on the road
to success. Her voice works on "So Emo", but other than that, I'm not
digging it.
-Dane Jackson
COACHWHIPS
BANGERS VS FUCKERS
NARNACK RECORDS
One part hillbilly, two parts garage rock, and one part dance party. After hours
of intense thought, that's how I have chosen to describe the new Coachwhips release.
The recording sounds lo-fi, as if it were recorded in a garage somewhere. This
San Francisco three-piece is full of raw energy and attitude. To compare the
group with any other bands would be a disgrace. Both the music and lyrical content
are very abstract, while the music is very garage-rock indie. If you're into
bands such as Thunderbirds Are Now! or retro-rock fanatics such as The White
Stripes, then Coachwhips is for you.
-ADF
COLLIDER
WCYF
SONA BLAST! RECORDS
Take four ugly guys, give each of them an instrument, and then tell them to play
really cheesy pop/rock. Do I really need to go on? Collider has created an album
full of radio-friendly rock songs that fall short of everything from creativity
to style. What the fuck happened to rock? Can someone please tell me?
-ADF
CORDALENE
CORDALENE (THE BLUE EP)
MANIC POP THRILL RECORDS
After opening spots with Rooney, it was very easy for the uninitiated to cast
Philly pop tarts Cordalene as another pretty-boy no-trick pony, but the awkward
thrash and swinging pop music revealed on the group's second self-titled, color-coordinated
EP reveals some aspirations for greatness that are not chemically-induced. Exhibiting
their new line-up, they've got some of the catchiest songs going in their own
little Elvis Costello- and The Cars-influenced niche (see Phantom Planet, etc.),
making the perfect whispery croon meet with chopped squeals from guy and guitar
alike. "Imaginary" shows all their tricks, with catchy hooks and swift
beats that could be Semisonic if Dan Wilson knew how to dance. All the girls
will faint and all the boys will get jealous—and Cordalene haven't even
made their break yet!
-Rob Macy
CRAZY MARY
I'M NOT GOING TO STOP TOUCHING IT
HUMSTING RECORDS
Co-ed rockers Crazy Mary could quite possibly be the most boring band in America.
Progenitors of stuttering, synth-smeared pub-rock reminiscent of such non-entities
as 4 Non Blondes and Eve's Plum, this freaky-deaky foursome couldn't be more
listless if they tried. Even their attempts to pump life into the muse via rampant
profanity (e.g., "When the Shit Hits the Fan") and loads of organ overload
(e.g., "Knucklehead") can't help this clunker from sinking to the bottom
of Lake Mundane.
-Jason Jett
CURANDEROS
EVOLUCION SHOW
DMP RECORDINGS
Warning to all English-speaking citizens: EVOLUCION SHOW, the fourth effort by
Los Angeles-based Latin band Curanderos, is strictly in Spanish. This is a first
for me, and, to be honest, the album doesn't even need lyrics, able to stand
on its own crystal clear alt-rock template. Picture something along the lines
of Alien Ant Farm with some multi-directional beats that can either sound like
a stage-diving riot ("Respira") or a sexy gallivant through Mexico
("Dolores"). It's all pretty impressive—and if you already speak
Spanish, it may be that much better.
-Darren Ratner
CURL UP AND DIE
BUT THE PAST AIN'T THROUGH WITH US
REVELATION
Adventurous hardcore clan Curl Up and Die return with an four-song EP that showcases
not only the growth of a band, but also shows just how far a band can explore
without sacrificing brutality. Not a conventional hardcore outfit by any means,
CUAD throw in math-rock time changes, sludgy interludes, throat-straining metal
riffs, and an ominous mystique, making the Las Vegas quartet the most artsy hardcore
band this side of Everytime I Die. Remember how albums like Faith No More's ANGEL
DUST made you feel after listening? The same feeling applies to the latest by
Curl Up and Die, as the band's penchant for making something heavy and volatile
yet stoic and beautiful truly shines here. Website
-Mike SOS
DAYS AWAY
THE FEEL OF IT E/P
WE THE PEOPLE RECORDS
This EP surprisingly was recorded well over two years ago, but it's right on
mark with today's pop-punk scene, which has swept the airwaves. Four childhood
friends make up Orange County's Days Away, who has received help from various
hometown buddies, like The Starting Line. There isn't too much originality present
on the recording, although the members are strong musicians and songs like "Easier
said than done" and "The Regular" are structurally solid. Days
Away is currently on tour with The Starting Line, RX Bandits, and more. Check
out their site for more information on this up-and-coming pop-punk band. website
-Breanne Dunn
DEAD LIKE DALLAS
THE GREAT MIDWESTERN TRAGEDY
SHEPARD GANG ???
Barely two years old, post-hardcore band Dead Like Dallas has released this 10-track
album as a story of the love and loss of their lives. From the throat-tearing
screams to the more melodic hardcore sounds, you can feel each band member's
negative feelings toward his respective hometown. Although they lack a bassist—and,
based on listening to this, seem to have misplaced their sanity)—they are
by no means in need of talent. As far as insanity goes, the title track is rather
absurd in both sound and its unusually painful lyrics. This album calls for a
place in the "keep listening" pile…if you're in a depressive
kind of mood. So go on, hide all those things you might be tempted to break and
take a listen. Website
-Donna Delshad
DEL CIELO
WISH AND WAIT
EYEBALL RECORDS
Del Cielo is a three-piece band based in Richmond, VA. They started playing music
together about a year ago, and this is their first album. Before actually listening
to this album, it gave off the stink of being coffeeshop-based emo crap that
makes you wish you never liked music in the first place so you wouldn't have
to deal with bands like this. But after I listened to it, I found something really
very compelling about their music. They sound like Sleater-Kinney covering The
Cranberries, with acoustic guitars plugged into stomp boxes. But the singer's
voice is definitely the most captivating aspect of the band. It's the kind of
repressed sincerity you want to listen to over and over. Corin Tucker meets Sinead
O' Conner is my best comparison.
-chad
DESPISTADO
THE EMERGENCY RESPONSE
BOSS TUNEAGE
"
Despistado" is a Spanish adjective that has connotations of being vague,
confused, and muddled. Such is a good appellation for the Boss Tuneage label,
which promotes and nurtures bands that bury halfway decent songs in an avalanche
of distorted guitars. Despistado raises itself above its labelmates by not committing
that sin as often. Their focus on urgent, forward-moving drum rhythms, chorus
vocals, and crisp, angular guitar lines brings to mind NoMeansNo. I think if
we locked Despistado in a studio with blank tapes, a CD player, and NoMeansNo's
WRONG, they would come out with something really great. THE EMERGENCY RESPONSE
is the album of a progressive indie-rock band with good ideas on the cusp of
doing something very good—witness "Taste this Picture" and "Bubbles".
-Tom "Tearaway" Schulte
DOOM BUGGY
VERSUS THE BEAST
NOISE MAKER RECORDS
Hailing from Milwaukee, Doom Buggy released their debut, VERSUS THE BEAST, on
the eve of their one-year anniversary as band in November of 2003. For a band
that's been together for only a tad over a year, their math rock strikes all
the right chords. Bass lines beat along with the drums, and the guitar screeches
and vulnerable vocals make this recording a memorable experience. What is quite
odd and contrasts greatly with the romanticism in the lyrics are the song titles:
each title is one of past popular pop hits, like "The Thong Song" or "Tainted
Love". But don't let the goofy song titles fool you: this noise is certainly
not a joke, but a real gem of 2003.
-Breanne Dunn
DRAGONFLY
THE EDGE OF THE WORLD
PLANETARY
The first thing that will grab you about Dragonfly's THE EDGE OF THE WORLD is
the packaging: the two discs are enveloped in a bound, full-color booklet that
you may find on someone's coffee table and not in their CD rack. After gazing
at the breathtaking photos, it's on to Dragonfly's richly concocted music, whose
deep grooves like the Cure-esque "Back in Bed" complement the sleepy-time
feel of tunes such as "Falling Sky". Dragonfly's musicianship is nothing
to scoff at, as the quintet is comprised of seasoned session players from the
Boston area who, when put together, make rock songs with substance and style
(à la U2 and Radiohead). While a lot of what Dragonfly does might get
lost in the teenage and young-adult circle, those of you who like to rock and
have a mortgage to worry about should appreciate the type of mature rock this
band creates. Website
-Mike SOS
DREAM CATCHA
HERE I AM
SELF-RELEASED
The guys in this Australian band are great musicians. It's just that they play
a bland style of pop/rock vaguely similar to that of Barenaked Ladies. While
Dream Catcha may be hailed as one of the better new rock acts in Australia, there's
nothing that special about this debut EP. This band's brand of rock music belongs
on Top 40 radio or a soft rock station, so if you're a fan of bands that fit
into those formats, Dream Catcha may just be the best band you've never heard
of. (I, on the other hand, like my rock music with a bit more balls.)
-Dane Jackson
DUKES OF NOTHING
WAR & WINE
TORTUGARE
For some reason, this album was ridiculously fun to listen to. For a band that
sounds so much like a modern Motørhead, Dukes of Nothing still pull through
without sounding like rip-offs. The songs are short and sweet, most spanning
no more than two minutes. This seems elementary, but it causes no problems, instead
only accenting the ass-kicking that this album thoroughly causes. My favorite
tracks are "Miss Fortune" and "Riding", two amazing tracks
to drink beer and fight someone to. To sum everything up, it's a great album
by a great band.
-Steven Segallstones
EAT THE LIVING
SELF-TITLED
SELF-RELEASED
Soon after I popped this four-song EP into my trusty stereo, a couple of thoughts
began to surface in my head: 1) THE WIZARD OF OZ, 2) my clock. Allow me to explain.
THE WIZARD OF OZ refers to the striking resemblance between the lead singer's
vocals and the Wicked Witch of the West having an aneurysm. My clock was on my
mind because this extremely short EP (under 11 minutes) seemed like an eternity
from start to finish. Now, everything wasn't absolutely unbearable: there were
some occasional interesting metal guitar combined with better back-up vocals...but
these moments of redemption are discovered to be short-lived. I don't see this
band separating themselves from the excess amount of monotonous hardcore acts
in the scene today.
-Anthony
EMERY
THE WEAK'S END
TOOTH AND NAIL
Seattle's own Tooth and Nail Records has done it again. Somehow, they have snatched
up another winning band. This time it is Emery, a melodic hardcore six-piece
from South Carolina who relocated to Seattle to pursue their musical aspirations.
Their goal as a band is to portray love as the greatest of all things and that
compassion is far more important than anything else. Along with their commendable
vision, they have crafted a beautiful mix of screaming and melody, offering salvation
to a genre that is slowly losing credibility. Their first album, cleverly titled
THE WEAK'S END, will be released on January 27th, 2004. I highly suggest everyone
attain their own copy when that date rolls around. Website
-tChow
FANTOMAS
DELIRIUM CORDIA
IPECAC RECORDINGS
Interestingly, DELIRIUM CORDIA consists of only one song, which runs about 60
minutes. The song consists of snippets of sounds that are broken up into different
mini-sections of similar sounds. It's instrumental and very experimental. Many
sections sound like a soundtrack to a scary or sci-fi movie with eerie, spooky,
and Martian-like noises. Many of the noises are very random and don't seem to
have a purpose—except to be different or annoying. Buying this CD or being
excited about it seem ludicrous. It would only be useful if you're making a movie
and need some background music. If you enjoy instrumental and experimental music,
definitely give it a shot. If not, stay very far away!
-Jennifer Moncayo
FAR FROM BREAKING
THE IDENTITY
YOUNGBLOOD
Texas straight-edge five-piece Far from Breaking offer up some damn fine youth-crew-inspired
hardcore on THE IDENTITY. Dominated by rapid-fire drums, blistering riffs, pummeling
bass, strong and sincere vocals (with the occasional gang vocals thrown in),
and (of course) lyrics full of positive messages, THE IDENTITY is everything
a pure hardcore fan would want. No sign of metal, grind, or any other "-core" here,
folks. The 12-track disc opens with the motivational "Think Twice" and
includes songs that pertain to the scene, unity, and betrayal. There are plenty
of introspective compositions, as well, such as "All the Difference" and
the extremely powerful "Made My Choice" (which just may be the standout
track of the album). After putting out such an impressive full-length, it makes
FFB's decision to break up in early December all the more saddening.
-Janelle Jones
FIGHTING JACKS
THE DYING ART OF LIFE
TOOTH AND NAIL
You've gotta wonder what bands like Fighting Jacks are thinking when they choose
to plunder the depths of post-emo this late into the genre's evolution. Perhaps
they're looking to slide inside the door marked "Commercial Success" that
Saves the Day and Poison the Well have already kicked off the hinges. But when
you arrive this late to the party, can you really expect anyone to be awaiting
your arrival with fervent enthusiasm? Like a great many of their peers, Fighting
Jacks are more than competent, and THE DYING ART OF LIFE is—even with its
clichéd title and all—a brutish, well-produced record...that, sadly,
few people will ever really get the chance to hear.
-Jason Jett
FIND HIM AND KILL HIM
CUT THEM TO PIECES
HAPPY COUPLES NEVER LAST
Be forewarned: CUT THEM TO PIECES is not the "soulless, watered-down" shit
that actually passes for punk nowadays. On the contrary, the intense anger of
Find Him and Kill Him's words is mirrored in the aggressive, blazingly fast hardcore
punk/thrash they play. All 13 songsæplayed in a mind-boggling 10 minutesædeal
with pertinent topics, as the foursome vehemently rail against the tobacco industry
("Robbed"), those who profit off 9/11 ("Picard Would Be Pissed"),
poseurs ("Good Hair, Shitty People"), and people who propagate sexism
within the punk/hardcore scene ("Let's Put the End in Friend")—as
well as elaborating on what it means to truly be punk ("Sunday Morning at
Nunu's", "Punk Is Forever"), among other things. The short explanations
included behind each song help FHAKH convey their ideas more articulately than
they ever could in 50-second bursts of noise.
-Janelle Jones
FORGE
BRING ON THE APOCALYPSE
STATIC
Michigan metal stalwarts Forge return with a supercharged offering, the 12-track
BRING ON THE APOCALYPSE. Meshing the slash-and-burn style of Megadeth with the
stoic glory of bands like Manowar and Judas Priest, Forge's full-on metal delivery
will undoubtedly encourage a barrage of horned hands to spring up. Evoking a
no-nonsense approach and blistering through tracks like the stomping "Days
of Destruction", the chugging riff-o-rama of "Parade of the Forgotten",
and the effectively heavy closer "Departure", Forge steamroll through
your ears without any questions asked. Forge succeeds in making the direct approach
of guitars, drums, bass, and voice in your face and amped up to 10 not just for
bands like Godsmack and Soil anymore. Website
-Mike SOS
FROM
COPERNICUS
OTIK RECORDS
Essentially, From is a band that sounds like they belong in the college bar scene.
COPERNICUS is filled with instrumentals, songs in Spanish, regular songs, and
a cover of "Pipeline". While there's no doubt that the band has talent,
they're nothing more than a jam band—and, in my opinion, jam bands only
serve as background music while you're at a bar drinking.
-Dane Jackson
FROM ASHES RISE
NIGHTMARES
JADE TREE
This band is a surprising addition to the talented and ever-growing Jade Tree
roster—and a welcome addition to the punk/hardcore scene. Rapid, commanding,
and dark melodies line this album, complemented with intriguing and malevolent
lyrics. With the first two tracks, "Reaction" and "Hell in the
Darkness", you are immediately entranced amid the sharp, melodic guitar
work, unrelenting drums, and vigorous vocals. These guys have found a happy median
between genres by creating a distinctive and fresh blend of punk, metal, and
melodic hardcore. The vocals are divided nicely throughout this album, as well,
with one vocalist providing shrill screams, another displaying a rougher, singing/yelling
style. Overall, a solid release from a band that will turn more and more heads
as their exposure increases.
-Anthony
FRONTSIDE
YOUR WINGS AT MY FEET
SELF-RELEASED
Simple but intelligent lyrics, witty guitar, and a distinguishing pair of vocalists
appear to sum up Chicago's Frontside. The recording on this full-length isn't
of the best quality, but that doesn't at all undermine the band's apparent talent
or integrity. Ranging from personal issues to politics, Frontside keeps listeners
thinking with lines like, "A culture of isolated people / Obsessing over
little pieces of paper / This is driving us all apart / As a nation and a species
/ We need the power of community and cooperation." With only one guitar
at work, I'm impressed with the subtle alternations of metallic breakdowns with
quick and melodic sections. Raspy vocals are also mixed throughout these 11 tracks
with a contrasting smoother but still-screaming voice. By and large, this band
creates a somewhat original sound through differing vocals, solid guitar, and
honest lyrics.
-Anthony
GAY TASTEE
[GAYEST HITS]
HOEX RECORDS
Gay Tastee is, for the most part a one-man band and master of the lo-fi recording.
[GAYEST HITS] is a collection of very good, super odd living-room songs. There
is an element of a joke delivery in the promo kit, but Gay Tastee is a real talent,
like Ween and Neil Young in style and with a good feel for simplicity as high
art. With his acoustic axe as the centerpiece and electric fuzz tones and various
other amplified colorings, [GAYEST HITS] is an excellent disc to sit down with,
cop da buzz, and examine like an audio watercolor.
-H. Barry Zimmerman
GIVE UP THE GHOST
WE'RE DOWN TIL WE'RE UNDERGROUND
EQUAL VISION
In my opinion—which, to me, is the only opinion that matters—Equal
Vision is one of the strongest labels going. I'm not sure how much WE'RE DOWN
TIL WE'RE UNDERGROUND contributes to this reputation. Give Up the Ghost is reminiscent
of many current hardcore bands, with a pretty average performance. There are
some highlights, but for the most part the record bumps along. The drumming is
fast, the guitars are heavy, and the vocals are the focus. There are some strong
songs, such as "AEIOU", which I dug. My favorite song on the record
was, ironically, the closing instrumental track "(And It's Sometimes Like
It Will Never End)", showing deft musical ability, and it's not without
its weight. The songs are short, generally under three minutes. I don't know.
-AC Lerok
GLASS CASKET
WE ARE GATHERED HERE TODAY
ABACUS
Heavy, fast, and out of control, WE ARE GATHERED HERE TODAY launches right at
you with only hostile intentions. I hadn't heard North Carolina's Glass Casket
before, and I'm not sure why. It's hard to believe that an album this brutal
would have gone unnoticed this year. Nevertheless, its power and lack of mercy
has now graced my ears. There are strong metal and grind influences here, and
fans of Shadows Fall and Sworn Enemy are sure to love it.
-Steven Segallstones
GOOD VS EVIL
FRYDAY THE 13TH
FRYDAY THE 13TH (yes, the title's a bit cheesy) is the self-released debut full-length
from this Corona, CA, quartet who play tight skatepunk à la Pennywise,
The Deviates, and 98 Mute. The guys show some diversity and stray from the expected
by offering up ska beats on songs like "Mrs. Parker", "Freedom
from Thought", and "CnC", but the majority of the album is that
raucous, fast-paced punkæand although it's nothing new, they do it well.
Just check out tracks like the more hardcore "You're Ugly but I'm Drunk,
So Let's Fuck", "Talking Squirrels", and the darker "Substance
Abuse". Lyrically, Good Vs Evil tend toward sarcasm when dealing with everyday
issues like love, partying, and kleptomania. However, the one downfall stemming
from their penchant for humor is that they occasionally (and injudiciously) border
on the sophomoric (see "CnC").
-Janelle Jones
GOOD FOR YOU
NEUROTIC SHOWERING HABITS
GOOD FORKS RECORDS
The man at the wheel of Good Forks Records, Peter Nochisaki, heads up Good for
You. He obviously digs Sonic Youth (they rule!). This love manifests itself as
a lesser version of the Youth, and while NEUROTIC SHOWERING HABITS has interesting
and rocking moments, the worship wears the ear thin. The guitar work is much
more clean and in control than Thurston and Lee's wall of destruction, but the
chord progressions and the general attack are shameless.
-H. Barry Zimmerman
GUFF
ENGINE TROUBLE
GO-KART
This would've been great in 1999. It would've been good in 2000. It might've
even been welcomed in 2001. But, unfortunately for guFF, their sound is pretty
dated. It's familiar ground that most of us walked on in middle school and/or
high school. Their album ENGINE TROUBLE is "All My Best Friends Are Metalheads" repeated
10 times. At their worst, guFF is a really childish band with a really childish
sound. You might be better off listening to POKINATCHA for the hundredth time.
-Ryan Pangilinan
HAMMERS OF MISFORTUNE
THE AUGUST ENGINE
CRUZ DEL SUR
The Bay Area has been a birthplace of much of the eccentric harder-edged music
in the '80s and '90s, and San Francisco's Hammers of Misfortune continues that
trend with its second release, THE AUGUST ENGINE. The seven tracks on this CD
are all intertwined (much like Pink Floyd's works), using the same guitar structures
and basic arrangements throughout, yet contorting elements to create new soundscapes.
Taking elements of progressive, epic, and sludge metal and making a unique sound,
Hammers of Misfortune's unique musical vision may be lost on those short on attention
span; but if you stick around and give THE AUGUST ENGINE a thorough listen, chances
are you'll be swept away by the masterful musicianship and will be guessing as
to what the common thread between the songs actually is. Website
-Mike SOS
HARD-ONS
VERY EXCITING!
BOMP
Australian punk trio Hard-Ons has spent over two decades exploring metal-punk
fusion and (often) snotty, foul-mouthed indie pop. Consider the trio of songs "Radio", "Cat's
Got Your Tongue", and "Pimple Boy" on this new release. "Radio" is
a sunny, indie-pop single about not getting a single on the radio; while "Cat's
Got Your Tongue" is death metal worthy of Deathtöngue; and "Pimple
Boy" is hard punk rock. The band is still having fun and success in metalcore
music. In the '80s I started my own punk 'n' metal act (Scruffy Tearaways), inspired
by Hard-Ons and others. While this album is not as memorable and hilarious as
the group's '80s releases (such as DICK CHEESE), it is still a worthy album in
the group's formula of toilet humor and punk with metal in a vicious blender.
-Tom "Tearaway" Schulte
HATEBREED
THE RISE OF BRUTALITY
UNIVERSAL
An aptly-titled release by the Connecticut crushers known as Hatebreed picks
up right where PERSERVERANCE left us: bruised and broken. And now that frontman
Jamey Jasta is the Rikki Rachtman of the nu generation, is Hatebreed going to
stick by its guns or cave in to the inevitable pressures of overexposure? Well,
considering the band's recent jaunt with Slayer and judging by the battering
12-track album that crosses the hardest that the NYC hardcore scene has ever
spawned with the veritable sounds of the outfit's tourmates, it's a safe bet
to say that Hatebreed is still spitting out venomous metalcore as no other band
on the scene now does. Be happy that Hatebreed sits high on the mountain of metal,
as THE RISE OF BRUTALITY shows that Ozzfest, MTV, and the ills of the music industry
only give Hatebreed more ammunition to be as brutal as ever. Website
-Mike SOS
HEARTBREAK ENGINES
GOOD DRINKS, GOOD BUTTS, GOOD FELLOWS
I USED TO FUCK PEOPLE LIKE YOU IN PRISON RECORDS
This album is just plain fun. It's fast, furious, and just might leave you with
bleeding ears. Heartbreak Engines play a hybrid of metal, punk, and rockabilly.
The sound of this album contains many elements that are missing in the punk-rock
scene these days—namely sing-along choruses, a sense of fun, three-chord
anthems, and an insanely fast rhythm section. What sets this band apart from
others is their inclusion of a double bass. Yeah, other bands use the double
bass, but not many of them play with the intensity of Heartbreak Engines (except
for maybe The Living End). If you want some fun punk music, then give these Germans
a chance. It'll be worth it.
-Dane Jackson
HEWHOCORRUPTS
TEN STEPS TO SUCCESS
SINISTER
Unsettling but ultimately crushing, Hewhocorrupts is a Chicago-based hardcore
troupe that enlists grindcore drums, screams from the depths of horror movies'
finest, and a distressing guitar sound that shrieks, shreds, grooves, leads,
and pulverizes—usually within seconds inside of the same song. Having 10
tracks that clock in at 14:21 shows that Hewhocorrupts has little time to waste
and less time to beat your brain mercilessly, yet the group dutifully fulfills
the deed and leaves your congealing brain tissue in a tizzy. If you like your
boundaries pushed, here's the band to do it to you, again and again. Website
-Mike SOS
HORSE THE BAND
R. BORLAX
PLUTO RECORDS
I like this band a whole bunch. Where do I start? Maybe I should start with the
cover art on the CD: it looks like it was done by Jean-Michel Basquiat (if you
don't know who that is, get a fucking education) or Warhol. The first song starts
out a little slow, but then works its way up to some funky punk. With the addition
of the synthesizer and some poppy bass beats, it has some remnants of the '80s.
I hear so much of the same shit that it is nice to come across something every
now and again that makes your ears perk up and go, "Hmmm." Do you need
more convincing to go out and throw 13 bucks on the counter? Well, fuck you,
then (I'm kidding—don't get your panties in a bunch). Go to Website
for more info.
-Ian Wilkins
HOSPITAL FOOD
MEDICATE
NEW SCHOOL RECORDS
The second full-length release from the Salt Lake City pop-punkers has much
promise of gaining national success. Hospital Food puts an occasional touch
of screaming
into melodies that we all have a week spot for. Lead guitarist/vocalist Luke
Watkins has a raspy voice that forms melodies and screams with ease, yet the
vocals seem to be hidden at times in too much confusion. The sound from this
record touches on an 88 Fingers Louie feel to a harder street edge of The Distillers.
However, the music never strays too far from the melodic pop-punk genre. All
in all, this second full-length album shows noticeable progress of an indie band
that could very well be mixed in with the national pop-punk scene and possibly
evolve into a more progressive punk band with street and local credibility.
-Kevin Conway
IF HOPE DIES
THE GROUND IS RUSHING UP TO MEET US
IRONCLAD
If Hope Dies is another in the long line of East Coast metalcore outfits that
have as much in common with Iron Maiden as they do Slayer, yet the quintet (which
hails from Manowar's hometown) succeed in taking the sounds of the new wave of
American metal to the next level. There's a lot of screaming and lightning-fast
guitar licks here—and if that's not metal, what is? Well, there's apathy
and discontent, too, and with songs that bash the American spirit of overconsumption
and lack of participation (like "Sugar, Free Donuts" and "Shop
Til You Drop"), there's no shortage of that, either. If you dig Killswitch
Engage and Shadows Fall, If Hope Dies fits snugly in between those two releases.
Website
-Mike SOS
INTEGRITY
TO DIE FOR
DEATHWISH RECORDS
15 years on the hardcore bent have done little to file down this band's teeth.
The tracks on TO DIE FOR are just as riled up as ever, but with a stronger overall
delivery. The use of machine-press guitars mixed with a multidimensional lead
creates a very intriguing mix—something I am always in favor of. The drumming
also avoids the pitfalls of hardcore drumming, while still maintaining a crushing
rhythm. The vocals can edge on exhausting, but for the most part they combine
very well with the music, creating a pretty solid record. "Hated of the
World" was a winner in my eyes, as was "Dreams Bleed On". Integrity
pounds just long enough to get riled up, yet isn't afraid to lay on a track of
melodic guitar with the intensity.
-AC Lerok
IT'S JUST BLOOD, BABY
...GET YOUR WAR ON
SELF-RELEASED CD
Have a hankering for the grand old days of punk, when it was all about rebellion
against the establishment and came without a nasal whine? Allow the subtle punch
to the jaw that the cleverly-named trio It's Just Blood, Baby to invade your
stereo, and feel the middle-class oppression firsthand. Group chorus shouts,
rhythms that stay on the track just enough to seem like they're on the brink
of falling apart, and the entire album's surge of attitude are highpoints on
this seven-track release, as this trio puts some validity back into being labeled
a punk-rock band by actually providing a punk-rock package sans bloat and conformity.
Safety pins and hair dye optional. Website
-Mike SOS
JEFF OTT
WILL WORK FOR DIAPERS
SUBCITY RECORDS
Once again an attempt at dry social satire has gone horribly, terribly wrong.
Jeff Ott spends the length of two full CDs trying to convince the world that
its path is skewed, while all the time just aligning me against whichever one
of the many causes he tries to rally behind. Since the '60s, left-wingers like
this Jeffy have tried to bring back the use of folk music for social protest
on a large scale. This guy is no Neil Young. The concept of allegory is apparently
foreign to Jeff Ott, who boasts the songs "Will Work for Diapers", "911
Is Still a Joke", and "My Congressman". The record plays like
an open diary, clueing the reader in to whatever Jeffrey is pissed off about
at the moment. The use of a little girl holding a shotgun and a flower on the
cover just makes me sick. How about a little subtlety, you glorified coffeeshop
singer?
-AC Lerok
K-LINE
HOW YOU GONNA SCARE US NOW?
BOSS TUNEAGE
This is indie rock with a severe lack of thought-out arrangements. The excessive
and continuous guitar riffing gives us the music both a thin and trebly quality.
The post-hardcore outfit has so incorporated the breathless, frantic contemporary
indie-rock model as to be both representative and derivative. This is the first
LP from the band, and it includes three video clips. The melodic hardcore approach
is reminiscent of '80s Dischord releases.
-Tom "Tearaway" Schulte
KARNEY
ALL CONNECTED
TANGENT RECORDS
On the inside cover of this record is a picture of the artist looking bewildered
and holding a bunch of puzzle pieces. I think this is a metaphor for her trying
to figure out how to put the pieces of a good album together. Karney and her
band have fused elements of funk, electronica, reggae, rock, and world music
into a mediocre record in which the problem isn't the combination of genres so
much as the way they are arranged. Instead of throwing bits of each style into
each song, the band jumps from style to style like a pre-lipo Carnie Wilson trying
to decide between the Supreme Nachos and the chili dog. Hmmm: Carnie Wilson,
Karney—could be a connection. Oh, WAIT! And the name of the album is ALL
CONNECTED. I think I'm on to something.
-Casey Clague
LA MOTTA
LOVE CALIFORNIA
BOSS TUNEAGE RECORDS
This five-track mini-album has immense pop/rock appeal. Recorded in ever-sunny
California, these tracks follow the band's debut album, LA MOTTA, which features
Joey Santiago of The Pixies strumming the guest guitar chords. Almost up to par
with other radio-friendly tunes as far as catchiness, clap-along beats, and easy-to-pick-up-on
lyrics, this indie band doesn't seem too far from mainstream status. But we won't
push it, as La Motta is in no way, shape, or form even reminiscent of a pop group.
-Donna Delshad
LOCAL TIES
GONE DRINKING
GRIM RECORDS
Grim Records better hope that George Lucas never hears this EP, because he'll
sue the pants off the label for the band's use of the THX sound. Who cares about
that, though? Local Ties hails from Fullerton, CA, and have a very old-school
pop-punk sound. Musically, they resemble an older NOFX and The Queers. I'm not
sure if the band is trying to imitate these two bands or not, but regardless,
this is a pretty solid EP. The best track on here is "The Problem with Dating".
-Dane Jackson
LOUDEN SWAIN
OVERACHIEVER
3 CAR WRECKHORDS
Surprisingly tuneful and spry, Louden Swain's OVERACHIEVER is a finely-crafted
slice of radio-ready modern rock. What's more, the trio uses a tried-and-true
formula to reach rock nirvana: simple arrangements utilizing the guitar/bass/drums
template and adorned with honest-to-god melodic hooks. Lyrically, tunes like "Neurosis" and "Only
Lyin" are a bit childish, but their bratty ruminations serve the music well,
emphasizing its playfulness and bright melodic interplay.
-Jason Jett
LOVE ME DESTROYER
BLACK HEART AFFAIR
SUBURBAN HOME
Okay, this band is what's missing in punk rock today. There are no sappy songs
about girls, predictable screaming choruses, or pianos—just rock. "Add
Vice" is what Black Flag would sound like today, and "Homecoming Brawl" is
the perfect pop-punk song: not too friendly, but not too tough, either. This
band is really reminiscent of All, though it should be noted that Bill Stevenson
(Descendents/All) helped in the recording process. There really is only one misplaced
song on this album: "Beautiful Switchblade Kings". Other than that,
this rocks from beginning to end. This is some serious, no-nonsense punk rock.
-Ryan Pangilinan
LUCKY BOYS CONFUSION
COMMITMENT
ELEKTRA
After commenting that it would best to have a full album to review rather than
a single in last month's issue of SKRATCH, someone came through and sent the
15-track album COMMITMENT. I was pleased with their first single, "Hey Driver",
but I certainly did not expect the diverse collection of song from Lucky Boys
Confusion. After my thorough listening of their album, I have decided the band
is quite eclectic, playing songs from rock, punk, reggae, and a little hip-hop.
Extremely catchy, "Mr. Wilmington" and "Atari" will be running
through your head after you finish this CD. COMMITMENT is a solid effort from
these Chicago lads…rather, BOYS.
-Luke Skywalker
MAGSTATIC
COUNTRY VS CITY
POP SWEATSHOP
The third full-length release from Salt Lake City's prolific tunesmith Terrance
D. H. and his band Magstatic is a hard-rocking, alternative experience that would
do the Mormon Tabernacle Choir proud. From the opening tune, "Country vs.
City", the band establishes a Southern-tinged rock sound that meshes a contemporary
emo sound with that of such Southern stalwarts as Primus. Terrance D. H. has
been a busy musician in the Salt Lake area, with a previous stint as frontman
for the band The Stench (who toured with Green Day). His new record captures
the contrast between a bleak rural landscape and a teeming, industrialized urban
area. One of the biggest problems in the music world today is a lack of originality.
Magstatic has created a great album with a unique and versatile sound that will
serve them quite well in the years ahead. Website
-DUG
MAJHAS
STEPPING INTO CHARACTER
HAWTHORNE STREET
Featuring ex-members of Ice Nine, Endive, and Curb, Indiana's Majhas is indeed
a hardcore band, but not a typical one at all. They have a very heavy sound,
but never let it become redundant or predictable. You won't find the same riffs
and breakdowns over and over again, but instead a powerful and diverse meshing
of passionate vocals, chaotic guitar, and steady drumming. Good changes in tempo,
along with a varied song composition, allow for this full-length to be enjoyed
and excluded from a conventional hardcore label. Kids thirsty for a little variety
in their extreme-music collection should inquire about this band.
-Anthony
MANDO DIAO
BRING 'EM IN
MUTE
The two-guitar indie-rock band Mando Diao reaches its high point on this album
at "Paralyzed", a Rolling Stones-inspired rocker with urgent mobility
and horns. The indie rock 'n' soul on this album has the energy, enthusiasm,
and unchained delivery of garage rock on the amped-up tracks. The group offers
charming teen beat on such smiling, sunny numbers as "P.U.S.A.". This
is an exciting and promising debut from the Swedish band.
-Tom "Tearaway" Schulte
MERCY'S WEB
CALLASA
UNSURE OF LABEL
There are times when certain albums are good enough to give you one large, relaxing
breath. That's what it's like listening to CALLASA, the debut record from Memphis's
Mercy's Web. Much of this CD sounds as if Hootie and the Blowfish added a bit
of punk to its repertoire (especially in tracks like "Pumpernickel" and "Song
of No Name"), but, hell, it works. CALLASA is always bordering on a little
of that down-home rockabilly feel, but still comes up with rambunctious punk
grooves and emo style that's hard to resist. It sounds great, and it shouldn't
be passed up.
-Darren Ratner
MIKE PARK
FOR THE LOVE OF MUSIC
SUB CITY
Mike Park is the closest thing to a saint that the modern indie-rock scene has
ever produced—and I, for one, advocate his immediate canonization. As the
proud founder of the non-profit Plea for Peace organization (not to mention Asian
Man Records), Park has done more good in his relatively few years than most do
in their lives. Here, Park neglects his inner rude-boy, straying from the trumpeting
sounds he helped burgeon in the classic ska outfits Skankin' Pickle and Tje Chinkees
and opts instead for acoustic ballads that glow with a personal and positive
charm. Park is a proud Korean-American and his songs grab the bulls by their
horns and confront racism in everyday life. The passionate strumming of "Southbound
280", as well as the string-led symphonies of "Thankful All the Same" and "Supposed
to Be There Too", prove that there is, indeed, life after ska. Bless your
soul, Mike.
-Dave Kargol
MIRACLE CHOSUKE
THE 7/8 WONDERS OF THE WORLD
DIM MAK RECORDS
While the sputtering, spastic, and hurried guitar interplay, terse lyrics, and
nasal delivery will all recall Television, the square-peg nerd rock of Miracle
Chosuke may induce more outbreaks of paranoia than revolution. An influence by
Devo is instantly noticeable, but a more literate proclivity for timing-crazed
math metalers like Dream Theater may be lurking. The bulk of the band's emphasis
is put on that heavy timing and tightly choreographed riffing with the metric
tremor of new-wave seconding. This nine-song, 13 minute debut sails by so hastily
that stronger songs (such as "Francine") are forgettable by the time
their two minutes are up. Imagine Brainiac on crystal meth, and you're getting
warmer.
-Rob Macy
MONDAY IN LONDON
THE RED MACHINE
INDIANOLA RECORDS
Schremo meets melodic hardcore is the first thing that escapes from this album.
However, this is more than another Thursday. Driving guitars with dark lyrics
and anguish-filled screams are the album's make-up. Use of pauses and vocal interludes
lead to the musical chaos of anger and pure drive. Moreover, the vocal range
of Oar Lady Peace mixed into melodic background vocals, dark guitar riffs, pounding
bass lines, and tight drums combine to deliver emotional rock. The precision
of this band should elevate this album from the plethora of melodic hardcore
bands in today's music scene.
-Kevin Conway
MOOD ELEVATOR
MARRIED ALIVE
DOPPLER RECORDS
Mood Elevator is a post-Beatles pop group in the style of XTC and World Party
(but with more to get your teeth in). Formerly known as Brendan Benson and the
Well Fed Boys, this Detroit-based group are pop/rock craftsmen of the highest
quality. Elevator Mood has a very radio-friendly sound. The only negative thing
about MARRIED ALIVE is that it leads of with its weakest tune. The songs that
stand out all have a middle eight or chorus with a dash of The Beach Boys' PET
SOUNDS. The best pop/rock disc that I have heard in a long time. This disc is
stunningly good.
-H. Barry Zimmerman
MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD
OUR LADY OF ANNIHILATION
TRUSTKILL
Forming from the ashes of two of hardcore's most intense underground entities
(namely, Indecision and One King Down) comes Most Precious Blood, a Brooklyn
export whose hardcore stance is very much the real deal. Seething music and scathing
vocals are par for the course, but with a refrain from "Growing Square Eyes" stating
that "If this is your love, save your love," the band displays lyrics
that are as harsh as its music. Guest vocals from Sick of It All's Lou Koller
on "It Runs in the Blood" give the band the all-star props it richly
deserves, and the members' track records have few equals. But at the end of the
day, it's songs like "Life During Wartime" and "The Great Red
Shift" that fleshes the band's apocalyptic vision and outspokenness on organized
religion, making Most Precious Blood's version of hardcore a throwback to the
old-school days, when the message of defiance was just as important as the blistering
riff that spins the pit out of control. Website
-Mike SOS
MOXIE DOSE
TRANSIT 14
GALVANIC MUSIC
Moxie Dose are a quartet that rock and roll their way through various punk styles.
However, something is definitely amiss here. Tracks like "Liquid Air" open
with droning My Bloody Valentine-esque guitars, then build up to an up-tempo
tune and almost connect. The music feels right, but the vocals never grab you.
Perhaps it's the vocalist's voice. Moxie does do a good job of offering up some
variation with their punk tunes and even kick up some crust on "Spitfire
Speed Demon". Perhaps some layered vocals is all this band needs or perhaps
it's something much more.
-Jude Ruiz
MR T EXPERIENCE
YESTERDAY RULES
LOOKOUT RECORDS
Mr T Experience (also known by the abbreviation MTX) is one of those bands that
love to bring rock and pop-punk into one happy family—and it's been that
way since 1986. So do we really need to fix what isn't broke? Nah, at least not
on the new record, YESTERDAY RULES. Most tracks—such as "Oh Just Have
Some Faith in Me" or "Big, Strange, Beautiful Hammer"—are
put together with light-hearted but totally catchy rock beats, along with those
cutsie-wootsie lyrics. This works. If you were a fan of these guys in the '80s
and '90s, you'll be a fan now.
-Darren Ratner
NATIONAL EYE
THE METER GLOWS
FEEL RECORDS
Floating sonances and quiet keys reign within the timid-yet-catchy jingles of
the Philadelphia-based National Eye. While their songs are partially atmospheric,
they remain distinctly tangible with the help of tender vocals and calm strings
and piano. This music is undeniably gentle, yet song-to-song transitions are
profound and scattered. The general tone remains anything but static as the band
shifts between storylines and aural motifs. "Copy of a copy" is minimalist
and just barely inches along, while opening track "I ran into him" is
a gleeful foray in preciously-whispered tranquillity. "Corridor" is
a slow-ticking collage of sounds that tells the tale of the death of a pregnant
woman, although it lasts only minutes before deteriorating into the Phantom Planet-like "Spies". "The
Meter Glows" was recorded by the band in their own home studio and mixed
by Thom Monaha ( who has previously worked with SILVER JEWS and Dinosaur Jr.'s
J. Mascis).
-Dave Kargol
NERVOUS COP
S/T
BLUEGHOST
This record was…interesting. Zach from Hella and John from Deerhoof (two
drummers) got together and made a lot of noise. It's a fun idea, I suppose, a
couple of drummers making songs of their own—I mean, we all know that drummers
never get enough credit—but it's very hard to get into, save if you're
a huge fan of random beats and fills. Not many choruses or hooks to be found
on this record, just in-your-face drumbeats; but this is one of the most original
recordings of the year.
-Steven Segallstones
NEW YORK CITY ROCK N ROLL
RADICAL RECORDS
DJ/club promoter and author of AMERICAN HARDCORE: A TRIBAL HISTORY Steven Blush
has compiled 22 tracks for a compilation of New York City rock 'n' roll that
he loves and feels is integral to the NYC scene. Several of the bands on the
comp are headed by females, whom (according to Blush) have become more empowered
and essential to the NYCRNR scene. The compilation highlights the new style of
rock 'n' roll that exists in NY after 9/11. Some of the bands that shine through
are Queen V and Slunt. If you're into the rock scene, I'm sure you'll enjoy this
comp; but if guitar solos and guys with long hair rocking out aren't your cup
of tea, this CD is just be another CD that clutters the store racks.
-Jennifer Moncayo
NEXT IN LINE
TRAFFIC
INDIE VISION MUSIC
The label's name says it all. This is an out and out desperate attempt at being
indie. That's what's wrong with the radio: too much attempt, by which I mean
that the music doesn't sound like it flowed naturally but like a designed product
was sought out because that's the cash cow to fuck this week. Next in Line is
not evil or anything; the band has its moments (mainly cool production tricks
and techniques) when they have a cool break or a groove going, but then it pulls
itself back into the usual sounds. But, that's me—I'm an asshole that way.
-H. Barry Zimmerman
NO FRAUD
NO FRAUD
TRUTH MUSIC
The first word that comes to mind when listening to this CD is "roots." I
got the sneaking suspicion that No Fraud has been around for a very long time,
and this suspicion was confirmed when I realized this self-titled CD is a compilation
of their songs from 1986 to 1990 (all original recordings, mind you). No Fraud
provides punk rockers with pissed-off lyrics, heavy drumming, and screaming electric
guitar. Since this is a compilation of their early work, they won't be penalized
for their lack of originality, but, all in all, No Fraud has massive potential,
and their sound ensures a kick ass live show.
-Carley Charpentier
ONE-21
GRENADE
FACEDOWN
It took me a little while to get into GRENADE, not initially being struck by
the overall fun, upbeat tone. The true power of the record hit me more during
the stronger second half, starting with the riotous "Ghetto Blaster".
Yet, what most caught my attention was "There Shall Come a Day", which
features lyrics that, though simplistic, are undeniably poignant. Furthermore,
the music underlines the importance of the message with the machine-gun guitars
and stomping drums, One-21 is, in fact, pounding into our heads that one day
there will be no war, no weapons, no rape. Meanwhile, the penultimate track, "Bozman",
is noteworthy, as it breaks away from the band's predominantly energetic punk/rock
'n' roll sound with a slower tempo and wistful tone, which belies the seemingly
rebellious lyrics. There are a couple of other mellower numbers, but "Bozman" is
undoubtedly the most affecting.
-Janelle Jones
ORANGE ISLAND
SELF-TITLED
TRIPLE CROWN RECORDS
The second full-length album from this New England-based quintet is a wall of
rock. Unfortunately, except for the slow bass intro to the first song ("Four
Letter Tattoos and White Flags"), everything on this disc sounds like the
exact same wall. The band has the same driving rock that made their first album
a success, but at that time the group was a trio. Now that the band has added
a few members, the songs tend to get lost in the sound. The band still has a
knack for clever song titles (e.g., "Oh! How Clintonian of Me", "Diet
of Worms"), but all the clever lyrics in the world don't bring a melody
out of a sonic/electronic mishmash. Hopefully before their next release the band
will realize that mere sound and fury does not an album make. Website
-DUG
OTTO'S DAUGHTER
DEMO
SELF-RELEASED
This band is so FUNNY. First, they named themselves after everybody's favorite
animated bus driver. Good move. It's clever, because everyone knows that Otto
from THE SIMPSONS didn't have any kids! Ha, ha. Then, they made the brilliant
move of pulling Rikishi out of the WWE to play guitar for the band. Man, that
guy can shred. I just hope the kids of the multiple-eyebrow-piercing-and-black-pantyhose
set aren't too busy carving "the world doesn't understand" in their
arms with a safety pin to get the joke.
-Casey Clague
PARK
IT WON'T SNOW WHERE YOU'RE GOING
LOBSTER
Back in 2001, Park crafted the opus NO SIGNAL, which captured the hearts of all—even
the hardest of hardcore kids. Now two years later, they're back to kick out the
jams with their sophomore album, IT WON'T SNOW WHERE YOU'RE GOING. Opener "Gasoline
Kisses for Everyone" is one of the most inviting tracks of the year, no
doubt a mix-tape-bound song. But the winner on this album is "Pomona for
Empusa", which easily gives away Park's formula for the entire album: clever
lyrics, catchy hooks, power chords, and off-time breakdowns. Park has always
been a good band, and IT WON'T SNOW... is a pretty consistent album...but it
would be interesting to hear a variation on their songwriting structure. If you
like The Jealous Sound, you'll probably dig Park.
-Ryan Pangilinan
PARTICLE ZOO
GO-GO
SELF-RELEASED CD
Particle Zoo is a party band from NJ whose quirky nature and early-'80s new-wave
leanings make for an interesting experience. Well versed in the sounds of Elvis
Costello, '60s surf rock, and power pop, Particle Zoo make catchy, irreverent
tunes that sound like the soundtrack to a slapstick comedy. High in energy and
full of cleverness, Particle Zoo's feel-good rock should chase some of those
blues away, as you'll probably get swept inside the giant organ sound and thrust
of adrenaline the band juiced its cover of The Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby" with.
Website
-Mike SOS
PELICAN
AUSTRALASIA
HYRDA HEAD INDUSTRIES
One might expect an album birthed by a band named after a bird—colorful
cloud artwork included—to submit to the softer side of the sound-spectrum;
and that six songs plus one CD invariably equals EP. However, we learned early
on that we can't judge books—or, apparently, bands—by their covers.
On AUSTRALASIA, this unassumingly-titled four-piece delivers a finely coordinated
and all-instrumental assault in which chugging axes are the weapon of choice.
But don't think math rock: these pummeling chunks of prog-metal build and crash
steadily and deliberately and recall the hammering riffs of Mastadon. Pelican's
epic and progressive sound thrashes through musical dimensions of size and space
and manages to transcribe a wordless tale larger than the pyramids, larger than
Mastadon, larger than the enormous bird after which they are named, and larger
than the continents that their roaring audio earthquake attempts to combine.
-Dave Kargol
PITTY SING
SELF-TITLED SAMPLER
OR MUSIC
Pitty Sing's debut EP will be filled with an artistic and musical explosion.
The influences from David Bowie are noticeable, juxtaposed with a trance background
full of synthesizers and drum lines. The tunes range from pop/rock with a psychedelic
trip to slow rock with trippy synthesizers. Tracks consist of psychedelic interludes
mixed between '80s new-wave vocals and voice synthesizers. Pitty Sing is a very
progressive Bowie with drug-induced pop/rock that relies heavily on technical
trips and synthesized backgrounds. This album is an '80s vintage find from the
musical thrift store.
-Kevin Conway
PLANESIDE
FOR MOTION DISCOMFORT
SURREAL RECORDS
This record did not aid in any discomfort I was having at all. If anything, this
album was merely a catalyst propelling me unto reaching a painful end to my seemingly
once-important life. The lyrics are at a third-grade reading level, and the guitar
work is not anywhere above that. Planeside has lodged themselves somewhere between
Trapt and Puddle of Mudd—not a good place to be, really. Unless you're
aching for the most generic and uninspiring music you can get your hands on,
I'd say it's wise to keep your ears away from the terrible sounds that fill the
air whenever this disc is played.
-Steven Segallstones
PREACHER'S KIDS
WILD EMOTIONS
GET HIP RECORDINGS
Preacher's Kids are blend of rock 'n' roll, blues, and country. WILD EMOTIONS
features all the customary instruments of a rock band, as well as harmonicas,
piano, trumpets, violins, organs, and trombones. The vocals sound very reminiscent
to David Johansen of the New York Dolls. They also have simple yet effective
screaming guitar riffs, which work for what they're going for. The CD starts
off strong with a catchy winner, "Adult High", which captures their
talent for lyrics and music. From there, the album gets progressively mellower,
as they utilize the variety of instruments. If you enjoy the intermingling of
rock and country-style music, Preacher's Kids are your cup of tea.
-Jennifer Moncayo
PURIFICATION
BANGING THE DRUMS OF WAR
UPRISING
Purification is an Italian metalcore troupe that not only wears its vegan beliefs
on its sleeve, it also allows them to dictate much of the musical direction on
BANGING THE DRUMS OF WAR. Liberally taking pages from the influential Earth Crisis
(whose singer, Karl, appears on "Afraid of This World"), the chugging
guitars, pummeling percussion, and impassioned screams that grace the album's
eight tracks have been heard before...but not in a while, making the group's
soapbox hardcore a welcomed reprise. Mark the X on your hand and enjoy the brutal
lessons spouted out at you courtesy of Italy's Purification. www.straightedge.it
-Mike SOS
RAD
BURNING DREAMS
SELF-RELEASED
Well, smack me on the ass and call me Sally! I had no idea that Isla Vista actually
had decent party bands…until I listened to BURNING DREAMS. The guys from
RAD have supplied audiences of all-ages with a melodic punk-rock album. This
six-track disc, while somewhat repetitive, gives listeners a harmonic mixture
of guitar riffs and vocals, combining sounds from bands like Strung Out and Thrice.
The final track on the disc, "Shantytown", provides a taste of what
RAD has to offer and promises much more to come from this Isla Vista party band.
-Carley Charpentier
RAILSPLITTING
860 SOME ODD LBS.
SELF-RELEASED
Six-song EP that succeeds at being repetitive, slow, and droning. The same grunge
metal guitar can be found in every single track, alongside the constant distorted
screaming. Calling this EP bland would be an understatement. I patted myself
on the back for not falling asleep during it. The lyrics weren't enclosed with
the CD, but I'm going to take a stab in the dark and say they are also uninteresting.
The one highlight I can mention is the artwork. The cover has a bearded old guy
leaning on a motorcycle giving the camera the bird. Unoriginal, but funny nonetheless.
-Anthony
REBELATION
YO SWING DAT MAMA
DO THE DOG MUSIC
This East Anglia septet has been playing throughout England, Holland, and Belgium
since 1994 while building up a huge following for the band's patented mix of
two-tone ska and reggae. With a soulful mix of male and female vocals, the band
calls up comparisons to such legends as The Selecter. There's also a spiritual
side to the music, as the lyrics for most of the songs deal with defeat and the
power needed to get back up and start all over again. But the last song on the
disc, "This Great Britain", is probably as close to a classic as most
ska groups ever get. With a fast-paced rhythm and heavily politicized lyrics
that slam war-mongers, hubris, and Margaret Thatcher, the song is a closer sure
to get a crowd out of control. Rebelation has a very original sound for a ska
band, a cool vibe, and a great album in YO SWING DAT MAMA (though PC folks might
freak out at the album art and title). Website
-DUG
ROBB ROY
DAYS OF PRIDE AND HUNGER
PURE
Robb Roy is a pretty, middle-of-the-road rock band whose safety net is quite
resilient. 14 tracks of radio-friendly, familiar melodies that sound like B-sides
from a Bon Jovi session is what this band delivers, and while it may not excite
the rock world, there's a mess of secretaries and throngs of 20-somethings who
may find solace in the Barenaked Ladies-meets-Matchbox Twenty twist of "As
I Am". Not bad nor bland, but definitely falling in the Three Doors Down/Train
category of faceless rock groups, Robb Roy cater to the happy-hour crowd more
than the late-night contingent. Website
-Mike SOS
ROCKET FROM THE TOMBS
ROCKET REDUX SAMPLER
SMOG VEIL RECORDS
Stated for release in early 2004, the band that gave the punk scene Pere Ubu
and The Dead Boys has come off a 30-year hiatus and reformed. Rocket from the
Tombs delivers old-school, middle-finger-in-the-air punk, yet touches on an early
Dylan feeling on some tracks. ROCKET REDUX SAMPLER should prove to be a breath
of fresh air from the corporate punk scene. The infusion of old-school-punk with
classic rock and blues forms something only vinyl could give proper audio credit.
For everyone who missed this proto-punk band in the '70s, RFTT have given us
all a chance to experience the pure roots of punk. This release should prove
to kick in a few teeth of the current punk scene.
-Kevin Conway
ROGUE NATION
THE SEDITION
UPRISING RECORDS
I woke around one this afternoon thinking, "Okay, I got to get some writing
done. But first I need coffee…a lot of it. I am doing CD reviews today." So
on the way to my local bean hut, I decided to put in Rogue Nation. I ended up
getting some fruit punch. This album is so fast and so hard that you might have
to take a couple of Valium to calm down. With lyrics that make even the LAPD's
pistol-whippings look like a day in the park, this CD will surely bounce something
loose in your cranium. Don't believe me? Fine, fine, go to their Website at Website.
Now, don't be a chicken shit and download some of the MP3s. Hit play. Are you
still there? See, I told you so.
-Ian Wilkins
RON SUNSHINE
DELUXE
GOLDEN BUG RECORDS
Imagining a combination of mid-'40s jazz with some swing thrown in would give
one a pretty good concept of Ron Sunshine. I was never a huge fan of music of
this variety, and this record does very little to change my mind. However, taken
for what it is, it's a solid record. The musicians are definitely talented, and
frontman Ron Sunshine knows enough to let them showcase. I was more of a fan
of the more Sam & Dave type tracks (such as "Human Blues"). The
record only touches briefly in blues, relying mainly on the band's jazz and swing
influences. The trombone and harmonica did it for me, to tell the truth. The
record is really a musical throwback to orchestrated music in general, but with
modern lyrics. If this genre works for you, it's worth the coin.
-AC Lerok
SALTY THE POCKETKNIFE
SALTY THE POCKETKNIFE
SONANCE
I can't beat around the bush: this is Screech's band! Yes, SAVED BY THE BELL's
own Dustin Diamond plays bass for this band. Unlike Urkel, Screech was not an
annoying nerd, but rather an unappreciated, sweet one. I wish I could say the
same for Salty the Pocketknife. A weird mix of Four Non-Blondes and Faith No
More, SALTY... is just plain dull. Between singer Rosebud's spazzy, off-key,
and indecipherable vocals and the same guitar riff in every song, it's hard to
get past the third song on this 12-track CD. Screech would be better off being
Mr. Belding's lackey for another year or two, because this band is destined for
the dollar bin at your local Sam Goody.
-Ryan Pangilinan
SCRAPS AND HEART ATTACK
STILL SICK
TRIPLE CROWN RECORDS
11 tracks of punk-induced New York hardcore. This disc is only 20 minutes long,
yet it will still knock you on your ass! Fast, brutal, and volatile tunes flow
from this album from beginning to end, bringing back some traditional hardcore
ideals. The intensity of the music can be felt in the lyrics as well. "I'm
a sucker for believing everything you said / But I don't think that I'm better
of dead / Because survival never goes out of style / So I'm gonna stick around
for awhile / So much to live for, you wont get me down / So much to live for,
I wont drown / Three months of my life are dead and gone / What do I have to
show for it? This fucking song." Catch this band at a town near you...and
be sure to bring some band-aids.
-Anthony
SECOND CHANCE
MAMA TRIED
MIDDLE FINGER RECORDS
Well, I'm not exactly sure WHAT Mama tried, but I can tell you that Second Chance
are a quintet from La Puente, CA, that specialize in melodic rock that's rough
around the edges (in the vein of Social D or Face to Face). Vocalist Larry Ramirez
has a raspy, smoked-too-many-cigarettes-by-the-age-of-18 thing down to a T. The
band also features Marc Harismendy (formerly of Save Ferris) on drums. Second
Chance's brightest moments come on tracks like "Right & Wrong", "Sore
Eyes", and the vaguely familiar "Chasing Dreams". Most interesting
is the revved-up cover of the '50s classic "The Letter" and the closing,
acoustic number "Reaching Out". The disc also features a kick-ass J.D.
paperback novel album cover that's worth mentioning. So if you've heard these
cats before and you just weren't sure, come on back and give 'em a second chance!
Secondchance.la
-Jude Ruiz
SECTION 8
THE HALO EFFECT
SELF-RELEASED CD
From the opening chords of Section 8's "Minds that Plague", an obvious
influence of Linkin Park is apparent. Fear not, though, as this California quartet
has a lot more up its sleeve than rehashed hybrid theories. In fact, this band
throws in elements of bands like AFI, Hoobastank, and Unwritten Law to sweeten
the mix and create post-punk that's not just palatable, but also has a bit of
a bite. Website
-Mike SOS
SIBRIAN
SELF-TITLED
NEXOROCK ENTERTAINMENT
Ranging from 17-20 years of age, Corvina, CA-based threesome Sibrian certainly
has a decent future ahead of them. This is the band's first LP, POPULATION ZERO,
and I guess someone should tell them before it's too late: Do "different" things!
It's not that the emo/punk style isn't working (it is); and they'll surely get
some good reaction by the positive messages they include in songs such as "Falling
Star" and "Emotion"; but "different" means incorporating
new, interesting rhythms, really diversifying the material, and doing things
that other punk bands aren't doing. This is only my stupid and humble opinion,
but I want to get to the band's head while it's fresh.
-Darren Ratner
SKRAPE
UP THE DOSE
RCA
Skrape is a Florida-based quintet that may be best remembered for touring with
Pantera and Slayer a few years back. How's that for a band's trial by fire? Well,
the boys are back with an 11-track endeavor that ranges from the nu-metal warble
of "Up the Dose" and "Habit" to the eerie acoustics of "Searching
for Home" and the mighty melodics of Sevendust with "Summer Song".
With influences that range from Alice in Chains to Deftones, Skrape merely scratches
the surface when it comes to stepping outside its influences and establishing
its own identity, making the band's future doubtful, at best. Website
-Mike SOS
SMOKE LIKE A FISH
SELF-TITLED
DO THE DOG MUSIC
The debut full-length album from this Welsh octet is a tribute to ska musicians
everywhere. Smoke Like a Fish has been together since 1994, releasing several
EPs and contributing to various compilations. While the music is quick-tempo
two-tone ska with punk overtones, the band is not afraid to bust into Caribbean
rhythms or spooky keyboard intros. The band could easily double for a Madness
comeback act. Ska tradition runs deep in the blood of this band, as several well
known ska legends (such as Rankin Roger, Papa Sax, Dave Barker, and Dennis Alcapone)
have all joined the band on stage during live gigs. Social comment takes a front
seat in the songs from this band, as every song has biting lyrics. Ska doesn't
get much better than this. Website
-DUG
SNAPCASE
BRIGHT FLASHES
VICTORY
Snapcase may not be as celebrated as other bands in the hard music genre, yet
this upstate NY quintet's presence on the scene for over 10 years has inspired
bands and music worldwide. On the end-tying collection BRIGHT FLASHES, the band
gives back to its loyal fans by not only giving the "missing" songs
from its last release END TRANSMISSION, but also by recording covers of songs
which influenced the group. Included are "The Mountain Song" by Jane's
Addiction, Helmet's "Blacktop", and two Devo tracks, "Freedom
of Choice" and "Gates of Steel", showcasing the diversity that
Snapcase has made its benchmark. Snapcase has carried on with head held high
and without compromise, despite bands borrowing their sound—and subsequently
receiving more praise, much like happened with hardcore icons Sick of It All.
Witness musical evolution by picking this (as well as all of Snapcase's other
albums), up and witness a band mastering its craft. Website
-Mike SOS
SODOM
ONE NIGHT IN BANGKOK
SPV
Enter your own joke here based on the album's title, but one thing is for sure:
once you hear the true metal carnage German thrash pioneers dole out on this
double-live offering, you'll be sure to be running for cover. Icons of the European
metal scene, this 23-track endeavor covers the trio under the sweltering conditions
of a Thailand concert, complete with instruments crapping out and an Asian audience
that borders on insanity. Sodom's influence isn't as well documented Stateside
as, say, Motorhead's, but to denounce the band who brought us such classics as "Napalm
in the Morning" and "Eat Me!" would be the real crime here. True
of props go out to the Sodom boys, as they succeeded to boldly go where no metal
band has gone before—and came out with a face-ripping disc, to boot. www.spv.de
-Mike SOS
SPACE CADET
GREATEST HITS
SATELLITE/TRAUMA RECORDS
Bubbling up from the masses of middle-of-the-road pop/punk is Denton, TX's Space
Cadet, and their music begs to be dragged back from the ooze whence it came.
Mohawked singer Ted Levin's voice and lyrics add little to shake the planet,
riding the boring line between neo-arena rock (Default, Trapt, Chevelle) and
polished-turd punk (Blink 182, Simple Plan, Yellowcard). Following the playbook
precisely, Space Cadet uses vaguely telling lyrics perched on power chords, plucky
effects, and the occasional acoustic overdub (to show their sensitive side),
making for songs that are interchangeable with any and every other artists of
their burgeoning genre. Their hinted new-wave influence is felt long before the
lamely precise cover of The Cars' "Let's Go", but even that reeks of
a blandness not seen since the last Collective Soul record. On the bright side,
good looks, a sunny Avril-punk disposition, and a snazzy logo will certainly
help these guys get plastered onto T-shirts and Hoobastank opening slots, even
if their records are mediocre, at best.
-Rob Macy
SPEEDEALER
BURNED ALIVE
RADICAL
Those raucous redneck rockers Speedealer have put out a 17-track live album so
that you can hear firsthand what actually goes down at one of the band's gigs.
Titled BURNED ALIVE, the rejuvenated outfit (which disbanded for a brief time
before deciding on continuing the righteous quest to rock) chose the 4th of July
at the infamous dive CBGB as a time to capture the madness, and the band couldn't
have picked a better situation. Let's see: fireworks, the smell of urine, blistering
heat, and hardcore rock 'n' roll all rolled into one? Sounds like the formula
for some ass-stompin', whiskey-drinkin', feel-good-but-feel-so-bad-tomorrow rawk,
no? Run out of your trailer and buy this one right quick, y'all. Website
-Mike SOS
STATIC X
SHADOW ZONE
WARNER BROTHERS
Static X comes back with a strong showing on SHADOW ZONE, a 13-track electronic
metal tour de force. Continuing the band's quest to provide catchy yet heavy
tunes is usually a tough feat for a band later on in its career, yet new additions
Tripp Elson (Dope) and Nick Oshiro (Seether) do their part to assist the band
in raising the nu-metal bar. While a lot of what Static X does sounds like it
belongs in either a video game or a futuristic motion picture, songs like "Control
It", "New Pain", and "Ostegolectric" contain undeniably
pit-moving riffs that other bands undoubtedly envy. Proving themselves to be
a band with a distinct sound and visual (lest we forget Wayne Static's infamous
do), Static X's latest shows the band to be in the strongest form to date and
lifts the outfit out of the nu-metal shadow zone and into its own. Website
-Mike SOS
STFU & MONSTER SQUAD
SPLIT CD
BURNT RAMEN RECORDS & RODENT POPSICLE RECORDS
Does shit float? Well, this CD didn't when I tried flushing it down my toilet.
Okay, I haven't tried to flush it down my toilet yet, but there is still time.
This was a split CD, and both bands sucked. Monster Squad was a tad bit better
than STFU, but they still sucked. If I wanted a bunch of mindless yelling, I
would go to my friend's house and slap his kid. They have a Website, but for
the sake of your sanity I will keep it to myself. Once again I am killing my
ears for you people, so I hope you appreciate all I do for you little hooligans.
-Ian Wilkins
STIFF KITTENS
THE RAVEN SESSIONS
SELF-RELEASED
Three blokes trying—and subsequently failing—to duplicate the hazy
shudder of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and Urge Overkill isn't anything new,
really, but few, if any, have been as determinedly unsuccessful as Stiff Kittens.
THE RAVEN SESSIONS nicks riffs left and right, but still can't manage anything
even the slightest bit exciting or dangerous. Even the disc's namesake, "The
Raven", which pillages UO's SATURATION mercilessly, amounts to little more
than hackneyed rock hucksterism.
-Jason Jett
STILL LIFE
THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING FEELING
GREYDAY PRODUCTIONS
The third full-length release from Los Angeles emo veterans Still Life is a sad
but powerful affair that delivers the band's music like a soft sucker punch to
the gut. With songs like "Greet the Bringer of Pain", "Abandon
Hope All Who Enter", and "Godforsaken", this is definitely not
the feel-good album of the year. The starkly beautiful album art and liner dedications
to "all those we have lost along the way" reinforces the feeling of
loss and separation. While the band's bleak outlook matches well its hardcore
emo approach, there's only so much pain one person can stand. This album is best
listened to after a nice day in the sun or before a trip to an amusement park.
That way, the listener can appreciate the dark beauty of this disc without launching
into some downward spiral. It's also probably not a good gift idea for that manic
depressive friend of yours. Website
-DUG
SUNSHINE
NECROMANCE
GOLD STANDARD LABS
So THIS is what the hipsters in Europe listen to. Sunshine rose in Czechoslovakia
and, with the distributive help of L.A.'s Gold Standard Labs, moved west with
their latest offering of gothic no-wave. This well-made-over trio's category
of electrified disco rock is intrinsically fashionable—although this isn't
to say that there is anything wrong with it. Their sound is vibrant and well-polished,
relentlessly pumping along with eccentricity and rock-star confidence. This is
what it might sound like if Depeche Mode and The Faint collaborated on the set
of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video. The upstart track "Punk
and Chic" wails with bending hooks and crackling rhythm, and the voltage
remains high throughout the record as synth-heavy harmonies are layered with
fuzzy feedback. The only apparent problem here seems to be the album's title
and it's coupling with songs titles such as "Sweet Obituary 3AM". Come
on, guys, that's just creepy.
-Dave Kargol
SUPERJADED
BIG SINCE I WAS LITTLE
SELF-RELEASED
Some want the fury to be over, but Superjaded fans just can't get enough. Superjaded
is fueled by a mix between the grit of Puddle of Mudd and Limp Bizkit's rhymes
and sampling—the kind of stuff that today is most prevalent on alternative
radio—so this quite marijuana-influenced band have ensured themselves a
spot on the radio. But will they be able to bring a different spin to the scene?
The band has already wooed local scenes in Canada like Ottawa and Montreal with
their live renditions of this 10-song release, but whether or not they will take
the States by a storm is undecided. Find out for yourself if Superjaded is the
next bomb to hit the airways or the next to blow up at website.
-Breanne Dunn
TARTHARIA
A SECRET DEVICE
CRASH
Tartharia have a very unique death-metal sound. This mixture of Finnish and Russian
musicians' five-track release is at times pristine, at others quite brutal. Top-notch
production captures every blood-curdling scream and haunting guitar riff, while
the band's combination of Dimmu Borgir, Moonspell, and In Flames is as fresh
as anything aggressive these days. Bridging the gap between Gothenburg, goth
and death metal, Tartharia's impressive debut is short and calls for more musical
exploration for those ready to embrace a new twist in the genre. Website
-Mike SOS
THE BAKESYS
S/T
DO THE DOG MUSIC
This album (released in partnership with DO THE DOG, a ska zine out of England)
is a very solid ska album for fans of a more 2-Tone ska sound. Finding out about
bands like The Bakesys is one of the greatest perks of writing for this magazine.
Since these guys don't get much play over here in America, SKRATCH has allowed
me to discover a great ska band that distinguishes themselves by using an organ.
If you like The Specials and The Chinkees, then The Bakesys will fit in nicely
with your ska collection.
-Dane Jackson
THE BLOOD DRAINED COWS
13
TRIPLE X RECORDS
The brain of Gregg Turner must be an erratic and busy place, as his venture with
fellow Texans Russ Miller and Tom Trusnovic mines everything from Zappa's wordy
nightmares, Nuggets-era guitar pop, and Alice Cooper spook rock. With the afroed
punk legend Jeff Dahl turning their knobs, Turner and crew cover all that and
then some on 13 songs that wouldn't belong on the same record if the same people
hadn't made them. Using big words for goofy lyrics, a drug-induced relaxation,
and bi-polarity between western Texas punk and West Coast punk, they creates
a caricature of Guided by Voices, but somehow lack the minuscule composure and
organization that Bob Pollard kept while drinking himself into a coma. The droning
of every noise on the record casts their solid influences aside (including a
cover of Roky Erickson's "White Faces") and makes everything too erratic,
at the expense of potentially solid songs.
-Rob Macy
THE COLLISIONS
TALK IS THE NEW ACTION
WINDJAM RECORDS
This Boston trio offers up TALK IS THE NEW ACTION, their debut full-length on
Windjam Records. The band has been together since 2000, and since then they've
built up quite a following in Boston. The Collisions' sound is a mixture of atmospheric
rock music with dashes of garage rock, pop, glam, and a bit of punk. What results
is a clusterfuck of genres that is held together by the captivating, sometimes
hypnotic vocals of Bo Barringer. While I'm not a big fan of the album, fans of
Tom Waits and The Pixies should be in heaven.
-Dane Jackson
THE COMPULSIONS
LAUGHTER FROM BELOW
SELF-RELEASED
The dirty, bluesy rhythms of The Compulsions seep through your speakers with
the grace of a pole dancer at the local nudie bar. This NYC band slows down the
punk rock and sexes it up a considerable amount, making the perfect three-song
disc to make your night moves by. The band packs the wallop of late-'80s The
Cult (without the Jim Morrison impressions) and gives off the smoky smell of
a roadside bar in Anytown USA as the slide guitar in "Shake Hands with the
Devil" wails away. Website
-Mike SOS
THE CONTROL
GLASSEYE
GO-KART RECORDS
Judging from this release, I'd say that the kids in Buffalo, NY, have a lot of
rage they need to let out. The Control delivers a 10-track explosion of fury
that will surely make you break objects in your room. The album is very modern,
aggressive, and intense. The band mixes hardcore and punk flawlessly to create
a hybrid that can not be categorized as either. The only band that comes to mind
when I listen to this release is Sick of It All. If you didn't see the group
on tour with Kill Your Idols, you'll have another chance to see them soon, as
the band plans on touring non-stop this upcoming year.
-ADF
THE CORB LUND BAND
FIVE DOLLAR BILL
STONY PLAIN RECORDS
I must be confused as to what exactly indie rock is. Why do I feel like all I
need is a fifth of whiskey and some tobacco? While The Corb Lund Band does make
really good hillbilly music, they make TERRIBLE rock music—and, apparently,
that is what this CD was supposed to be. With titles like "Short Native
Grasses (Prairies of Alberta)", I don't know why I would have expected otherwise.
Now, don't get me wrong: there is definitely some talent hidden underneath those
cowboy hats and twangy lyrics...but as for FIVE DOLLAR BILL, The Corb Lund Band
would be lucky if I would even shell out that much for this album.
-Carley Charpentier
THE EXCHANGE
MISS HOLLYWOOD
SELF-RELEASED
The Exchange offer up some bland power pop that would fit perfectly on commercial
radio. Musically, MISS HOLLYWOOD is lofty and just no fun to listen to. The bass
lines come in when you'll expect them to, the tempo changes just in the right
places. This is just about as cookie-cutter as it gets. The drums also sound
like they're mixed in a funny way, and when cymbals are used, they overpower
everything else on the track. The only shining light for this band is the lead
singer. He has a great voice, but, unfortunately, he can't keep this boat afloat.
-Dane Jackson
THE EVALUATION
WE BUILT THE GUN THAT CAUSES THIS UNENDING FEAR
LUJO
Desiring to make their listeners dance while hoping to infuse their music with
a deeper, almost political message, this trio from Illinois strongly establish
themselves with their first album, WE BUILT THE GUN THAT CAUSES THIS UNENDING
FEAR. The Evaluation join many other bands influenced by the post-punk/hardcore
sound made popular by the DC scene and its instigator Fugazi. What sets them
apart from the rest, though, is their honesty. They are not condescending like
the bands they share a genre with; they do not attempt to act superior, but they
clearly state their goal as a band. The title itself is explained clearly right
when you open the CD, and the candor continues throughout each song. I suggest
you pick up this album as soon as possible. Website
-tChow
THE FALL OF TROY
THE FALL OF TROY
LUJO
Noisy, disjointed, and jagged, The Fall of Troy's self-titled, 11-track release
is brash enough to name songs "Wacko Jacko Steals the Elephant Man's Bones" and "What
Sound Does a Mastadon Make?" Not only do they have a knack for naming things,
but the band also backs up its creative titles with guitar work and melodies
that are just as thoughtful. "Spartacus" is chock full of raw noise
and complements the remaining jaded tunes, while "The Circus that Has Brought
Us Back to These Nights" evokes the fragile beauty of bands like At the
Drive-In while keeping the trio's screamo factor intact. Website
-Mike SOS
THE FREEZE
LAND OF THE LOST AND RABID REACTION
DR. STRANGE RECORDS
Let me quote them here: "If your band doesn't take out an ad in my 'zine
I'll pretend you broke up." Well, clearly our friends from The Freeze are
bearing some hostilities towards the magazine business, so I guess it doesn't
matter when I say this CD kicks some ass. LAND OF THE LOST & RABID REACTION
is a combination of two earlier albums by The Freeze, and from what I can tell
these CDs were beyond their time. While they still sound of anti-establishment
punk rock, many of their songs and melodies are refreshing to a drumbeat loving
audience. The melodies are fresh, and the beats are rocking. All in all, this
is a kick-ass album.
-Carley Charpentier
THE HIGHER
STAR IS DEAD
FIDDLER
The Higher was the best surprise of the month of January. With just five songs
on their debut EP, STAR IS DEAD blew me away. Each song is an engaging mix of
emo, pop, and punk. My particular favorite from the quintet is "Midnight".
I am becoming a sucker for broken-heart songs, and The Higher do them justice.
I would definitely keep an eye out for these Las Vegas natives.
-Luke Skywalker
THE HONEYSHOP SCREAMERS
GOING OUT DANCING
DO THE DOG MUSIC
The six tracks on this ska EP are dominated by heavily-accented English vocals
and overwrought keyboards that seem to sap the life out of these tunes. The Honeyshop
Screamers were only in existence between 1998 and 2001, so, unless they are regrouping
for a comeback, there seems little sense in this release. There is nothing new
here, just some run-of-the-mill ska with a fumbling horn section. The one bright
point on this disc is the hidden acoustic track at the end of the album. It's
merely a repetitive chorus with one acoustic guitar, but the vocal overlays give
the tune a very solid and original feel. Website
-DUG
THE HONOR SYSTEM
RISE AND RUN
GREY FLIGHT RECORDS
The Honor System possesses a strong and dark sound that reverberates through
RISE AND RUN. The music seems to be charged and aiming to be pessimistic and
dark, but it doesn't intrigue me much. Their lyrics consist of reflections on
our society and such, but it doesn't really catch my attention or interest. I
would never buy this CD or recommend it. But if you like the whole idea of poser-level
hardcore meets crybaby emo and rock music, this may please your ear. Warning:
every song on the CD sounds exactly the same—no variations of any sort.
-Jennifer Moncayo
THE LIVING THINGS
TURN IN YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS
DREAMWORKS
Three punk brothers from St. Louis decide to start a full-on punk band, complete
with Beat Generation writer influences and rebellious overtones. Sounds like
a movie script? Well, art imitates life quite well, because it's the story of
the new punk trio The Living Things. So, what should we expect from a band whose
Steve Albini-produced four-track debut EP liberally borrows from indie-rock stalwarts
Dinosaur Jr., as well as The Stooges (at their most primal), and (of course)
Nirvana? Well, besides the obvious middle-finger-to-the-establishment messages,
expect a slew of minimalist smart punk à la Fugazi and enough piss and
vinegar to fill one of those giant Price Club-sized mayonnaise jars. Whether
or not Living Things wind up on every adolescent's wall or in the bargain bin
remains to be seen, but it appears as if the band's glossies have dried. Website
-Mike SOS
THE MICROPHONES
LIVE IN JAPAN, FEBRUARY 19TH, 21ST, AND 22ND, 2003
K RECORDS
This live CD is a sleepy-time collection of tracks by singer/songwriter Phil
Elverum, who has built a reputation for creating songs that are awkward, if not
awe-inspiring. When listening to each reflective cut such as "the Blow pt.
2", "Universe Conclusion", and "My Favorite Things"—all
of which are rich in tender acoustics and waggling vocals—it's obvious
that this was never meant for one listen. It takes time for The Microphones to
sink in. This live CD certainly does help the process along.
-Darren Ratner
THE NEW ANXIETY
S/T
KEEP SAFE RECORDS
The first term the label uses to describe The New Anxiety is "aggressive." After
forgiving the label for a gross misuse of the word "aggressive," I
found that this record is actually not bad for what it is. Lyrics that hint at
emo (though more intelligent) coupled with a Braid-like sound makes for an acceptable
indie-rock album. Sure, it's been done before, but there's some need for tunes
to tap your fingers to when you don't feel like fully rocking out.
-Casey Clague
THE SPITS
DIRTY
SELF RELEASED
The Spits' DIRTY opens up with a horror-movie organ and chanting which sounds
evil. At that point I was expecting some metal, but instead The Spits gave me
a creepy version of The Ramones singing "It's a Witch Hunt". DIRTY
is a really good demo which should be taken seriously by some lucky record company.
As the disc progresses, The Spits do interject other elements into the music
beyond The Ramones—mainly weirdness (and I mean that in a good way). I
loved the song "I'm a Nuclear Bomb". Oh, and in the future, to The
Spits and others: print neatly on your demos; don't make it a puzzle as to what
is on your disc.
-H. Barry Zimmerman
THE STREETWALKIN' CHEETAHS
MAXIMUM OVERDRIVE
ALIVE RECORDS
The Streetwalkin' Cheetahs made an album that encompasses their love of music
and rock 'n' roll. It has good rock songs with style and energy, with guest vocals
on songs like "Cherry Bomb" (which happens to be one of their better
songs). Most of the songs are good rock 'n' roll, but some lean towards the whiny
emo style that I'm not a fan of. The standout song, though—which makes
the CD worthy of its existence—is the amazing cover of The Dead Boy's "Ain't
Nothin' to Do". It's worth listening to, but sketchy as whether it's a commendable
purchase.
-Jennifer Moncayo
THE TOASTERS
IN RETROSPECT
STOMP RECORDS
After 22 years of high-energy live shows and no less than 12 full-length albums,
New York's ska pioneers The Toasters have released a brilliant greatest-hits
compilation. The 21 tunes on the disc cover eight of the bands albums and most
of their best-known tunes. Although many critics jumped on the "ska is dead" bandwagon
a couple of years ago, the fact that bands like The Toasters still manage to
pack venues—both domestically and internationally—proves that, much
like metal or reggae, ska is a timeless genre. The feel-good, dancing vibe that
these tunes deliver is a pleasant counterpoint to the hate and fear rampant in
the world today. While ska is not everyone's cup of tea, the world would be a
better place if it were. Do yourself a favor and pick up this essential comp.
Website
-Mike SOS
TRIVIUM
EMBER TO INFERNO
LIFEFORCE
In some odd way, it seems as though this record was put together from the worst
song to the best, as the songs increasingly get better. The tracks are heavy,
but there are plenty of clean vocal melodies to keep the scales balanced. Trivium
has put together a fairly decent record with influences ranging from In Flames
to Metallica to Killswitch Engage. It's a fun record, and I'm positive that if
you purchase EMBER TO INFERNO, it will get continual spinning time wherever you
may roam.
-Steven Segallstones
TWENTY2
THE DUDES OF HAZZARD
NEW SCHOOL RECORDS
Canada's Twenty2, outside of adopting a THE DUKES OF HAZZARD theme (the cover
of THE DUDES OF HAZZARD has a little blue man (Twenty2's mascot) driving the
General Lee), Twenty2 rock it in the style of All. DUDES OF HAZZARD is Twenty2's
fourth disc, and the experience shows in their execution, tightness, and musicianship.
This is a solid-as-hell disc. Turn it up, and let the good times roll.
-H. Barry Zimmerman
UNION 13
SYMPTOMS OF HUMANITY
DISASTER RECORDS
I was never into Union 13 much when the band was on Epitaph, but after listening
to SYMPTOMS OF HUMANITY, I think I'm going to go back and listen to some of it
a little more closely. On SYMPTOMS OF HUMANITY, Union 13 blend metal with speedy
thrash-punk. This makes a nice hardcore hybrid that is fast, heavy, but still
melodic. The band's Latino background also shines through on the album with songs
done solely in Spanish and slight hints of flamenco guitar thrown in on occasion.
If you like extremely fast, left-wing punk-rock anthems, then this album is for
you.
-Dane Jackson
VALINOR
SELF-TITLED
SELF-RELEASED
Desolate landscapes usually coincide with a bland soundtrack, but on Valinor's
first EP, they try to defy just that. By blending familiar sounds with their
own teenage angst, the band stepped out after two years in the garage to make
this two-song EP. It's not evident whether this band lacks structure or skill,
but in the early recordings presented here there is a shortage of their own sound
brought to the forefront. The highlight of this recording is the catchy bass,
sure to catch any listener's ear. Although this may be a meager beginning for
Valinor, tune to Website, because in 2004 the heat is sure to turn
up in the desert for this threesome.
-Breanne Dunn
VALE
PICKED IT UP TO PUT IT DOWN
SELF-RELEASED
Maybe this should be called "PICKED IT UP AND NEVER PUT IT DOWN". Okay
that doesn't have the same zing to it—though that is precisely how you'll
feel after just one listen. First off, I must note that things could get shaky
when an American band try their hand at British Rock...but fear not, readers:
Southern California's Vale have obviously been well schooled. The album opens
with the track "Hell of a Life", which shuffles along to a Shins-esque
rhythm. "Drunk Again" brings to mind The Smiths harder-edge tunes (such
as "London" or "Sweet & Tender Hooligan"), while others
have a decidedly mid-'90s Brit-Rock feel (à la Oasis or The Stone Roses).
Vale are at their best on "Blue (Mind On You)", which has this classic "There
Is a Light that Never Goes Out" vibe, and "Lifeless", a distant
cousin to New Order classic "Loveless". This is undoubtedly an impressive
debut and is littered with catchy guitar riffs, bouncy bass lines, and Dave Johnson's
deadpan vocals. Valeband.com" target=_blank>Website
-Jude Ruiz
VARIOUS ARTISTS
A SANTA CAUSE
IMMORTAL
With a roster that includes Something Corporate, Blink 182, New Found Glory,
Fall Out Boy, and MxPx, you would think they could have chosen a stronger song
to start off this Christmas compilation than a weak "Christmas in Hollis" from
The A.K.A.'s. Oh, well, the rest of the mix is strong and catchier than your
best attempt at music from Britney Spears. Including original holiday songs from
all the best pop-punk acts out right now, as well as some renditions of traditional
songs, this Immortal Records compilation will surely be a cheerful addition to
anybody's collection. Besides, some of the proceeds go to benefit the Pediatric
Aids Foundation. What more can you ask for this holiday season? Website
-tChow
VARIOUS ARTISTS
BOSS SAMPLERAGE 4
BOSS TUNEAGE
A plethora of Boss Tuneage bands (far too many to name) have combined to form
a 56-song release to define the poppier edge of the punk-hardcore spectrum. Driving
guitars, pounding bass lines, and fast drums and a hell of a lot of emotion are
featured on this album. With this many good songs coming from so many different
bands, Boss Tuneage is currently producing multiple quality albums. Among the
many standouts on this album are Something with Numbers, The Pavers, All Systems
Go, Wasted, and Southpaw. BOSS SAMPLERAGE 4 shows many promising bands and the
future of power rock. If this is the future of melodic-hard-rock, then we are
all in store for an edgier and more streetcore version of the current corporate
mall-punk scene.
-Kevin Conway
VARIOUS ARTISTS
GO-KART MP300 RACE WAY
GO-KART
I was so happy when I first got this CD. I saw it advertised and I knew I wanted
it, so it was awesome to the opportunity to review. A fan of compilations for
a long time, I thought that a 300-song compilation would be great. The album
was a bit overwhelming. 300 songs is daunting, but I thoroughly enjoyed the selections
of artists and songs. Each group gets two songs and a short biography. The only
disadvantage to this album I suppose is that an MP3 player (which seem to be
a technological trend) is required to listen to it.
-Luke Skywalker
VARIOUS ARTISTS
HOWS MY DRIVING?? COMPILATION
SUPERSPEEDWAY MUSIC
Superspeedway Music unleashes a revved-up 16-track compilation of hard-driven
music for you to speed down the road in your dragster, your bomber—or,
heck, even your skateboard. Highlights include the skate-punk style of Clay Wheels "A
Day in the Life", the destructive punk rock of The Cliftons' "Strung
Out on Dope", and the melodic mod punk on The Odd Numbers' "The Getaway".
There are also noteworthy tunes from Angry for Life, Sloe, The Lincolns, and
Blacklist Brigade. This disc contains several unreleased tracks, so if you're
a fan of any of these bands, you best speed on down the road and pick this one
up (though I must note that, as high octane as this compilation is, the best
thing about it is the brilliant cover art by Johnny Mojo). Supersm.com" target=_blank>Website
-Jude Ruiz
VARIOUS ARTISTS
MASS DESTRUCTION
BANKSHOT RECORDS
Finally, a fucking punk CD. Well, it is actually a compilation of a bunch of
punk bands, like The Lawrence Arms and The Distillers. Since it's a compilation
CD, what can you really say about it? Most of the songs on it are really good.
Osker sings "No Spine", which is a cool song that I have never heard
before. Of course, they're a couple I don't like. The Arsons "Matty Says" makes
me want to puke, but I guess that's what the fast-forward button is for. This
CD has 26 tracks on it, so you will get your money's worth if you pick it up.
Oh yeah, one more thing: if you like what you hear, you can contact most the
bands with the information that they provide on the inside cover.
-Ian Wilkins
VARIOUS ARTISTS
MIDWEST RULES
HAUNTED TOWN RECORDS
This CD provides a pretty wide range of talent harvested from the Midwest. With
bands like Phenoms displaying a near-rockabilly sound and Daggers exhibiting
good old hard punk rock, this CD is a perfect showcase of bands from the heartland.
While this compilation does prove that bands from the Midwest sure can rock,
it doesn't make me want to pack my bags and move to Ohio. Even though the CD
is full of rocking tunes, I kept "Look Back, Recall, the Fight, the Fall" by
Grendel and "Mutual Mystification" by Phenoms on repeat. So hit the
stores, kiddies, and shout it on the rooftops: THE MIDWEST RULES!
-Carley Charpentier
VARIOUS ARTISTS
MUSIC FOR A SUNNY DAY—VOL. I
GRAY MUSIC
Have you ever been white-water rafting? Typically, the activity consists of short
periods of relaxed cruising and sight-seeing broken up often by rapids and frantic
attempts at not falling in the water. For the most part, nobody really enjoys
the rapids, but they tolerate them as an integral part of the whole experience.
This comp is not like white-water rafting. Fear Before the March of Flames starts
the record off right, but things mostly go terribly wrong after that. There are
some really good post-punk/hardcore songs on here (standouts include Save Face
and Crooked A's), but the task of enduring the worst emo known to man to get
to them is tough. It might have been in Gray Music's best interest to release
this comp in two separate volumes, because, unlike white-water rafting, the crappy
parts do nothing to better the good ones.
-Casey Clague
VARIOUS ARTISTS
NOT IN CAPTIVITY COMPILATION
HIGH FIDELITY RECORDS
These days, good compilations with a clash of different scenes are few and hard
to come by. On this independent release by High Fidelity Records, the clamor
fuses perfectly with a clash of the bands' completely different sounds that results
in a product worth picking up. The reasons why this release was put together
differ greatly from the why the majority of other compilations—bland recordings
with little effort put in released by mainstream outlets to serve up radio hits—are
put out today. NOT IN CAPTIVITY's dissimilar bands are united by rising up against
the tireless prevalence of today's bland, mainstream music to present something
new and fresh to listener's ears. Although the compilation has 21 different artists—all
of whom all hold their own—Stalin's War and The Broke both bring a special
spark