Groovie Ghoulies
Go! Stories
Stardumb Records
Grade: A-
The time is finally here when the pop-punk legends the Groovie Ghoulies have come to take their crown back. After some time in the doldrums (i.e., Travels With Amp and Freaks on Parade), the Ghoulies are in top form on this release. With the core of Kepi on vocals (in the studio on everything) and Roach on guitar, the Ghoulies have maintained their dynasty. Now with their 12th million drummer, Scampi, the Ghoulies are a go. Although, I enjoyed, in more than one way, their last drummer, Scampi appears ready to rock. On Go! Stories, the Ghoulies arrive with new life and energy, saying "hey, world we are back." It's like an ultimate comeback of heroic portions. The fourteen track record has some real diamonds in the rough. Particularly jaw-dropping are "School Is In" (truly amazing), "Chupacabras" (the Super Furry Animals version, not the Reanimation Festival version), "(And) I Don't Wanna Be Like That," "Doin' Fine" (a short, quick ditty) and "The Bay Bridge Club" (a nice refresher). For some reason, they include the classic "Ghoulies Are Go!" from World Contact Day. Regardless, the album rocks and contains the unique and stunning Ghoulie artwork throughout. If you have any interest in the Ghoulies, you definitely must get this release.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
The All-American Rejects - s/t
The All-American Rejects
S/T
Doghouse Records
Grade: A/A-
Holy shit! This band fucking rocks. Actually, this band is a duo of youngsters named Nick Wheeler and Tyson Ritter from middle-of-nowhere Oklahoma, and this is their first album, and hopefully not their last. Since it is just the two of them, I am not exactly sure who played all the instruments in the recording, which range from the standard three plus piano, synths, etc. If it is just Wheeler and Ritter then mad kudos to them. This is album is amazing and you need to pick it up when it comes out in October. The All-American Rejects take a more poppy and less emo Get Up Kids (circa "Something To Write Home About") approach to their songs. That means amazing harmonies and song structure, which are concurrently uplifting and fulfilling. Rejects my ass. This is the new All-American rock band! You will probably catch a wind of them on MTV2 with their video of "Swing, Swing" in the near future; which is by far the best song on the record. Other standout tracks include "My Paper Heart," "Your Star," "One More Sad Song" and "Don't Leave Me." The All-American Rejects are hitting the road in the fall of 2002 to rock your fucking socks off.
S/T
Doghouse Records
Grade: A/A-
Holy shit! This band fucking rocks. Actually, this band is a duo of youngsters named Nick Wheeler and Tyson Ritter from middle-of-nowhere Oklahoma, and this is their first album, and hopefully not their last. Since it is just the two of them, I am not exactly sure who played all the instruments in the recording, which range from the standard three plus piano, synths, etc. If it is just Wheeler and Ritter then mad kudos to them. This is album is amazing and you need to pick it up when it comes out in October. The All-American Rejects take a more poppy and less emo Get Up Kids (circa "Something To Write Home About") approach to their songs. That means amazing harmonies and song structure, which are concurrently uplifting and fulfilling. Rejects my ass. This is the new All-American rock band! You will probably catch a wind of them on MTV2 with their video of "Swing, Swing" in the near future; which is by far the best song on the record. Other standout tracks include "My Paper Heart," "Your Star," "One More Sad Song" and "Don't Leave Me." The All-American Rejects are hitting the road in the fall of 2002 to rock your fucking socks off.
Matt Skiba & Kevin Seconds - Split
Matt Skiba & Kevin Seconds
Split
Asianman Records
Grade: A-
This amazing release features five songs from Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio and five from Kevin Seconds of 7 Seconds (duh). The ten tracks are mostly of an acoustic nature with the two playing almost all of the instruments on the recording.
Matt Skiba kicks it off with probably the best song on the album "Good Fucking Bye," reminiscent of some of the best Alkaline Trio songs. Following it up is "The City That Day," which is great story of circling lives with catchy harmonies and chorus. "Next to You" starts off as a lo-fi acoustic sleeper before moving to a full-layered lo-fi treasure. Rounding out Skiba's songs are "In Your Wake" and a cover of 7 Seconds' "Soul to Keep." "In Your Wake" has one of the best lines you will hear in modern-era music; "so with a broken stick in dirt we scrawled 'here lies our dreams come true - here lies Xs for eyes on me and you'" before moving to the catchy chorus. A top-quality show.
Kevin Seconds has a different view of writing songs than Skiba and it becomes starkly evident. Except in one substantial case, Seconds' songs pale in comparison to Skiba's songwriting breadth. This is not to say that Seconds' five songs are bad; in fact, they are all catchy and poppy. But the anchoring effect of have Seconds after Skiba is hard to disavow or dislodge. The one substantial diamond in the rough is "Ugly Mouth." The song is noticeably more mature and thought out than the rest and one can envision some serious mileage of Seconds on this one.
This split is another demonstration of how Asianman Records is redefining what a split should consist of (e.g., last year's Lawrence Arms/Chinkees split). Moreover, Skiba illustrates that he is among the best songwriters in rock today. After initially poo-pooing the Alkaline Trio after a few live shows, their latest material (e.g., the Hot Water Music split) has righted my frame of reference into seeing their invincibility. This split is certainly up there as one of the best of the year.
Split
Asianman Records
Grade: A-
This amazing release features five songs from Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio and five from Kevin Seconds of 7 Seconds (duh). The ten tracks are mostly of an acoustic nature with the two playing almost all of the instruments on the recording.
Matt Skiba kicks it off with probably the best song on the album "Good Fucking Bye," reminiscent of some of the best Alkaline Trio songs. Following it up is "The City That Day," which is great story of circling lives with catchy harmonies and chorus. "Next to You" starts off as a lo-fi acoustic sleeper before moving to a full-layered lo-fi treasure. Rounding out Skiba's songs are "In Your Wake" and a cover of 7 Seconds' "Soul to Keep." "In Your Wake" has one of the best lines you will hear in modern-era music; "so with a broken stick in dirt we scrawled 'here lies our dreams come true - here lies Xs for eyes on me and you'" before moving to the catchy chorus. A top-quality show.
Kevin Seconds has a different view of writing songs than Skiba and it becomes starkly evident. Except in one substantial case, Seconds' songs pale in comparison to Skiba's songwriting breadth. This is not to say that Seconds' five songs are bad; in fact, they are all catchy and poppy. But the anchoring effect of have Seconds after Skiba is hard to disavow or dislodge. The one substantial diamond in the rough is "Ugly Mouth." The song is noticeably more mature and thought out than the rest and one can envision some serious mileage of Seconds on this one.
This split is another demonstration of how Asianman Records is redefining what a split should consist of (e.g., last year's Lawrence Arms/Chinkees split). Moreover, Skiba illustrates that he is among the best songwriters in rock today. After initially poo-pooing the Alkaline Trio after a few live shows, their latest material (e.g., the Hot Water Music split) has righted my frame of reference into seeing their invincibility. This split is certainly up there as one of the best of the year.
Boy Sets Fire - Live For Today
Boy Sets Fire
Live For Today
Windup Records
Grade: A-
Boy Sets Fire, the quintessential emo-core band from Delaware, is back with a new EP and first release on Windup. Overtime the band has been a high quality machine with widespread appeal and broad support. Always a strongly politically and socially aware band, lead singer Nathan Gray's lyrics do not drop off in the least on this EP. Songs such as "Release the Dogs" discuss the U.S. government and society's move to ultra-militarism and the slippery-slope of giving up on our civil liberties. Hence, this EP is sure to be on high on Ashcroft's 'albums of the year.' But what I like about BSF in general, is that when they attack issues that "matter" it is not done in a trite or weak manner. Often it is done with authority and a unique sense of flow. What surprises me the most about the three new songs on this release is their optimal quality. Surely, this is a combination of BSF maturity and the ability to take their time on producing strong material in the studio. Partially, in song structure, BSF has taken a note from their compatriots Snapcase as in "Release the Dogs." The EP also includes three songs ("After the Eulogy," "Handful of Redemption" and "Rookie") recorded live at Club Krome in South Amboy, NJ. As with most of the releases from Boy Sets Fire, the EP sets itself apart from other releases on the market. Any fan would surely be blessed with this EP.
Live For Today
Windup Records
Grade: A-
Boy Sets Fire, the quintessential emo-core band from Delaware, is back with a new EP and first release on Windup. Overtime the band has been a high quality machine with widespread appeal and broad support. Always a strongly politically and socially aware band, lead singer Nathan Gray's lyrics do not drop off in the least on this EP. Songs such as "Release the Dogs" discuss the U.S. government and society's move to ultra-militarism and the slippery-slope of giving up on our civil liberties. Hence, this EP is sure to be on high on Ashcroft's 'albums of the year.' But what I like about BSF in general, is that when they attack issues that "matter" it is not done in a trite or weak manner. Often it is done with authority and a unique sense of flow. What surprises me the most about the three new songs on this release is their optimal quality. Surely, this is a combination of BSF maturity and the ability to take their time on producing strong material in the studio. Partially, in song structure, BSF has taken a note from their compatriots Snapcase as in "Release the Dogs." The EP also includes three songs ("After the Eulogy," "Handful of Redemption" and "Rookie") recorded live at Club Krome in South Amboy, NJ. As with most of the releases from Boy Sets Fire, the EP sets itself apart from other releases on the market. Any fan would surely be blessed with this EP.
Snapcase - End Transmission
Snapcase
End Transmission
Victory Records
Grade: A-/A
As the fourth full-length from these Buffalo, NY legends, End Transmission is a tremendous record guided by the principles and innovations that have lead Snapcase through the years. Moving into their 12th year on Victory Records, and amassing a broad and deep catalog of releases, End Transmission should take Snapcase beyond the level that Progression Through Unlearning initially placed them. That is, although Lookingglassself made them legends, Progression Through Unlearning allowed them to breakthrough to the heavy music mainstream. This in turn helps(ed) them influence a generation of new bands.
If you are like me, their latest release Designs for Automotion in 2000 lacked the intensity and quality of Progression. Hence, I was worried that End Transmission might once again not provide the chills that Snapcase is characteristic in providing. Pleasantly, the chills are back, as Snapcase have produced one of their best records in End Transmission. Most poignantly, it seems that Snapcase took the flavor from all of their past releases, mix it together and produced a list of hits. The songs move between slow, brooding numbers (e.g., "Ten A.M.") to faster straight-ahead hardcore (e.g., "First World) to a greater reliance on harmonics (unfortunately absent in Designs). Interestingly, the record has this Fugazi-type feel to it, as if Fugazi decided to turn up the distortion and get a bit heavy. Snapcase have also brought out a vast array of sounds to fill out the album. For instance, and I swear, there are a few breakdowns where you hear the echos of piano. That's right there is piano on a Snapcase album. Out of the 13 tracks, it is difficult to point a few out as the stellar. Each has its own quality and appeal, and thus End Transmission possesses that rare quality on records where the songs must be digested as a whole.
If you had any interest in Snapcase in the past, End Transmission should make you believers once again. If nothing else the Empire Strikes Back-esque artwork, showing Buffalo in the winter (scary), should make you take a moment to appreciate it at the record store. End Transmission reaffirms the faith that Snapcase is one of the best, brightest and most innovative bands in the heavy music world. Look for them to expand their international appeal and influence as the music gods bow to this five-piece from Buffalo. If you are pathetic enough to not have seen them live (and you missed years of the tightest live band, with all of the guitar throws and acrobats), you can catch them on the road now with Boy Sets Fire and Atreyu.
End Transmission
Victory Records
Grade: A-/A
As the fourth full-length from these Buffalo, NY legends, End Transmission is a tremendous record guided by the principles and innovations that have lead Snapcase through the years. Moving into their 12th year on Victory Records, and amassing a broad and deep catalog of releases, End Transmission should take Snapcase beyond the level that Progression Through Unlearning initially placed them. That is, although Lookingglassself made them legends, Progression Through Unlearning allowed them to breakthrough to the heavy music mainstream. This in turn helps(ed) them influence a generation of new bands.
If you are like me, their latest release Designs for Automotion in 2000 lacked the intensity and quality of Progression. Hence, I was worried that End Transmission might once again not provide the chills that Snapcase is characteristic in providing. Pleasantly, the chills are back, as Snapcase have produced one of their best records in End Transmission. Most poignantly, it seems that Snapcase took the flavor from all of their past releases, mix it together and produced a list of hits. The songs move between slow, brooding numbers (e.g., "Ten A.M.") to faster straight-ahead hardcore (e.g., "First World) to a greater reliance on harmonics (unfortunately absent in Designs). Interestingly, the record has this Fugazi-type feel to it, as if Fugazi decided to turn up the distortion and get a bit heavy. Snapcase have also brought out a vast array of sounds to fill out the album. For instance, and I swear, there are a few breakdowns where you hear the echos of piano. That's right there is piano on a Snapcase album. Out of the 13 tracks, it is difficult to point a few out as the stellar. Each has its own quality and appeal, and thus End Transmission possesses that rare quality on records where the songs must be digested as a whole.
If you had any interest in Snapcase in the past, End Transmission should make you believers once again. If nothing else the Empire Strikes Back-esque artwork, showing Buffalo in the winter (scary), should make you take a moment to appreciate it at the record store. End Transmission reaffirms the faith that Snapcase is one of the best, brightest and most innovative bands in the heavy music world. Look for them to expand their international appeal and influence as the music gods bow to this five-piece from Buffalo. If you are pathetic enough to not have seen them live (and you missed years of the tightest live band, with all of the guitar throws and acrobats), you can catch them on the road now with Boy Sets Fire and Atreyu.
Beth Orton - Daybreaker
Beth Orton
Daybreaker
Astralwerks
Grade: A-
The newest superstar rocks the musical spectrum on Daybreaker. Lauded by everyone from Moses to Ryan Adams, Beth Orton demonstrates here that she is a force to be reckoned in the near future. This is Orton's third full-length, the first two, both critical acclaimed, Trailer Park (1996) and Central Reservation (1999). This British subject took the musical world by storm on her first two albums and she looks to slay all naysayers on Daybreaker. Orton grabs the acoustic guitar and provides the vocals, while being supported by a full array of musicians (providing everything from the basics to strings and electronics). Taking a page or two from Sarah McClaughlin and Bjork, yet writing her own legend, Orton's songs are uniquely characterized by her warm yet aggressive vocals and vocal range. Besides a wide and exceptional array of musicians, Orton also recruits the Chemical Brothers, who she has a long history with, to engage in some producing.
The opening track "Paris Train" sets the listener up for it is what to come, yet you are still ignorant about what's going to unfold. "Paris Train" merges the simple songwriting of Orton with full orchestral strings, creating an uplifting effect of epic proportions. On "Concrete Sky," Orton enlists rock's other newest superstar Ryan Adams to duet, mixing together into a tremendous chorus. (Contrast this Adams with his other appearance on the Black Flag tribute album, wow!). While these opening numbers excel in the own right, along with the bizarre Vegas-like context to "Anywhere," a few later numbers are the true gems. "Carmella" demonstrates Orton's vocal prowess and songwriting ability. This is just pure excellence. It is one of those songs that you hear and just feel good and start to reminisce about time past. On "God Song," Orton channels the souls of past magical female singers like Joplin or Mitchell in its intensity. This may be due in part to EmmyLou Harris providing tasty vocals on "God Song." This songs meanders along a path of love and faith, and as a special treat Adams provides some backing singing towards the end. Closing the record is "Thinking About Tomorrow," which comes on as a slow, creeping electronic caterpillar, before Orton's voice takes over and drives the train.
This is unconsciously one of the best records of the year. The amount of complexity and depth on the Daybreaker is astounding and it will take at least twenty listens to begin to wrap you head around the genius. Orton has made me a true believer of her ungodly musical talents.
Daybreaker
Astralwerks
Grade: A-
The newest superstar rocks the musical spectrum on Daybreaker. Lauded by everyone from Moses to Ryan Adams, Beth Orton demonstrates here that she is a force to be reckoned in the near future. This is Orton's third full-length, the first two, both critical acclaimed, Trailer Park (1996) and Central Reservation (1999). This British subject took the musical world by storm on her first two albums and she looks to slay all naysayers on Daybreaker. Orton grabs the acoustic guitar and provides the vocals, while being supported by a full array of musicians (providing everything from the basics to strings and electronics). Taking a page or two from Sarah McClaughlin and Bjork, yet writing her own legend, Orton's songs are uniquely characterized by her warm yet aggressive vocals and vocal range. Besides a wide and exceptional array of musicians, Orton also recruits the Chemical Brothers, who she has a long history with, to engage in some producing.
The opening track "Paris Train" sets the listener up for it is what to come, yet you are still ignorant about what's going to unfold. "Paris Train" merges the simple songwriting of Orton with full orchestral strings, creating an uplifting effect of epic proportions. On "Concrete Sky," Orton enlists rock's other newest superstar Ryan Adams to duet, mixing together into a tremendous chorus. (Contrast this Adams with his other appearance on the Black Flag tribute album, wow!). While these opening numbers excel in the own right, along with the bizarre Vegas-like context to "Anywhere," a few later numbers are the true gems. "Carmella" demonstrates Orton's vocal prowess and songwriting ability. This is just pure excellence. It is one of those songs that you hear and just feel good and start to reminisce about time past. On "God Song," Orton channels the souls of past magical female singers like Joplin or Mitchell in its intensity. This may be due in part to EmmyLou Harris providing tasty vocals on "God Song." This songs meanders along a path of love and faith, and as a special treat Adams provides some backing singing towards the end. Closing the record is "Thinking About Tomorrow," which comes on as a slow, creeping electronic caterpillar, before Orton's voice takes over and drives the train.
This is unconsciously one of the best records of the year. The amount of complexity and depth on the Daybreaker is astounding and it will take at least twenty listens to begin to wrap you head around the genius. Orton has made me a true believer of her ungodly musical talents.
Hot Water Music - Caution
Hot Water Music
Caution
Epitaph Records
Grade: A-/A
After messing around with a couple of recent mediocre releases, No Division (2000) and A Flight and a Crash (2001), Hot Water Music's latest endeavor Caution reestablishes them as one of the greatest bands in the indie world. HWM may have been unduly influenced by the Alkaline Trio on their amazing split from last year on Jade Tree. Either way this sixth solo full-length will make old fans simmer with glee and convert new listeners to HWM's prowess.
Using producer Brian McTernan (who also did A Flight and a Crash), HWM go back to the elements of their earlier material to rediscover their signature sound. As such all twelve songs on Caution as exceptional numbers in there own right. Hence, Caution is a sweet contrast to some of the genericism HWM were starting to slip into. Kicking off the record is "Remedy," a fast-paced number mixing dueling guitar solos, muting and solo bass and drums parts. "Remedy" sets the tone of the rest of the record. Without missing a beat "Trusty Chords" picks up the same intensity that "Remedy" left off. (Just listening now to the songs makes you smile real big, like a kid with a huge score of Halloween candy). Most telling about "Trusty Chords" is the first line of the chorus 'I hate this place, I love these chords.' Other tracks take on a more developed post-modern rock feel, even similar to U2 at times. This is seen most starkly on "One Step to Slip" and "It's All Related." Probably one of the best songs on Caution is "Not For Anyone." It has a feel to it like past great HWM songs. I'm talking about songs like "Minno" and "Alachua." While it is easily to argue nothing could achieve such divine intervention, "Not For Anyone" takes a decent shot at it. But the title for best song must battle with the exceptional "Wayfarer," a song, thanks to the chorus, that is destined to be screamed by the fan milieu at any good HWM show. Also, look out for the sneaker hit "The Sense."
Again, Caution brings Hot Water Music back to the top of the indie-music pecking order. The boys really come through on this record and it should bring them a long way to some real recognition. Since Hot Water Music's debut full-length Finding the Rhythms you could make the argument that they are one of the most under-rated bands in America. Hopefully this won't be the case on Caution.
Caution
Epitaph Records
Grade: A-/A
After messing around with a couple of recent mediocre releases, No Division (2000) and A Flight and a Crash (2001), Hot Water Music's latest endeavor Caution reestablishes them as one of the greatest bands in the indie world. HWM may have been unduly influenced by the Alkaline Trio on their amazing split from last year on Jade Tree. Either way this sixth solo full-length will make old fans simmer with glee and convert new listeners to HWM's prowess.
Using producer Brian McTernan (who also did A Flight and a Crash), HWM go back to the elements of their earlier material to rediscover their signature sound. As such all twelve songs on Caution as exceptional numbers in there own right. Hence, Caution is a sweet contrast to some of the genericism HWM were starting to slip into. Kicking off the record is "Remedy," a fast-paced number mixing dueling guitar solos, muting and solo bass and drums parts. "Remedy" sets the tone of the rest of the record. Without missing a beat "Trusty Chords" picks up the same intensity that "Remedy" left off. (Just listening now to the songs makes you smile real big, like a kid with a huge score of Halloween candy). Most telling about "Trusty Chords" is the first line of the chorus 'I hate this place, I love these chords.' Other tracks take on a more developed post-modern rock feel, even similar to U2 at times. This is seen most starkly on "One Step to Slip" and "It's All Related." Probably one of the best songs on Caution is "Not For Anyone." It has a feel to it like past great HWM songs. I'm talking about songs like "Minno" and "Alachua." While it is easily to argue nothing could achieve such divine intervention, "Not For Anyone" takes a decent shot at it. But the title for best song must battle with the exceptional "Wayfarer," a song, thanks to the chorus, that is destined to be screamed by the fan milieu at any good HWM show. Also, look out for the sneaker hit "The Sense."
Again, Caution brings Hot Water Music back to the top of the indie-music pecking order. The boys really come through on this record and it should bring them a long way to some real recognition. Since Hot Water Music's debut full-length Finding the Rhythms you could make the argument that they are one of the most under-rated bands in America. Hopefully this won't be the case on Caution.
Second Story Man - Pins and Needles
Second Story Man
Pins and Needles
Landmark Recordings
Grade: A-
Plowing through wake left by bands such as Jejune, the Anniversary and Mineral, Second Story Man from Louisville, KY, show off considerable talent and ingenuity on their first full-length Pins and Needles. Rocking since 1998, Second Story Man also have released two EPs, which, based on Pins and Needles, seem as chose selections. Interestingly, the record was subsidized from a grant from the Kentucky Foundation of Women. I've never heard of a band doing that, but it is great idea.
Composed of a core duo of female singers (Carrie Neumayer and Kelly Scullin), Second Story Man maintains catchy rhythms over epic landscapes of soft melodious indie rock. Accompanying and at times leading the vocal barrage are Evan Bailey and Jeremy Irvin. This sets up a nice variance and composition to feel the lyrics, as exemplified by bands such as the Anniversary. The songs do not sacrifice harmony and pop sensibilities to random mixes of off-timed changes and pauses; though oddities still exist within. Nor do the songs sit as only background and sleepy time music, though surely they excel at both. This creates a degree of separation among like-minded bands. Standout songs on the 50-minute composition include "Save It For Another," "You You You," "No Pioneers" and "Paddle Your Own Canoe."
One can easily envision, and it should be the case, Second Story Man dominating the college radio waves in the near and far future. All future success appears duly awarded for the hard work and resourcefulness presented on Pins and Needles. Unlike the boring barely-whisper ultra-indie sound expressed recently by schizophrenic former hardcore elitists, Second Story Man make the sound good, fresh and honest again. Second Story Man will be on tour to support the full-length and will probably come to a town near you. Check out the record and check them out live, for you should not be disappointed.
Pins and Needles
Landmark Recordings
Grade: A-
Plowing through wake left by bands such as Jejune, the Anniversary and Mineral, Second Story Man from Louisville, KY, show off considerable talent and ingenuity on their first full-length Pins and Needles. Rocking since 1998, Second Story Man also have released two EPs, which, based on Pins and Needles, seem as chose selections. Interestingly, the record was subsidized from a grant from the Kentucky Foundation of Women. I've never heard of a band doing that, but it is great idea.
Composed of a core duo of female singers (Carrie Neumayer and Kelly Scullin), Second Story Man maintains catchy rhythms over epic landscapes of soft melodious indie rock. Accompanying and at times leading the vocal barrage are Evan Bailey and Jeremy Irvin. This sets up a nice variance and composition to feel the lyrics, as exemplified by bands such as the Anniversary. The songs do not sacrifice harmony and pop sensibilities to random mixes of off-timed changes and pauses; though oddities still exist within. Nor do the songs sit as only background and sleepy time music, though surely they excel at both. This creates a degree of separation among like-minded bands. Standout songs on the 50-minute composition include "Save It For Another," "You You You," "No Pioneers" and "Paddle Your Own Canoe."
One can easily envision, and it should be the case, Second Story Man dominating the college radio waves in the near and far future. All future success appears duly awarded for the hard work and resourcefulness presented on Pins and Needles. Unlike the boring barely-whisper ultra-indie sound expressed recently by schizophrenic former hardcore elitists, Second Story Man make the sound good, fresh and honest again. Second Story Man will be on tour to support the full-length and will probably come to a town near you. Check out the record and check them out live, for you should not be disappointed.
Jazz June - Better Off Without Air
Jazz June
Better Off Without Air
Initial Records
Grade: A-
After releasing one of the best albums of a few years ago with The Medicine, the Jazz June have come back with an odd collection of dissonant and melodious twists and turns. This is the Jazz June's fifth release on Initial, a label notorious for introducing the world to some of the best bands on the planet only to lose them to other labels or to the band breaking up. As such, the Jazz June is a novelty in a world where brevity reigns. Better Off Without Air shrugs off the apparent random jangly indie-pop of past albums and replaces with more experimentation in rhythms and song structures. This is seen on purely instrumental tracks "Hate/Bass" (containing a very cool riff a la Milemarker), "Shots Fired" and "Benny Clarks Can." While the Jazz June should be commended for their efforts, such experimentation seems to misplace their place in nature. On past albums the Jazz June were able to take a bunch of cacophonous pieces and weave a common thread throughout; always bringing the songs back to a common foundation. To some extent the tremendous and distinct songs still exist on Better Off Without Air. "Drugs and Models," "The Uptown Explosion" and "These Pills Won't Calm Your Nerves" encompass the diamonds in the ruff and really bring forth the musical intuition of the Jazz June.
Better Off Without Air
Initial Records
Grade: A-
After releasing one of the best albums of a few years ago with The Medicine, the Jazz June have come back with an odd collection of dissonant and melodious twists and turns. This is the Jazz June's fifth release on Initial, a label notorious for introducing the world to some of the best bands on the planet only to lose them to other labels or to the band breaking up. As such, the Jazz June is a novelty in a world where brevity reigns. Better Off Without Air shrugs off the apparent random jangly indie-pop of past albums and replaces with more experimentation in rhythms and song structures. This is seen on purely instrumental tracks "Hate/Bass" (containing a very cool riff a la Milemarker), "Shots Fired" and "Benny Clarks Can." While the Jazz June should be commended for their efforts, such experimentation seems to misplace their place in nature. On past albums the Jazz June were able to take a bunch of cacophonous pieces and weave a common thread throughout; always bringing the songs back to a common foundation. To some extent the tremendous and distinct songs still exist on Better Off Without Air. "Drugs and Models," "The Uptown Explosion" and "These Pills Won't Calm Your Nerves" encompass the diamonds in the ruff and really bring forth the musical intuition of the Jazz June.
Somehow Hollow - Busted Wings & Rusted Halos
Somehow Hollow
Busted Wings & Rusted Halos
Victory Records
Grade: A-
From the ashes of the disposed Canadian punk gods Grade comes the second release for Somehow Hollow; their first album was released in 2001 on Canadian label East End Industries. Started initially as a side project for Mike Casarin, Kent Abbott and Drew Clark (well, the comings and goings are complicated), it became full-time event earlier this year when Grade crumbled. Picking up where Grade left off, Busted Wings & Rusted Halos is clearly one of the best releases of the new year.
Somehow Hollow plays a very mature style of left coast pop-punk. Hence, you have the innocence and melody of Fat Wreck-type bands but mixed with quickly changing drum beats, multi-layered singing and rhythmic soloing. Besides, obviously to Grade, Somehow Hollow may be compared to Taking Back Sunday, Flashlight Brown, the Movielife, etc. Some of the guitar riffs are simply amazing, drawing the listener in and providing the goose bumps that music should be designed to deliver. This is clearly demonstrated in the opening to "Darkest Day;" among many of the other tracks. In addition to the melody, Somehow Hollow mixes in some metal and hardcore influences on the margin to give the songs some cross-genre resonance (for instance, the beginning of "Busted Stereos and Myself"). Although most of the songs rock, a few standout including "How Winter Killed Our Souls," "Broken Chords" and "The Witch of Glen Cedar Gate."
Based on this release, the music world will much better off if Somehow Hollow hung around for sometime to come. Busted Wings & Rusted Halos is a solid album by a group of seasoned veterans with nothing to prove but looking to play some good music. This record promises to be on of the top releases on Victory this season, so definitely snatch it up.
Busted Wings & Rusted Halos
Victory Records
Grade: A-
From the ashes of the disposed Canadian punk gods Grade comes the second release for Somehow Hollow; their first album was released in 2001 on Canadian label East End Industries. Started initially as a side project for Mike Casarin, Kent Abbott and Drew Clark (well, the comings and goings are complicated), it became full-time event earlier this year when Grade crumbled. Picking up where Grade left off, Busted Wings & Rusted Halos is clearly one of the best releases of the new year.
Somehow Hollow plays a very mature style of left coast pop-punk. Hence, you have the innocence and melody of Fat Wreck-type bands but mixed with quickly changing drum beats, multi-layered singing and rhythmic soloing. Besides, obviously to Grade, Somehow Hollow may be compared to Taking Back Sunday, Flashlight Brown, the Movielife, etc. Some of the guitar riffs are simply amazing, drawing the listener in and providing the goose bumps that music should be designed to deliver. This is clearly demonstrated in the opening to "Darkest Day;" among many of the other tracks. In addition to the melody, Somehow Hollow mixes in some metal and hardcore influences on the margin to give the songs some cross-genre resonance (for instance, the beginning of "Busted Stereos and Myself"). Although most of the songs rock, a few standout including "How Winter Killed Our Souls," "Broken Chords" and "The Witch of Glen Cedar Gate."
Based on this release, the music world will much better off if Somehow Hollow hung around for sometime to come. Busted Wings & Rusted Halos is a solid album by a group of seasoned veterans with nothing to prove but looking to play some good music. This record promises to be on of the top releases on Victory this season, so definitely snatch it up.
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