Akron/Family

There really hasn't been any indie rock posted on here since we've started this blog. Not that I'm particularly into the genre, but I do think there are a few gems floating around out there among all the hipster nonsense.

Akron/Family is one of my recent favorites. Not that they haven't been churning out music since 2003, but they've only recently come to my attention in the last year-or-so. Unafraid to slip comfortably between noise and well-developed/folky melodies the group's self-titled debut album was released in 2005 on Michael Gira's (of Swans fame) label; Young God records. Akron/Family would also come to serve as the backing band for Gira's solo project Angels of Light on the album 'Sing "Other People"', as well as numerous subsequent tours that Akron/Family would also serve as the opener for.

On this their self-titled debut, the band uses a variety of instruments to obtain their strange brand of folk-influenced, experimental indie rock spanning from trumpet to guitars to sythesizer to accordion to a variety of circuit-bending electronic equipment, they are even able to still develop a comprehensible harmony. Using both awkward and more straight forward melodies they create a unique sound that will interest even the most hipster-hating metal heads.

dl

Favorite Track: Afford

Rating: 9 Out Of 10

Latterman

Is there really enough that I can say about this album other than it's probably my favorite album by one of my favorite bands and probably one of my favorite albums ever? However, listening to them this morning at work led me to make this post. Although, I really would be surprised that anyone hadn't heard of this band...

With the release of this album, it was confirmed Huntington Long Island's Latterman had returned from hiatus. With comparisons to Hot Water Music and Dillinger Four, they kick off their second full length entitled 'No Matter Where We Go...!' with the electrifying track 'Doom! Doom! Doom!' and launch into their unique brand of punk.

With driving bass lines, melodic guitars, and thought provoking yet politically relevant lyrics bassist Matt Canino and guitarist Phil Douglas trade vocals as they lead the band through 12 tracks of fist pumping songs that are better heard than described. Lyrically tackling subjects from the importance of your friends to sexism in punk rock to the effects of gentrification, this band actually touches on subjects they, themselves experience.

However it couldn't last. Shortly after the release of their third album '...We Are Still Alive', bassist Matt Canino announced his departure from the band citing a variety of reasons including a misrepresenation of the band as well as trouble with their label.

Matt now lives in Olympia, WA and did play in Shorebirds with Chris Bauermeister of Jawbreaker, but I recently discovered they are no longer a band. He does, however, still run Rumbletowne Records. Drummer Pat Schramm now plays with Bridge and Tunnel.

yo, get into it

Favorite Track: My Bedroom Is Like For Artists

Rating: 10 Out Of 10

Immortal Technique - Revolutionary Vol. 2

Over the past week or so, I have been listening to Immortal Technique more than any other artist, and I have been listening to this album more than any other album. Tech has recently put out an album called The 3rd World which is pretty incredible in itself and has sparked me to rock this album after some time. After not listening to it for a few months and rediscovering it, I completely forgot how much I truly love this album. Immortal Technique delivers the left-wing based lyrics that he is typically known for that still ring true and hold as much water today as they did five years ago when this album was released. Politically relevant and often very witty, IT never trades in a true thought or belief for a weak rhyme. Actively speaking out against both major and independent record labels alike, Technique has proven that he has and is accomplishing what he wants to on his own terms, and I can definitely respect that a lot. Any cat that is truly making music for themselves gets my seal of approval.

Favorite Track: Internally Bleeding

Rating: 8.75 Out Of 10

DOWNLOAD HERE!!

Initial State

Continuing with my obsession for ex-Antischism bands, I present Initial State.

Containing 3 members of Antischism, this dark and crusty band launches an aural assault with thrashy, almost power-violence(y) blast beats and angry female vocals.

The dark overtones of the this record almost remind me of Dystopia, but much faster. Using some well placed feedback amongst brutal hardcore breakdowns, this record is sure to keep the listener actively engaged.

Definitely a must-hear recording, up-tha-punx.

dl

Favorite Track: Feast

Rating: 8 Out Of 10

Torche Video PLAYING BOMB STRING

THEIR BOMB NOTE SHAKES THE CAMERA! I love it.

The Lawrence Arms - Oh! Calcutta!

This is the most recent, though really not all that recent, release from Chicago's The Lawrence Arms, and it is easily my favorite record of theirs. On this album, The Larry Arms still blend the East Bay sound and Chicago sound like they have always been known to pull off, but it is a little less Jawbreaker and a little bit more of themselves. I think the band has always done a good job of taking what they know and mixing it well with their influences but I feel that this is an album they can call their own. The songs for the most part are a little bit shorter in length and I believe it to be lyrically leaps and bounds ahead their previous albums. I am by no means trying to knock their older work, I LOVE everything this band has released, but nothing they have put out has knocked me on my ass as much as this one and in the same way that Oh! Calcutta! did when it was first released. This is one of those albums that helps me every time I get into a little funk and I hope it has the same affect on some other people that it does for me.

Favorite Track: Cut It Up or Are You There Margaret? It's Me, God.

Rating: 10 Out Of 10

DOWNLOAD HERE!!

A while ago I had posted the Help Me EP that had three songs from the new full length which actually dropped today. This is not that. This is 7" with a single edition of the version of "Help Me" and also has a Tegan and Sara cover on it of the song "Wake Up Exhausted." The cover is pretty excellent. Get into it.

DOWNLOAD HERE!!

Kylesa

I had originally planned to do this post before I left for vacation, but didn't get a chance. If your flavor of the monthly is crusty metal, wet your appetite because it's coming your way.

Shredding (well sort of) out of Savannah, GA, these metal maniacs bring a variety of styles to the table on a their debut release including crust, metal, thrash, hardcore, ambient post-rock, all topped off with a bit of piano.

With dueling female/male vocals roaring throughout the record, the riffy group takes the listener on a heavy journey that weaves in and out of punk. Featuring 2 drummers, they're quite an act to catch live.

Just listen, you'll dig it.

dl

Favorite Track: What Becomes An End

Rating: 8 Out Of 10