|
|
|
|
|
|
Last Edition
|
|
Lifetime- Lifetime Decaydance/Fueled By Ramen Records
Songs like ‘Haircuts and T-Shirts’ and ‘Try And Stay Awake’ show that Lifetime, after a decade of inactivity, can still crank out awesome songs to jump around to like nobody’s business. The very thesis of Lifetime is the perfect amalgamation of heartfelt and heartbroken lyrics and fast, up tempo songs. Vocalist Ari Katz sounds as fresh as ever dropping poetic justice with every word sung in his fractured voice over their trademark fast paced hardcore cadence. This is a perfect follow up to their last album, 1997’s “Jerseys Best Dancers”, and well worth the ten year wait. Although I can not in good conscience state that this album surpasses their previous releases, I can say that this album kicks too much ass and builds upon their impressive legacy. I can tell that for quite some time, whenever I’m asked what I want to listen to, I will continually reach for this album like a poorly wired robot. CS
|
|
|
Laserhead- Ride Your Static Barracuda Sound Records
The trio from the renowned music breeding grounds of Gainesville, Fl is here to show us the heartfelt side of the city. Sad singer and song writer Richard Ridinger delivers an array of depressed tones, while walking the guitar down risky paths of greatness. Comparatively these vocals don’t match a lot of what going on between the frets, but this is what sets this band apart. There are several surprises throughout the album that really make it difficult to slap a genera on these boys. Not a single track on this album drones or leaves you feeling lethargic. These guys are straight shooters when it come to a very general sense of rock n’ roll. I would have writen this off as “too soft” had it not been for the continuous pick-me-up of the drums. I would most likely compare them to The Appleseed Cast. I’ll be holding on to Ride Your Static for further evaluation. PM
|
 |
O Pioneers!!!- Black Mamba Team Science Records
The mental imagery that comes to mind when I listen to this album is that of getting rocked at a country western bar and starting some good natured shit with some of the local cowboy patrons of said establishment. A ruckus was started, punches were thrown, chairs were broken and finally we were forcefully removed from the building…only to take the fun into the streets. O Pioneers!!! hail from the Lone Star state and prove you only need two members in a band to rock and fucking roll. Eric Solomon’s voice is gritty and he spits out his lyrics like it’s his mission in life to eviscerate your ears. Drummer Jeff Groban pounds his drums like they owe him money. “Black Mamba” sounds like it was recorded in a bathroom, and while that fact would be a hindrance to any other band, for these boys it just adds to the appeal. This formula of rollicking pseudo-country and gruff post hardcore really works for these gentlemen, and if you pick this up, it will work for you as well. This record will immediately be assimilated into my collection and receive the affection it deserves. CS
|
 |
Verde- The Undeserved Current Bakery Outlet Records
This disc was a disappointment, not an altogether complete let down due to the fact that I had no idea who this person was or that he was a musician. It found it's way into my review pile and I was Intrigued. It had no case, just a handmade looking sleeve like a compilation would come in, but cooler. I really wanted it to be great but on top of bad recording 'The Undeserved Current' is 18 tracks of out of tune guitars and flat vocals with flat harmonies. The songwriting isn't awful, but it's hard to focus on for every phase-ie, way too bright sound that is on this disc. As much as I hate to belittle anyone’s creativity, is a little less than the level of my anger at having to listen to all 18 of these songs, And it's just about even with the line I've drawn for seeking revenge (be it ever so menial.) JD
|
|
|
Comeback Kid- Broadcasting… Victory Records
While I’m certainly fond of some of the more thrash inspired hardcore acts, I’m always refreshed when I’m served up a slab of pure, old style hardcore. With “Broadcasting…” Comeback Kid’s third release, these boys have solidified their place near the top of the hardcore food chain. With the departure of Scott Wade, Andrew Neufeld has taken over vocal duties and is continuing with the frantic shouted vocals witnessed on their earlier albums. The music is just as pounding and energetic as ever and the production of the album really showcases the power that these crazy Canucks wield. Solid, abrasive hardcore with some progressive elements combined and a new found sense of melody. These guys have set the bar for this style of music and are stepping in the fill the void left by Snapcase. CS
|
|
|
Green Lizard- Las Armas Del Silencio I Scream Records
The Green Lizards start out with a very down-the-middle blend of anthem fight punk, similar to that of Rise Against. Then it takes a turn for the worse down the path of weird Megadeath chanting. The tempo becomes as weak a kitten, and guitars are as structured as Chinese ingenuity. Las Armas Del Silencio is a slowly sinking ship with nothing solid to hang on to as the album presses on. The lyrics are uncreative. The only way their going to sell this is to put it in with the Christian section and award it a sticker that read “For fans of P.O.D. Sorry guys. It does have some promising moments, but they become sold out quickly. PM
|
|
|
Leftover Crack/Citizen Fish- Deadline Fat Wreck Chords
I grew out of my ska-punk phase years ago. Having said that, Citizen Fish should have a copyright on the style as they play it flawlessly. Their side of the album is five tracks of driving, poppy ska and their take on Leftover Crack (‘Clear Channel-Fuck Off’), and Choking Victim (‘Money’). Really not my type of thing, but masterfully done. I have never been a fan of Leftover Crack and this album does little to sway my opinion. The music and lyrics alone are fine- snotty and full of political rage, but the singer’s voice just fucking grinds my nerves after a couple of songs. The man has a voice of someone who smokes too much and perhaps huffs helium on a regular basis. Fuck it, I’ve never been a fan of “crust punk”, the whole thing just bores me and makes me feel like a shower immediately after I hear it. I guess I’m just not that punk. Despite my lack of enthusiasm for this album, if you like this kind of shit or either of these bands then do the logical thing and pick this fucker up. CS
|
 |
Limbeck ' Limbeck' Doghouse Records
Described 'Americana', the group has put simple songwriting and country music standards to work for this pillow biting record. Don't get me wrong, I can get into the less energetic, and what some might look at as "music for fags" but this album just bored the Americana right out of me. I’m so into bluegrass and old fashioned country and blues I might as well wear dirty boots and yell at skateboarders, and I wanted to chuck this thing out the window of my 84' Buick LaSabre. JD
|
 |
Hot Rod Circuit- The Underground is a Dying Breed Immortal Records
Without contest the best album this listener has reviewed in months. HRC to me has always bordered that "beating hearted" line without going over to the despicable and ever redundant emo side. They keep things interesting by never writing the same song or hit twice. Unfortunately they have remained in the underground punk scene for far too long, and hopefully this is there time to catch the spotlight. The Underground is a Dying Breed, like most of their albums can be compared to The Juliana Theory only with more instrumental talent, and more sand in their bags. Unlike most emo-like bands, theses guys don't have a cheap gimmick. Excellent song writing, and honest lyrics are they only edge these boys need. Listen for track #2, Vampire for an superb example of how catchy music is written without the express purpose being blatantly catchy. PM
|
 |
Olympia- Emergencies Equal Vision/Hope Division Records
Before I even put this in my stereo I was intrigued with this album merely from the song titles. With titles like ‘Olympia Is A Motherfucker’, ‘This Ship Isn’t Going To Sink Itself’ and ‘It’s Ok To Eat The Dead (Times Are Tough), I thought “surely this must be a great album”…and I was right. In an era of pretentious bands trying to “bring the rock back” and gimmicks galore, Olympia stand out from the rest of the pack by putting out a catchy and honest rock album; no gimmicks, no bullshit. Vocalist Phil Williams voice is smooth and solid, at times crooning like Boy Sets Fire’s Nathan Gray, minus the screaming. His voice is clear, concise and easy on the ears. What makes the album is the ebb and flow of the guitars. At times crashing forth like a freight train only to stop and break into a soaring harmonic discordance. This album kicks more ass than U.S. ground troops in small desert nations. Take that Al Qaeda. CS
|
 |
Army Of Me- Citizen Doghouse Records
One of the best things I've heard from Doghouse Records. Army Of Me waltzed right into success like they were crashing a high school kegger. You can tell when a group of musicians are in sync, and Army Of Me are a perfect example of such, while still relatively in the land of the unknown no less. I heard things on the record that smacked of The Dave Matthews Band, yet they still have that rock and roll edge I so desperately love. They probably sound too Pop to some, they have a few slow acoustic numbers but If you're like me, you like good music. JD
|
 |
Clorox Girls- J’aime Les Filles BYO Records
Clorox Girls are not female and will not brighten your whites in the laundry, but what they will do is have you nodding your head and tapping your feet in no time. “J’aime Les Filles” sounds like it was recorded in the late seventies in an alternate universe where the Beach Boys abandoned their pop sound and started flying the punk flag. Vocalist Justin Maurer warbles along in his best Joey Ramone impression while his band hop along behind him sounding like a greaser band on a severe surf rock trip. Not my usual cup of tea, but a damned tasty one. CS
|
 |
Filthy Thieving Bastards- ...I'm a Son of a Gun BYO Records
Featuring members of the Swingin’ Utters and Me First And The Gimme Gimmes, the Bastards’ are right down the proverbial alley in my Irish neighborhood. They brilliantly combine a a folk rock romance with stunning percussion traps and a touch of the ole flute here and again. Random act of slap-happy music, and friendly chant-along choruses make for a dive right in album. Like most folk influenced punk rock, the lyrics are usually in the form of a story. The song "When We Were Kids" is a fine example of story via folk music, and also happens to be one of the better tracks on the album. Please don't be misled. This is not Flogging Molly. This is Mike Ness vocal styles behind a banjo with enough momentum to become an underground favorite among the masses. PM
|
|
|
Sleeping Giant- Dread Champions Of The Last Days Facedown Records www.myspace.com/sleepingxgiant
I make it a point to read the press sheets that come with albums before I actually listen to them, and to be honest when I read that Sleeping Giants includes the Wu Tang Clan as one of their influences, my first thoughts were that maybe nu-metal douche bags had spread their filth to the hardcore realm or that this was some Fred Durst trickery. Thirty seconds into track one was enough to wipe the worry from my mind. “Dread Champions Of The Last Days” is heavy…the kind of heavy that deserves three e’s. Heeeavy! I love that layered on top of the traditional hardcore growling is some hip hop style spoken word vocals; it makes for a full and intimidating sound. The double bass pedal is relentless and the music is grinding; both punishing and progressive. The few times there are a lull in the chaos just leaves you in anticipation of the onslaught to begin again. This is an interesting spin on hardcore and if the book of Revelations had a soundtrack…this album would surely be it. CS
|
|
|
Sundowner- Four One Five Two Red Scare Records www.myspace.com/thesundownermusic
Sundowner is the acoustic project of Lawrence Arms vocalist/guitarist Chris McCaughn, and if you’re even a slight fan of their soul baring style of punk then there’s a good chance you’ll be into this album. Accompanying Chris is Jenny Choi who handles string arrangements, piano and adds some beautifully haunting back up vocals to the mix, making for a much fuller sound. “Four One Five Two” is an awesome and earnest album, stripped down to the most crucial elements to better exemplify the core stories behind the songs. These songs run the gauntlet of emotional outlets, every song both introspective and accessible… a tribute to every joyful and dejected moment in your life. These originals, coupled with his somber sounding take on a couple of Lawrence Arms classics like ‘My Boatless Booze Cruise’ and the phenomenal ‘One Hundred Resolutions’ takes him to the front of the line within the ranks of the ‘punk goes folk’ crowd. A fucking great album. CS
|
 |
Agnostic Front/Discipline Split GMM Records
Sub-par oi-boi punk rock with generic riffs and lame lyrics. So if you’re into that type of thing this may be the album for you. Seriously, if you are considering whether or not to purchase this album perhaps you could buy a box of nails and perform a pinhole lobotomy on yourself. Let us not forget Agnostic Fronts track-8 rant on how Hardcore Punk and Rap/Hip-hop just do not get a long. What the fuck is up with punks? Why all the angst cry-baby whiny bullshit? There’s a war on can’t you say something against that? No… OK, I guess. Get a clue jackass (Miret), rap/hip-hop is music which is way more than can be credited to your shitty little band. Instead of the lobotomy perhaps purchasing an Aesop Rock, Blackalicious, or Tribe CD would be better suited. However, if you immediately dismiss this idea please see the aforementioned lobotomy. The Agnostic Front songs were horrible. However, I kind of liked Discipline. Not enough to renew this regurgitated backwash though. On the front of the CD are the names of the two bands. In etched white lettering are Agnostic Front and Discipline a little bit underneath that. To improve the quality of this CD here is what I did: I simply sawed it in half, right below the Agnostic Front Lettering and kept the Discipline section. So now I have two halves, the AF half, and the –clearly superior—Discipline half. Well, I attempted to throw the AF half away but the trashcan kept spitting it out. I left it to rot on the floor. I think it is still there. Of course, now the CD is as worthless as the pointless lyrics spewing out of these two bands anuses. All the better really, I don’t tolerate shitty music.Pick up a Hidden Spots CD if you want something good. You should purchase this only if you like being kicked in the penis and/or ovaries. SH
|
 |
Clair De Lune- Assisted Living Deep Elm Records 2006
I've had this record for awhile now, I've listened to it through more than a few times, and for the life of me I can't figure out weather or not I like it. It's got some catchy songs and the style is cool enough. I can say that I know I don't like some of the vocals, they get a little tedious and muddy after a few tracks. I would say, think of a moody grunge version of The Killers or some such band. Nothing against The Killers of course, or Claire De Lune for that matter, there are some good songs on the album. There also feels like there's some filler though as well. JD
|
|
|
Hot Cross- Risk Revival Hope Division/Equal Vision Records
Once I popped this in, the sounds emanating out of my stereo immediately caught my attention and held fast to it throughout the entirety of the album…that doesn’t happen too often. The guitar on this album is the first thing that grabs you, it starts off steady, holding down the structure of the song and then veers off into some of the most inventive and spastic melodies I’ve ever been privy to. The music swings and sways back and forth from syrupy deliberate to frenzied with singer Billy Werner’s half spoken, half shouted vocals leading the band into chaotic compositions. Every aspect of this album is top notch- fast paced, hyperactive songs with intelligent and caustic lyrics. One of the best albums I’ve received lately. CS
|
 |
Haste The Day- Pressure The Hinges Solidstate Records
I'm not going to spend a lot of time on this because: A. We didn't receive it in the mail, and B. It was a big disappointment to me. I knew that vocalist Jimmy Ryan left the band so I wasn't surprised. New guy, whose name I've not bothered to look up, your cool, but the Zao-like vocalisms where what make me obsess over HTD. Without Ryan this new album is a hollow as an atheist Easter Egg. Instrumentally still solid, but other wise it just falls into the mix with every other combatively redundant hardcore band. For fans of Atreyu, not Haste The The Day. PM
|
|
|
Old Growth/Science Of Yabra split 7” Bakery Outlet Records
The Old Growth side of this album is pure stripped down punk. Mid tempo drumming and churning guitars with a steady bass drive that continues throughout their contribution to this album. The singer holds court with his high pitched and somewhat slurred vocal style. This is my first experience with this band and based on this listen alone, I will search for their older material. At first I accidentally played the album at the wrong speed and discovered that if you do that, Old Growth sound like Clutch. So if you’re a fan of that band, make a not of that. Science Of Yabra’s song, ‘Reunion Machine’, is a different animal altogether. Layers of hectic drumming and walls of churning guitars converge into a heavy wall of fury that is unrelenting and alarming. The song seems to hit you in waves and leads you to bob your head in unison with the sound, driving you to near convulsions. This split, with its two counteractive styles, makes for an interesting and varied musical experience. CS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
