MAY 2003 CD reviews

FRANKLIN FOR SHORT
WILDCAT
STEREO TYKE RECORDS
Picture yourself on the balcony of a beach house overlooking the ocean and relaxing to the sounds of Weezer and The Beatles. Franklin for Short creates that picture for you even as your sitting on your apartment balcony looking at the street! The vocalist has such a strong and distinctive voice that it brings all your attention to his message. Although each song sounds similar to every other track on the album, the quality of each track makes for such an even flow and smooth finish that it is almost impossible to beat it down. For an independent record, WILDCAT deserves our full attention.
-Annette Ovanessian

FORDIRELIFESAKE/DELUGE
SPLIT CD
THORP
Fordiresakelife and Deluge are from completely different worlds, yet the bond that holds them together is music-hardcore music, to be exact. On this Thorp split disc, we get a Michigan outfit that mixes the melodics and emotion of Thursday with the sheer aggression of Shai Halud for three tracks, and then a Netherlands-based group whose melancholic musicality is hammered into your skull with a technically sound metal-esque vengeance. How's that for global business? Exhibiting the latest wave of what the underground has to offer, Fordiresakelife and Deluge blur the edges between emo, metal, and hardcore-and come up with a solid offering in the process. www.thorprecords.com
-Mike SOS

THE BRIEFS
OFF THE CHARTS
DIRTNAP RECORDS
The Briefs are a pogoing time machine, using their original music to take us back to an early punk sound that was about fun, the energy of wild youth, skinny ties, and outrageous sunglasses. The music bounces with the feel of "Banned from the Pub" and rings anthemic like 999's "Homicide". Just as those songs are packaged on countless punk-era retrospectives, so do songs on this album like "Outer Space Doesn't Care About You" and "(Looking Through) Gary Glitter's Eyes" define that vibe and would fit just as nicely on those compilations.
-Tom "Tearaway" Schulte

PINBACK
OFFCELL EP
ABSOLUTELY KOSHER RECORDS
With the recent radio success of the song "Penelope", Pinback have become a household indie name. Their line-up-which consists of two very innovative men who can boast former membership in such projects as Thingy, Heavy Vegetable, and 3 Mile Pilot-is even more impressive than their recent success. Pinback's innovative approach to indie rock is apparent in their new EP, OFFCELL. Like their past releases, the EP creates an ethereal feeling through a diverse range of elements. In one word, the EP is eclectic, with the first track, "Transmission", drawing from oriental backgrounds and the title track beginning with a hip-hop beat. Pinback definitely draw from various influences, but distinctly make these sounds their own. Overall, the album is soothing and otherworldly, yet still evokes an array of emotions in the listener, peaceful yet powerful one moment, haunting the next. The two members are obviously experienced in all areas of music, playing the bass as if it were a guitar and producing a complex drumbeat for every track. Pinback have produced four CDs that are consistent with their character, and they show improvement with each release. Be sure to nab a copy of OFFCELL when it hits stores on June 10, 2003. www.pinback.com
-tChow

CELLDWELLER
CELLDWELLER
ESION MUSIC
This freaky techno-metal is its own genre: space rock, or nuradio rock, perhaps. It's abrasively unabrasive. Klayton (the guy on the inside cover) looks like Pink's twin brother. I love the second song on this album, "Switchback". If I were at a club on drugs with this song playing, it would be one of the best five-minute stints of my life. Fueled by everything from Metallica-esque balladry, Tool-like hardcore, and melodies only Scott Stapp (of Creed) could dream of, Celldweller adds the rave-scene sound until the music leaks beats. I really like the final product, I just worry it's a passing whim. Hm. Time will tell.
-Emily Kendy

WATCHERS
TO THE ROOFTOPS
GERN BLANDSTEN RECORDS
Watchers reminds me of The Voidoids or The Slits playing funkadelic disco music. Some of the strangest noises you'll ever move your body to will come reverberating out of this album. Sure, it makes me want to dance, and I enjoy the funk as much as the next guy; but the cynic in me is forced to consider if this is just a group of people who are very talented on their instruments and have the ability to play whatever they want without genuine passion and who recognize dance-funk rock as the next niche they can capitalize on to make a name for themselves. And having that unique edge can play shows with Yeah Yeah Yeah and Erase Errata and get respected publications, such as THE ONION, to write favorable reviews about them? Probably-but it's fun either way! Does that make any sense?
-chad

THE CHIODOS BROS.
THE HEARTLESS CONTROL EVERYTHING
SEARCH AND RESCUE RECORDS
The Chiodos Bros. (out of Flint, MI) is an indie band that pulls out all the stops, mixing everything from keyboards to screaming and chunky and distorted guitar riffs into a giant bowl, then throwing in some attitude. THE HEARTLESS CONTROL EVERYTHING may be short, but it serves as a great introduction to one of Michigan's best unknown bands. While the keyboard may seem out of place at times, fortunately it doesn't take away from the rest of the music, for the most part adding a nice complement and dynamic to the band's already refined sound. It's obvious from listening to this album that lead singer Craig Owens has amazing vocal depth and range. At one point he sounds like a normal guy singing along, but all of a sudden he either lets out a gravelly or a little-girl scream. Regardless, the man has all ranges covered. If everything works out, you should be hearing a lot more from this great band.
-Dane Jackson

LEE BABY SIMMS
THE ESCAPIST
SUBSTANCE RECORDS
Let me start of by saying that this record was excellent. Before I put this album on, I had been reviewing a lot of really terrible albums, but this was definitely a breath of fresh air in every sense. It's an eclectic mix of jazz, synths, and ambient new-wave music. It's as if some really hip jazz musicians got together and decided to make an ambient record accompanied with lots of studio post-production-and also decided to add some unconventional sounds and rhythms to make the music more interesting. If you're looking for a new record to make your collection that much cooler and impress people with your wide range of musical tastes, definitely pick up this record. I feel cooler just for having listened to it.
-Carlos Cuesta

OZMA
SPENDING TIME ON THE BORDERLINE
KUNG FU RECORDS
I'm going to write this review without comparing Ozma to Weezer (a comparison common to most Ozma reviews). Instead, I'm giving props to Ozma for taking that extra step and pushing its flexible creativity to a different level. This album ranges from the folk-sounding "Come Home Andrea" to the somewhat dark, powerful "Curve in the Old 1-9" to the futuristic "Light Years Will Burn". Infused with digital effects and faintly robotic vocals, SPENDING TIME ON THE BORDERLINE differs from Ozma's earlier releases, yet still maintains the band's trademark style.
-Kathleen

MURDER 1
ON HIGH
THE MUSIC CARTEL
The power/blues punk of Murder 1 reincarnates the spirit of Blue Cheer. This heavy slab marking the band's third release is more stylistically consistent and focused for maximum stoner-rock energy. The group now sports a new vocalist (Will Naga) and a piano/keyboard player going by the name Bram Phetamine. On songs like "White Horse Trail", Phetamine offers a funky keys break that gives the song the shadow of R&B soul.
-Tom "Tearaway" Schulte

MURDER 1
ON HIGH
THE MUSIC CARTEL
These guys blow my mind. On their first album they played metal-influenced, sleazy hardcore punk, covered Reagan Youth, then went on tour with Anal Cunt while original singer Cakeboy was getting arrested for distributing porn. The next album saw them touring with Sugar Ray and Stain, then collaborating with Kid Rock on a Bob Marley cover. Now they have a new singer, a keyboardist, and are covering UFO on an album of sleazy blues-metal (think Blue Cheer meets The Obsessed). Although they might not stand up to someone's scene points litmus test, they have always managed to make me smile by maintaining a sense of fun and ignoring musical boundaries. Murder 1 have always managed to entertain, whether they're betraying a Deep Purple influence on "Pimp Killer (Papillon)", blending Iron Maiden with Jethro Tull on "Helm's Deep", or kicking the Negativeland style on the drunk-friend-late-night-answering-machine-message-noise-guitar piece called "Hudson County Probation Blues" that ends the record. All of this from a band that once played hardcore songs about chick with dicks. Only in New Jersey.
-Snotty Scotty

THE CINCH
EP
DIRTNAP
I'm inclined to give this band a good review because they have not one but two girl singers. Even better, they actually take part in writing the songs. This CD seems suspiciously overproduced, though. The first song is something I'd expect to hear on the radio, not on an EP produced by a little-known record label. The Cinch sound a lot like The Donnas, but...take a deep breath...softer. The guitar riffs all sound the same, and the same bass and drum tricks are used throughout this CD. The Cinch are not something you could really learn to love (or learn to differentiate from everything else), but I have to give some respect to the girls singing, because they sound good; they have good, smooth voices, and they know what they're doing.
-Franny

TEE-M
YOU GO ON
SELF-RELEASED CD
Would you ever think there'd be a pop balladeer hailing from Pakistan? Well, in a musical globe where anything is possible comes Tee-m, a man armed with a dream, an acoustic guitar, and four tracks of pop-rock. Immediately, an early-Beatles influence is apparent, as Tee-m mixes rich vocal harmonies with compelling songwriting much like the Fab Four did. In fact, even the production-which features lush orchestral arrangements-screams Liverpool. In a world where a lot of the folksy stuff is very whiny and interpersonal, Tee-m turns his folk rock into tunes of hope, love, peace, and harmony in a way that's a hell of a lot more honest and forthright than anything Jewel has ever done. www.geocities.com/tmgig
-Mike SOS

DEADWEIGHT
HALF-WIT ANTHEMS
DEADWEIGHT RECORDINGS
The weight is now alive and in the hands of a fair and honest critic! The album, HALF-WIT ANTHEMS blends rock 'n' roll and funky bass lines in perfect unity. Who said funk is only in soul? Deadweight is semi-similar to the old Red Hot Chili Peppers, in the sense of the vocalist having a strong and funky tone in perfect harmony with his musical support team. Just imagine a really good band that has a lot of #1 hits but after releasing so many records loses its hit-making success. Well, Deadweight is working backwards. I'm sure their next few albums will contain those hits that the radio stations will play without any hesitation. Overall, Deadweight is a fun, humorous, and uplifting band that holds it down correctly. I would really like to see them play live...but where? I guess I'll log on to www.deadweightsf.com to find out!
-Annette Ovanessian

BRAZIL
DASEIN
FEARLESS RECORDS
There is prog rock, and there is PROG ROCK. The debut EP from this Indiana sextet is the kind of disc that would have sent Peter Gabriel and Keith Emerson into epileptic fits of jealousy in the late '70s. It is simply some of the finest contemporary space music on the market today. Excellent musicians, good vocals, and whacked-out lyrics carry this music so far over the top that it disappears into a blue cloud of sonic psychedelia. Timothy Leary's not dead, he's been resurrected as a robot on the front and back of this CD. Within the chilling rock on this record the band manages to work in a viola, a violin, a couple of cellos, and a "thank you" to the Ball State Symphony Orchestra. Fearless Records has amonster band on their hands. Thank God they call themselves "fearless"; otherwise, this music would still be sitting in a small town in Indiana. It's time for this band to cut loose with the full-length album. Might I suggest a triple album to start things off? Oh yes, one bit of advice from the band: "Please hold on. Do not let themachines hurt you." Better yet, just go to their Website at www.braziltheband.com and hear the entire CD for free.
-DUG

HITCH
MONOLITH
DIVOT RECORDS
Hitch is a three-piece band from Belgium. It's interesting to see some bands from Belgium, being that I'm so sick and tired of hearing bands from Sweden, a nice change of pace. However, it's a shame to hear that plagiarism is just as popular in Belgium as it is in America. I had some friends listen to album with me. Although they agreed it was good, the overall consensus was that Hitch sounds exactly like The Refused. However, the songs are catchy at times. I suppose that if you're into that kind of a music Hitch may interest you, but if you're not I can't see any definite reasons to check them out.
-Carlos Cuesta

HINT HINT
SEX IS EVERYTHING
COLD CRUSH
Hint Hint is an electro-clash band from Seattle produced by Derek Fudesco of Pretty Girls Make Graves. The first thing I noticed about this album is the picture of two cats humping on the cover. I've never really understood why bands put their pets on the covers of their albums. I've seen it time and time again. It's usually small bands that are just starting out, putting it on their demo or something. At any rate, it's a huge turn-off before I even hear a second of their music. If you're in a band and you're reading this, DON'T EVER PUT YOUR PETS ON THE COVER OF ANYTHING. No one thinks it's cute or funny, only you do! The EP is titled SEX IS EVERYTHING, and it's always shocking when those electro-clash bands talk about sex. I really struggled to find something I liked about the album, but the music, for the most part, is boring and repetitive.
-Carlos Cuesta

STOLEN BABIES
STOLEN BABIES
NO COMMENT RECORDS
Clean nu-metal crunch that will get your head nodding from the first note to the last. If Metallica were not so macho and My Ruin were not so pretentious, they would sound this good. This band expertly conjures a powerful sense of limitless space, echoing in the shiny darkness. Power-chord orchestral arrangements bite though the gothic keyboards all on top of solid yet calculated drum work. The deep bass is so low it rumbles from somewhere inside your chest. Vocalist Dominique Lenore Persi's vocals are gritty smooth and alluring, with lyrics that are insightful and deep. Even so, the overall mood of Stolen Babies' music is "uplifting dreariness," much akin to the spirit of the animated film THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS. Now I wish I had hair so I could dye it blacker and grow it into some really long dreads. There are only four songs listed on this disc, but there are two "hidden" tracks. One is an interesting musical collage of assorted sounds creating a "haunted mansion" feeling, while the other is another chunky, mid-tempo rocker. Oh my goth!
-Marcus Solomon

THE SUICIDE FILE
TWILIGHT
INDECISION
The Suicide File is a Boston sextet that understands the art of brevity, as its 11 tracks of punk-hardcore madness clocks in under 18 minutes total. That's a lot of aggression packed into a short time frame, yet The Suicide File pulls it off with enough impact to make a mark, along with some sure-fire melody lines and catchy-but-heavy choruses to make you sing along with every last note. If you dig Sick of It All, Blood for Blood, and other bands that incorporate hooks among the sea of flailing body parts, then The Suicide File is made to please a fan just like you. www.indecisionrecords.com
-Mike SOS

KID BROTHER COLLECTIVE
HIGHWAY MILES
ONE DAY SAVIOR RECORDS
Kid Brother Collective's singer has an intense (bordering on screaming) voice that clearly projects the emotion behind every lyric. HIGHWAY MILES is not too heavy on melody but is definitely heavy on fist-pumping guitar riffs that leave your ears ringing...in a good way.
-Kathleen

BIRDDOG
SONGS FROM WILLIPA BAY
KARMA RECORDS
Birddog is a very unusual species, one that manages to produce a beautiful breed of songs. From mystic rock to melodic acoustic tones, the music is truly captivating. Birddog's album SONGS FROM WILLIPA BAY takes you through a long and slow journey across a foggy shoreline as you attempt to do some major soul-searching. It kind of brings out some inner sadness that you would like to keep inside for the moment, but as you weep for 30 seconds you stop and realize that life is good! Birddog would be a great band for movie soundtracks-maybe for a really romantic but sad love story...or maybe even an episode of MTV UNPLUGGED. www.birddog.ws
-Annette Ovanessian

THERE WERE WIRES
THERE WERE WIRES
IODINE
From the opening "1-2-3-4", Ramones-like shout out, There Were Wires has decided that their eponymous, nine-track release (with bonus, live tunes thrown in) is on a mission to wreck everything around you. Armed with a hardcore sound that mixes disjointed riffs, screamo vocals (which, considering this is the flavor of the month, are exceptionally strong), and a rock-solid rhythm section that holds the cacophony all down, this Massachusetts-based quartet pulls no punches and spares no one's feelings-most of all their own. Evoking Helmet, Slayer, and every good hardcore band you can think of, There Were Wires has arrived...and it's hard not to notice a band with a sound this symphonically evil. www.xadamx.com/therewerewires
-Mike SOS

SINCE BY MAN
WE SING THE BODY ELECTRIC
REVELATION
What do you get when you send a California hardcore outfit to Boston to record an 11-track album for Revelation Records? You get Since By Man, a quintet whose WE SING THE BODY ELECTRIC has good old Walt Whitman windmilling in his grave. And with good reason, as the overlay of a jolting twin-guitar assault coupled with enticingly rich songwriting builds an overall sublime musical landscape. SBM has traces of At the Drive-In, Glassjaw, Snapcase, and other bands that implement intelligence in the mix of testosterone-driven, angst-ridden tunages-and yet it still manages to rip skulls open with unabashed enthusiasm. But unlike many of its peers, SBM has the ability to sew the skull back together and fix all of your ills. For the more discerning heavy music fan, Since By Man is here for your enjoyment and peace of mind. www.revelationrecords.com
-Mike SOS

XXX-COMMUNICATION
SELF TITLED
SELF RELEASE
Seven quick-paced, riff-happy punk ditties. Likable and definitely worth a listen. Alas, I have no info on this band, but I'm pretty sure it hails from O.C. It has a mid-'80s vibe teamed with some early-'90s-type punk riffing. I can't really compare it to any one band-which is a good thing-but would probably do well on a label like Hopeless. Perhaps the future does look bright in O.C. Only time will tell.
-Larry Lugz

ACID APE
FLESHSPA
LUNASOUND
The three souls who comprise Acid Ape aren't concerned in the least with anything except plugging in and getting down and dirty, lo-fi style. 10 tracks that come straight from the neighbor's garage, all fuzzed out and reeking of rock 'n' roll glory, Acid Ape's debut disc fits somewhere in between the early stages of Nirvana, the entire Am Rep revolution, and the latter stages of the late-'60s psychedelic era-so right away this can definitely be classified as good drug music. Regardless of your taste in activities, FLESHSPA is bound to strike a chord if you have a penchant for left-of-center rock with balls, grit, and above all a strong sense of three guys who really enjoy what they do. And what Acid Ape specializes in (in case you were wondering) is getting all shades of fucked up and banging some kick-ass rock from the gut and heart. Sound good on paper? Sounds even better cranked to 11 speeding down the highway. www.lunasoundrecording.com
-Mike SOS

DEAD BODIES EVERYWHERE
BUY A BULLET-RENT A GUN
INTOLERANT MESSIAH
Brutal, extreme hardcore is the fare here. One vocalist is low and diabolical (à la Cannibal Corpse), while a second screamer is a high-pitched, frantic demon. This group emerged out of the Bay Area "power violence" grindcore, making it somewhat of a throwback to the apocalyptic machine-gun bursts of the grindcore genre that had its heyday in the '80s. The contrasting vocal styles within the same song add texture to the album and help to keep it interesting and from being altogether derivative. This will mix well with your favorite bands on the Neurot label.
-Tom "Tearaway" Schulte

ANTI-ANTI
SLUMBER PARTY MASSACRE
RUNAWAY
I'm guessing that this is some kind of re-release, since this record was originally released in 2001. In any case, it starts off by totally not playing fair: you get a creepy Misfits-like intro, which launches into the definitely Misfits-like "Slumber Party Massacre". The rest of the record is far more interested in making you smile and hop around to some above-average pop-punk. Fans of the various Ramones clones should dig this record a whole lot, because Anti-Anti do the job well. I particularly liked the doo-wop vocal harmonies on "Bubblegum Girl". I wouldn't call this a particularly impressive band, but they're competent at what they do.
-Snotty Scotty

LANDSPEEDRECORD
GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
AMBIGUOUS CITY RECORDS
Landspeedrecord has complied a mediocre series of songs-indie rock, but different and repetitive. After listening to 19 of them, I concluded that I was not into Landspeedrecord on the lyrical tip. However, the music made a much better impression on me. The album still needs to freshen up the words. I do believe "We are on a mission from God," so let there be another chapter to the selection of the perfect maid. The production quality is fine, but the vocals are much too high. There needs to be harmony in music and smooth direction with lyrics-I can't stress this enough. Even though I can't sing for shit, I understand the importance of harmonizing.
-Annette Ovanessian

INVENTING EDWARD
WE'VE MET AN IMPASSE (BY MIDNIGHT WE'LL BE NAKED)
SUBSTANDARD RECORDS
Most of the record consists of very mellow ambient rock, although the music does pick up a few times. At times the mellow vibe goes one step too far and begins to drone. The music is occasionally accompanied by female vocals that sounds like Tori Amos-complete with piano. Although I wasn't very interested in most of the record, I think it makes great background music (but definitely not while driving). My favorite song was "No Set Combination", an ambient track with a spoken-word story laid over it (à la Velvet Underground's "The Gift").
-Carlos Cuesta

BURY YOUR DEAD
YOU HAD ME AT HELLO
ALVERAN
What would happen if Entombed and Crowbar had a baby? Bury Your Dead is the answer, as this band of New England maulers pummel out 10 tracks of blistering metalcore that are sure to cause a ruckus on your block. Growled vocals over a barrage of snarling guitars and jackhammered rhythms is what this quintet is all about. Despite the fact that Bury Your Dead have decided to call it a day, there's enough brutal goodness on one disc to let the reign of terror the band created live everlong. How can't it with song titles like "Dragged Out and Shot" and "So Fucking Blues"? While some people may cry "Hatebreed," Bury Your Dead instead come off as Jamey Jasta's punk-ass little brothers who like punk rock a bit too much. And for the moshing contingent, that's quite alright. www.eulogyrecordings.com
-Mike SOS

STÄLÄG 13
IN CONTROL
DR. STRANGE
Taking us back to the guitar-driven hardcore of the '80s is this reissue from Stäläg 13. Four bonus tracks beef up the album. The album brings to mind Circle Jerks, Dag Nasty, Minor Threat, and Cro-Mags of the period. There was real arranging being done in hardcore of this time, as is exhibited on this time capsule. The anthemic group vocals added punch to a fast "mosh part," preceded (and maybe also followed) by swinging, almost melodic bars of an instrumental passage. IN CONTROL is one of the many excellent gems of classic hardcore available from the mad Doctor.
-Tom "Tearaway" Schulte

THE RUDY CREW
INVASION
CONVERGE
The Rudy Crew is as authentic as a ska band can get, as this NYC outfit's 11-track offering displays a host of ska and reggae influences and really has the groove to get a party going. Boasting ex-members of Skinnerbox, The Stubborn All-Stars, and The Ejected, The Rudy Crew is no stranger to the spotlight, and with the way in which its music pulsates and skanks it's no small wonder that songs like "Love Me Baby" and "Stairway" make you feel so good inside. Chock full of those Caribbean rhythms and oodles of horns that illicit crazy hip-shaking and body-moving, The Rudy Crew goes deeper than The Bosstones and Sublime combined and comes up with a real vision of what the entire ska-reggae movement is all about. If you're throwing a party and want to sex up the atmosphere, there's no better disc to throw on than The Rudy Crew's latest. www.convergerecords.com
-Mike SOS

TERROR
LOWEST OF THE LOW
BRIDGE NINE
Heavy-power-mayhem-metal. Although very similar to bands like Hatebreed and Mushmouth, Terror manage to secure a slot in the power/violence hardcore scene. Thick riffs coupled with steamroller drumming performed with the accuracy of a CIA black-ops sniper. A more than stellar performance makes this a grand look at what this hungry band has to offer. Terror may sound like quite a few bands in this scene, but they surely prove that they have the skill to keep going after many are left for dead. Seek this one out.
-Larry Lugz

ANTISEEN
HONOUR AMONG THIEVES
TKO
The bad boys from North Carolina known as Antiseen have been very busy as of late, archiving all of their old-school releases and putting them out to today's hapless and unsuspecting music scene. 1988's HONOUR AMONG THIEVES is one of these works, and it truly captures the essence of a band that doesn't bother with finesse-and this is them at their most raw. Given today's tepid musical climate (and by reading the graphically detailed first-hand accounts in the liner notes), Antiseen was by far 100 times more volatile than Eminem and Marilyn Manson combined. Chaotic spurts of Joe Young's guitar work and Jeff Clayton's out-of-control vocal rants highlight the 20 tracks which comprise this collection, but it's the collective attitude of Antiseen that always pervades, a spirit that encompasses anxiety, rebellion, and everything rock 'n' roll should stand for. www.tkorecords.com
-Mike SOS

EVAPORATION
SELF-PRESSED
I thought, There must be a mistake. I examined the disc cover top to bottom. There was no mention of what record label Artichoke is on. I had already listened to EVAPORATION several times, and I was shocked to find that this disc is self-produced. This is a bad-ass, cool album. Where are the suits? Artichoke is a creative, smart, cool, highly-marketable band. Admittedly, there is a little too much music inspired by the teachings of Weezer-a trend I am sick to death of; but Artichoke is at least taking time to twist it a bit and present it in a new way. There are some LP-period touches on EVAPORATION. There is the sound of children playing in the water on the song "Noah"; there is a nighttime soundscape on the song "More Spackling Tools". Artichoke is smart-ass, artsy-fartsy cool. EVAPORATION is fabulous fun.
-H. Barry Zimmerman

AURORE RIEN
TELESTHESIA
SUN SEA SKY PRODUCTIONS
I'll cut right to the point on this record: it's very dreamy, ambient, instrumental indie rock-which sounds, not surprisingly, a lot like everyone's favorite bands, Radiohead and Sigur Ros. After some research, I found out that this is the first-and, apparently, last-release from this Milwaukee-based former band. I don't know what else to say about a band that releases one ambient indie-rock EP and then breaks up. I guess, maybe: check it out if you're into that kind of thing?
-Carlos Cuesta

MISTELTEIN
DIVINE.DESECRATE.COMPLETE
WORLD WAR III
Misteltein is a six-member gothic metal outfit that look as if they just stepped out of the Marilyn Manson tour bus, yet the band's bruising musical output leans towards the uber-influential Cradle of Filth. Nine tracks deep of Satanic invocations, blast-beat drumming, and a slew of screams and shrieks, Misteltein aren't just running with the devil, they're leading the charge. If you dig the epic sound of the Swedish death-metal underground, this is going to make you a happy camper. www.ww3music.com
-Mike SOS

STICK FIGURE SUICIDE
MISSION
BREAK EVEN
Stick Figure Suicide, the long-running punk outfit from the City of Brotherly Love, has released an 11-track album that takes the punk sounds of the left coast and puts them into an East Coast swing. While SFS has been doing just that for a number of years, here it somehow seems fresh and new. Maybe this can be attributed to the deluge of bad punk in the mainstream. Whatever the case, Stick Figure Suicide puts harmony and melody right alongside fast rhythms and catchy, shouted sing-alongs-just like they always have. They even add a Dag Nasty cover ("Sound for Sound") for good measure. Nowadays it just seems that more people are listening, and for this punk clan-whose honesty speaks as much volume as its guitars-it's definitely a good thing. www.breakeven.org
-Mike SOS

DEATH BY STEREO
INTO THE VALLEY OF DEATH
EPITAPH RECORDS
Now, this is a band I have had the opportunity to watch grow into an enormous, out-of-control monster, borrowing equally from punk and metal to create a unique twist to the hardcore genre. Efrem Shulz's vocal duties manage to go from raspy, Hatebreed-style vocals to Iron Maiden-like crooning to in-your-face Lee Ving (of Fear) intimidation-all this in the span of a single song. The music itself crosses genres with reckless abandon, proving that the confines of genre do not restrict this band. Hard, fast, melodic, threatening-and still with a precision that can be matched only by a skilled brain surgeon. By far, DBS is the most progressive hardcore-type band ever to hit the scene. I would recommend this in a heartbeat. There's something for everyone in this release.
-Larry Lugz

EDGEWISE
COMPLETE DISCOGRAPHY
THORP
Thorp Records have started a series titled UNSUNG to commemorate bands that were seminal but never really received the accolades that they deserved. The latest band to be honored is Edgewise, a Philly-based metalcore troupe whose 28-track history is captured here in its entirety for the first time. From its inception in the early '90s, Edgewise laid the groundwork for a lot of what we hear today in both metal and hardcore, encompassing the NYHC attitude with tight breakdowns and a metallic coating, à la bands like Cro-Mags and Madball. Big ups to the folks at Thorp for giving the kids what they've been asking for and richly deserve: a chance to rediscover what makes all of their favorite bands great. www.thorprecords.com
-Mike SOS

THE WHITE OCTAVE
MENERGY
INITIAL RECORDS
The overall swagger here is a definite theme: smart guys who love new wave music but totally aspire to be like Buzzcocks. The White Octave takes it nice and slow but revels in its own fluidity toward rock and romance of the absurd. I mean, the cover of this album shows this guy lamping in all of his badly-drawn glory (much like the signs and poster art in lower Mexico to draw you into the lairs of hair salons and adult nightclubs). Most of the songs are pretty laid back, yet twinge with a rocket glow that comes across as both superfluous and fantastic. In the end you are glad you caught the MENERGY, because locker rooms suck ass, and you'll need a good humor to make it out alive.
-Mark Whittaker

SCISSORFIGHT
POTENTIAL NEW AGENT FOR UNCONVENTIONAL WARFARE
TORTUGA
While the title of the latest EP from these quirky New England wildmen may be a mouthful, the musical nuances are subtle enough for anyone to understand. Simply stated, the newest release from Scissorfight ROCKS (and yes, capitalization is well deserved). Taking the dirtiest sounds from the boogie side of the swamp and adding in some intellectually-challenging lyrical content, Scissorfight are the North's answer to bands like Molly Hatchet and Black Oak Arkansas who felt that taking a handful of pills and downing them with a bottle of Jack was considered standard rock 'n' roll procedure. It's that kind of vibe that this New Hampshire quartet emits, and while there's nary a Confederate flag in sight, somewhere up there all those dead '70s rock stars are smiling when watching Scissorfight carry their torch loud and proud. www.tortugarecordings.com
-Mike SOS

THE FUX
MADE IN THE U.S. FUCKIN' A!
UNCLE WAGON RECORDS
Old-school punk and rawk. Think Pagans meet GG Allin. Rough around the edges, with enough attitude to start a war. Heavy doses of guitar with over-the-top sarcasm make this the perfect soundtrack to your next bar fight. So maybe the FUX have something to say. I can't hear it-but who the hell am I, anyway? This is just plain old fun.
-Larry Lugz

THE FUX
WEAPON OF FREEDOM
UNCLE WAGON RECORDS
Once again the FUX manage to offend, stretch the boundaries of indecency, and refuel the fire of party hedonism. Old school meets new school at a post-apocalyptic hardcore/punk pajama party. It's humor punk at the expense of everyone. Nothing is sacred here. In a way, they remind me of San Diego's Mother Russia. Hard-hitting, in your face, talk trash on your mama punk FUCKIN' rock. Definitely not for the faint of heart. Pick hit of the day goes to "Everything Sucks": the government, the job, the girlfriend, the apartment...you get the picture-a punk anthem with no redeeming qualities. I love this shit.
-Larry Lugz

F-MINUS
WAKE UP SCREAMING
HELLCAT RECORDS
F-Minus have always been one of my favorite Epitaph (Hellcat) bands for this reason: F-Minus play punk the way it should be played: by eliminating the rules. It's short, angry, and to the point (kind of like Danny DeVito). The newest release comes out screaming and ends screaming (hence its title). The production job (by Steve Albini) fits the music to a T: it's harsh and unconditional. The subject matter is pure punk, with themes like hate, product endorsement, death, and society. "Brand Loyalty" hits home hard, as the band sink their teeth into the sickening practice of third-world labor so kids can wear trademarked logos on their persons every day. Whatever. I give this disc an A+.
-Larry Lugz

F-MINUS
WAKE UP SCREAMING
HELLCAT
If you thought that the first release from F-Minus was something to behold, wait until you hear how the outfit comes back frothing at the mouth on its latest 15-track, Steve Albini-produced punk-rock gem. Stripping down to the bare essentials of punk rock, this California-based quartet produces a seething display of aggression that stands up right next to seminal releases of bands like Black Flag, T.S.O.L., and Minor Threat. Evoking a sense of urgency with each impassioned scream, vocalists Brad Logan and Erica Daking do the punk-rock community justice by bringing back some much needed balls to singers everywhere, while the musical backdrop behind it all contains all of the grace and charm of a five-car pile-up on the expressway. Just check out the twin screaming on the title track, indicative of the punk-rock nightmare F-Minus conveniently storyboards out for all the unsuspecting. No wonder why F-Minus are one of NYHC heroes Sick of It All's favorite bands, as both bands channel the frustration and aggression into delectable nuggets we all can mosh along to. www.hell-cat.com
-Mike SOS

CORLEONES
SOUNDTRACK TO SUICIDE
SICKBOY RECORDS
One picture depicts a naked girl covered in blood on a bathroom floor, another is a sketch of a skeleton with her chest laced up in ribbon. Lovely. I can't wait to listen! Well, good thing the music is more uplifting than its packaging suggests. This is no gloomy Trent Reznor-they're rippin' out guitar solos! They sound kind of like The Sex Pistols...if The Sex Pistols were from Salt Lake City. Two guys from The Downers are in this little criminal rock 'n' roll side project. This shit is dope. I was scared at first, but now I'm laughing.
-Emily Kendy

THE YOUNG AND THE USELESS
THE YOUNG AND THE USELESS
THORP
Besides having a very clever band name, Florida-based The Young and the Useless saved a lot of its brainpower and thought for the music, as this six-song EP showcases a band that works well in different guises. For starters, the screamo aspect is alive and well, as all the lead vocals are shrieked at maximum level; yet the music is not as easy to classify. Random bits of new hardcore (à la Poison the Well), as well as melodic interludes in the vein of Grade and near-drunken Irish sing-alongs, are scattered about, making TYATU an interesting listen that is as captivating as it is bone-jarring. Add in a very tongue-in-cheek cover of the Journey "classic" "Any Way You Want It" for kitsch value, and you've got a pretty damn impressive EP in your hot little hands. www.thorprecords.com
-Mike SOS

VASSAGO
KNIGHTS FROM HELL
MERCENARY
Satan loves heavy metal, mainly because there are bands like Vassago in the world that provide him a soundtrack to the apocalypse. KNIGHTS FROM HELL is a 15-track ode to Satan and all of his works and deeds and glory and all of that stuff that people who like to paint their faces and wear cloaks and be all weird and kill rabbits buy into. Burn the pentagram in your skull and become enchanted with the damnation eternally! Repent for your ways and bow before the seven-headed beast! Listen to this Andy La Rocque (King Diamond)-produced album and become one with the netherworld! Despite all of the frivolity that can consume bands that take this sort of act a bit too seriously, Vassago provides some good, old-fashioned Swedish ass-kicking metal...even if they do have songs like "Abysmic Downfall to the Kingdom Where I Will Rule Eternally". Horns up, indeed. www.ww3music.com
-Mike SOS

MIDSUMMER
COASTAL
SUN SEA SKY PRODUCTIONS
I really don't understand these pseudo-emo bands playing "ambient indie rock" anymore. I mean, they're pretty emo, although they might come out and be all, like, "no, we're ambient indie rock, bro-get it straight." All I have to say is their name is Midsummer, it sounds like the only band they know of is Radiohead, and their lyrics are stolen from a 13-year-old girl's diary. The vocals on this are terrible, and the music is just plain boring.
-Carlos Cuesta

THE TREMBLING
SEDUCE THE GOVERNMENT
TOP QUALITY ROCK AND ROLL
The sophomore EP release from this fem-fronted Detroit trio is a blissful romp through six snotty new-wave dance tunes. With a sound that merges the aesthetics of Sleater-Kinney and the energy of The Ramones, the band has found a ready audience for their throwback "snap-crackle-pop-punk" music. The lyrics (such as "If you come to Detroit, come stay at my house...I'll show you some shit") are both quaint and cute in a riot-grrl kind of way. There's nothing too deep here, just some good time pop and a few more female perspectives that are sorely needed in the music industry today. This is a hybrid CD, so there is a video included on the disc. Check these youngsters out at www.thetrembling.com.
-DUG

IN CONTROL
THE TRUTH HURTS
INDECISION
In Control's latest 13-track release displays a real old-school hardcore sound, a sound that metal has undeniably taken away from the punk and hardcore community. Well, this California-based quartet is taking the sound back a few decades, so fans of the days of yore rejoice! In Control adopts the stomp-and-burn of bands like Agnostic Front, Sick of It All, and Youth of Today and brings it to the new generation of kids who think that hardcore started when Hatebreed blew up. Get ready to pogo like it's 1986 all over again, as In Control gives respect to without ripping off its influences. www.indecisionrecords.com
-Mike SOS

CORPORATION 187
PERFECTION IN PAIN
WICKED WORLD
Corporation 187 follows the fine footsteps of many of its fellow Swedes, as the latest release from this quintet stays in line with The Haunted, Carnal Forge, and all the rest by providing crushing metal for the world to enjoy. The 10 tracks that comprise PERFECTION IN PAIN are blistering examples of what a heavy band should ultimately be: lightning-fast, technically sound, and generally pulverizing. Displaying a twin-guitar barrage akin to buzzsaws destroying everything in sight, Corporation 187 doesn't skimp when it comes to delivering the goods, as its aggression fully engulfs the atmosphere and sucks you deep within. For those who have a yearning for the Swedish metal sound, this is essential. www.earache.com
-Mike SOS

MAD CADDIES
JUST ONE MORE
FAT WRECK CHORDS
" Drinking For 11" is a sad ska ballad, but "Contraband" is a tight, bold, fast, neo-punk, anarchistic anthem. Santa Barbara, CA's Mad Caddies is mad ska-punk with schizophrenic changes in character between pleasant, bubbly, horn-backed ska and blistering punk rock. JUST ONE MORE is 15 tracks of ska-core antics.
-Tom "Tearaway" Schulte

TWELFTH GATE
SUMMONING
CRASH
Chicago power-metal clan Twelfth Gate brings all of its chops to the 11-track SUMMONING, and the immense proportion of metal showcased may be a bit too much for you to handle if you're not prepared. Galloping bass lines, an operatic metal voice that soars and wails with an unabashed fervor, and a plethora of shred guitar is what you'll hear. If you yearn for the days of spiked wristbands, high hair, and higher male vocals, Twelfth Gate brings the goods in a way that is true to the metal world and maintains a level of seriousness in a genre where being kitschy can be the kiss of death. If you dig Nevermore, Maiden, and early Queensryche, you'll be sure to welcome Twelfth Gate to your CD collection. www.crashmusicinc.com
-Mike SOS

FIRE ANTS
HUMAN WINDCHIME EP
FIRE STARTER PRODUCTIONS
It seems to me that Fire Ants are attempting to be Radiohead, or maybe Portishead. How would I know, though? Really, I have no idea what Fire Ants are up to. Acoustic guitar, electric synthesizer noise-all the basic elements. The vocals are awful! Boring, slow, nothing interesting, bad delivery. Seriously, listening to this record makes me feel claustrophobic in some strange way. I feel like I have to grab a hold of my head and try to escape the sound coming out of the speaker. I feel like I would have to sit down with Fire Ants and ask them, "What are you doing? Why did you think this would be a good idea? What were you thinking? Go back to art school!" This is not the time or place for fools. We're in serious danger of losing everything if we're not careful.
-chad

RAILED
RAILED
SELF-RELEASED CD
Railed is a California-based rock quartet whose edge is undeniable, judging by its three-song sampler. With a vocalist at the helm that sings his ass off, these guys seem destined for good things from the get-go. Add in a Staind meets Taproot sense of songwriting that is chock full of the proper mixture of hook and riff and Railed already blows away two-thirds of what's currently receiving heavy rock radio rotation. Hopefully, Railed can follow up this pristine piece of hard rock and ascend to the upper echelon of the rock realm because, quite frankly, they've got everything in place to make a solid hard-rock band famous. www.railedmusic.com
-Mike SOS

TRENCHMOUTH
MORE MOTION
THICK RECORDS
Oh, this is terrible. I can't write about this CD! Are they being serious? "Miles and miles of scenery / What a perfect scene..."? This band isn't even in existence anymore; this is just a "best of" collection. According to Thick Records, this Chicago band was misunderstood-but I don't see how they couldn't have been. They sound like reggae gone wrong; just a bunch of white guys trying to find their soul. Drummer Fred Armisen is a featured cast member on SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE; guitarist DeZutter is now a chemistry teacher in Illinois; the other two dudes are in The Eternals-which I can only hope is not an extension of this bizarre and confused waste of time.
-Emily Kendy

KILL THE MESSENGER
KILL THE MESSENGER
SELF-RELEASED CD
Kill the Messenger is an indie metal band from Kentucky whose versatility spans from sludgy death metal to punk-influenced crunch to breezy alternative on its six-song set. Lacking a singular percussive presence, the KTM crew makes up for it with an array of programmed beats that give the band a confined feel. Harder-edged material seems to be where the band truly shines, as the screaming dual vocals and thick riffs exemplify the band's best work, yet KTM maintains a level of experimentation other bands wouldn't even dare. Well-versed and unafraid, Kill the Messenger's musical adventure takes many trips and turns, but ultimately finds itself in a very heavy-metal mood. www.mp3.com/killthemessenger
-Mike SOS

THE GHOULS
THE GHOULS (EP)
PANIC RECORDS
Are these guys speaking Klingon? What the fuck is the singer saying? "The Undead" is the only song on this CD that makes any sense. Its sort of funny in an I-don't-think-the-song-is-supposed-to-be-funny way. Regardless, I'd definitely play this CD on Halloween...although I think every day is Halloween for these New Jersey freaks. Their self-titled EP, however, is almost too short to remember but long enough to leave a mark of fast, gnarly punk in the air. Their first full-length album (which should be hitting stores by May) is appropriately titled WE ARE THE DEAD.
-Emily Kendy

SAD EYED ANGEL
TWO-SONG SAMPLER
SELF-RELEASED CD
Sad Eyed Angel is an Illinois-based metal act whose two-song sampler is pure metal in the highest order. Double-bass drumming, wicked guitar runs, and rapid-fire riffage are all part of the game plan for this quartet, which seems driven to bring its dense metal assault to the masses. Be prepared when throwing Sad Eyed Angel's disc in your player, as it may take you back to a time when metal was loud, fast, thrashy, and devoid of all industry hoopla. If you dig Pantera, Slayer, or Testament, you'll be quick to embrace this group, too. www.sad-eyed-angel.com
-Mike SOS

WATERDOWN
THE FLIES YOU HAVE ON ME
VICTORY
Groan. I hope this isn't similar to what younger kids just entering punk are listening to. This CD has the potential to ruin everything! Waterdown is another band trying to be politically-aware and maybe change the world while getting signed to a better label. I've heard maybe 60 bands that sound like this-a little bit hardcore, but not enough to be considered so. They sound more like Incubus plus run-of-the-mill metal plus the new Boy Sets Fire EP. Yuck. It's the same guitar riffs, same deep, throaty scream, same "listen to me, America is desperate" tone-except they sing about issues that are long dead. I just can't stomach this. It's a clone of everything bad I've ever heard.
-Franny

FLYWHEEL
FLYWHEEL
SELF-RELEASED CD
Flywheel is a New York-based troupe that utilizes heavy melodics to get its radio-friendly metal across to the masses. Imagine if Godsmack had a singer with depth and range, and you've got an idea of what Flywheel's 13-track disc sounds like. There are also hints of progressive metal à la Dream Theater, Queensryche, and King's X here, thanks to some sturdy fretwork and clever song structuring-as well as a strong sense of soul. Yes, folks, something that a lot of rock music lacks: the good old sounds of soul. Flywheel definitely exhibits it, whether through the harmonically-pristine vocals or a dynamic musical interlude, there's a deliberate snap to Flywheel's rock 'n' roll that a lot of bands just can't duplicate-a gift bound to put this band in the forefront of the rock world. www.flywheelmusic.com
-Mike SOS

THE TOSSERS
PURGATORY
THICK
This is actually pretty original, and pretty interesting. You and your dad would enjoy listening to this together. It's about a hundred times more traditionally Irish than Dropkick Murphys...and it's still really good! The words (mostly appreciation of loved ones, Chicago, and beer) are solid, and the music (an Irish spin on punk with a mandolin, a flute, and bagpipes) is solid, too. I could see a bunch of girls dancing to this outfitted completely in traditional Irish dress. But as interesting as this may be, it gets boring after awhile. It's virtually all the same music with different words about the same things.
-Franny

ICONS OF FILTH
NOSTRADAMNEDUS
GO-KART
British punk rock can still kick America's mall-infested ass, and Icons of Filth lays out how in a step-by-step manner on its latest, 13-track release. Despite a lengthy absence, this seminal outfit has returned with the same furious spirit that propelled the band to the top of the anarchistic heap in the late '70s. Still raging over the plight of the everyman and the abuses of power we all face, Icons of Filth's message or delivery aren't by any means new, but both are welcome-and I dare say necessary-to help evince what punk rock really should be all about. www.gokartrecords.com
-Mike SOS

POISONBLACK
ESCAPEXSTACY
CENTURY MEDIA
Featuring the guitar talents of Sentenced vocalist V. Laihiala, Poisonblack mixes an obligatory Swedish metal sound with gothic textures on its debut release. Providing a safe haven for other like-minded musicians who use this band as an outlet to further each musician's scope, Poisonblack's 10 tracks of sexy grooves and straight-ahead metal is a cleansing of sorts, providing the three people who comprise this band with a break from their usual gigs and a chance to explore another musical identity. While ESCAPEXSTACY is a very personal album, those who enjoy the Gothenburg metal sound taken down a notch should really latch on to Poisonblack's melodic metallic attack. www.centurymedia.com
-Mike SOS

CURSIVE
THE UGLY ORGAN
SADDLE CREEK
Since getting this CD in the mail I've seen this band in at least two other magazines. They deserve to be there. This band gets a gold star for originality, and an Olympic medal for incorporating a cello into all the songs without it sounding incredibly stupid and useless. Expect this band to be famous in a couple of years (or at least have a huge cult following). This CD is an intense, emotion-driven (but not emo) of the new wave to come. The sound brings up the mental picture of someone getting smacked into a wall over and over again and screaming louder and louder...but they make it sound pretty. You know when you listen to a really good song and it gives you chills, but you can't put your finger on why? This CD is like that.
-Franny

A STATIC LULLABY
AND DON'T FORGET TO BREATHE
FERRET
A Static Lullaby is a band that is blowing up massively, thanks to the outfit's rigorous touring schedule and blistering screamo-emo traits. Produced by hardcore guru Steve Evetts, the 10 tracks that comprise this California quintet's debut full-length release walk the line between The Used's catchy choral cheekiness (such as in the emo roller-coaster ride of "We Go to Eleven") and Glassjaw's disjointed deluges, never staking claim to both at the same time but definitely blurring the edges between the two. The real question is if this dynamic group is merely a flavor of the month or built to last. Hard to tell at this junction, but what is easy to realize is that all this is the sound that all of the kids have been singing of late, and ASL's version, blazoned with metal overtones and soaked with blood fresh from a broken heart, seems ready to overpower the masses. www.ferretstyle.com
-Mike SOS

THE BOILS
THE RIPPING WATERS EP
THORP RECORDS
The Boils gets its buzzsaw guitar sound from early GBH. The group's vocals come across with an Oi! delivery melding with the guitars for a direct and sinister street-punk sound. There are five tracks on this deliberate and militant CD of a form of music I once had clearly described to me as "boot thrash."
-Tom "Tearaway" Schulte

U.S. BOMBS
COVERT ACTION
HELLCAT
Duane Peters is a legend in many underground circles, yet the controversial skater-turned-punk singer hasn't rested on his laurels. To further his iconic status, he leads the seething punk-rock clan U.S. Bombs through another eye-opening punk-rock album. The latest wake-up call U.S. Bombs make via song is the 13-track COVERT ACTION, where Peters tells it like he sees it as the band burns on in true SoCal punk-rock flare. No filler, no silliness, and not a shred of cuteness can you find on this disc; instead, be prepared to be cajoled, jerked around, and have all of your beliefs questioned and authorities challenged, all while being compelled to throw your hands up in defiance in the circle pit. Following the blueprints of rebellion drawn up by such bands as GBH and The Sex Pistols, U.S. Bombs do its part to wake up the collective conscience of the obese, laconic giant known as the United States of America the best way they know how: with Peters's growl and bark, the band's twin-guitar-fueled punk-rock attack trailing closely behind. www.epitaph.com
-Mike SOS

ELVIS DISCIPLES
ROADKILL OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS
LASCIVIOUS
The Elvis Disciples is a trio that uses the rawness of punk rock to get its grim-but-honest accounts of the seedy side of life in Los Angeles out to the masses. This 13-track disc takes pages from The Misfits as much as from NOFX, complete with songs about hookers, horrors, celebrities, and drug addicts-all done in a tongue-in-cheek delivery and a flurry of power chords and fast rhythms. They may gross you out a bit when singing about sexual exploits (such as on the telling "Princess Lea"), but overall The Elvis Disciples makes the world of pop culture victim of a potent punk-rock attack. www.elvisdisciples.com
-Mike SOS

PISTOL GRIP
ANOTHER ROUND
BYO RECORDS
So by now most of you kids have probably heard of this SoCal street band. Although nothing really stands out on this release, it does show a bit of maturity and progression, this time leaving the strict parameters of English Oi! for a more American rawk sound. If I had to compare it to anybody, I'd say it takes the pop-street approach of The Generators and throws in the angst of labelmates The Forgotten to come up with a heaping plate of rock 'n' roll punk (without ever crossing into psychobilly or Social Distortion-type rock). The guitars are thick and the backbeat steady, making this a solid stepping stone on the progression of a young band that knows what it takes to survive in today's overly genre-infected underground music scene. This album may not change the world, but it does make it a more enjoyable place, even if for only a half-hour. I think I like.
-Larry Lugz

UNEARTHLY
INFERNUM-PRELUDE TO A NEW REIGN
CRASH
Unearthly is another one of those Cradle of Filth-inspired death-metal acts that gets themselves all face-painted and evil-looking. In its defense, Unearthly does a damn good job of matching the look to the sound, as this group mixes in some old-school evil (à la Mercyful Fate) within the chaotic pacing that the drums and guitars undertake. This Brazilian quartet seems laughable due to all the Satanic references and, best of all, the self-proclaimed "agony screams" that can be found in nearly every song. If these fellows are serious, then Lucifer has four more to bank on to spread the word of evil-and they do it with such metal conviction that they'd fool any unsuspecting soul. www.crashmusicinc.com
-Mike SOS

EARLIMART
THE AVENUES EP
PALM RECORDS
There are many words that can be used to describe Earlimart's music. Earlimart's emotive, beautiful, and rhythmic songs captivate you as you listen to THE AVENUES. The second track, "Susan's Husband's Gunshop", is uncannily reminiscent of The Beatles' "I Am the Walrus" (but without the "koo-koo-ka-joo"s). The fourth song (which is untitled) is artistic, consisting of two minutes of simple keys on a piano and a few chirping birds. If you appreciate mellow, sometimes powerful music that showcases true art, Earlimart is the band for you.
-Kathleen

TERROR
LOWEST OF THE LOW
BRIDGE NINE
Terror is an aptly-named hardcore band that shares a lot in common with Hatebreed, American Nightmare, and the countless other metal-influenced tough-guy bands which utilize shredding riffs, razor-sharp vocals, and above all a message of independence through defiance. Nine tracks deep of skull-rattling, pulverizing heaviosity that displays the aggression that the hardcore scene across the U.S. (mainly on the East Coast) has been synonymous with, Terror boasts the services of former Buried Alive bandmember Scott Vogel. Just so you know, with a throat such as his, it's gonna get really heavy really quickly. Relentless and very angry, Terror's LOWEST OF THE LOW stacks up alongside Madball, Cro-Mags, and Sheer Terror quite nicely, and this album should be the soundtrack your crew's next beatdown. www.bridge9.com
-Mike SOS

THE HOOKERS
THE HOOKERS
COLD CRUSH
They're not the kind of hookers that give you what you want, they're the kind of hookers that give you what you NEED-and what you need is The Murder City Devils...or, at least, most of them. Basically, when a group of kids from various Washington bands (Modest Mouse, Death Wish Kids...see the Kill Rock Stars Website or something for more info) got together to save rock 'n' roll from its sins, they called themselves The Hookers. After six months and some minor personnel changes, they became The Murder City Devils, who fused the darkness of Joy Division with the raw power of '70s punk and gave rock 'n' roll one of the finest kicks in the ass since The Cramps decided they didn't need no goddamn bass guitar. Anyway, if you can imagine a less-refined version of that, then you've got The Hookers. They even do some raw versions of several songs that found their way onto The Murder City Devils' earlier records, including "Tell You Brother..." , "Broken Glass", and "Officer". Obviously, any fan of The Murder City Devils is going to want to get a record that features Spencer Moody, Dan Gallucci, and Derek Fudesco, but this would be great (although probably more obscure) even if they had never gone on to inaugurate the era of Murder City Mania with their landmark appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show.
-Snotty Scotty

WHERE EAGLES DARE
IN A THOUSAND WORDS OR LESS
ENDWELL
Don't allow the title of Where Eagles Dare's latest release give you bad high school essay assignment flashbacks, but do let the band's NYHC style give you some insight into the late '80s-mid '90s of the East Coast's underground sounds. Containing seven tracks of hardcore (à la 7 Seconds, Shutdown, and Gorilla Biscuits) with positive lyrics that profess strength, unity, and hope, Where Eagles Dare's screeching hardcore is a nice throwback in a time where the metal and hardcore genres are continuously blurring. www.endwelletc.com
-Mike SOS

EARLY DAY MINERS
JEFFERSON AT REST
SECRETLY CANADIAN
The third full-length release from this Indiana-based sextet unleashes the quiet storm the band has been riding for years. If you haven't heard Early Day Miners' music before, be prepared for a lush, intoxicating rush of gently-building rock melodies accentuated by violins and haunting back-up vocals. Many of the tunes on this album were recorded at lead singer/songwriter Dan Burton's home studio. It's as if the band moved in such slow motion to record these songs that a commercial studio would only cause them to speed things up and lose the musical feel of their lethargic vision. The lyrics and melodies take the listener into a Civil War-era Southern soundscape that is at once both sad, beautiful, and doomed. This album is not a rock 'n' roll extravaganza; rather, just a nice touch to go along with a hot, lazy day spent sipping bourbon on the front porch. Check out the slow ride at www.secretlycanadian.com.
-DUG

ANTISEEN
HERE TO RUIN YOUR GROOVE
TKO RECORDS
Antiseen checks in with yet another re-release, and it's my pick for their best record. Covers of Lynyrd Skynyrd and Alice Cooper set the tone for an album filled with soaring guitar solos, keyboards, and banjo cowboy ballads. On top of that, they're still a pack of bigoted assholes. However, they rock like all hell and write some great songs that floor the fuck out of me. "People Like You" is a fucking inspiration, as is "We Got This Far". "Spare Change" might not express the kindest of sentiments, but it certainly doesn't suck. They managed to get original Alice Cooper guitarist Michael Bruce to lay down lead guitar for their cover of "Sick Things", they sing a tribute to pro wrestling legend Terry Funk, and let their annoying friend babble some bullshit in between every other song or so. They might be offensive as hell, but they can lay down a groove or two.
-Snotty Scotty

SUBINCISION
JINGO
SUBSTANDARD
Subincision takes a street-punk sound and adds a country twist in the 11-track JINGO, a collection that evokes comparisons to Social Distortion, Rancid, and Flogging Molly. East Bay hardcore fans will be happy with the bouncy sustenance of "Shelly's Song", a sing-along song that would sound best after a pint or two. Fear not, though, folks: there's still a lot of bite on this album, like the sturdy, standardized punk of "Infidel Fight Song". But Subincision knows how to implement more than you'd expect to keep you on your steel toes. Chances are that if you dig punk rock that goes the extra mile and rekindles some old-school style, you'll really be into Subincision's latest. www.substandard.com
-Mike SOS

ENDLESS STRUGGLE
TILL THE END
A-F RECORDS
I find it really interesting that this leather, studs, spikes, and Mohawk monster hails from Salt Lake City, the place that brought you pop-rock poster child The Used, a lake that contains zero life, restrictive liquor laws, and, oh yes, Mormons. Now, think GBH and Discharge as far as the power portion goes, add a little Blitz for melodic street cred, and a hint of Anti-Heros for lyrical working-class content, and you get Endless Struggle. It seems like 1981 all over again-the sound, the look, the hair cuts...But don't judge a book by its cover: this is the real deal. Led by the guitar attack of Magoo (the only good thing Total Chaos ever had going for it), this is true to the '81 gutterpunk form. The songs are all pretty fast, and the anger level is definitely there. This one hasn't left my player for a week straight. I'm almost positive it will have the same effect on you. It's pretty infectious, without ever sounding dated or insincere. A true punk would steal this one from your local record shop. Be sure to check out the hidden GBH bonus track, "City Babies Revenge".
-Larry Lugz

SOME KIND OF HATE
SOME KIND OF HATE
BRIDGE NINE
Bridge Nine releases yet another perfect hardcore record. Beantown-based Some Kind of Hate does their city proud with a great hardcore/thrash record full of pounding drums, screaming vocals, and noisy guitars. Comparisons to Poison Idea, Kill Your Idols, and Battalion of Saints come naturally, but SKoH have some other things going on to set them apart from the pack. Their aggression level is high, but what really tickles my cornhole is their awesome ability to open a song with a killer intro. To my mind, a band keeps or loses its audience within the first few seconds of the first song of their set. If they're opening shows with "Old Habits Die Hard" or "Face Down and Fucked", then they must have legions of brainwashed minions ready to kill on command. SKoH also know how to start off songs that would sound great in the middle of the set. There's a fine line between an abrupt start and an energetic one that sends people into a moshing frenzy. The best part about this record is that it doesn't leave you much time to catch your breath, and by the time it's over you're left wanting more. Bring it on.
-Snotty Scotty

THE NATCHEZ SHAKERS
SHAKER HYMNS NO. 2
THORP
Thorp King finally signed a band that is nothing short of amazing. Sure, I'm prejudiced against Americans playing Irish folk, but since these guys blend it with punk rock and bluegrass (a direct American descendent of Celtic folk music), they get away with it. It also doesn't hurt that they come from a part of the country where bluegrass isn't some fad. Members of this band are from some other band called The Wednesdays, but I've never heard of them, so I don't give a shit. What I do care about is that these guys sound like they're covering the first Pogues album, adding bluegrass vocal harmonies; and they seem to have found an American singer that sounds exactly like a young Shane MacGowan on certain songs. I don't mean that he sings in a similar style, I mean that I had to check the liner notes to be sure Shane wasn't putting in a guest appearance. Creepy. Anyway, they can really shred those accordions, fiddles, and tin whistles-plus they have great songs to back it up. As much as I wanted to rip on this with all the cynicism in my black little heart, there's just nothing bad to say about an album this great. Two thumbs up your ass.
-Snotty Scotty

JUNCTION 18
HEROES FROM THE FUTURE
FEARLESS RECORDS
The title of this album is deceiving. I was expecting something nutty-or at least futuristic. This is a good disc. In fact, this is a really good disc. I would have called this album PAST COOLNESS ON MODERN HEROES, but I didn't get a vote. Junction 18 rock with a shade of past masters, and they do it in a very modern rock kind of way. There is lots of good guitar work. At some points the guitar tones are soft and romantic, then crunching hard-but always smart. There is consistently good vocal unity, lots of thought-out parts and strong execution. This album is brimming with classic progressive ideas in a solid rock 'n' roll package. There is not what I would consider a standout song; I don't hear a single. Junction 18 have produced a cool record without checking with MTV or popular radio. HEROES FROM THE FUTURE is for the rock-lovers. Rock on.
-H. Barry Zimmerman

CHOLERIC
WEED OUT THE WEAK
SELF-RELEASED CD
Choleric is scary, both physically and musically. This New Orleans-based quintet looks intimidating, but goddamn, when the machine-gun rhythm of "No Christian" blasts out of your speakers, a metallic jolt is sent straight through your system. The entire 11-track offering by this face-ripping metal troupe continues the assault, as there's not a chance during WEED OUT THE WEAK to catch your breath. Choleric wheels out the Pantera-meets-Fear Factory firepower without a shred of mercy on your sorry ass, complete with 10-ton-hammer riffs and a flurry of growling vocals that 100 hungry wolves couldn't replicate. If you like heavy music with a powerful groove that'll grab you by the throat, then Choleric is the band you need to hear. www.cholericmusic.com
-Mike SOS

POOR LUTHER'S BONES
THAT THE WORLD MAY SING FAR AWAY MUSIC, HONKY
Poor Luther's Bones is definitely one of the most creative bands I have heard. The album's title, artwork, and danceable track "Orangotango" clearly displays the band's unique musical and lyrical style. The band knows how to incorporate piano, organ, and horns, creating an undeniably twisted and diverse work of art.
-Kathleen

VODKA JUNIORS
...ALL THEM CLOWNS
CANNONBALL 666 RECORDS
A bit more deliberate in their assault this time out, VJ add a little bit of aggressive attitude to their already volatile mix of melodic and fast punk (which sometimes even borders on hardcore). As stated previously, this band hails from Greece and does some serious rocking in a global sense. Let's hope this band makes it stateside someday to spread its infectious tunes to the U.S.-kid-populated punk circuit and show them tykes what our Euro brethren are up to. Let's just call this "My Big Fat Greek Punk Record."
-Larry Lugz

SHOPPY
WELCOME TO ANTARCTICA
TAPIOCASHUHORN RECORDS
With the call of the wild, Shoppy brings a soundscape of so many twists and turns that it's almost impossible to keep up. I couldn't figure out which direction I was heading in! My first street was facing the wild jungles in Africa, but I took a quick left into rock 'n' roll for awhile, until I hit the heavy-metal stop sign. As I started slowing down, someone crashes into me from the back with some funky krush groove. I was unconscious for awhile, but I woke up suddenly when I heard some hip-hop. However, I simply couldn't find the WELCOME TO ANTARCTICA street sign, and I stopped to realize I was headed into a dead-end street. Then I gave up and decided to drive home and stay there!
-Annette Ovanessian

KLEEN
FAIL
SELF-RELEASED CD
Kleen is a left-of-center rock band whose angular riffs and slickly synthesized backdrop make for an interesting seven-track release here. Part punk, part alternative, and altogether melodically disjointed, this Los Angeles quartet takes its music to uncharted territory, although there are discernible hints of platinum-selling outfits very apparent throughout FAIL. However, these moments are cloaked within deep digital alterations, making Kleen one of those bands that may be too cool to enjoy in just one sitting yet is accessible enough for every music fan to dig. Kleen's dark and brooding demeanor doesn't overshadow its artsy rock band image, which provides the rock fan who desires brains over brawn something to behold. www.kleen-la.com
-Mike SOS

AMAZING DEVICE
AMAZING DEVICE
New York City rock band Amazing Device portrays how passionate vocals along with full, aggressive guitar hooks make for an impactful four-song demo. Amazing Device creates the kind of high-energy pop-punk sound that forces you to dance around while still allowing you to sing along.
-Kathleen

DRUNK HORSE
ADULT SITUATIONS
TEE PEE
Stoner-rock stalwarts Drunk Horse return for their first album (as far as I know) since their former label, Man's Ruin, closed shop a few years back. Their sound hasn't suffered in the meantime. Fans of Fu Manchu, Mudhoney, and any other band you can name that blends '70s rock with some punk-rock energy. The singer is average, the music is hardly revolutionary, but the trade-off is a solid, dependable base of good meat-and-potatoes rock 'n' roll. The lyrics are smart, and the boogie certainly woogies. The only thing that surprised me was the off-kilter melodies on "Lube Job" that reminded me of Richard Hell & the Voidoids. The cover art is quite a clever little gag as well, but you'd have to actually buy the album and open it to get the joke, so I won't spoil it. Hey, if you like hard-rock guitar leads, then it's worth picking up, anyway, because there's lots of great guitar work here.
-Snotty Scotty

MAE
DESTINATION: BEAUTIFUL
TOOTH & NAIL RECORDS
Florida-based Mae has reached its beautiful destination with this debut record. It's melodic, yet full of brisk energy. Lyrically, Mae conveys personal experiences and polishes them with some invigorating instrumental work to create a well-constructed rock album. The songs on DESTINATION: BEAUTIFUL range from upbeat to mellow, creating something of a musical roller coaster. Mae's style sounded familiar to me, but I couldn't pinpoint to what. The band's sound is simple and mysterious, resulting in tasteful music.
-Kathleen

FOMA
FOMA
SELF-RELEASED
The cover work of this album says a lot about Foma: a magic-marker drawing of a deformed type of Easter Bunny floating through space. It looks like a small child drew it. Why magic marker? Why keep all the blotches and crayon stains? When you put the album on, understand: this is the childish moods of love and rock 'n' roll. Maybe one day, when people really examine how sad life is and how pathetically weak and limited 90% of the music out there sounds, Foma can provide some good times. Foma is full of sincerity and the passion of attempting to escape this dull musical era. Musically, this sounds like That Dog working out a bunch of Shaggs songs while personalizing the lyrics. The flow back and forth of male and female vocals float through your mind, and it's really nice. Foma is the type of band everyone secretly wishes they were in. You can contact Foma at Fomamusic@aol.com, and that's probably where you can find out how to get this fantastic album!
-chad

JASON MRAZ
WAITING FOR MY ROCKET TO COME
ELEKTRA ENTERTAINMENT GROUP
If the music industry is truly confused and scared about why they're losing money and sales are down, I think this album holds all the answers. What kind of crap record is this?! Holy shit! This could make someone never want to buy another record. I don't even think my mom would enjoy-or even tolerate-this puke slop joke music (and no offense to my mom, but she doesn't have the best taste in music). Technically, this is an attempt by Elektra to jump on the sensitive singer/songwriter folk-music messiah from the Midwest bandwagon. That whole idea was so terrible in the first place, but a cheap imitation is even more so. You'd totally expect this to be Jay Leno's musical guest, and all the 70-year-old people will clap, and you'll turn the TV off and feel very very sorry for how low what passes for rock 'n' roll these days has sunk. Don't let them bastards shove this record down your throat. Fight the good fight, and we should be all right.
-chad

SMOKING POPES TRIBUTE
SMOKING POPES TRIBUTE
DOUBLE ZERO RECORDS
As we all know Smoking Popes as your average successful punk band from the 1990s, we also know that they are no longer a band. In this case, usually people get a bunch of different bands together to make a tribute album. Here, we have bands such as The Ataris, Duvall, Bad Astronaut, and Junction 18 singing those infamous songs in tribute to Smoking Popes. It really gets tough when one reviews tribute albums, in the sense that the new artists must make the song as good as it originally was. Here, each cover is done in such a noble fashion that even if you have never heard of Smoking Popes you would want to go out and get an album from each one of the bands. I got really into Bad Astronaut as it covered "Megan" and Retro Morning as it covered "Need You Around". Every single track is a perfect selection for each band covering it. In the end, I believed that it is a great representation of Smoking Popes.
-Annette Ovanessian

TOADLIQUOR
THE HORTATOR'S LAMENT
SOUTHERN LORD
Heavy music is derived from many different forms and can morph and grow into a number of sub-genres. Toadliquor's sludgy approach to heavy showcases a band that enjoys beating the hell out of a song until there's nothing left but ash in its wake. But Toadliquor doesn't utilize the devices of speed or precision to get to its musical breaking point or moment of clarity; instead, this group of chugging churners uses natural erosion as its weapon of choice. The end result is over 70 minutes of Quaalude-enhanced, slow-cooked heavy-music madness that contains some of the most deliberately sluggish drums and rhythms found. If you had a Slayer vinyl album, put it on a super slow speed, and swallowed a whole lot of pills, the end result may sound like "Charred" or "Swarm", which contain all the nuances of a metal dirge at 1/16 the speed. Bring your attention span to this one, folks. www.southernlord.com
-Mike

SOSDAN POTTHAST
SWEETS AND MEATS
ASIAN MAN RECORDS
What can I say about a record this bland? A little bit country, a little bit reggae, a little bit pop-rock-nothing really compelling or inspiring. The songs aren't that bad, though, just a little boring. Maybe if I were having a hard time falling asleep at night and I ran out of NyQuil and my life was a total mess and my mind was in a state of complete misery and someone stole my whole CD collection...but if the thief were well-researched about what's going on in music, he'd probably leave this record. Then, as a last resort, I'd put it on and fume for awhile about my records being gone-but then I'd be off to dreamland (until the next rotten day). Well, then, there you go: it's not bad, it's alright. Plus, if you're a fan of Dan Potthast and are familiar with his work with MU330, then by all means buy the record. You'll only be out a few bucks-not a bad deal for music! Hell, I listen to it every night!
-chad

JOHNNY MARR AND THE HEALERS
BOOMSLANG
I MUSIC
Johnny Marr (former guitarist/songwriter of The Smiths) and the Healers is one groovin' rock masterwork. Marr is so on his game here. I cannot stop putting this disc on or singing and humming the tunes for days and days afterwards. Marr, along with Alonza Beven on bass guitar and Zak Starkey (son of Beatle Ringo) on the skins, is a great, tight, diverse trio with lots of trip and hip to spare. On opening song "The Last Ride" the band is a cool riff-rock explosion. On "Down on the Corner" the group plays it sweet with an acoustic-based soundscape that rocks with buzzing psychedelic undertones and blues-free slide guitar. "Need It" is a crazy man's arthouse, rockabilly road song complete with the dread and adventure of The Smiths. And one of the my favorite songs to come along in a long time, "You Are the Magic", has a little NIN mood packaged with funky wah-wah and minimalist grooviness with a chorus that straightens out and then gets weird in an understated way, remaining hiply funky. Marr has still got the magic. This is music to listen to, to dance to, to make with the sweet private magic to. This is a great great debut from the ultimate hipster.
-H. Barry Zimmerman

FLESHIES
THE SICILIAN
ALTERNATIVE TENTACLES RECORDS
What do you get when you mix blistering punk, squealy noise damage, unrelenting angst, and an obvious love for Black Flag? The Fleshies, of course. The music is manic and loose-almost live, if you ask me. Incredible dynamics and aggressive vocal work really grab the listener from the first song. If you hanker for some heavy rock, check out track 3, "The Last Friday". To me this comes across as a hybrid of Ted Nugent meets Devo. Solid yet quirky, boisterous yet murky. Sometimes it is good to tread familiar territory in order to destroy it. The Fleshies crosses genres and destroy all in its path and reinvent (with a total disregard to convention) style and vision-thus creating the perfect form of punk (or music in general) to hit the streets since Black Flag's "Damaged". If you're selling, I'm buying. This is important as fuck. Fuck yeah!
-Larry Lugz

KENISIA
NOTHING TO SAY
HOUSEHOLD NAME RECORDS
NOTHING TO SAY opens with a racetrack call out to the horses to get ready. Then the band explodes into furious ska attack. This is power ska. Kenisia is from the hard edge side of ska. There are some really cool arrangements and punk beats, along with some intertwining horn wizardry. With such irreverent song titles as "I Don't Like You", "Schools Burning Down", "Blood on Your Face", and "Cut the Crap", you can get yourself ready for a fun, in-your-face ride. Haling from Bath, England, Kenisia is a really great ska band. If you dig it, get it and bounce.
-H. Barry Zimmerman

PUNCHLINE
THE REWIND EP
FUELED BY RAMEN
The best thing about THE REWIND EP is that it's only four songs long. Punchline isn't even horrible, just so boring and dull that it doesn't even qualify as being horrible! If Dr. Phil were into primal-scream therapy, I'd bet my bottom dollar Punchline is the band he'd prescribe to motivate his patients. It has lots of mindless yelling over clean guitar parts and a basic mid-tempo beat that just keeps you saying "Yeah yeah-when is this gonna be over?" Well, I'll give the band this: it's been touring without label support for years, until recently Fueled by Ramen picked it up. I do appreciate bands that are committed enough to go after what they want...but I do think that before you go on the road and do all this stuff that it's important to be a good band instead of just a poopy one!
-chad

SQUIRTGUN/TEEN IDOLS
THE DYSFUNCTIONAL SHADOWMAN
ASIAN MAN RECORDS
Pop-punk bands Squirtgun and Teen Idols get together for this four-song split CD. Teen Idols packs more of a punch with a melodic leaning toward street punk. Squirtgun has more charm, with backing female vocals adding confection to their speedier brand of indie rock. This is a good introduction to the two bands (now both signed to Fat Wreck Chord's imprint Honest Don's).
-Tom "Tearaway" Schulte

DEERHOOF
APPLE O'
KILL ROCK STARS
Watch out! This band is going to be huge! This could be one of the best albums I've ever heard. Simplistic, beautifully-crafted songs, all the right elements. Satomi Matsuzaki has one of the best voices in rock 'n' roll, sounding both childish and ancient, sad and also happy, angry, silly, serious-the whole range of human emotions are there. The best way I can express how much I like this album is to encourage everyone to go buy it and listen for themselves, because it speaks for itself (and I'll just screw it up!). Rock 'n' roll can't be properly expressed with words. Maybe Lester Bangs could do it, but not me. I'm a fool. Just remember, even Thurston Moore was caught sporting a Deerhoof T-shirt.
-chad

BLINDSIDED
S/T
SUCCULENT SOUNDS
When I did a bit of research on this band, I couldn't find much. In essence, this self-titled EP is crisply-produced pop-punk. It's not bad, but it's not great. The songs on this EP leave much to the imagination because of the generic pop-punk sound. Blindsided sound like a tame (and not as good) version of Diesel Boy mixed with Blink 182. If you love pop-punk, then you'll definitely love Blindsided; but for me, with all of the available pop-punk in the scene, bands have to bring something fresh for me to really dig them. Blindsided are just the same old shit. While that's not bad, it's also not mind-blowing. Don't get me wrong: the vocals are crisp and the music is very well-produced; it's just missing that extra oomph. This is an example of a band that will get better with experience because they have the fundamentals down. Now it's time for the guys in the band to craft their own sound.
-Dane Jackson

THE LAST
L.A. EXPLOSION
BOMP! RECORDS
Dude, these guys were great. I mean, really. I had a blast with them and their surf-meets-traditional-punk-meets-'60s pop antics. Bust out those skinny-ass black ties, drink lots of PBR, and dance around like there isn't a frikkin war going on and that you failed that math test yesterday. Life is short and weird, and it's good that bands such as The Last come around and just knock out the fast and fun tunes for those who know there is crap out there but why do we have to stand around and smell it and be all whiny about it? Totally get this band and this record, then call me up to tell me what you think. If you hate it...whatever. If you like it, then I'll come over with that case of cheap beer before we catch these guys down at the club. Oh, and if you have pegged pants and some Beatle boots, that would be so rad!
-Mark Whittaker

NO DIRECTION
STARING AT THE GROUND
ORANGE PEAL RECORDS
It looks like the guys in No Direction are calling it quits. After listening to STARING AT THE GROUND, I'm not sure many people will miss them. This disc is adequate, at best. The vocals are nasal and drawn out, and the music is generic to the core. The main thing wrong with this disc is the monotony. The disc plays like one long, boring song. With each song, the listener is guaranteed a Blink 182-like guitar intro or some pounding on the drums. I'm not trying to be a dick, but, with so many bands of the same genre in the scene, you have to do something to stand out. No Direction doesn't stand out. Don't blame me, blame the pop-punk bands who got really popular and spawned all of these generic rip-offs.
-Dane Jackson

SPOILED ROTTEN
GUITARDED
AMP RECORDS
I've always been impressed what our neighbors up north brew up (I'm talking 'bout Canada). This time I came across a little trio that rocks, rolls, spits, and basically reinforces my belief that somewhere out there people really do care about music. Spoiled Rotten takes its cues from the likes of The Devil Dogs, The Ramones, and The Wretched Ones, offering us a trip down rock 'n' roll's lost highway. Pure guitar mayhem, pure nihilism, and a nice little backbeat to keep your toes tapping while you fill your endless pit of a belly with cheap keg beer. Definitely a party album with its tongue nested securely in its own cheek. Check out "Glitter Titz" to feel the party and live the debauchery. I'll buy these guys a beer any time. To put it in simple terms, PERFECTOMUNDO, amigos (or should I say "Good job, eh?").
-Larry Lugz

HEADFIRST
IT'S GETTING BETTER
SELF-RELEASED
Headfirst successfully blends indie, emo, rock, and punk into a sound that is as similar as it is unique. It's similar because the listener can automatically group Headfirst with bands like Finch and The Ataris, but Headfirst has taken these obvious influences and created its own style. The band's vocals are textured and dynamic because of Beanie and David Owen's backing vocals. While lead singer Harper Lines is capable of taking all the vocal duties by himself, adding the two back-up singers is a great touch and gives the band more depth. The lyrics are about the intricacies of growing up, which makes sense because the guys in Headfirst are still growing up.
-Dane Jackson

COPELAND
BENEATH MEDICINE TREE
THE MILITIA GROUP
Copeland may just be the most sincere band I've heard this year. It blends elements of lo-fi pop, melodic vocals, synthesizers, and soothing instrumentals. If Ben Folds were an indie rocker, he would sound like the guys in Copeland. BENEATH MEDICINE TREE feels more like a fleeting dream than an album, but the low-key approach is fitting considering the album's themes. The majority of the disc stays mellow, but with tracks like "Walking Downtown", Copeland shows that it can even bust out a catchy indie-pop tune. If you're into albums with very heartfelt lyrics and messages of strength, then give Copeland a shot. While the majority of less-abrasive tracks on the album may turn off some listeners, the band's talent and music should be able to win over even the most hardened and cynical music fan. BENEATH MEDICINE TREE is a welcome change of pace from all the louder, more distorted screamo bands in the scene today.
-Dane Jackson

THE DRIVE
THE DRIVE
SELF-RELEASED CD
The Drive is an all-female rock band from NYC, so right away this quartet has a lot to prove. Fortunately, the music that these gals make is strong enough to stand on its own, melding Kittie's harshness with Hole's garage-rock tendencies, creating a sound and style that knocks any current female rocker right on her ass. Relying on hypnotic rhythms and melodies, The Drive-unlike many female rockers' attempts-make rock music a powerfully heavyweight encounter. With solid songs like the groove-laden "Drip Trickle" and the brooding "Sever", this bevy of musical beauties truly lets the music do the talking. www.thedrive.info"
-Mike SOS

RADIO YEARS
SO LONG SARCASM
LUJO RECORDS
When I listened to this record and glanced at the cover art, I couldn't get over how dated everything looked and sounded. Then when I read the press kit, I found out that the EP was well over three years old. Thinking back to that time, the music really reflects what was popular. The band has a definite power-pop style, complete with sugary Moog fills that sound a lot like Weezer and Superdrag. The band's title track is a prime example of that. Although the band wasn't that bad, I'd still rather dig out my old Weezer and Superdrag albums and listen to those.
-Carlos Cuesta

THE MAGINOT LINE
PARIS BURNING
AMBIGUOUS CITY! RECORDS
The debut full-length album from this D.C.-area quartet has one of the artiest album covers around. Imagine a spectral vision of the Eiffel Tower floating in sinister red clouds. Now imagine some of the most annoying rock you've ever heard. There are some pretty cool names to the songs on this disc, such as "Working Hard to Make a Bad Life Worse" and "Turban for the Crown". Unfortunately, there aren't any cool songs to go with the titles. The band tries to be a hard-rocking, semi-political punk band but ends up a repetitious garage band. There is something grating, formulaic, and repulsive about this album. But, as always, one man's silk purse is another man's sow's ear. Did I mention how cool the album art is?
-DUG

CALIBAN
SHADOW HEARTS
PROSTHETIC
Caliban is a German quintet whose metalcore is truly crushing to behold. With a bevy of stage and recording experience under its belt, Caliban seems poised to overthrow the current leaders of all that is heavy-and with riffs as heavy as "Vicious Circle" and "The Seventh Soul", it just may happen quicker than you'd think. SHADOW HEARTS is an album guaranteed to pound the hell out of your speakers, as the 11 tracks that comprise this disc are as relentless as Candiria, Hatebreed, and Poison the Well combined. How's that for heavy? Working with a few different metal influences without slaving over just one, Caliban makes a brutally well-rounded disc while maintaining its own identity-one of the toughest things to pull of in the metal realm. www.prostheticrecords.com
-Mike SOS

FURTHERMORE
SHE AND I
TOOTH AND NAIL
Furthermore is a white rap act. Do I need to continue? Is it as whack as it sounds? It depends if you can stomach 12 tracks of left-of-center rapping (à la Beck) that isn't rocking and has a lot of pop sensibilities that you wouldn't normally expect. Imagine the good-feeling rap of Will Smith, only lamer. How does that grab you? Yeah, me, too. www.furthermore.com
-Mike SOS

SOSPALISADE ROCK
SELF-TITLED
SELF-RELEASED
The debut EP release from this Huntington Beach-based foursome is a catchy, hook-laden taste of West Coast rock. Though the band has been together only since December, all four songs on this disc are exuberant, hard-rocking anthems that sounds like a band that has been around the block more than once. Great vocals and a powerful wall of sound are this band's trademarks. Currently the band is only playing local O.C. gigs. Now would be a good time to catch them live, before they get signed and before the inevitable cynicism sets in. For some free downloads go to www.palisaderock.com.
-DUGGREYFIELD

SOUNDTRACK TO THE SUMMER
SEARCH AND RESCUE RECORDS
Greyfield's SOUNDTRACK TO THE SUMMER may just be one of the more appropriate album titles to come along in a while. This Jacksonville, FL, pop-punk band may just be ushering in the summer on a good note. Combining the good elements of Blink 182, Jimmy Eat World, and New Found Glory and adding their own flair, these Florida boys fill their Search and Rescue Records debut EP with the kind of poppy and catchy tunes that are necessary for the summer. Just like summer, the song arrangements even seem to follow summer's usual pattern: from meeting that special someone to letting it all go sour. If pop-punk is your thing, Greyfield is for you-and may be the scene's next big thing. In any case, with SOUNDTRACK FOR THE SUMMER you'll get crisp production values, the normal tales of life and love, and a sound just different enough to set Greyfield apart from some of the other bands in the scene.
-Dane Jackson

DRIVE FASTER
THE DREAM IS OVER
BLING BLING RECORDS
One of the latest success stories out of Philadelphia is the pop-oriented punk of Drive Faster. Their debut EP on Bling Bling Records (and their second release overall) is a hard-driving, six song sing-along in the vein of Blink-182 and The RX Bandits. One of the tenets of the band's mission statement is to "play to as many people as possible and have the best time doing it." The sheer exuberance of this record guarantees the latter, while the band's incessant East Coast touring should guarantee the former. Don't expect any pontificating on the state of the world here, just a bunch of bratty love songs about dumping girls and getting dumped. Get a taste of the band at www.drivefasterrocks.com.
-DUG

FAIRVIEW
WE'LL DODGE IT ON THE WAY BACK
SIDE CHO
Fairview is a middle-of-the-road rock band that hails from Orange County, CA. The latest release by this quartet is laden with piano, a nice touch that helps Fairview stand out amongst the plethora of moppy-haired, wire-thin musicians these days. What also helps Fairview is its ability to mix pop sensibilities into a rock setting, indicated in the '60s-tinged "I Wrote You I Would". In fact, melody holds a special place in the musical climate of Fairview, as this disc is extremely hummable and displays quite a few memorable choruses, such as in the bouncy "Don't Ever Tell Anybody Anything". As an extra bonus, the seven studio tracks are accompanied by acoustic renditions and outtakes, making this disc a 15-track endeavor and well worth the money for those who crave the modern rock radio sound. www.fairviewmusic.net
-Mike SOS

DEAD KENNEDYS
MUTINY ON THE BAY: DEAD KENNEDYS LIVE! FROM THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
MANIFESTO
The semi-resurgence of Dead Kennedys comes with political and ideological baggage. Fans of American punk have to decide whether they are on the side of ousted vocalist Jello Biafra or the re-formed, litigious band. Then there is the issue of the touring ensemble without Biafra. Whatever your thought is on that, one fact is plain: through the clamor, Manifesto is getting DK's archive onto quality CD releases. This is vintage live material, so Jello is singing the vocals here and the band is in their prime and on the same side. The 13 songs on this album come from four different California gigs in 1982 and 1986. The sound quality is better than that of many of the album from which these songs originate, songs that include "Kill the Poor", "Holiday in Cambodia", and "California Über Alles". This is the first ever non-bootleg live Dead Kennedys album, authorized by all but one of the musicians on the album.
-Tom "Tearaway" Schulte

MIKE FELUMLEE/DAN ANDRIANO
SELF-TITLED
DOUBLE ZERO RECORDS
The split EP from ex-Alkaline Trio/Smoking Popes member Mike Felumlee and Alkaline Trio bassist Dan Andriano is a beautiful (if short) intro to the smooth indie sound of both bands. Each musician contributes three songs to this disc, with Felumlee's tunes tending toward the slower, more reserved love songs, while Andriano's songs are the more bombastic rockers. Both guys show tons of talent on this album, so this begs the question why they keep bouncing out of each other's bands without forming their own. Any fan of either band will have to buy this disc just to be able to carry on a conversations with their indie peers and keep their cred alive. Take a gander at the other offerings these fellows have at Felumlee's label site, www.doublezerorecords.com.
-DUG

RICHARD YOUNGS
AIRS OF THE EAR
JAGJAGUWAR
If you've ever been to a Renaissance Faire, a Sawdust Festival, or a swap meet at a commune, you've heard this music. Remember the spaced-out long hair with the hammered dulcimer booth under the oak tree? Glasgow's Richard Young is the epitome of all the spacey, tingly, acoustic string music you've ever heard. With songs like "Fire Horse Rising", "Machaut's Dream", and "Life on the Stream", Young manages to inject a little bit of new-age spiritualism into every tune. His own press kit describes him as the "wizard of droney and minimal psychedelic folk." There are lyrics of a sort to this music, but between the theremin, the 12-string guitar, ring modulation, and square wave (whatever the hell that is), I kept thinking I was a hobbit lost in Mirkwood. If your parents went to Woodstock, play this the next time they come over and you're sure to score big points.
-DUG

THE BIRTHDAY MACHINE
DIRECTION & DESTINATION
TOP QUALITY ROCK AND ROLL
The debut release from this Vancouver-based quartet is a soft and droning 7"-vinyl homage to the girl you left behind. Vocalists Miko Hoffman and Christa Min have the seductive type of voices one associates with Tanya Donnelly of Belly. The four songs on this EP all sound amazingly similar-as if that were the band's direction and they'd already found their destination. It's a nice sound, but this band better find some new melodies and a couple of hooks or they'll just bore people to death. They have some free downloads at www.topqualityrockandroll.com.
-DUG

THE PATTY DUKE FANZINE #4
PATTY'S FAVORITE "BOY BANDS"
TOP QUALITY ROCK AND ROLL
Though I received a CD copy of this album, it is only available as a 7" 33 1/3 rpm record with a 28-page Patty Duke fanzine. This could be one of the strangest releases I've ever seen. The music consists of six covers of Patty Duke songs done by DJs and electronica bands. Somebody somewhere has a very strange fetish. While Mark Robinson's version of "Come Live with Me" is softly appealing, some of the other tracks are so tripped out with effects that they are unlistenable. The zine consists of reprints of Patty Duke articles from the '60s and '70s and articles from two of "Patty's favorite boy fans." Did I mention that this is a very bizarre release? We can only hope that whoever is responsible for this album doesn't start using Photoshop to make a "Patty Duke Wild on the Web" site. To obtain this insanity, contact party@topqualityrockandroll.com.
-DUG

PRODUCTION CLUB
FOLLOW YOUR BLISS
LUNCH RECORDS
Club music has never been my favorite genre, but if you're going to listen to it, you might as well listen to the best. Wally Gagel (producer for Old 97's, Folk Implosion, and the eels) has written some stellar music for this groove disc and called in favors from a panoply of stars to do vocals. Some of the guest vocalists include John Doe, Tanya Donnelly, and the Incredible Moses Leroy. Two of the tunes off this album have already been used on NBC's BOOMTOWN. There is an infectious quality to Gagel's music, and fans of The Chemical Brothers or Fat Boy Slim should find plenty of brilliant moments on this disc. The production (no pun intended) values on this album are first class, with Gagel using all his substantial skills to put out an excellent recording. For more info check out www.theproductionclub.com.
-DUG

ALLEGIANCE
HYMNS OF BLOD
WORLD WAR III
Who the hell knew that there was a category of metal known as "Viking war metal"? And who are the people that actually buy it? That question may have to wait to be answered, but what we can put together is that Allegiance, an Odin-hailing trio from (where else?) Sweden, has burst on the scene. Armed with sword and guitar, this troupe is primed and ready to conquer the high seas of your stereo. Bitter, angry, and brutal-like any self-respecting Viking-Allegiance's songs are epically and chaotically composed, allowing it to fall somewhere in the Swedish metal spectrum. The real kicker here is that the song titles of the 14 tracks that comprise HYMNS OF BLOD are not only in Nordic, but they contain more umlauts than a Motley Crue T-shirt screen. How's that for hardcore? www.ww3music.com
-Mike SOS

THE LOCUST
PLAGUE SOUNDSCAPES
ANTI-
This is a 23-song release from San Diego's spastic core crazies. Please sign me up as one of "the various playerhaters, misguided elitists, and jealous scenesters of the punk/indie rock world" that have dismissed the band as weak, pathetic, and boring. The only things interesting about this band are the mesh "beekeeping suits" they wear and the fact that the band can get people to listen to their "music" and come see them live. I guess the live thing isn't so disturbing: people even go to slaughterhouses to watch cows be put down. But listening to this "music" is akin to having a root canal while two cats have sex on your head and then claw each other to death. Each song is 30-50 seconds long, tuneless, unintelligible, and virtually identical. There are some cute titles to their songs-such as "Priest with the Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Get Out of My Bed" and "The Half-Eaten Sausage Would Like to See You in His Office"-yet there really aren't any songs to go with these titles. The band claims over and over again that it is destroying rock as we know it, and I would have to agree. But as with anything (including governments), don't fuck something up unless you've got something better to replace it with. You might be able to catch a picture of them in their neat outfits at www.anti.com.
-DUG

MAKESHIFT MEMORIAL
THE SOUNDTRACK TO YOUR SHAME
CRIMINAL
Makeshift Memorial's three-song sampler starts off with a bang, employing the infamous Roddy Piper one-liner from THEY LIVE about bubble gum and ass-kicking. Sadly, neither is provided, as this disc soon fizzles into a pseudo-Misfits warble without any warning. Is this feeble offering the soundtrack to this band's shame? They couldn't come up with anything original and have decided to duplicate EARTH AD-era Misfits? And you thought AFI was derivative?! makeshiftmemorial@hotmail.com
-Mike SOS

VOICES UNDERWATER
SELF-TITLED
ACTION-DRIVER
The self-titled full-length from Voices Underwater, a two-year-old quartet out of Denver, starts off mysteriously, immediately making the listener skeptical. Upon hearing the first track, "Last Two Months", it's easy to see that this band is vying for attention. Mixing in a considerable amount of distortion, consistent gothic keyboards in the background, and startling breakdowns, the music cows the listener into paying attention-and all just in the first song! The intimidating front put on by Voices Underwater from the very start continues throughout the entire album. Although the vocals bear a strong resemblance to indie powerhouse Modest Mouse, the actual music lacks much. The vocals certainly carry attitude, but the impact is softened by the weak instrumentation. Some attempts are made to reconcile this flaw through all-instrumental tracks, but they are not enough to save face. If you enjoy Modest Mouse-y vocals enough to ignore bad music, or if you want to be scared into submission, give Voices Underwater a try. www.voicesunderwater.com
-tChow

SOME KIND OF HATE
SOME KIND OF HATE
BRIDGE NINE
Boston seems to be one of the toughest musical towns around, and hometown thugs Some Kind of Hate perpetuate this notion with their self titled, five-track powder keg of an album, which brings the violence straight from the pit and into your headphones. Emblazoned with a deliberate old-school flavor, SKOH evoke the late-'80s hardcore that took over CBGB on a Sunday afternoon, throwing in a dash of Northeastern disdain for good measure. Much like getting thrown on the ground and then receiving a boot in the head, SKOH's EP strikes hard and fast, bringing the values of back in the day to today's hardcore scene with fists flying and sans excess. www.bridge9.com
-Mike SOS

SLEEP STATION
HANG IN THERE CHARLIE
EYEBALL RECORDS
Sleep Station seems less like a band and more like frontman Dave Debiak's pet project. His writing process includes locking himself in his laundry room for weeks at a time. Sleep Station/Debiak's newest release, HANG IN THERE CHARLIE, portrays how this limited focus could produce a lacking album. The entire album approaches music as an art form. Whether this is a good thing or not, the album leaves little impact. The songs are well-crafted and user-friendly, but with an overdose of acoustic guitars and sometimes awkward electric guitars and distortion. If anything, the album is extremely tightly knit as it weaves a sad but complex and odd tale of an astronaut who is stranded in space. After listening to the entire album, no definite conclusion can be drawn about how to feel about this band. One thing CAN be said, though: HANG IN THERE CHARLIE is definitely pretty, but nothing special. www.sleep-station.com
-tChow

THE ADVENTURES OF JET
MUSCLE
SUBURBAN HOME RECORDS
Not since Springsteen's DARKNESS ON THE EDGE OF TOWN has an album captured the feeling of shifting gears and punching an accelerator to the floor like the sophomore release from this Dallas-based trio. Formerly known as the concept group Bobgoblin, the boys have ditched the costumes and stage theatrics but have held on to the heart of the concept album. The music the band has chosen to reflect the combustion-engine culture is a cross between '80s new wave (like The Cars and Kansas) with the ubiquitous organ in the background. Songs like "Run Charger", "Drag", and "The Last Ride" positively sparkle with creative intensity. Records this strange and original don't come along very often. The band even looks like the type of guys who would steal your hubcaps and slash your tires just for the hell of it. Get a sample of this beautiful madness at www.suburbanhomerecords.com. Excuse me, I have to go burn some fossil fuel and leave filthy black rubber all over the street.
-DUG

LONGWAVE
THE STRANGEST THINGS
RCA RECORDS
Longwave are definitely taking advantage of the attention that is being given to New York's garage-rock scene-which is largely due to the unexplainable success of The Strokes. But while Longwave may have used The Strokes to gain attention, but they far surpass them in talent and musicianship. Their new album, THE STRANGEST THINGS (released on major label RCA Records) is a masterpiece. It is no wonder the band has been receiving so much praise from the media, with features in such magazines as YM, CMJ NEW MUSIC MONTHLY, and ALTERNATIVE PRESS. Each song is beautifully crafted, with every layer and aspect of the music perfected. Some of the tracks sound almost familiar, as if they are already classics. This album is a well-rounded, altogether brilliant piece of art and should become a staple CD in any music aficionado's collection. www.longwavetheband.com
-tChow

TURBONEGRO
ASS COBRA
BITZCORE/BURNING HEART/EPITAPH
Flaming balls of punk-rock fire straight out of the fjords of Norway! It's Turbonegro! Again! Epitaph has reissued one of the funniest, toughest, and catchiest albums this side of Valhalla. If you like The Dwarves, GG, Mentors, and Anti-Nowhere League, you'd be hard-pressed to think of a reason NOT to like this band. They wear denim, sing about "The Midnight NAMBLA", and show pictures of old dudes giving each other head in the liner notes. I don't think it gets much cooler than that. This album is what really broke them on this side of the pond, and with singles like "Denim Demon" I'd say it's a strong contender for one of the best punk-rock albums of the 1990s. They're back together touring on the strength of a whole slew of re-released albums, so there's never been a better time to turn on to them.
-Snotty Scotty

SHOTSTAR
WHAT THE HELL IS ROCK N' ROLL?
DOWNFALL RECORDS
Man, so many bands are so concerned with the state of rock 'n' roll that they tend to procure this attitude that they even don't have to fully rock to save the face of the scene. Rock 'n' roll is fine and dandy, and lots of bands are out there jamming the tunes to us right, so we need not worry...right now, anyway. Shotstar are four guys all dolled up in the light of MC5; and the cover is a rip-off (or at least a play off of) The Beatles' A HARD DAYS NIGHT. As a die-hard rock fan, I had trouble buying what these lads are selling. Otherwise, the disc wasn't too bad, but the lazy snottiness about what rock 'n' roll is got to me, and I felt as if these cats left me high and dry. But that's just me.
-Mark Whittaker

ARAB ON RADAR
THE STOLEN SINGLES
THREE ONE G RECORDS
Arab on Radar like to claim that they are one of the most disturbing and disturbed bands ever, so right off the bat you are both intrigued and annoyed. When bands-or even people (which is the worst)-tell you that they are "strange" and "bizarre," you tend to walk the other way because they are so full of bull-pucky that the party will be all ruined just because they are standing around TRYING to live up to their self-proclaimed nuttiness. On the other hand, AOR are indeed quite zany and have this air about them that would put off some just because the sounds the band comes up with are much like a circus van broken down next to a toy factory with the workers getting gussied up to throw down at the local roadhouse and huff Scotchgard all day. This is a collection of long lost tunes, and for the die-hard fan I must administer a "no duh" clause for getting this here album. Wow, I am so disturbed!
-Mark Whittaker

U.S. BOMBS
ART KILLS
TKO RECORDS
U.S. Bombs is upset with what it sees as government crimes of a conspiratorial nature. Here the group delivers its case in melodic but potent and punchy punk rock. The B-side is "Framed", a laundry list of reasons why the band feels Timothy McVeigh was framed. The title track on the A-side features nice guitar work and anthemic group vocals.
-Tom "Tearaway" Schulte

LAST TARGET
WHAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM?
TKO RECORDS
This is the debut release from Last Target, put out as the band headed out to Japan to tour with The Boils. The band has a distinctly '77 punk style. The group makes itself stand out by trading male and female vocals in the songs. One of those vocalists is Ryoko Naitoh, former guitarist/vocalist for Thug Murder. The band constantly tours the U.S. and Japan, winning fans with their unique Tokyo take on the vintage punk spectrum, offering street and melodic styles.
-Tom "Tearaway" Schult

CRÈME BLUSH
BASKET OF BETS
INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH
How good are bands like this? These is a new crop of kids with Moog synths getting crazy with old Kajagoogoo records and producing some amazing tunes for aging punkers/new wavers (such as myself). Two ladies with old-ass electronic instruments making goofy dance music in the tradition of a bad John Hughes flick from the way early '80s. This kind of "revival" makes me smile, yet it also makes me feel kind of old. Like, is this style of music considered "vintage" or something? Maybe it is. Now I know how my parents feel with this whole '60s pop/psychedelia thing going on. The music in the '80s was totally fun and stupid, and for that we should all stand up and applaud Nicole and Satski of Crème Blush for doing a fine ode to a time (thankfully) long gone but oh so not forgotten. I can see a room full of people done up in powder blue outfits with dumb color streaks through their hair doing the pogo and robot and having such a good time that who cares if this is all "retro"? What does all that crap mean, anyway?
-Mark Whittaker

HEAD HITS CONCRETE
HOPE, FEAR AND THE TERROR OF DREAMS
INTOLERANT MESSIAH
Unfettered malevolence and unrestrained violence launches of this densely-packed 33-rpm 7". This Winnipeg grindcore band is a rare example of the extreme scene in the Great White North. Typical of the grindcore formula, these songs are short but brutal blasts of music, allowing the group to pack five songs onto each side of the release.
-Tom "Tearaway" Schulte

THE CUTTERS
IN THE VALLEY OF ENCHANTMENT
BLACKJACK HUMBOLDT
Bright, uplifting, and smile-inducing indie pop continues to come in quality from the camp of The Cutters. The album is 10 tracks, with an 11th unlisted track called "Sluggish". That leaves the listed experience bookended by the clarion call to joy and power-pop anthem called "(Back in the) 20th Century" and a cocktail of alcohol and attraction blended with fiddle called "Partly Cloudy". Be that as it may, it is always sunny with The Cutters, and this disc is sunshine on a spinning platter.
-Tom "Tearaway" Schulte

ANTISEEN
NOISE FOR THE SAKE OF NOISE
TKO RECORDS
The VAULT OF ANTISEEN series continues with the resurrection of this Southern brand of white trash punk from ANTiSEEN. The album was, originally, an Australian release. Like many early Australian punk bands, this album is a primitive, noisy affair-as the title suggests! At this point, the group was so punk it could play a Dylan song ("Positively 4th Street") WITH KEYBOARDS and get away with it (offering enough high-octane fuel to hurdle this speed bump). The five bonus tracks include four live cuts, including a James Brown-inspired "Death Train (in a Cold Sweat)".
-Tom "Tearaway" Schulte

MINDFLAYER
TAKE YOUR SKIN OFF
BULB RECORDS
Mindflayer is a two-main collaboration: B. Chippendale (Lightning Bolt) and Mr. Brinkmann of Meerk Puffy, Force Field, and more. Noisy and clamorous, grating and cacophonous, this is a harsh, mind-flaying assembling of kit drums and angry electronics. TAKE YOUR SKIN OFF is an adrenaline-filled cross between Foetus and the Dungeons & Dragons Monster Manual.
-Tom "Tearaway" Schulte

DOMINION STATUS
THE BLAME GAME
BAMBOO GROVE RECORDS
While Dominion Status is hailed as a reggae-influenced power-pop band, the reggae influences are few and far between on THE BLAME GAME. This isn't a bad thing; I was just hoping for a kick-ass reggae album. Instead I got a very soulful pop album. Dominion Status is one of those bands I wouldn't necessarily listen to on my own, but after listening to THE BLAME GAME I'm glad I had the chance to experience them. The tracks on the disc are catchy, upbeat, and arranged very well. Another thing going for Dominion Status is vocalist Dereck Blackman. While he doesn't sound like anyone in particular, he sings with the passion of Angelo Moore of Fishbone. When the reggae influences do shine through, Dominion Status resembles The Police, which is always a good thing. THE BLAME GAME is a great album if you're looking for a nice change of pace. Some of the best tracks include the title track and "Everything". With the right exposure, this band can make it big. Until then, Dominion Status will just have to settle for making excellent music for the sake of making music.
-Dane Jackson

THE CINCH
THE CINCH
DIRTNAP RECORDS
This five-song CD/EP is full of energy and punch. The female voices add diversity to the songs as the arrangements change. The bright, full-sounding indie rock of "Once a Week" precedes a song of spurned attraction that varies from indie pop to the full-throttle guitar approach. This two-guitar band provides four originals and a cover of Modern Lover's "She Cracked", packing their sound full of distorted guitars to juxtapose against the bright, perky ladies singing.
-Tom "Tearaway" Schulte

S PRCSS
MNML
FRENCH KISS RECORDS
S PRCSS (S Process) offers noisy but melodic art rock that sometimes waxes spacey. "Hi-Yah Is a Karate Chop" recalls Syd Barrett's Pink Floyd in the intro. Vocalist/guitarist Bob Doto cites Sonic Youth as a major influence. When drummer Daneil Mazone leads a song ("Spring Garden Drive-By"), there are clockwork rhythms and near-rap vocals. All this variety and texture makes for something that it is hardly minimal.
-Tom "Tearaway" Schulte

UNDER THE WEATHER
S/T E.P.
ORANGE PEEL RECORDS
Under the Weather is a three-piece pop-punk band from Rome, GA. I would definitely file this record under the "if you like MXPX, Blink 182, Sum 41" sub-heading. The press biography describes this band as "deep, dark, personal. This is a description of what is to come." However, this band sounds a lot like Sum 41, and the first lyric to their song "One More Step" goes as follows: "I'm so wasted, I'm so wasted, I can't take it." Wow, that was really deep, dark, and/or personal. I guess if you're in high school and just discovering punk rock, you'd so be all over this.
-Carlos Cuesta

A GLOBAL THREAT
EARACHE / PASS THE TIME EP
RODENT POPSICLE RECORDS
This tough street-punk trio offers am amped-up EP of six tracks on CD and 7" vinyl. These foul-mouthed lads ask for death and assault on the "high school homie" and the "rich sorority goldie" in one of their blistering, fast, and short blasts, "Get in the Coffin". We do not know what past experiences motivate their hate-filled songs, but when we hear the music, we believe the group means it.
-Tom "Tearaway" Schulte

GOGOGO AIRHEART
LOVE MY LIFE...HATE MY FRIENDS
GOLD STANDARD LABORATORIES
GoGoGo Airheart arrived on the San Diego scene bearing little more than distortion and tapes for sale. They have come far since then, and now their album LOVE MY LIFE...HATE MY FRIENDS has been released by well-respected independent label Gold Standard Laboratories. There is only one way to describe this album and the band that created it: post-punk at its finest. It bridges the gap between the unrefined beauty of pure post-punk and the rapidly growing scene of electro-clash/indie dance music. It is also clear that GoGoGo Airheart has its share of experience and skill, as the plentiful distortion and lack of finishing touches don't distract from clever instrumentation and profound lyrics. If you're looking for something new to add to your list of favorites, try LOVE MY LIFE...HATE MY FRIENDS. www.gogogoairheart.com
-tChow

NOFX
WAR ON ERRORISM EP
FAT WRECK
This is just as good as anything else NOFX ever put out. The sound is akin to the SO LONG AND THANKS FOR ALL THE SHOES album more than any of their other CDs-mellow, but still classic NOFX. If you can get it free, don't buy it, because it's only about 15 minutes long. Of course it's politically-relevant and good background music, but it's not something to really focus on. However, there's a question to be asked: why does all of NOFX's music sounds the same? Why doesn't this new NOFX differ from what fans have heard before?
-Franny

THE SOLO PROJECT
BEND/BREAK
RISE
The Solo Project contains heavy guitars, emotional vocals, and heartfelt songwriting, so you'd probably classify this 12-track disc as emo, right? Despite this Phoenix, AZ, trio's claim, that is the best way to describe The Solo Project. While that little three-letter word has become a bit of a curse lately, there's no shame in calling this outfit anything but. Neither overwrought nor underweight, The Solo Project mixes bits of Far, The Used, and Thursday in for millions of disenchanted people to mull over. So if you're ready to wear your heart on your sleeve, let The www.riserecords.com
-Mike SOS

SINAI BEACH
WHEN BREATH ESCAPES
FACEDOWN
Sinai Beach is heavier than the initial weigh-in at a sumo wrestling convention, as this San Diego-based quintet pummels through 10 tracks of scar-laden hardcore laced with intense underground metal riffage, such as the death-metal-tinged "Man or Animal?" While Sinai Beach may be a tough pill to swallow for those who don't dig gargled-razor-blade vocals and chaotic drumming, the drive behind this band is, believe or not, God. Yup, these metal mongers are doing it all for the Man Upstairs. While this ain't no church music, the lyrical content behind songs like "My Gun, Your Bullets" and "Candice" have religious overtones just as grand as the Slipknot-like musicality behind it. www.facedownrecords.com
-Mike SOS

SONNY VINCENT
THE GOOD THE BAD THE UGLY
ACETATE
This is an original (i.e., c. 1978) CBGB guy. Guitarists appear from The Hearbreakers, Wayne Kramer plays a little something, Richard Lloyd pops in for a little while, and some other people's names are dropped. Okay, we know you're old-school, sonny! Shut up! Anyway, this is only punk by association; it's indie rock at heart-but all the big names confuse the listener at first. I don't see why anyone would really like this-unless they were there back in the day, and unless they are really good friends with Sonny Vincent. He's trying to sound like Bob Dylan and The Ramones at the same time...and it really isn't working.
-Franny

HOLDING ON
QUESTION WHAT YOU LIVE FOR
BRIDGE NINE RECORDS
Ah, another thrashy hardcore lead singer screaming "fuck you." No, fuck you. Come up with something more interesting to say. The lyrics are pretty vague. So is the music, for that matter. There is minimal (i.e., non-existent) melody in this unrelenting 15-song CD. Anger, anger, anger. It sounds like Andy (the singer) is bending a steel bar with his teeth. This guy must drink Codeine like it's water. I honestly can't tell the songs apart. I'm not even sure that's the point with this music. It's just about feelin' it-whether I like it or not-until they're done.
-Emily Kendy

RUBBER CITY REBELS
PIERCE MY BRAIN
SMOG VEIL RECORDS
25 years after they broke every rule of punk and rock music, The Rebels rears its ugly head one more time to show today's crop of newbie rockheads what guts, glory, and integrity really are. While most Ohio punks veered toward arty nihilism and quirky, pop-induced punk, The Rebels decided to just turn it up and aim for the throat. Serving up 12 courses of pure punk fortitude, The Rebels keeps its signature over-the-top guitar assault intact with adrenaline-soaked tuneage like "I Don't Wanna Be a Punk No More", a humorous analysis of punk identity ("I want my real name again / I wonder what it was / I asked my mother if she knew / She said to go ask buzz") that makes a profound statement while poking fun. My favorite has got to be the Metallica-esque rocker "Your Television Lies", a full-throttle guitar rocking soon to be punk classic. My question for today is why it took so long to come out with such a necessary and important punk album. Now that it is here, maybe true punk can survive in this new (and unimproved) century. I stand behind my statement that this is the most important punk release of this year. If you miss this, then you probably suck eggs through a straw.
-Larry Lugz

KICKED IN THE HEAD
SALITA
RESURRECTION RECORDS
Hm. I sort of like these guys, they remind me of old-school rock-like the music in the movie DAZED AND CONFUSED, but with definite punk tendencies and rough melodies that veer between clean lines and dirty chords. One of their Web bios appropriately calls their style a musical gumbo. "Letter" is an imaginative song; "Battle Cry" is lame, to say the least. The writer seems to struggle between being a songwriter and a poet, like he has a bit of a Billy Corgan complex. The music is kind of static and standard: no big feats, with rhythms and chorus sections. Kicked in the Head is riding a wave of mediocrity. Not to say this band couldn't ride a different wave, but maybe they're scared of sharks.
-Emily Kendy

DIRTNAP: ACROSS THE NORTHWEST
PUNK COMPILATION
DIRTNAP RECORDS
Compilations are hard to critique because it you have to listen to the whole CD. The first song, sung by The Epoxies, is okay. The Stuckups are more to my liking. They sound like speed demons with microphones. The Exploding Hearts' "Sniffing Glue" is cool (even though it's a cover). The Cinch are catchy in a Breeders sort of way. The Diskords are 12-year-olds. Cute. Jiminy Cricket, there are 30 songs on this friggin' CD! I quit. If you like punk and dirty, amateur rock 'n' roll check this out. At least you'll get your money's worth.
-Emily Kendy

STRATOVARIUS
ELEMENTS PT. 1.
NUCLEAR BLAST
What the...? Do people seriously still listen to this kind of music? The first song terrifies me. "High as an eagle he flies through the rainbow." Add in drifting guitar solos and a balladry theme (à la Nazareth), and you can take yourself right back to the '80s-not to mention that the five guys that make up this band look 40 and tired. Honestly, I don't want to know any more. If you work construction, have a blanket at your trailer with a horse design on it, and drink Coors Light, this is the album for you.
-Emily Kendy

EVIL BEAVER
LICK IT
FROOTY NATION
This music sounds like it's been stuck under water: it's got heavy, heavy guitar and drums-like the feedback is cranked-and the bass is blasting. The singer is angry. Obviously she's had a few shitty boyfriends. There are a couple good tracks on here. The L7ish "Superbird" and "Our Garden" (sung by a dude). "Macho Man" is funny, in a Liz Phair on acid sort of way. Overall, I would never listen to this album again, but I'm going to give it to my pervy friend Brad, editor of THE NERVE, and make his day.
-Emily Kendy

HOLLY TREE
THE BRITISH PUNK CLASSICS
SILLY SALLY RECORDS
This is a great CD. Great! Grab it soon! Love, ahhhh, sweet love. These three Brazilian cuties cover everything from The Sex Pistols' "Liar" to the more obscure "Frustration Paradise" by The Carpettes. I think there's a song in there from GBH, but I'm having trouble tracking it. "Oh Bondage Up Yours" by the Germ Free Adolescents is a nice way to end things. Actually, it ends with "Viva La Revolution", which is just plain dope.
-Emily Kendy

FALL OUT BOY
FALL OUT BOY'S EVENING-OUT WITH
YOUR GIRLFRIEND
UPRISING RECORDS
This is a cool record. Fall Out Boy is power-pop punk with personality and a good case of the funnies (or is that the cutes?). The group are gifted songwriters and as tight as a mouse's ear. FALL OUT BOY'S EVENING-OUT WITH YOUR GIRLFRIEND (nice title, dudes) opens with one of my favorite cuts, "Honorable Mention". Patrick, the voice of Fall Out Boy, swears "I can be your John Cusack." This is a great come-back-baby song. Another cool song is "Switchblades and Infidelity". This is a break-up song ("I'm looking out at you / Obscured by stand up arcades / And the sound of The Descendants"). There are some really top-flight song titles, like "Parker Lewis Can't Lose (But I'm Going to Give It My Best Shot"), "The World's Not Waiting (For Five Tired Boys and a Broken Down Van)", and "Pretty in Punk". This disc is worth your money, and your rockin' ears will thank you for the entertainment of it all.
-H. Barry Zimmerman

KNUCKLE SANDWICH
NICE
RESURRECTION A.D. RECORDS
This is a good CD, although it is really very aggro. See, the trouble I have with this music is that it borders on not being music-just pots and pans, you know what I'm saying? Anyway, this is the band's debut effort, and they seem to be popular enough to make it sound like they know what they're doing in their press release. Their Website is fun. If I lived in New Jersey (where they're from), I'd dig 'em.
-Emily Kendy

RUDIGER
TRAVEL BY DAY (2 SONG SAMPLER)
GRATUITY RECORDS
I've always known this band had something. What that something is, I don't know, but I sure as hell dig it. Yeah, I wouldn't bump it in my car while driving down any street, and I probably wouldn't join the fan club, but I would definitely take it out when I'm feeling down in the dumps. It's always nice to hear that other people are far worse than you. This is Jimmy Eat World-friendly, but less poppy and more sentimental. "No Black Clouds" and "Safe With You" are very tuneful, in a needy kind of way. I wish there was more to say, but it's two songs that sound so sad. I just want to hug Rudiger and comfort them in my bosom.
-Liz Ortega

TICKER TAPE PARADE
YOU'RE CAUSING A SCENE
SUNSET ALLIANCE
Ticker Tape Parade's attack is very straight-faced-and with no change-up. YOU'RE CAUSING A SCENE does sound like it was made by people who want your attention...but not very badly. This is a good album. The songs are good, the vocal parts are good, the guitar work is good...it's just not great. I would never pick this disc out of my collection to listen to. It would always be considered, but never chosen.
-H. Barry Zimmerman

PROJECT ROCKET
NEW YEARS REVOLUTION
UPRISING RECORDS
Project Rocket sounds exactly like every other power-punk/pop group that puts on a show at the VFW hall for all their friends and charges five dollars at the door: very clean and full of harmony, and not that exciting. But at the same time it reminds me of when I was 15 and I cheered on all my friends' bands-which all sounded exactly like this! What ever happened to those kids? Those were good bands! It makes me sad to think about how they didn't get anywhere. Well, Project Rocket is T.J. Minch's baby when he's not playing in Spitalfield. So, if you like power pop, then you should get a kick out of Project Rocket-because it sounds exactly the same as everything you like!
-chad

THE SCARIES
SOUVENIR
LAW OF INERTIA RECORDS
The Scaries are a revved up pop-punk band from Chapel Hill, NC, that have written an album's worth of catchy tunes about having your heart stomped on by the love of your life. SOUVENIR is a testimony to depression-and a pretty good album. The music is a stream of simple ideas The first line of the title song says all that The Scaries have to say: "I'll fall asleep assured / You're never coming back to me again." I can't wait for what The Scaries have on their minds after rotten love has washed away. Pain can be only so entertaining.
-H. Barry Zimmerman

THE RUINERS
HOW'S THAT GRAB YA?
DISASTER RECORDS
Fusing the cartoon-voiced post-punk rock of Alice Donut with the primitive, sexually-charged guitar rock of The Cramps, The Ruiners are a potent, volatile force. Rather than just rebellious, anti-social lyrics, Rather than offering just rebellious, anti-social lyrics, The Ruiners prove more interested in supporting familial and friendship ties in "Punk Son". They offer another self-deprecating joke by considering surfing in southeast Michigan in "Detroit Surfer Boy". "Vampire Dating" is really reminiscent of The Cramps and is an excellent example of this group's witty fusion of humor and horror. This excellent album is engineered by Jim Diamond and produced with Mick Collins (Dirt Bombs, Gories).
-Tom "Tearaway" Schulte

CONSUMED
PISTOLS AT DAWN
BYO RECORDS
These guys look like they changed their minds about growing up to be rednecks at the last possible second. Instead, they make some very affable punk tunes. My questions are: what happened to their fourth band member? Why do they make Bible references on their Website? Do they know there is a U.K. band of the same name? Oh, well, there is no question that this is a decent CD. And God doesn't make any cameos on it, so I doubt I'll pawn this one off downtown. I'll give it to my kid brother.
-Emily Kendy

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