World Burns To Death - Totalitarian Sodomy

Dudes from bands you know and love. Personally my top 5 in d-beat style bands. I'm not giving this a full review or description because it will be 20 pages long about how this band is better than 99.999% of music out there, just check it out and buy the record.

Favorite Track: ALL OF THEM

Rating: 9.5 Out Of 10

DOWNLOAD HERE!!

Black Dove - No Future/No Fate

So I actually only heard about Black Dove for the first time last night. My friend Chris saw them play upstate and said this would be right up my alley, and he was right. Dirty crusty style punk rock from former members of Still Crossed. No Future/No Fate is an in your face release comprised of an intro and nine tracks of intensity. The music is great, while somewhat the standard to this style of music, but it was the vocals that really draw me in. There are a few parts throughout the album where some of the chord progressions sound a little odd and catch me by surprise, but at the same time I appreciate that because it doesn't feel like I have heard this release a million times before. Definitely not completely original by any means but these dudes seem to put their own spin on it. The only complaint I have with this album is on the eighth track, the drummer seems to get a little happy with the double bass in places I feel do not deserve to be abused by it. The drumming is spot on throughout the rest of this record though. This release is definitely worth checking out.

Here is the tracklisting since the mp3s aren't tagged properly. Sorry!!

01 HORDES OF LAMPADS
02 EMPIRE OF DUST
03 DIRGE OF THE HILLS
04 SAVAGE CHILDREN
05 BLACK DOVES
06 WHY DO BABIES CRY
07 NECROBUTCHER
08 DOOM DREAM
09 MJÖLNER

Favorite Track: Hordes Of Lampadas

Rating: 7 Out Of 10

DOWNLOAD HERE!!

Joshua Fit For Battle

If you know anything about screamo what-so-ever you probably know about this band. This is one of my favorite releases them. It's a collection of unreleased stuff, as well as recordings from harder to find splits/comps/what-not.

This chaotic, frantic, screamy band out of Newark, DE made quite an impact during their short stint on the screamo scene. Eventually becoming one of the quintessential 'screamo' bands in the genre.

Sharing members with Neil Perry (who they released a split with) went on to form The Now, Welcome The Plague Year, A Petal Fallen, Superstitions Of The Sky and Track of Monarchs.

enjoy.

Favorite Track: Song One

Rating: 9 Out Of 10

Stinking Lizaveta

I caught this band on tour with Torche and The Sword. You might have some weird feelings about this band when they walk on stage as the drummer some one's Mom, the guitarist looks like some one's stoner uncle and the bass player looks like some someone's weird cousin. Basically it's some one's weird family (which shouldn't be surprising as the guitarist and bassist are actually brothers), but someone should be stoked because this band puts on a pretty killer live show. Combining progressive techy guitar licks, intricate song writing and a steady flow of WOAHs coming from the guitarist throughout the performance, they don't disappoint.

Although this album is recorded by Steve Albini, you will be sadly disappointed by this album if you compare this recording to the band's live performance. Leaving the record very empty and boring sounding, their music doesn't translate very well.

Its at least worth checking out to get a feel for their sound, but seeing them live is well worth the money.

dl

Favorite Track: To The Sun

Rating: 4 Out Of 10

Election Day - Demo

Election Day is a melodic hardcore band from all over Western New York. It is a little difficult to compare them to any band because no bands come to mind as a direct influence or rip off at any point, but I can see vague resemblances to Dag Nasty and maybe a hint of Champion from time to time. The vocals, lyrical content and the structure of all of their songs seem to set them apart from a lot of modern day hardcore bands of the same style and I can truly appreciate that. I remember the first time hearing them (maybe a year or so ago?) and it was like a breath of fresh air to hear a current hardcore band of this style playing it the way it SHOULD sound. I don't remember being floored by a demo like that in quite some time and I haven't had that feeling about a band's demo since. Go to the band's myspace page, stream all of their songs and if you really enjoy what you hear, go to the Secret Jams myspace page and purchase a copy of the demo 7". One of my best friends Chris put this record out and he put a lot of work into making the vinyl happen and I know him, the band and the buyer would all equally appreciate the purchase of one of the records. I hope you enjoy the music as much as I do.

Favorite Track: Sector 4

Rating: 10 Out Of 10

Cursed - III: Architects Of Troubled Sleep

After catching wind of their recent breakup earlier in the week, I became thoroughly bummed out with this news and decided to deal with it by listening to the newest, and in my opinion best, Cursed release. Cursed was one of those bands that every time I made an attempt to see, something either came up which prevented me from attending the show or they just happened to cancel. I have always been a fan since I first heard them & knew that anything with members of Haymaker, Chokehold and The Swarm were involved in was going to be both important and intense, and after this final release of theirs I am deeply regretting missing out on the opportunity of seeing them live. This album is one of the more violent records I have heard in a while, from start to finish ranging from slower sludgy parts to crusty influenced grindy blast beats, the riffs and drumming are sure to grab your attention and not let go. I believe III to be their most mature and most cohesive album while not losing an ounce of the chaos in their music they have been known to pull off quite well. The only complaint is that the quality is a bit iffy on this release, but it isn't so bad as to be distracted by it while listening to the album. Definitely a must have for any fan of Cursed.

Favorite Track: Friends In The Music Business

Rating: 9 Out Of 10

DOWNLOAD HERE!!

Makara

Until recently I really didn't like this band because they have some of the worst recordings. However, if you're really willing to sit down and give the music a chance you'll be blown away by how good this entire record is. Then, once you start getting into it, you can get stoked about how many songs are on here because it is their entire discography + a few live tracks.

What you should really care about: this band came out the demise of Mohinder and went on to form one of my favorite bands EVER. SO, you really might want to give this band a solid listen. You can learn more about their relationship to other bands some more here.

dl

Favorite Track: Paper Cuts

Rating: 8 Out Of 10

Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra & Tra-La-La Band

A Silver Mt. Zion is back with their latest release '13 Blues For Thirteen Moons'. Again stepping away from the almost transparent transition they made from Godspeed You! Black Emperor with their first release 'He Has Left Us Alone But Shafts Of Light Sometimes Grace The Corner Of Our Rooms'.

This being their most "rock" album to date and keeping in line with what was only hinted at on 'Horses In The Sky', the group moves to a steady/consistent, progressive beat/rhythm. There is even some semblance of a movement toward a traditional verse/chorus style with some repetition of specific parts within the song. Keeping with this same pattern of growth, Efrim is singing more on this album than he has on any album to date and there is much more focus on lyrics as the center of the each song.

But fear not longtime fans of Godspeed. The album still swings into long, droney, builds leaving even the most pretentious noise-nik satisfied.

Do yourself a favor and catch them on tour, like I did last night. They're playing 2 new songs.

dl

Favorite Track: BlindBlindBlind

Rating: 8 Out Of 10

Aesop Rock - Fast Cars, Danger, Fire and Knives

At this point and time with his extensive touring, work with The Weather-
men, making numerous guest appear-
ances, making promotional exercise music for Nike, and being MTV's Artist of the Week back in late last year, I would be surprised if anyone involved in any form of underground music said that they had never even heard Aesop Rock. With his career now spanning over a decade and his constant work ethic of putting out album after album, this man has proved to be one of the best emcee's in underground hip-hop or even hip-hop in general. Aesop always finds a way to combine his original and fresh rhyme schemes with amazing beats laid down a lot of times by Blockhead or even sometimes himself. Constantly redefining himself with each release he also manages to redefine hip-hop at the same time, seemingly setting new standards for any rapper to reach. This EP was put out after Bazooka Tooth to hold fans over while he was able to write enough new material for the None Shall Pass full length, and this like much, well all in my opinion, of his other work does not disappoint one bit.

Favorite Track: Holy Smokes

Rating: 8.5 Out Of 10

DOWNLOAD HERE!

Shorebirds

If you're a rabid Latterman fan like I am. You were dying to hear anything from this band as you found out about this project. I mean Matt Cannino from Latterman and Chris Bauermeister from Jawbreaker in the same band?!!

You also may have watched the youtube videos excessively and were just itching to catch any news of any releases coming out soon. You may have caught the article hinting on the full-length due out soon. However, you may missed any news about the 7" that slipped out under the radar on Matt's super DIY, olympia based label Rumbletowne Records.

To all these people, this won't disappoint.

Favorite Track: Tinctures Are 90% Alcohol

Rating: 9 Out Of 10

Earth

Every time you mention Earth to anyone into that genre of music, they'll always go on about how, 'they aren't heavy anymore' and you know what, they're absolutely right. However, the point they're missing is that they're still awesome.

SunnO))) stole their sound and they moved onto something else, get over it. If you want to hear something like that, Stephen O'Malley has about 10 different projects with similar sounds.

Personally, its really refreshing to hear a band that can progress into a different sound, still maintain their originality, keep some semblance of what they were doing before, take some chances by experimenting with different approaches and still put out and bunch of different sounding/good records I actually want to buy. This is why Dylan Carlson is my hero.

With their latest release Earth steps fully and confidently into they droney country sound they have been developing over the course of their last few records. Channeling Ennio Morricone on The Good, The Bad and The Ugly; I am amazed how, on this record in particular, they can play such repetitive riffs, but still keep them interesting sounding with each pass. On each riff, they've cut out all unnecessary notes, leaving only the chord changes you want to hear. Then, carrying your attention throughout the whole record and leading the group from part-to-part is a beautifully toned piano and organ parts. Thus leaving you a beautifully recorded song just chock-full-of-goodness.

Bend over and open your ears Earth and drone metal haters because they dropped The Bees Made Honey In The Lion's Skull to remind you that Earth 'ain't dead yet'.

Keep your eyes peels because they're dropping the LP version soon.


Favorite Track: The Bees Made Honey In The Lion's Skull

Rating: 10 Out Of 10

Twelve Hour Turn

I used to not really be a fan of this band. After giving this album a really solid listen this morning it really changed my mind.

A bit more mature and cohesive sounding on this release, Twelve Hour Turn kicks open the record with perfect opening track 'Water Under Bridges Rise'. Then, throughout the record you can hear Twelve Hour Turn's progression from their earlier material. There is more focus on consistency, stronger song writing, melody and attempt to separate themselves from the rest of the post-hardcore/screamo genre. They even take a shot of at writing a bit of a country song with the laid back, southern-influenced (duh) track 'I Was Raised To Break', where you can even hear a bit of slide guitar. I mean, can we talk about the harmonica solo on 'Don´t Let The Music Die, And Don't Replace Me'?

All and all, there's not much bad you can say about this record.

Dear Twelve Hour Turn,

It feels good to like you again.
Please come back.

Just as a bonus and because the other band on the split is so good, their split with I Hate Myself.


Favorite Track: Water Under Bridges Rise

Rating: 7 Out Of 10

Fucked Up - The Line

Not much of a fan of Fucked Up to be honest, but some of the things they do seem to crack me up & this song is no different. This is their dis track on Billy Talent. (Sort of) oldie but goodie.


DOWNLOAD HERE!

Alkaline Trio - Help Me EP

Alkaline Trio are back with three new jammers. I believe two of these are going to be on their new full length Agony and Irony coming out in June. These songs are in the vein of Crimson, but in my opinion are A LOT better (I wasn't much of a fan of Crimson aside from a few songs like "Time to Waste" and "Mercy Me"). Matt lays vocals down vocals on "Help Me" and "Into the Night" and Dan lays down the vocals for "In Vein," which you might have actually heard if you happened to catch the latest episode of that crappy MTV show The Hills. I have always been partial to the songs that Matt has written and sang on a little bit more than Dan's, but the song that Dan lays the vocals down is probably the catchiest Alkaline Trio song to date and I haven't been able to stop singing along to this since I first started to listen to this. This is definitely a solid three song release from Alkaline Trio & I cannot wait until the full length drops.

Favorite Track: In Vein

Rating: 8 Out Of 10

DOWNLOAD HERE!!

Young Widows

Running with my obvious National Acrobat obsession, I figured it would be relevant to post the most recent spawn of the once great titan. Young Widows is a continuation of Breather Resist, but pushes the envelope a bit further and brings a bit more home to the south. Combining the heavy/mathy sound they are known for with the addition of long droney, repetitive verses and more effects driven, almost doomy choruses with a bit of a bluesy/country feel.

Making things more interesting is guitarist Evan Patterson approach to playing on 'Settle Down City'. He takes a bit more of a minimalist approach, leaving drums and bass to drive most of the rhythm of the songs. Patterson only adds in melodic and dissonant accents to reinforce the riff and brings a bit originality to the table with use of a slide.

You might expect a lot of screaming on a project like this, but Evan also steps to the plate to fill in on vocals on the Widows debut Jade Tree release. Running with the bluesy feel of the record, Patterson sings in a laid back almost talking style to contrast the heavy, riffy parts which meander in and out of each track.

Upon first 'glance over' listen, I was completely unimpressed with record, but on my second 'closer' listen I was really impressed with the originality of this album. So, as a recommendation, give this record a solid 2 listens before passing judgement.

dl

Favorite Track: Mirrorfucker

Rating: 7 Out Of 10

Screeching Weasel - Television City Dream

Truth be told, if I even have to give a review about this album, or any Screeching Weasel album for that matter, you deserve to drown. Me being an asshole aside, this is personally without a doubt my favorite release that these pop-punk rock veterans have released. I have a lot of emotional attachment to this album. I feel like I'm in ninth grade all over again every time I listen to it and this is definitely an album that has stood the test of time with me. While I never really openly considered it one of my favorite albums, it wasn't until recently I realized that it is. Poor review? Probably, go buy it anyway.

Favorite Track: Speed Of Mutation

Rating: 8.7 Out Of 10

DOWNLOAD HERE!

Like Screamo?

Do yourself a favor and check out this dude's blog. So much rare stuff I've never even heard of that I wish I did so much sooner.

Highlights From My Last Visit:
Part II - Somewhere between You and I, I Hate Myself, Portrait and The Scent Of Human History. AMAZING!
(nineteen)nineteen - "Pre-Welcome the Plague Year post-Makara also members of Usurp Synapse, The Infinity Dive, Book of Dead Names etc. Pretty Awesome." Nuff Said.
The most complete Palatka discography I've seen to date.
A Petal Fallen - Seriously?! Who has this?! Pre-Joshua Fit For Battle/Neil Perry. Super rare/oop and here for your listening pleasure. Do it!

There's way more stuff on there than I could post in one entry.

make your ears happy.