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.