powered by seitan

Macconnell - You Can't Take Us Anywhere

2010-07-08T13:21:00.005-04:00

EDIT: Brian, the drummer of Macconnell, unfortunately passed away in an automobile accident on September 4, 2010. It is a shame to see a life like his cut so short and we now will never know the potential of him and what his band could accomplish. Brian was a great dude and is and will be missed. RIP Brian.

This is a post for my homies:

Macconnell - You Can't Take Us Anywhere.

For fans of Hot Water Music, Foo Fighters, Leatherface, The Draft.

Macconnell is my current favorite local band - I am thoroughly impressed with their songs so far and cannot wait to hear even newer jams. I am not saying this because they are my friends, I am saying this because it is true.

DOWNLOAD HERE!!

Also, hit up their FACEBOOK PAGE to hear and extra song not on the demo and check out a video of them I took from a show in March HERE.

Still my favorite band

2010-05-11T02:42:00.001-04:00

Burning Bridges - Demo

2010-04-29T00:02:00.003-04:00

Oh, hey, a blog entry! I feel like every time that either Zack or myself update this bad boy for the first time in months, we have to draw attention to it. It is kind of like when you are in one of those awkward situations and you have to be the asshole that goes and makes things even more uncomfortable by pointing it out. "This isn't awkward at all!" I am a meaty-breasted failure.

All of that nonsense aside, I am not totally sure as to why, but I thought an update with this would be a good idea. Burning Bridges was a very frigging awesome hardcore band from Albany, New York. They had members of Tripface, Lariat and Blood Has Been Shed and members went on to form End of a Year. They had a few releases after the demo, The Best Revenge and Politics of Dead Friendships. There are three songs on this demo, all of which were rerecorded and released on The Best Revenge and one of which was released AGAIN on the Politics of Dead Friendships release. They were a very fun band to see live, and while I was bummed when they called it quits, I am at least happy that End of a Year came out of it.

DL HERE!!

I DIDN'T ASK TO BE THROWN INTO THIS WOOORLD BUT IT WASN'T UP TO ME

2010-02-22T23:59:00.004-05:00

So my boy Alex recently made a little poll on Facebook asking who people liked more: Outburst or Breakdown? I thought this was a pretty wild comparison and got me to think pretty hard about this. If this question was asked 5 years ago I would tell you Breakdown without a doubt, but now I find myself listening to Outburst a hell of a lot more. I never really thought of Outburst to have the same sort of lasting value as Breakdown but I actually find it to be the complete opposite now. Nothing against Breakdown at all, I still love that band. JUS' SAYIN'.

I also have always thought this band to be criminally underrated. I know they are a somewhat popular legendary New York Hardcore band but at the same time I feel a lot of people tend to overlook this band when talking about the incredible music that NYC has pumped out over the past 30 years. It is a shame to me that Bold comes to mind before Outburst when NYHC is mentioned. And for those of you who don't know me, I am pretty open about my hatred for Bold. They suck. Outburst didn't.

Deuces.

Favorite Track: All of them. Seriously, don't ask me to choose.

Rating: 8 Out Of 10

DOWNLOAD HERE!!

Unholy Grave

2010-02-07T16:17:00.005-05:00

3 posts in 2 months. That's pretty good for us. A little sad, but good. Not sure if Rob noticed this guy chillen in draft for a minute, but I just have to say I'm really excited for what's waiting in draft right now.

Anyway this is Unholy Grave, a Japanese grind band who has probably done a split with every band ever. Reminds me of the Melt Banana and a little bit of Plutocracy. Their recordings are pretty rough, just adding to the raw sound they already have. This is a 'Best Of' compilation of earlier demos and splits.

Get your grind on.

(Yes, I really just wrote that.)

Rating: 8 Out Of 10

Rob's Top lists of 2009 a month and a half late!!

2010-01-10T01:06:00.010-05:00

I am well aware that I have been pretty lazy lately and this blog as well as my others have taken a backseat to other, more important acitivities. By more important I mean beating the shit out of nerds in Modern Warfare 2, and by beating the shit out of nerds I mean getting the shit kicked out of me. As usual, I digress.

Without any further adieu , here are a few lists of my Top *insert whatever the list is about* of 2009.

Top 6 (YES, 6) Full Lengths:
1. Blacklisted - No One Deserves to be Here More than Me
2. Touche Amore - ...to the Beat of a Dead Horse
3. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - S/T
4. Jay-Z - The Blueprint 3
5. Another Breath - The God Complex *******I was toying with the idea of leaving this off of my list completely since I have been saying since I first listened to this album around six months ago that I won't count it as a 2009 release until the vinyl was in my hands. Now, I know the vinyl won't be in my possession for some time due to the issues the label has been having with getting it pressed, but since the CD officially came out last year I will count it.
6. P.O.S. - Never Better

Top 5 EPs and or Demos:
1. The Lawrence Arms - Buttsweat and Tears
2. Caleb Lionheart - Think Hardcore, Play Pop Punk
3. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - Higher than the Stars
4. Bon Iver - Blood Bank
5. Burning Love - Demo

Top New Discoveries (old and new bands/artits included in no particular order):
1. Touche Amore
2. Dessa
3. Land of Talk
4. Wale
5. Broken Bells
6. Calabrese
7. Caleb Lionheart

Zack, sorry this was so late!!

Ramps

2009-12-26T11:10:00.002-05:00

Ramps - Silent Barn - 11.20.09 (Raw) from Benjamin Lim on Vimeo.

If you're into good music and going to be in NYC on January 23rd you should try to check out this.

Zack's Top 10 for 2009

2009-12-22T10:31:00.007-05:00

We've definitely been sleeping for a minute, but let's at least end out the year with a top ten list and a new year's resolution to fix all the mistakes we made this year.

So these were my top 10 favorite albums this year.

1. Akron/Family - Set 'Em Wild, Set 'Em Free
Definitely one the most musically diverse and pleasing-from-all-angles album to come out this year. Akron/Family came back sounding more mature this time and adding a whole lot of Paul Simon influence (because really there ain't nothin' wrong with that). Each song really speaks with its own voice, but flows cohesively as a single unit. I've tried to catch these guys a number of time this year and hoping that the 2010 show at the Music Hall of Williamsburg will be first time seeing this ex-Angels of Light act.

2. Shook Ones - The Unquotable A.M.H.
If you knew me at all this year, you were well aware of fact that I've been listening to this album on almost constant rotation, I'm almost surprised I had time to listen to anything else this year. These sons of Bellingham, WA and Kid Dynamite have fully developed their own sound with the release of this album. Cutting back on break-neck speeds and moving more into mid-tempo song structures, the Shooks have added more melody and better vocals (both structurally and lyrically) to churn out one of my favorite records this year. Unfortunately, because of my work and class schedule I was unable to attend both their Brooklyn and Long Island shows during their East Coast tour with Off With Their Heads, but hey there's always next year right?

3. Cult Ritual - LP
Well if you want to talk about this year's flash-in-a-pan, saving grace, hardcore band, we need mention Cult Ritual. Hailing from Tampa, FL and seeming to erupt from nowhere with a kind of hype that I hadn't seen since the birth of American Nightmare, had hipster-hardcore kids shelling out oodles-of-dollars and traveling hundreds of miles to catch this shortly-lived, explosion of anger. I didn't believe the hype until I heard the record, but shortly after retrieving my jaw from the floor I quickly realized that I hadn't heard a band do Black Flag like this since Black Flag. Although this band no longer exists, you can be sure to catch the same kind of energy in their new projects Nazi Dust and Slavescene.

4. Magrudergrind - S/T
Truly a grind masterpiece for both the heart and soul. Although I was impressed with their 2007 full-length Rehashed, I was not expecting Magrudergrind to raise the bar for metal bands to the level they did on this release. This time returning with better songs and a better sounding recording, this release will utterly obliterate the listener with crushing distortion tighly weaved between break-neck-style blast beats and screams that might have Jacob Bannon running for the door. If you don't listen to this for music, at least listen to it for samples...

And uh, if you happen to be in NYC on January 23rd, you might want to check out this.

5. Obits - I Blame You
The brainchild of Rick Froberg of Hot Snakes/Drive Like Jehu fame, this Brooklyn-Based act seemed to gain critical acclaim in no time for their 2009 Sub-Pop released, debut full-length. With rumors of Sub Pop signing them solely-based on a bootleg recording from their first performance at NYC's Cake Shop, they certainly lived up to their hype upon recording their most recent release. A perfect blend of direction Hot Snakes had been headed, mixed with some early punk and some 1950's era-rock'n roll for good measure, you don't know what you've been missing if you haven't heard this record.

6. Napalm Death - Time Waits For No Slave
It's fucking NAPALM DEATH, 'nuff said. Go see them before you die, they're awesome.

7. Confines - Demo
Featuring the former singer of Cut The Shit/Bones Brigade, this mid-tempo hardcore act hailing from Boston has been every hardcore kid's wet dream since the break up of Cut The Shit and actually lives up to expectations. Featuring the additional bonus of members of Failures, you can't really go wrong. Please come to NY!

8. Agoraphobic Nosebleed - Agorapocalypse
The recording project of Scott Hull of Pig Destroyer (now featuring Katherine Katz of Salome) churned out another full length this year. Only this time around with better production quality, more interesting song structures and a better approach to vocals. I know its a drum machine, but it sounds so good on this record...

9. Them Crooked Vultures - S/T
If I had a separate list of albums that took my by surprise this year, this one would be right smack at the top. Usually most super groups wind up being a disappointment for me (i.e. Shrinebuilder), so upon first listen of this album I wasn't really expecting much. Now, I like Led Zeppelin as much as the next dude and I've never really been that much of a Queens of the Stone Age or Foo Fighters fan. So, when found myself being as impressed with the opening track 'No One Loves Me and Neither Do I' and the later track 'Elephants' as much as I was, I took myself by surprise (i.e. John Paul Jones kills it on this record and Josh Homme isn't annoying). Do yourself a favor and check it out, it might surprise you as much it did me.

10. Do Make Say Think - Other Truths
I would probably say that this might also be somewhere on my list of surprising albums for this year as well because I really wasn't expecting DMST to pop out another good album. Despite my on-going love affair with this band, I was running around with the idea that their last album was probably going to be their last listenable effort. I jumped right on the train of people that pre-ordered 2007's You, You're A History In Rust, because at that point the were one of my favorite bands. It was a good album, but not as solid as the rest of their catalog. I would say this album was on par and perhaps even a bit better than their last release, but not as good as 2003's Winter Hymn Country Hymn Secret Hymn. Heading in a bit more structured/'rock' direction (similar to the style of the most recent A Silver Mt. Zion album), the group works with easier-follow-arrangements this time around (which you might recognize from their last record). So judge that how you will (because I don't want to say too much), but don't discredit this band yet, they still have some good songs to write.

Psychic Limb

2009-11-24T19:01:00.004-05:00

It was only his second show singing for them.
That dead rat in the beginning is in a light of the practice space we both share.

Psychic Limb - Silent Barn - 11.20.09 from Benjamin Lim on Vimeo.

Bottle Rocket

2009-11-16T17:54:00.002-05:00

Hailing from Long Island, Bottle Rocket is a pop-punk band that played only about 20 shows and was lead by Brian Cozer who would go on to join both Latterman and Iron Chic.

Following a similar style of other Long Island pop punk bands chock full of catchy riffs and gruffer sounding punk vocals, their demo is fun to listen to, but some songs are much stronger than other one.

Take a listen for yourself.

dl

Favorite Track: I Want To Watch The Grass Grow

Rating: 6 Out Of 10

Scraps and Heart Attacks - S/T

2009-11-12T01:59:00.002-05:00

Zack requested some Scraps and Heart Attacks and I followed through. You're welcome, you sexy beast.

Anyway, I'm sure most people reading this blog are at least aware of this band's existence but for those of you not in the know, Travis from This is Hell and Kellen from I am the Avalanche were in this band prior to their current bands. In my opinion Scraps happened to be way better than TIH (and those who know me know I really do LOVE This is Hell) and they are about a trillion and one times better than IATA (and those who know me know I HATE I am the Avalanche. The Movielife was a far superior band. Although I am the Avalanche has entertained me when I have seen them, their recordings do not give me a boner. But I digress.)

Scraps were around for only a few years but I had the pleasure of seeing them live a few times, once happened t0 be immediately after they changed their name from the Heist. (Tangent: The Movielife played that show with them at The Chance and I really want to say Brand New did as well, but I might be confusing shows. If it wasn't Brand New then it was definitely One Line Drawing.) They played a somewhat controlled but still chaotic style of hardcore not unlike their fellow Dead by 23 Records brethren Frostbite, although the SAHA recordings were a lot less cohesive and focused more on guitars feeding back and coarse vocals that pummeled through with a sense of urgency. I have always loved their lyrics (so much so that the sidepiece I plan on getting will have their lyrics going along with it) and can always appreciate it when a band wears their influences on their sleeves lyrically, in their case making references to Jawbreaker and Inside Out lyrics. Also, any band that says "kids like you are fucking spent/do us a favor, get fucking bent" is pretty much the best band ever in my opinion.

Anyway, I am tired and anything else I have to say about the band is probably going to be stupid/unfunny/uninteresting, so I leave you with this: their Self-Titled release which contains their 7", demo and a live set. Enjoy!

DL HERE!!

For The Crown - Demo 2001

2009-10-26T21:04:00.003-04:00

First off, a big THANK YOU to Insane Sasquatch on Last.FM for helping me find a download of this. I have been (unsuccessfully) searching the interwebs for this demo forfuckingever since I lost it and I am now at peace knowing I have these songs once again.

For The Crown were a west coast band and come to think of it, I don't think they actually ever made it out this way to my neck of the woods on the east coast. If they did then I am an idiot for not going to see them but I am pretty sure they didn't. Regardless, I never regretfully never saw them. I remember learning of them through the InStrife message board in 2001 when the guitarist's (I think?) brother used to post on there and mentioned this band. I do recall the dude who posted on the board was named Nate. I instantly fell in love with the music. Musically, it reminded me a little of Reach The Sky at the time without being a carbon copy of them. I very much enjoy the full length they put out a few years after this but I always felt the vocals were much better on this demo. "Counting Footsteps" was one of my favorite songs for a very long time and I am happy I can listen to this over and over again.

Check it out and hopefully someone will enjoy this demo half as much as I do.

DL HERE!!

So I know it is quite early, but here is my top 10 for 2009 so far...

2009-09-22T22:38:00.004-04:00

Like I said, I am aware this is kind of premature but I kind of felt like jotting down my top ten releases of the year so far and seeing if and how much it really changes by December 31st.

1. Touche Amore - ...To the Beat of a Dead Horse
2. Iron Age - The Sleeping Eye
3. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - S/T Full Length
4. Pulling Teeth - Paranoid Delusions/Paradise Illusions
5. Jay-Z - Blueprint 3
6. Incendiary - Crusade
7. Government Warning - Paranoid Mess
8. P.O.S. - Never Better
9. Shadows Fall - Retribution
10. Municipal Waste - Massive Aggressive/Every Time I Die - New Junk Aesthetic TIE

This is a list excluding and EPs or demos.

I KNOW Another Breath - The God Complex would be on top of the list but since it hasn't been released yet (and I don't know when the fuck it will be) I have excluded that from this list as well. Sadly, Polar Bear Club probably will not make it this year but they were close as is Trapped Under Ice and The Black Dahlia Murder. I still haven't listened to the new Brother Ali, Converge, Strike Anywhere, Rise and Fall, Lewd Acts, Raekwon or Ghostface releases yet so I don't know if they will make it into the top ten.

Have Heart - Live at CBGB

2009-09-22T02:22:00.002-04:00

Live set from 2005 I believe. The closed with an Inside Out cover. Always delicious.

I am going to miss this band...a lot.

DOWNLOAD HERE!!

Bad Secrets

2009-08-30T12:18:00.008-04:00

Evan Patterson of The National Acrobat/Black Widows/Breather Resist/Young Widows fame returns with his new side project with Dan Davis of Kodan Armada, Bad Secrets. This 9" record was just released on Robotic Empire.

Similar to the work Evan has been churning out with Young Widows, but with a much more stripped down approach. Using only drums, guitars and vocals, the duo blends elements of drone, country, shoegaze and post-punk/hardcore on this record and recorded the whole thing on a four track cassette, which adds to the lo-fi aesthetic elements of this record.

I find this record to function well as both background music and something to attentively listen to.

Decide for yourself.

*Dudes got mad, link removed*

buy / listen

Favorite Track: Lay Down

Rating: 7 Out Of 10

Horror Show - The Holiday EP

2009-08-18T12:55:00.002-04:00

Final release from one of the only good things to come from Philadelphia. I kid, I kid. But really, they are one of the few awesome things to come from that place. Fuck the Phillies.

PS - I JUST ripped this 7" into mp3 format and I didn't tag it properly and I also didn't bother to clean it up very much, so if you don't like all the crackles and all that jazz in there, I apologize.

Favorite Track: One For The Angels

DOWNLOAD HERE!!

Nightmares For A Week - A Flood Tomorrow

2009-07-25T17:08:00.002-04:00

Nightmares For A Week is a three-piece punk/folk-rock band from Kingston, New York and right now they are currently among my three favorite locals (along with Document and Dead Channels). This band consisting of ex-members of Jerk Magnet/Ana Divine strays far from that mid-to-late 90's pop-punk sound and focuses more on a twangy guitar-driven country approach to punk rock. With the Jawbreaker influence blatantly obvious (what, you couldn't tell from the name of the band?), they also draw influences from the likes of older Against Me!, Lucero and Hot Water Music while still focusing in and delivering on a sound I would like to think as their own. This five-song EP showcases some of their best songs while at the same time leaving the listener anxious to hear what this band has in store next. If you dig what you hear, take a trip to their Myspace page and pick up a copy of the cd.

Favorite Track: Tour Song

DOWNLOAD HERE!!

Texas Blind

2009-06-01T11:20:00.000-04:00

There were a few dudes from my area who had a band...or still have a band. They always used to remind me of At The Drive-In...or maybe they still remind me of ATDI. They haven't played a show in forever and PROBABLY SHOULD GET ON THAT SOON.

Anyway, I present you all of this bands recorded material. Texas Blind is RIYL At The Drive-In, Fugazi and The Mars Volta; and even if you do not like those bands you should probably download this anyway.

DOWNLOAD HERE!!

One Last Wish

2009-05-11T22:39:00.003-04:00

Damn, we fell off for a minute.

Anyway...I've been listening to this alot lately.

Completely underestimated this band. Kind of sounds like Rites of Spring (which is fitting because this band formed out of their break up) mixed with The Clash/Joy Division. Super catchy hooks with lots of punk energy and I love Guy Picciotto's vocals on this.

dl

Favorite Track: My Better Half

Rating: 9 Out Of 10

Death

2009-03-30T19:56:00.003-04:00

THIS is fucking awesome.

READ about it here.

I know its a little late...

2009-03-23T10:45:00.003-04:00

...but I wanted to post my top ten favorite releases for 2008.

1. Young Widows - Old Wounds
2. Shorebirds - It's Gonna Get Ugly
3. Earth - The Bees Made Honey In The Lion's Skull
4. Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra & Tra-La-La Band - 13 Blues For 13 Moons
5. Pygmy Lush - Mount Hope
6. Failures - S/T
7. Dillinger Four - C I V I L W A R
8. SunnO))) - Dormkirke
9. Melvins - Nude With Boots
10. Grails - Doomsdayer's Holiday

Post some comments.
Post yours.

Life Detecting Coffins

2009-03-03T23:43:00.006-05:00

In my opinion, probably the best band from Orange County, NY (just waiting for the response comment on that) and when you share members with Off Minor, it's not hard to see why.

Haunting, simple melodies dancing amongst sparse monotone vocals summarize Life Detecting Coffins interesting and original sound. You can hear influences of Fugazi, Black Flag, At The Drive-In and early 90's screamo.

Catatonic Begat Napoleonic

Bill Tone, I still want your guitar, but Dave Grohl had to steal that shit.

Favorite Track: Wolf Boys

Rating: 8 Out Of 10

Deathcycle - S/T 7"

2009-03-02T17:05:00.002-05:00

Missed their last show. I don't wanna talk about it.

DOWNLOAD HERE!!

Can I Say - The Last Goodbye

2009-02-28T00:17:00.001-05:00

Awesome EP from an upstate New York band that went way under the radar. The broke up a while ago. Singer went on to form Dead Hearts. Fin.

DOWNLOAD HERE!!

SICK

2009-02-27T13:49:00.003-05:00

Jaci hooked us up with a sick banner.
We are thankful and stoked.
I suddenly have motivation to post again.

Eat a dick lucid, ours is way better.

Divided By Hate - Sediments Of Shame

2009-02-24T12:55:00.002-05:00

I was bored last night and decided to rip a few of my 7"s to my computer. This was one of them. This is for all the older dudes out there who might actually check this blog out.

DOWNLOAD HERE!!

The Beach Boys

2009-02-12T10:58:00.003-05:00

This is my jam today.

That is all.

Rockets And Blue Lights (Close At Hand)

2009-02-08T20:53:00.004-05:00

I haven't been doing that good of a job updating lately, luckily XFraggleX has been doing a much better job than I have.

Anyway, this band means alot to me because they were my favorite band in Albany while I was going to school there and a band, to this day, I still frequently listen to. This is perfect album to listen to when you are in a weird mood because it will pull you right out of it.

They had such a great live show and I had the pleasure of being able to see them 4 times.

Of course I'm talking about Rockets And Blue Lights (Close At Hand), and this the CD-R version of A Smashed City that has 8 songs on it instead of the LP version which only had 4.

Favorite Track: What They Made You Mean

Rating: 9 Out Of 10

The Mighty Underdogs - Droppin Science Fiction

2009-01-26T21:04:00.001-05:00

This album has been blowing my mind lately. So good.

DOWNLOAD HERE!!

Common Market - Tobacco Road

2009-01-12T10:25:00.005-05:00

Music with substance, who knew it still existed? This is some chilled out hip-hop brought to you by the producer from Blue Scholars (Sabzi) and a dude who kinda reminds me of Talib Kweli (RA Scion). This made it into my Top 10 List of last year. Check it out.

Favorite Track: Gol'Dust

Rating: 8 Out Of 10

DOWNLOAD HERE!!

Happy New Year, by the way!

Stuff You Should Listen To

2008-12-18T16:55:00.004-05:00

Woah, looks like I forgot to update for a while. Just been kind of busy and sleeping on the blog.

I'm back with some stuff New Hampshire, don't really want to waste a whole of time describing it because this is one of my favorite albums. Do yourself a favor and just check it out.

To bad they aren't around anymore...

Anyway, it's about time to wake up...and...uh...be.

Favorite Track: Al Extremo Del Tren

Rating: 10 Out Of 10

A New Enemy - S/T

2008-12-02T21:40:00.000-05:00

Aside from The Misfits (obviously) this band right here is probably my favorite New Jersey band. Heartfelt hardcore punk, sincere lyrics, awesome vocals, catchy melodies, songs about skateboarding and a Bad Brains cover. What more could you ask for?

Singer went on to front Robot Whales, Spanish Bombs and probably 19872817978972987 other awesome bands I'm sure, but I have always liked A New Enemy the most out of his projects.

DOWNLOAD HERE!!

Greyarea - Fanbelt Algebra

2008-12-01T00:43:00.003-05:00

Haven't posted in a while. Not really sure why to be honest, but to make up for it I offer one of the best albums ever.

Favorite Track: Colossus

DOWNLOAD HERE!!

The Gaslight Anthem - Acoustic AP Session

2008-10-21T01:16:00.003-04:00

Nerdery Pt. III

Someone on the Gaslight message board posted this and now I am posting it here.

DOWNLOAD HERE!

PS-Zack I know you hate this band and I am sure you don't enjoy me posting about them on here (every 5 seconds) but this is what you get for posting whackasstabulous bands like Bridge and Tunnel. DAWG I OWN YOU.

Fear

2008-10-15T12:49:00.004-04:00

Fucking FEAR!

Because this is the shit.

dl

Favorite Track: Beef Bologna

Rating: 9 Out Of 10

Pygmy Lush

2008-10-10T10:05:00.006-04:00

Folky, indie, country-blues with and an ever-so-slight ambient quality is how I would describe the new Pygmy Lush record, Mount Hope. This may come of a bit of a surprise to those listening to this record hoping to hear Pg. 99, whose former members now play in this band.

A huge departure from their first record, Bitter River, which seemed to be somewhat of an experiment in a variety of genres and even featured a little bit of the old Pg. 99 punk. They seem to have found their style in the acoustic guitar and songs of a slower speed. This new record definitely has a sound comparable to Akron/Family and might be the perfect soundtrack for that "I'm tired of everything and I've given all hope" kind of feeling.

Give a try, you might like it

Favorite Track: Red Room Blues

Rating: 8 Out Of 10

The Gaslight Anthem - Live in Boston

2008-10-03T17:27:00.001-04:00

Gaslight Anthem Nerdery Pt. II

This is a live set from when they played Boston on August 17, 2008. This was the day after the record release show in NYC which was incredible. The quality isn't great but I thought it would be a lot worse. It hasn't kept me from listening to this a hundred times already. ENJOY!

DOWNLOAD HERE!!

The Gaslight Anthem - Live Acoustic on KEXP

2008-09-29T23:02:00.000-04:00

For all the other Gaslight Anthem nerds, I have a live acoustic set + interview for you. Just Brian but it is still pretty delicious and I enjoy hearing the songs played acoustically. ENJOY!!

DOWNLOAD HERE!!

Verse En Coma

2008-09-27T16:25:00.004-04:00

When I had first of this band a couple years ago and listened to the only demo track they had posted on their myspace, I could not wait for this album to get released. However to my dismay, this album took FOREVER to come out.

Features members of Pg. 99, City of Caterpillar, Malady, and Darkest Hour. So obviously they're from Virginia, but they don't really take on a sound you might expect. Definitely falling into the shoegaze category, they use powerful riffs mixed with droney mixtures of delay and effects and feature catchy vocals.

I couldn't be happier I was finally able to get my hands on this record.

Favorite Track: In A Factory

Rating: 9 Out Of 10

The Bouncing Souls - How I Spent My Summer Vacation

2008-09-19T11:29:00.001-04:00

I figured I would make a Souls post seeing as how I am seeing them tonight (for maybe the 20th time) with GREYFUCKINGAREA and Sick Of It All & I am ridiculously excited. Best Bouncing Souls record. The end.

Favorite Track: That Song or True Believers

Rating: 1,000 Out Of 10

DOWNLOAD HERE!!

The Solidarity Pact

2008-09-10T10:19:00.004-04:00

Speaking of Long Island, I caught this reunion recently and can't stop listening to this.

Features members of Latterman and Jeff from Bridge and Tunnel.

Fast, awesome hardcore.

dl

Favorite Track: Moscow On The Hudson

Rating: 8 Out Of 10

Bridge And Tunnel

2008-09-07T20:14:00.007-04:00

So I know that this guy is going to hate this post because he doesn't much care for this band, but I love them and this album is great.

This only being their second release, Bridge and Tunnel has shown a great deal of maturity from self-titled EP. Well developed melodies and thoughtful lyrics intertwining with punchy riffs and thundering drums give this album a punk attitude, but holds its own originality.

I can only begin to describe how good this album is. I would recommend picking it up for yourself. I mean, they have members of Latterman, The Solidarity Pact, Regarding I, and The Fellow Project, not sure how this could be bad.

By the way, I cannot stop watching this video.

dl

Favorite Track: Rubrics

Rating: 9 Out Of 10

Behind Enemy Lines - The Global Cannibal

2008-08-29T20:17:00.000-04:00

This has been the only album I have been listening to lately, and by lately I mean the past four or five days. If you're unaware of this band, they are a ridiculously awesome crust band with ex-members of Aus-Rotten and The Pist. Think of a faster Aus-Rotten but a lot heavier. Politically charged punk just the way I like it. Listen and love it.

Favorite Track: Global Cannibal

DOWNLOAD HERE!!

Twelve Hours Of Turning Dreams (Twelve Hour Turn)

2008-08-14T09:30:00.006-04:00

I had a dream last night.

This band was the soundtrack.

It was weird.

I posted Perfect Progress, Perfect Destruction already.

These are their other releases, although they have a ton of splits:

Bend, Break, Spill

The Victory Of Flight

Gang Green

2008-08-13T09:27:00.002-04:00

Gang Green is my jam today.

It should be yours too.

dl

Lariat - Means Of Production

2008-08-12T01:39:00.000-04:00

I had recently found myself going through my cd collection and looking for albums that I haven't listened to in quite some time. Means of Production by Lariat was one of the albums that I dusted off the shelf and put in the cd player only to remember why I purchased this album in the first place. Putting it in brought me right back to Hellfest 2001 which was the first time I had seen and heard them and I remember being completely blown away by their set. I remember there being a pretty large sing-a-long to the song "Cubicle" (which is on their split with At War With Shadows) and just being pulled in by everyone screaming "This is not forever, we are not immortal/If you knew you were dying tomorrow how would you have lived today?" Unfortunately that was the only time I had caught these dudes live. Excellent hardcore and crust influenced metalcore with a big political agenda to boot. Think Unbroken meets His Hero Is Gone meets Deadguy...kind of. Just give this a listen if you have not heard them, this release will NOT disappoint. I know I say that about a lot of things, but I MEAN IT!

Favorite Track: Monsanto

Rating: 8 Out Of 10

DOWNLOAD HERE!!

Chain Of Strength - What Holds Us Apart 7" / True Till Death 7"

2008-08-12T01:26:00.002-04:00

No review needed, just going to say that this is the way the songs were supposed to sound in all of it's raw and passionate form.

DOWNLOAD TTD HERE!!
DOWNLOAD WHUA HERE!!

Le Fly Pan Am

2008-08-07T10:59:00.006-04:00

I recently gave this band a second chance. Being that they did share members with a band that is HUGELY important to me, I figured it was worth it.

Le Fly Pan Am really redefines post-rock for me (keeping in mind that they did emerge from the birth place of post-rock). However, I do question whether this is an appropriate genre for them, but in retrospect it is the most fitting. This mostly do to the fact that (and I really hate using this term) they do have a 'groovy' ambiance to them.

With driving and at times funky bass lines sitting under straight noise or shoegazey guitars, the band moves between an interesting variety of songs. Keeping this confidence in musical freedom in mind, dead silence or abrasive noise is a frequent antithesis to the previously described style.

Check it out, you might dig it.
Hell, all the titles are in French, it must be good.

dl

Favorite Track: Rompre L'indiffйrence De L'inexitable Avant Que L'on Vienne Rompre Lesommeil De L'inanimй

Rating: 7 Out Of 10

Akron/Family

2008-07-21T12:22:00.003-04:00

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

2008-07-17T10:18:00.004-04:00

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

2008-07-14T10:52:00.003-04:00

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

2008-07-11T11:32:00.004-04:00

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.

Favorite Track: Feast

Rating: 8 Out Of 10

Torche Video PLAYING BOMB STRING

2008-07-07T12:16:00.001-04:00

THEIR BOMB NOTE SHAKES THE CAMERA! I love it.

The Lawrence Arms - Oh! Calcutta!

2008-07-03T18:51:00.004-04:00

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!!

2008-07-02T20:57:00.002-04:00

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

2008-07-01T12:04:00.005-04:00

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.

Favorite Track: What Becomes An End

Rating: 8 Out Of 10

Annihilation Time

2008-06-25T09:43:00.004-04:00

Caught these guys last night in Brooklyn. AMAZING SHOW, complete with the singer bleeding from the head.

This description from their Last.fm:

"If you don’t like this band, you don’t like drugs and/or fun.

Sounds Like : ‘Your mother puking after you’ve forced her at knife point to eat the feces of a 43 year old retarded homeless man (the knife, by the way, says “blood and honor” in German on it, but don't ask us where it came from). Meanwhile someone is listening to a cummed-on copy of Deep Purple “In Rock” at 45 rpms at a volume that's way too loud. Also your mom pisses herself when she pukes and that's just pathetic.’

History : ‘This one time, a sketchy looking dude named Grugel made us get into a van, got us high and drunk while playing both Black Flag “Slip it In” and Black Sabbath “Technical Ecstacy” simultaneously thru a shitty stereo system (the left and rear speakers were completely blown). He then proceeded to touch our privates before handing us flashy but shitty sounding instruments and huge amps and more beer. A few days later we’re rich and too good to play your shitty town. We now tour the country in search of the ultimate shed to whack it behind.’"

'nuff said

Favorite Track: Panic

Rating: 7 Out Of 10

Lion Of Judah - Soul Power

2008-06-24T23:40:00.001-04:00

I'm going to keep this one extremely brief. If you haven't heard this 7" by now I would be pretty surprised, but it's definitely worth checking out. The best EP Lockin' Out Records has released in my opinion. Burn meets Rites Of Spring meets Bad Brains. Love it.

Favorite Track: Soul Power

Rating: 9 Out Of 10

DOWNLOAD HERE!!

The Miracle Mile - The Future History

2008-06-20T00:53:00.006-04:00

This is the final release from California's The Miracle Mile. Four original tracks of honest, sincere hardcore that the band became known for and a cover of Nirvana's "Territorial Pissings" that is pretty spot on and surely tickles my fancy. I do however feel that the version of "Pushing Play Is Not Enough" that is featured on this release isn't as good as the version on the Coastal Flooding 7" compilation in my opinion, but I do appreciate how raw this version is and it captures the essence of the band pretty well. The four original songs on this EP are very solid and each one can definitely stand on its own, but they all seem to be lacking in comparison to any of the songs released on their earlier work on "Where The Heart Is." While this 7" definitely gets me excited and miss the band, it doesn't seem to give me the chills that their prior release has done for me. I love this album and it is definitely worth picking up if you can indeed find a copy, but if you happen to be like me then you'll find yourself reaching out to pull "Where The Heart Is" off of your shelf before grabbing this to listen to. And for those of you who aren't aware, members can be found making music in Dangers and Final Fight.

Favorite Track: Pushing Play Is Not Enough

Rating: 7 Out Of 10

DOWNLOAD HERE!!

Off Minor

2008-06-16T10:21:00.004-04:00

Screamo veterans Off Minor score another home run with their latest release Some Blood.

Picking up where they left off from their last release, Innominate, they launch into their traditional mathy, fast, blistering and unrelenting brand of hardcore. Although, this time displaying the growth in their sound, unafraid to show their ability to feed off of other members in the band and demonstrate the tightness of their sound. Of course, they still haven't forgotten about their incorporation of jazz elements and Jamie's ability to handle a nasty guitar.

On this release they take a bit of a chance by taking a stab a slower/more melodic track and even incorporate singing, handled by both members of the band and Jess from 1905 on the track 'Practice Absence'.

Do your part to support this band.
Paramensia Records is taking pre-orders on this record, including a pay-what-you-want MP3 download.
The layout is pretty sweet.

Track Listing
1. Neologist
2. Some Blood
3. Everything Explicit
4. To An Ex
5. No Conversationalist I
6. Practice Absence

Favorite Track: Everything Explicit

Rating: 10 Out Of 10

One Up - The Single

2008-06-10T18:02:00.002-04:00

This is unfortunately the final release from one of my favorite straight edge bands from Philadelphia, PA. I was lucky enough to see One Up three times, the first two being completely awesome and a whole lot of fun while the third wasn't as great. You could tell the band was on their way out and it was a shame to see them go like that, but they were still great while they were around regardless. This final release leaves us with two songs, one original and one Texas Is The Reason cover. Honestly, for a long time I was a little bitter about this being their final release, but after putting this on for the first time in well over a year, I now truly appreciate the record for what it is. I wish they could have recorded enough material for a full length or something more than just a single, but I am pleased with their final recorded original song and the TITR cover is pretty on par. I don't know, maybe this band was nothing special to a lot of people, I know a lot of people wrote them off as just another generic straight edge band with Youth Of Today style vocals, but they did mean a lot to me at the time and I still find myself listening to them every so often wishing that they were still together. I also find that the vocals are a billion times more enjoyable than Youth Of Today, but if you know me then you know how much I really can't stand that band anyway. Once again I digress. Anyway, check this record out and buy it if you enjoy, buy a copy. It is still up for sale on RevHQ.

Favorite Track: If It's Here When We Get Back It's Ours (What can I say? I have a soft spot for Texas Is The Reason.)

Rating: 7 Out Of 10

DOWNLOAD HERE!!

Torche

2008-06-10T09:14:00.004-04:00

Well, to quote Snoop Dogg, 'guess who's back in the muthafuck'n house, with a big ol' dick for your muthafuck'n mouth?' The Floridan sludgers have returned with a follow up to their In Return EP.

This time, this mixture of ex-Floor/Cavity members, has taken the sound they are known so well for and taken it a bit further. Pushing more of the poppier elements in their song writing, but moving away from the slow doomy sound you maybe familiar with.

Still keeping with their de-tuned sludery, but this time not afraid to show their chops. The album kicks off with ultra-techy/speed-loving 'Triumph of Venus' and takes the listener through a much more polished Torche sound. This including some straight up math rock, like what is done on the 35 second track 'Little Champion'. Fear not doom lovers, the album closes with the super heavy title track 'Meanderthal'.

I really feel as though Torche is showing more maturity in their song writing with this record and tuning listeners into the fact that you really can be a both extremes of poppy and heavy at the same time.

get ON it!

Favorite Track: Across The Shields

Rating: 9 Out Of 10

Straightjacket Nation - Cheap Kicks Single

2008-06-09T14:30:00.003-04:00

I have heard of this band mentioned before but never really bothered to check them out. I heard they were playing with Career Suicide and are from Australia, but other than that I didn't and still really don't know too much about them. What I do know is that I was lucky enough to see them play twice this weekend in New York City and they were one of the most intense bands I've seen. EVER. I regret not checking this band out earlier and I regret that I was only able to purchase the Cheap Kicks LP and 7" when I am now aware that they have a handful of other releases. This is really good aggressive, infuckingsane hardcore punk rock. If Career Suicide and Government warning had a baby on speed then that might give you something half as intense as this band truly is. Check this release out and if you ever have the chance go see them, who knows how long it will be until the next time you have the opportunity.

Favorite Track: Distaste

Rating: 9 Out Of 10

DOWNLOAD HERE!!

Justin Pearson of The Locust was on Jerry Springer?!?!

2008-06-07T11:53:00.004-04:00

Part 1

Part 2

don't worry it was all a joke.

The Melvins & Big Business Tour

2008-06-05T10:34:00.004-04:00

Yesterday I found out that The Melvins and Big Business are embarking on a full US tour.

I am totally stoked.

Big Business - Here Comes The Waterworks *Newest*

The Melvins - Nude With Boots *Newest*

The Melvins - Houdini *Old Goodness*

dotfuckingcom

2008-06-02T11:06:00.002-04:00

This post-Antischism group was the precursor to Guyana Punchline and featured both Kevin and Lyz from Antischism.

Although this is the band's only release, it cover all ground. Each track moving fluidly and sensibly between power violence, trash and crust.

Definitely worth check out, because to be honest, I like this band a little more than Antischism. I know its blasphemous....

dl

Favorite Track: Nothing Is Sacred

Rating: 8 Out Of 10

The Spectacle - Rope Or Guillotine

2008-06-02T10:33:00.005-04:00

Part crust, part d-beat, part screamo and part sludge. This now expired group out of Bodo Norway didn't make much of a splash state-side, but put out some fantastic records.

So impressed with this group, Phil Elverum, of The Microphone/Mount Eerie brought the band to America to re-record and re-release this album on his Anacortes, WA based label P. Elverum & The Sun, despite the fact they had been broken up for a year.

Armed with anti-capitalist lyrics, anarchist backing this band played a variety of squats and DIY shows all throughout Europe and even a short US tour. Citing influences from Zegota to Godspeed You! Black Emperor, there's something for everyone in this band.

dl

Favorite Track: Rope Or Guillotine II

Rating: 9 Out Of 10

World Burns To Death - Totalitarian Sodomy

2008-05-31T00:07:00.003-04:00

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

2008-05-30T22:39:00.003-04:00

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

2008-05-29T10:39:00.007-04:00

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

2008-05-28T09:58:00.005-04:00

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

2008-05-28T00:31:00.001-04:00

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

2008-05-25T14:49:00.006-04:00

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

2008-05-22T11:17:00.006-04:00

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

2008-05-20T11:31:00.003-04:00

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

2008-05-19T00:16:00.007-04:00

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

2008-05-16T12:44:00.003-04:00

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

2008-05-15T11:21:00.005-04:00

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

2008-05-15T10:15:00.006-04:00

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

2008-05-14T21:20:00.002-04:00

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

2008-05-12T15:11:00.003-04:00

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

2008-05-12T14:56:00.005-04:00

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.

Favorite Track: Mirrorfucker

Rating: 7 Out Of 10

Screeching Weasel - Television City Dream

2008-05-10T02:03:00.003-04:00

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?

2008-05-06T15:15:00.003-04:00

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.

The National Acrobat

2008-04-27T23:06:00.007-04:00

Although The National Acrobat hold historical status within the music scene of their hometown Louisville, KY, they are largely unappreciated by hardcore kids who have been unknowningly ripping off their style for years. I can't really even begin to describe how good this record is and give it the proper credit it deserves, because it really was so far ahead of its time. I can say this though, can the band that spawned Coliseum, Young Widows, Black Cross and Breather Resist be bad?

Favorite Track: Eyes The Size Of Organs

Rating: 9 Out Of 10

End Of A Year - We Understand Europeans Are A Sexual People

2008-04-27T16:01:00.003-04:00

End Of A Year is back again with their familiar yet spot on style of DC Dischord style punk rock, this time with three new songs and one cover. While their sound has not changed dramatically, their song writing has definitely improved & these tracks are by far my favorite tracks that they have recorded. The only complaint I have about this recording is that I wish this had been a full length instead of just a 7" but if this is a taste of things to come from this band, you surely will not be disappointed.

Favorite Track: Let's Grow Old And Fat Together

Rating: 8.5 Out Of 10

DOWNLOAD HERE!!

LOCAL MUSIC MIX VOLUME I

2008-04-24T00:16:00.004-04:00

For my first post on this blog I wanted to do something just a little different to start off with. I made a little mix of a few of my favorite local bands, some past & some present. This is the first installment of the local mixes I will be making. I hope whoever downloads this gives all the artists a fair & honest listen. If you enjoy the artist, go and support them.

The tracklisting is as follows:

1-Gunslinger - Go Big or Go Home

2-Robots and Empire - Stampede

3-Burden Of Arms - The Dreamers

4-Severed Ties - The Strangling

5-Inner Dam - Dying Inside

6-Better Days - Bright Nights

7-Nobs - Paint Her Dead

8-When Dreams Die - Closure

9-Red Devil Suit - Whores and Cowards

10-Measured In Grey - Cigarettes and Whiskey

11-Ranges - Thunderfuck

12-Drowning Room - Sunday's Best

13-In Anchorage - The Emporer

DOWNLOAD HERE!!

Hope you enjoy!

Antlers

2008-04-21T00:12:00.006-04:00

Antlers is a group out of RVA with a DC sound. Think Faraquet, Don Caballero, and By The End Of Tonight with a laid back southern sound. Their tighten woven, mathy, intricate sound doesn't loose punk credibility with driving rhythms mixed with fun sing-a-longs to keep things interesting. This largely instrument record pushes what can be defined as 'punk' with sparse group singing and a great blend of diverse instruments. Their self titled debut release on Rorschach Records is a great record that will keep even a distracted listener attentive.

Favorite Track: Dogwood

Rating: 8 Out Of 10

check it.