BUILDINGS - Melt Cry Sleep (Double Plus Good Records www.doubleplusgoodrecords.com)

This is a collection of thick, battering force that can shift from kissing you on the cheek to stabbing you in the throat with devastating dexterity. The opening “Rainboat” hurls itself at the listener with pummeling drumming and asphyxiating basslines. Brian Lake’s guitar work and vocals are those of a caged beast; primal, furious, and unpredictable. However, the band is more than tightly wound kinetic energy. “Invocation” includes numerous shifts in tempo and tone, all the while bassist Sayer Payne commands the song as Lake pushes his vocal chords to the brink of evisceration. His angular, aggressive guitar playing make Lake the centerpiece of the trio, but all three members, rounded out by drummer Travis Kuhlman, work in perfect tandem to create a vortex of power on “I Don’t Love My Dog Anymore”. Invoking acts like the Unsane or Jesus Lizard, “Noxema Girl” includes brief interludes of fluid guitar playing interrupted by sonic bursts of force and teeth-rattling bass drops. This is thrilling, punishing, and groove-laden bombardment for those who do not mind their music to sound claustrophobic in nature. “Mishaped Head” moves sporadically from a disturbing amalgamation of yelps and gaunt riffage to moments of dark yet catchy melodies before dissolving again into an oft-putting segment during which Lake screams about shoveling his own shit. The aural dynamics make this a very unique release, as “Strange Sleep” collapses upon itself in a violent display of blunt force fury that does not even reach the two minute mark. “Night Cop” is among the fiercest effort ton the disc; a dissident, gripping dirge that will force people to reevaluate what it means to play heavy music. Go find this.

FAMOUS LAST WORDS -Pick Your Poison EP (www.invoguerecords.com)

Those of you who just cannot decide if you prefer screamo or electronica, and I know you must exist, can now have the best of both worlds with Famous Last Words. This five-piece Michigan outfit brings to mind Escape the Fate jamming with The Prodigy. Wait…that does not sound like a guaranteed winner? Well, you are right. This is a swirling mash-up of hardcore/screamo vocals and electronic tricks that starts strong but quickly becomes predictable. The opening “Labyrinth” is a stirring opener because one simply does not expect these two styles to be bred together in such close proximity. The keys here are not for effect or a subtle change of pace, but are featured mightily within each track. This wretched spawn kicks with ferocity, but by the time one reaches “I’ll Get You Next Time Gadget”, and “This Isn’t Blackmail, This War” the surprise is gone and the seconds seem like hours. Each of the six songs follows a well worn structure of opening with an aggressive salvo before surrendering to studio tricks and vocals that strain for both legitimacy and sentimentality. I know there is quite a broad stable of acts that blend keyboards with aggressive music, see the entire Sumerian records stable for example, but I just wish bands would choose one direction. It is very difficult to maintain a truly furious tempo while gentle keys hover above one’s head. The misguided “Interlude” is two minutes listeners will never get back, while “Snowmageddon” is as weak musically as its name would imply. Perhaps your little sister, who still does not know any better, will find this genuinely frightening and/or interesting. Even if this disc was released ten years ago, it would sound dated.

SOCCER TEAM - 3 Song EP (Dischord records.www.dischord.com)

Ryan Nelson and Melissa Quinley, another great Dischord duo, are the talent behind Soccer Team. Ryan provides guitar, drums, and primary vocals while Melissa accents his work with bass and slyly effusive vocals. The opening “Mental Anguish is Your Friend” is Melissa’s shining moment, a largely acoustic piece overflowing with warm vocals and equally pristine musicianship. “A Letter to Saint Thomas Aquinas” has a thicker groove, compliments of Nelson’s guitar playing, earnest vocal delivery and Quinley’s backing vocal affection. Capturing the essence of basement tapes, there is an immediacy about both tracks that brings the band into your living room. The structures are simplistic, but both Nelson and Quinley are adept enough at what they do to make the songs seem more grandiose and complex. The closing “World Series Apathy” is the most traditional of the three songs here, but it is also the strongest. It’s mid-tempo, methodical structure is highlighted by effervescent keys and Nelson’s heart-felt emoting. A three song EP is often too small of a sample size to truly determine a band’s strength, but Soccer Team impress on each of the pieces here.

DOWNLOW NYHC - Wall of Anger (United Riot Records www.unitedriotrecords.com)

The guys in Downlow NYNC have been kicking around since the early 90’s, and despite line-up shifts, temporarily disbanding, and fighting off the many trends that infiltrated hardcore, the band stays devoted to the early 80’s style that defined New York legends such as Agnostic Front and Sick of it All. The band roars through six tracks here, but none of them are blinding bursts of noise in an effort to see how quickly the band can play. Instead, Downlow NYHC takes the time to construct well articulated songs, replete with tempo shifts and class two-step grooves on “Change of Pace” and “Diseased”. Granted, the thirty-seven second “Diseased” abandons this model for a track that seems to invoke the spirit of Seth Putnam for a few seconds, but then it is back to basics on “Blindfolded”. The music here is for two aficionados of a classic hardcore sound. The guitar playing is thick and deceivingly harmonious, the drumming is barbarian in its fury, and Joe Downlow has the definitive vocal style of New York’s Lower East Side. It is a shame this band now must be mentioned in the past tense for they are excellent example of pure hardcore musicianship and intensity.

JOY AS A TOY/ GERMANOTTA YOUTH Split EP (Cheap Satanism Records www.cheapsatanism.com)

From the disturbing image on the cover to the unholy mass of noise found within, this split is a dream for those who love musical nightmares. Joy As A Toy only has two tracks, with “The Monster” as their sole original accompanied by the cover of “Profondo Rosso” from Goblin, first recorded in 1975. However, despite the paucity of music, the band leaves the listener shocked, stunned, and desperately wanting more. With a sound reminiscent of Genghis Tron, Child Abuse, or Mike Patton in a particularly avant-garde mood, JAAT decimate ears with a tsunami of swirling keys, demonic vocals, loops of noise, and a general sense of chaos that could only be curbed through martial law. This is a type of musical brutality that pummels through staggering blasts beats and samples. Battered after only two songs, I am barely standing with Germanotta Youth decimates what is left of my worthless carcass. Named for the globe-trotting pop goddess Lady Gaga (Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta on her birth certificate), this trio brings together the best of power electronics, grindcore, and old fashioned experimental noise and smashes them together into a bloody mass of unrecognizable visage. “Wardenclyffe Tower” has a concluding eruption of force that is devastating in scope and remarkable in production, as if Merzbow was jamming with Scott Hull. This band of distorted geniuses concludes with an interpretation of John Carpenter’s timeless “Halloween” theme. Incredibly, with a wall of noise and distorted fury behind the instantly recognizable keyboard riff, the song takes on an even more immediate sense of impending doom. Long live the people at Cheap Satanism for unearthing and releasing this revitalizing slab of destruction. Put down whatever you are listening to right now, and order this.

NEVEREVEN - The Progress of Disaster (www.neverevenmusic.com)

If you can imagine in your head what a hard rock band sounds like, without knowing it, you are probably thinking of Nevereven. The opening track captures a Sevendust style vibe with soaring vocals, a big chorus, and guitar work that is heavy but still accessible enough for a mainstream push. There is absolutely nothing wrong with Gary Pickard’s voice or Frank Pascali’s guitar; in fact, these guys, along with drummer Dave Previ and bassist Damian Peters are quite talented. However, none of the five songs possess a hook that will differentiate them from the multitudes out there also producing a hybrid of soft metal and boisterous rock in an attempt to be the next Godsmack. Each of the five efforts on this sample of their upcoming The Progress of Disaster record include all the prerequisites one may expect-the grooves are tight but not overly aggressive, the backing vocals emphasize the idea that Nevereven is loud but not abrasive, the screaming is kept to a minimum, and the choruses stress pop aesthetics. In short, the shirtless drunken idiot at your local bar will buy three of the band’s T-shirts, while his girlfriend will be at the back of the club embarrassed of him, but still taken in by sentimentality of work like “Winterkill”. This band smacks of the songs that adorn WWE broadcasts-catchy, loud, male-oriented, but still safe for families. Perhaps Monday Night Raw should find these guys.

COMPILATION:
FRESH FRUIT -Volume Two (Oak Apple records www.oakapplerecords.com)

Nathaniel Sutton, the owner and operator of Oak Apple Records, is clearly a great guy and a man who appreciates the potential charms that are unsigned bands everywhere. To that end, he has boldly put forth a second collection of acts from a multitude of regions and time zones, none of whom are household names, with the intention of opening these artists to a broad audience. The disc may not have something for everyone, but it does include a vast spectrum of styles and genres. The opening Mad Rataplan opens the disc with a trippy, ethereal soundscape called “The Trap”. Its jazz-inspired freedom, warm groove, and hushed vocals make for a very intriguing introduction. The band’s approach shares some similarities the closing “Continuous” from Basic Space. Both acts implement atmospheric elements into their dissonance, giving their sounds a ghostly hum that is equal parts challenging and absorbing. The latter includes a hip-hop vocal delivery that gives it a slightly more pop edge.

There is also a vast array of straightforward rock to be found here. Blunt Force Charm has a well honed mainstream sound, but “Good Luck to You” is really for those who wish that Eve 6 never broke up. The riff is serviceable and vocals are solid, but the song never becomes anything memorable. The same struggle befuddles White Lightning. Their “Someday” sounds far too safe and restricted-the song defines adult alternative for the twenty-first century, and really, does anyone want that moniker? If you like your rock to have a steady folk influence or garage feel, check out The Burning Streets, Van Funk and the LeBarons, and to a lesser degree, Kay There House Builder. The former plays a speedier brand of acoustic rock accented by harmonica that sound like it was bred for a beer-soaked honky-tonk. Van Funk’s “Art of Escape” includes subdued vocals and a very gentle approach to story-telling. The latter, in addition to its desperate need to change its name, plays a hybrid style of sixties-flavored grove and local bar band fun.

My favorite trio of acts from the disc is The World Concave, the instrumental brilliance of A Troop of Echoes and The Bridle Party. Each of the three brings something very different to the musical table, yet they each also generate music that is engrossing, sparse, and tantalizingly beautiful. “I Sold My Life” from The World Concave is accessible without being prefabricated; an unpredictable array of compassionate vocals and delicate playing. “Severna” from A Troop of Echoes would have been spoiled by vocals. A fuzzy atmosphere, well placed horns, and subtle rhythms are best appreciated sans vocals. Of the three, The Bridle Party is the band to watch. Stunning female vocals cascade over a lush arrangement with lyrics that defy the soothing nature of the playing.

Lastly, if you are heading out to the after-hours club, Fresh Fruit has your soundtrack in the form of Uncle Zygote and DJ Sizlack. Both acts play music that will hit you perfectly just before the buzz wears off and will have you alert and awake until your friends are waking up for work. Zygote takes his “Am I Going Mad?” a little less seriously than the groove spat out by Sizlack on “High Five”, for Zygote’s piece is lovingly bizarre but also sophisticated in its construction. He may have to navigate the waters cautiously to avoid becoming a novelty in the vain of Jerry Samuels’ (Napoleon XIV )“They’re Coming to Take Me Away”, but it is very cool. “High Five” pulsates with energy and studio fanfare. It’s great for people who know where the cool clubs are located-I do not, so I miss the boat on this one, but if you are hip, you should love it. This type of compilation can easily be a misguided cacophony of styles if not properly executed, but Oak Apple Records deserves limitless respect for its release. Fresh Fruit should certainly open eyes and ears to some hidden musical gems.

FRONTLINE SOLDIERS - “Oath of Loyalty” EP (United Riot Records www.unitedriotrecords.com)

The long defunct New York Oi! Band has an interesting back story, first emerging in the early twenty-first century, but only laying music to tape in 2004. The five songs on the “Oath of Loyalty” EP is tough, belligerent, skinhead hardcore with fairly deft musicianship for a style not known for subtlety. The recording quality is extremely raw, but this adds to the mystique of the band, particularly on “World War III”. This may be no frills, fairly simplistic hardcore, but the band seems to get better on each song. I sometimes forget that Oi! is not always about blazing speed, although “Warrior Rising” and the title track certainly blast with unfettered energy. For those in the skinhead movement, Frontline Soldiers is a band that sadly disbanded before fully blossoming into a true force. For others, this is an interesting footnote in the rich history of New York hardcore.

OUT LIKE LAMBS – “Music of the Spheres” EP (www.myspace.com/outlikelambs)

The five songs on Out Like Lambs’ EP are beautifully constructed, soulful, and intimate. Pristine strings, lo-fi production, and the stirring vocals of Rachel Ade highlight a lush effort. The opening effort”White Flags” displays the band’s multi-faceted nature. The labyrinthine track includes subdued horns, haunting strings, and a deliberate backbeat. The unexpected complexity of the song quickly morphs into a straightforward, acoustic sing-along with Ade truly shining. The musical dexterity demonstrated on this one effort is striking, yet Out Like lambs match this excellence repeatedly. “River for Renee” is a fragile, tantalizing piece is delivered with flawless attention to detail, particularly Alicia Testa’s stirring backing vocals. “Older Whispers” captures the tone of the disc. It is a mesmerizing effort that is matched by the pronounced drumming of Michael Sternbach on “Stockton Lake Blvd.”. “Something Big” has a front porch sensibility about it; a controlled revival aesthetic with fleeting bursts of rousing excitement. The inspiring moments just prior to the graceful conclusion encapsulates this band. This is a band with extraordinary talent and a wonderfully bright future within the genre of folk-rich Americana.

THE KOFFIN KATS - Our Way and the Highway (www.koffinkatsrock.com)

If Elvis is alive, I hope he is a zombie who climbed out of the dirt surrounding Graceland and is plotting horrific crimes upon Priscilla and the slack-jawed yokels who trounce through his home (We’ll keep Lisa Marie out of this; she has had enough in her life). If Elvis is in this state, he would also sound like the Koffin Kats. These boys are three well-inked young men from Detroit who love rockabilly, punk, and B-level horror films to create “psychobilly”. The second track here, the exhausting title track, is a sucker punch of a song that sets the stage for a masterful collection of smart, stylish, aggressive filth. Leading this act is Vic Victor, the most frightening looking dude to ever hold a stand-up bass, and he is surrounded by guitarist Tommy Koffin and Damian Detroit on drums. The fourteen songs here are rapid blasts of surfy, punky, scary, and funny musicianship that is far more intricate than one may expect from appearance alone. The Koffin Kats appreciate a good pop hook in the same manner that defines the Ramones or the Queers; the Kats know that there is nothing wrong with writing a memorable chorus and they want you to sing along. “Keep It Coming”, “Don’t Waste Your Time”, and “Baby Don’t Love You” each feature instantly memorable riffs and Victor’s booze-soaked vocals. I love “Choke”, a beer-battered slab of bruising punk bristling with the raw enthusiasm of early rock n’ roll with the intensity of contemporary hardcore. Meanwhile, “The Bottle Called” would please fans of Glen Danzig through Hank Williams. This is a classic good time record from a band with limitless energy and passion that does not let up throughout the duration of the disc.

THE MOSES GUN (DKT Records www.dktrecords.com)

This scorching Chicago duo return for a proper full length release after generating a well deserved Midwestern buzz with their first EP. On their self-titled effort, The Moses Gun, bassist Rich Harris and guitarist/vocalist Vell Mullens, hone their sound into a cohesive yet bombastic assault, displaying greater subtly and dexterity than their previous work. The band does clearly take pride in pummeling the listener, as “Damn, Damn, Damn” proves, but there are multiple surprises awaiting those with the good sense to listen. The disc begins with a gentle one minute and forty second introduction suitably called “Intro”, but quickly gives way to the aggressive “Steam of Consciousness”, which harkens back to Husker Du’s finest days; a song of lust and love-sick suffering articulated within the fabric of a rousing guitar riff and soaring vocals. As Muellens emits “it’s always for you”, his pain and honesty are readily apparent, the perfect balance between hope and sorrow as delivered by a supremely talented player. What is most apparent here is how comfortable the guys in The Moses Gun have become in their own skins; “Gold” hovers along the ledge of folksy influence, while “Better Things” and “Overdue” have a pop structure that these two may not have attempted two years ago. The latter still barrels along with a rugged riff and powerful chorus, but I love the harmonic touches that define this record. The closing “Jewelry Box” is a serene, gentle track that unfurls into a melodic, ethereal mass of compelling guitar. The urgency of “The Ballad of Reuben Kincaid” solidifies this disc as an exciting way to start the new year. Even within the fury of the track, Mullens and Harris alter their deliveries to craft a hook-laded chorus that organically emerges from the din surrounding it. The driving groove of “Walk It Off” barely conceals the rampant noise and guitar force living just below the surface, while “Metalurgy” lives up to its name with its thick slab of punishing riffs that outshines anything Mastodon produces, as it combines relentless heaviness with a jazz style freedom and light-hearted sense of fun that most bands simply could not handle. If the Mayans are right about 2012, I want this one playing during our grand send-off.

SLOW DEATH - born Ugly Got Worse (Kiss of Death Records www.kissofdeathrecords.com)

When Annie Sparrows of the Soviettes opens “Ticks of the Clocks” with her pristine and lovely vocals, I am certainly not expecting a rough and tumble punk record to emerge. However, to my very pleasant surprise, this is exactly what happens on the brilliantly titled Born Ugly, Got Worse from Minneapolis’ The Slow Death. The twelve offerings here follow a similar path, but it is one that works quite well for this band. Their brand of punk is raw and rugged, thanks largely to the gruff vocals of Jesse Thorson, but the band still revels in cheery pop aesthetics that soften the sharp edges a bit. Somehow, the finished product of songs like “Out of View” and “Sorry Sam” are both earthy yet polished, a cohesive blending of two very different musical cultures into one free flowing, inspired disc. I enjoy the stark contrasts heard here as “Fuck You, Nighthawk” concludes with a flesh-ripping scream which is juxtaposed with heartfelt, soaring choruses on “The Opposite of Jessie’s Girl” and “Sleepin Somewhere Else”; two earnest, daringly honest pieces that will thrill fans of NOFX or really any of the Fat Wreck roster. “Phantom Limbs” and “Stay High” (again highlighted by the majestic accent of Sparrows’ vocal accompaniment) are a pair of tracks devoted to the thrill of trying and failing miserably, but one can nearly see the smirk on Thorson’s face as he delivers his biting lyrics. His brusque vocal style is a perfect foil to the more refined playing of guitarists Dave Strait and Jonny Tamayo. A vast collection of locals artists climb on board and offer their abilities to this disc, making the record nearly a collective of Minneapolis’ young talent, but the core members of The Slow Death can stand alone with this one.

THE FLEDGLINGS (Ride a Mule Records www.theFledglingsmusic.com)

The band/couple of Wayne Stovey and Kat McNevins label their music as “cute rock”, and this does not entice me. I tolerated “cuddle-core” in the early 90’s because I was in college and the chicks in my school’s radio station liked it. I hate cute things, rock being among the items topping that list. In actuality, the music of The Fledglings is less cute as it is dull. The band pays tribute to 60’s fuzzy psychedelia on “Paternoster (Inhale Balloons)” and just blatantly rips off George Harrison’s worst day on “Catching a Raindrop”. This sounds like the second or third band on the bill for a local talent competition in the neighborhood church’s basement. I am sure these two are nice enough, but the EP is just bland. The band mentions Ween as an inspiration, and I see that, but the difference of course, is that the brothers Ween are intentionally awkward and off-putting with their music. One gets the sense that The Fledglings are attempting to channel Dean Ween through Sgt. Pepper’s, but there is no tongue in cheek zaniness here; these two are serious! “Krystal” drags through its three and half minutes sounding like a conjoined twin to the previous “Raindrop” fiasco. The best aspect of “Ladybug Jazz” is that is only two and half minutes long, but its’ structure is reminiscent of music for toddlers-wholesome, non-threatening, and positively mind numbing after less than one listen. The gentle “I Give Up” sums up my approach to this disc. I know this band plays coffee houses in Austin, and that is important because you could not listen to this without caffeine. By the way, there is a noisy bonus piece at the conclusion of “I Give Up”, and while it is mindless din, it is my favorite part of the disc.

THE CAMPBELL APARTMENT - In (Light Rail Records www.lightrailrecords.com)

Starting slowly, the second release from this New York via San Francisco outfit becomes progressively stronger. While the clichéd “I Don’t Believe in Love (Anymore)” and “The See You Letters” are underwhelming, the disc takes a sharper, more rock oriented turn on the one-two punch of “Autumn” and the rollicking “Season in the Sun”. The disc is produced by Fountains of Wayne guitarist Jody Porter, and his knack for crafting poppy yet crunchy hooks is apparent. There are other stumbles, such as the largely acoustic “I’ll Never Know” and “Accident Airlines” which sounds uncertain of its own personality. There are brief explosions of force that rapidly give way to an unsteady arrangement that teeters on the verge of authentic emotion but ultimate falls short. The better tracks here seem to come in clusters, as “My Many Mini Obsessions” and “Gia Knows”, with its splashes of guitar noise, and the bashing “Plug-In Freak” are rugged guitar gems that allow Ari Vais to get the most from his warm vocal delivery. These songs retain a pop sensibility without surrendering to the temptation to equate sentimentality with frail song structures. The 1926 standard “Tonight You Belong to Me” is an odd choice, and while it is not a complete misfire, it does break the momentum established by the songs before it. However, not all of the highlights here need be slabs of guitar force. The lovely “There Goes the Sun” celebrates Vais’ lyrical delivery as he brings the listener into the tenderness of the track while still illuminating the light/dark dynamic that makes some of this record so compelling. I understand why people fell in love with this act in 2008 when they debuted, for the songwriting is largely sophisticated, the playing perfectly straddles the line between playful and structured, and the production is excellent. If this record was eight songs instead of twelve, I would be in heaven. As it stands, there are still more hits than misses, and The Campbell Apartment have moments of illuminating radiance worth celebrating.

SEXY HEROES - interroBang (Pop Detective records www.popdetective.com)

This four-piece from Upper Saddle River, NJ would undoubtedly be a blast to hang out with for a night, but I cannot take their music seriously. Each of the members look like they are barely out of high school, so maybe they are just a bunch of fun-loving kids and I have turned into the grumpy old man not giving them their Frisbee back when it accidentally soars into my yard; but too much of this is bubble-gum, vapid punk-pop. The opening “Robert Downey Jr.” makes one smirk, but the bouncy tempos and silly lyrics seem tired by the time the disc reaches track five, “Ticklish Bill’, in which the term “ticklish” is used as a euphemism for gay. Ironically, the mind-numbingly goofy “Pirates!” is musically one of the tightest tracks of the bunch; a raw, ripping piece of punk that is far more aggressive than the rest of the disc and offers a glimmer of hope for the future. Songs about magicians (the cleverly titled “Magician”), zombies (the equally adroitly named “Zombie Invasion, Total Vacation”), and hitting on a girl at a fast food joint (“Bluffington Diaries”) just do not hold my attention. However, one must offer these young bucks some respect for having a delicious sense of irony and titling their closing track “Free Bird”. The vocals among bassist Chris Watts are accompanied well by guitarists Mike Watts and Nick Everett, but the goofiness of the songs detract from their obvious talent. These guys are not fooling around in terms of musical prowess; they just need to harness their energy in a more legitimate direction or they will simply fade into obscurity as another joke that was funny once but did not need to be retold.

WE ARE THE OCEAN - Go Now and Live (Hassle Records www.hasslerecords.com)

God, I wanted to hate this. I really wanted to hate this. I teach seventh grade girls who just melt at the name of We Are the Ocean or similar ilk such as You Me At Six. After listening to their earlier material, I am expecting another typically desperate attempt at post-hardcore fury that ultimately sounds forced and blasé. Instead, I am slammed by “Pain is Temporary, Time is Tonic”, a sonic punch in the face with excellent vocals from Dan Brown and a rousing hook. This is not what I expect from this act, as the clean vocals and the interplay between Brown and guitarist Liam Cromby are intricate and impressive on “The Waiting Room”. However, the brakes slam this one to a screeching halt with “Runaway”, and the disc quickly falls off a perilously steep cliff. Yikes. This blatant attempt to craft some sort of crowd pleasing sing along that may end up as the soundtrack to a new teen drama is just pitiful in its delivery. As Brown and Cromby say “bye bye to love”, I am simultaneously overwhelmed by a fit of laughter enveloped by a haunting sadness for these guys. The members of We Are the Ocean were angry and full of life once, and it was not that long ago. Now We Are the Ocean is crafting pop rock songs that would not even frighten the parents of the misinformed teens who undoubtedly flock to their shows. “Trials and Tribulations” suffers from a similar fate; there is simply a lack of emotional conviction, a sense of urgency or passion that plagues almost all of Go Now and Live. For one fleeting moment, some form of intensity briefly raises its withered brow on “Godspeed”, but the band quickly settlers into a safety net on “Now and Then”, and the closing “Before I Die”, two songs that sound like a bad Foo Fighters tribute band. The bouncy chorus of “Follow What You Need” may break the band to a more mainstream audience and become the theme song to the winter of 2012 for the kids walking the mall, but is that a good thing? If you are fighting through the rigors of study hall and acne, We Are the Ocean is your band; however, if you are older, wiser, more musically savvy, or just refuse to surrender your blind angst and misguided anger, I suggest you pass on this one. Wow. I guess I do hate this.

CAVES/SUNDIALS - Split 7” (Kiss of Death Records www.kissofdeathrecords.com)

This split features two more members of the rapidly growing cast of characters on Kiss of Death. Caves play punked up indie rock with great shared vocals on “Desperate Times Call for Double Measures”, a track featuring jangly guitar overflowing with emotion. “Stepping Stone” is the speedier of the two; it is a sugar rush of a song with vocals that sound a bit too high for what is playing beneath them. However, there is an impressive tempo shift in the middle of the song which changes its complexion. This is a nice introduction a band that shows intriguing potential. The Sundials are darker and feature a cleaner, highly quality of production on their efforts. While they too employ the use of speedy, jangly guitars, the vocal delivery here is smooth and seamlessly coexists within the construct of the two songs, melding indie rock and pop aesthetics with ease on “Viking Funeral”. Mosby Street panders too much to a mainstream audience, as if the band is hoping to score some type of pristine underground hit. It is a well written song about the stark reality of growing up and moving on away from one’s home, but it is too accessible for my taste. The release is at times of mixed bag of ideas, but does offer a glimpse into the experimentation of the guys at Kiss of Death.

SHY MIRRORS -Sailed Blanks (Big School Records www.bigschoolrecords.com)

With Chicago expatriate Mike Downey now residing in Sweden, Shy Mirrors is proof that hook-laden, pop-fueled punk is universal. I am reeled in with the opening fuzzed-out riff to “Track Change”, a song that perfectly blends elements of angst and ennui into a gem of an introduction. Downey is a long time veteran of indie pop, albeit usually of a more experimental nature, and he understands how to craft warm harmonies that still possess an off-putting noisy edge that refrains anyone from become too comfortable. Even “Blackout”, a syrupy blast of pop indulgence includes a jagged bassline and a guitar tone that maintains a subtle ruggedness. Some of Downey’s solo work would surprise fans of Shy Mirrors due to its varied atmospheric qualities, but Sailed Blanks finds him fully committed a combination of muscle and pop sensibility on “Newspaper Boats” and “Flashlight”. The second side of the record opens with the roaring “I’m Not Around”, clearly the most aggravated of the collection, yet it never abandons its pop construction. This is matched by the furious “You Were Lonely, Too” as well the very Ramones-inspired ‘Argon”. These are moments in which the band pushes its sonic boundaries, raging with authentic aggression. Shy Mirrors has snuck in a radiant release just under the wire of 2011, so add this one to your holiday list.

STATIC RADIO NJ - We Are All Beasts (Kiss of Death Records www.kissofdeathrecords.com)

We Are All Beasts is a mature collection of intelligent, deeply personal lyrics delivered over the top of crisply played guitar rock. Static Radio NJ is a punk band without all the stereotypical trappings of a punk band. Their songs are more than bursts of fury; each track attempts to challenge the listener and compel them to pay attention to both the musicianship and stories on display. The angular construction of “Kill the Harmony” mirrors the intensity of the lyrics (“pictures show the life that we can’t have”). The title of the record acts a metaphor throughout the disc, whether the band tackles the struggle for relief in “Addict”, the disillusionment of “Violent, You”, and the sad reality of life in “Between Hello and Goodbye”. Static Radio NJ has an abundance of self-confidence, for they are willing to introduce more apparent pop harmonies into “Last Year” or even go acoustic on “Geeks”. Aggressive, but always tempered by a sense of meticulousness, Static Radio NJ effectively straddle the line between punk force and pop precision. This is highly worthy of your time.

SSSSNAKES/THE SLOW DEATH - Split EP (Kiss of Death Records www.kissofdeathrecords.com)

The Ssssnakes indulge in bass-heavy, rumbling punk with a tangible Ramones influence. That’s good enough for me, and I greatly enjoy a track like “Only One”; a vicious assault with a devastating bass line that propels the band into hyper-speed. I am a bit confused by “Superfrog”, name aside. The track begins as a slow, bluesy dirge which has momentary explosions of force but ultimately disappoints.

The Slow Death offers raw, garage punk with an abrasive edge. With unexpected shifts in tempo, “Movies” is a pleasant surprise, while “Want” features a less aggressive tone but a more clearly defined chorus and cleaner vocals. While this track may win more fans, it sounds flimsy in comparison to the effort’s first track. “Glad I Don’t Know” includes fairly standard time sequence and chord structure, but The Slow Death plays them well. There is more to this act than I first expected. They display various sides and personalities over the trio of efforts. I’m on the bandwagon if they stay in the style of “Movies”, but I have to wait and see on this release.

VULTURES UNITED - To Live and Die in Gainesville (Kiss of Death Records www.kissofdeathrecords.com)

Vultures United, a bunch of guys from Southern California, are taken in by the heat, humidity, swamps, (and swamp people) of Florida in this loving tribute. Their brand of punk is what one expects from SoCal; it’s loud, belligerent, yet also harmonious and is destined to have the kids screaming along in unison. The title track was inspired by the band’s first appearance at The Fest in Gainesville; this explosion of gushing love name-drops Less Than Jake, Hot Water Music, and others that call the Sunshine State home. “Slam Dances with Wolves” is my favorite of the four. It is a scathing, unrelenting attack upon a certain former Alaskan governor (you know, the one who quit that job to focus on more important issues like writing books and marching in lock-step with Fox News?) played with flesh-ripping speed and a great sense of distorted harmony. The B-side includes a loving tribute to Good Riddance with “Heresy, Hypocrisy, and Revenge”. Without simply mimicking each note, Vultures United honors their influence without harming the prestige of the original. Lastly, with a little help from Wikipedia (be careful kids!), the guys cranked out a song about Mussolini’s Black Shirts during the rise of Fascist Italy. As the chorus shifts into a raw scream, a perfect compliment for the lyrical content, the record ends and Vultures United have a new fan.

THE ONE AND NINES - “Tell Me b/w “Make It Easy” (Cotter Records www.theoneandnines.com)

The One and Nines may claim to be from Jersey City, and the calendar may claim to say 2011, but listening to record takes one back to Detroit in the 60’s. “Tell Me” is a swinging soul record that includes saxophone accompaniment that could be compliments of the ghost of Clarence Clemons. There is a nice burst of energy during the chorus and conclusion that makes this song more than simply a tribute record, but the One and Nines seamlessly weave a classic soul sound within these more contemporary outburst. “Make It Easy” is a sultry, smoky song that simply ends too quickly. Equipped with a hypnotic bassline, this one can pass for an obscure Fur Tops classic to the uninitiated. I am curious to see where this band goes, for I hope people will appreciate how they are integrated 60’s soul into original and creative music, and not simply performing homage.

STEVE WYNN & MIRACLE 3 - Northern Aggression (www.stevewynn.net)

Returning after too long of a hiatus, my vote for the most underrated, undervalued, and underappreciated songwriter in music, Steve Wynn emerges again with his Miracle 3 for another healthy helping of intelligent, articulate rock for adults. What makes the record work is the ease with which Wynn and mates Jason Victor, Dave Decastro, and Linda Pitman alter moods and tempos, as they can produce rousing burst of energy (“On the Mend”) or fragile, poignant songs of beauty (“St. Millwood”). The opening “Resolution” is a beefy guitar slab, while “We Don’t Talk About It” is a scalding piece of white funk with a brilliant line, “I was swatting at the flies around my skull until I realized they were trying to talk to me.” The gentle “Consider the Source” features soothing organ and a live vocal performance from Wynn (he does the same on “The Death of Donny”), while “Colored Lights” is the Miracle 3 at its collective best. The song is a no-frills guitar slasher; a rowdy, full bodied romp that is soaked in beer and sweat. “The Other Side” is the type of song on which Nico should have appeared with its combination of warm harmonies and jangly, rambling instrumentation. Somehow the song blends a washed-out, fuzzy late 60’s aesthetic with an angular post-punk structure to generate perhaps the highlight of the disc. “Cloud Splitter” is another gem, as it is surprisingly brusque in its approach, yet still contains an ethereal pop sensibility that defines Wynn’s innate ability to produce the most beautiful of harmonies in the most unexpected places. The closing “Ribbons and Chains” is another throwback to the vintage soul of rock n’ roll without sounding dated. Sliding guitar, soaring background vocals, and a straightforward delivery result in a track whose chorus is undeniably infectious. It is a pristine conclusion to another superb release.

YOUNG STATUES (Run For Cover Records www.runforcoverrecords)

Carmen Cirignamo is the mastermind behind this Philly/Jersey trio and Young Statues is a band of great promise. The songs on this self titled disc are intricately played and beautifully recorded. Each note seems to float effortlessly as Cirignamo is a skilled vocalist and guitar player, as he sings and strums with understated passion. Young Statues have a sound that is measured and free, pristine yet muscular. This dichotomy of sound creates a captivating collection with each member contributing equally throughout the disc. Drummer Daniel Bogan shines on “Athens” with a ferocious attack that never overwhelms the listener or the song. He plays with a controlled fury that captures the intensity of the track but never detracts from what Cirignamo is emoting. The disc tells stories with earnest honesty and raw emotion. “Bumble Bee” and “Losing a Friend” both deal with the difficulties that accompany relationships and the anxiety associated with attempting to either start or progress a connection between two people. Both songs are gentle and supple in nature, as the delicate musicianship allows Cirignamo’s ability as a raconteur to shine. He brings the listener into the lives of the people in each track, forcing one to become immersed in tales of emotional depth. There are moments when one sits in on the dialogue between potential lovers (the aforementioned “Bumble Bee”), analyzes what happens to the optimism of youth and how fleeting it can be (“Young Statues”, “Spacism”), or even the tragedy of the suicide of a friend (“We Trusted Everything Enough”). While the topics are certainly serious and Cirignamo comes across as a young man wizened beyond his year, he, Bogan, and bassist Tom Ryan still play with reckless abandon on “Keep It Dark”, the Smiths-inspired “Pretty Girls Make Raves” and the rousing “Your Seasons Stay the Same”, adding keys when appropriate and kicking up the tempo on the latter two. Young Statues is a band that seems to have found a blueprint for an enchanting sound very early in its career. Where these kids go from here will be undoubtedly interesting to watch, for their trajectory is only one of ascension. The world may not deserve Young Statues, but it should know their names soon.

HURRICANE BELLS - Tides and Tales (www.hurricanebells.com )

It is not often when one stumbles across a band that takes inspiration from a Coney Island fire in 1907, but the destruction of the Steeplechase Amusement Park over a century ago is the impetus for the beautiful music of the Hurricane Bells; well, at least one song. The owner of the aforementioned destroyed play land was George Tilyou, and the day after the fire he posted a sign on a wall outside the charred remnants of his business that read “I have troubles today that I had not yesterday. I had troubles yesterday which I have not today.” In addition to demonstrating incredible patience, the poetic nature of that turn of phrase caught the eye of Steve Schlitz, leader of Hurricane Bells. The very quote is found on the disc’s opening song, the fittingly titled, ‘I’ve Got a Second Chance”, but delicate use of language along with a sense of raw humanity also captures the music of Tides and Tales. Ironically, a swirling mass of noise greets the listener within the opening second, but this disquieting introduction quickly dissipates into a collection of twelve warm, sometimes haunting, occasionally fragile songs that while pristine, do not eschew the occasional pop hook. This last point is heard best on “Possibilities” and “The Ghost of Her”. The latter of this duo features harmonies reminiscent of the Byrds while jangly guitars rattle over the top. “Hours Like Days” and “House on Fire” are driven by Christian Bongers’ well constructed basslines, while “Before I’m Gone” is my favorite of the bunch. The gaunt arrangement and hushed vocals are stirring in their delivery, yet Hurricane Bells find a way to accent the song with a harmonica without that instrument feeling the least bit forced. Similar exquisiteness is found on “Flowers in the Dirt” with gorgeous, ghostly vocals. While the song may resonate with an aura of loneliness, there is still a sense of hope within the subtle despair. Ironically, after eleven songs of pristine yet sober pop, the disc concludes with a dance inspired “The Hunger Moon”, a richly textured rhythmic anthem that includes a return to that concoction of hiss that opens the disc. This is a band about which I knew nothing going in, and I am intrigued by what Schlitz and his mates are creating.

MOMMYHEADS - Delicate Friction (Dromedary Records www.dromedary-records.com)

In the name of full disclosure, I readily admit that the Mommyheads bored me to death in the mid-90’s. I know, I know; they are a critically acclaimed act, but I just never found myself going back for a second listen. Apparently, the band is huge in Sweden and there was a groundswell to have them reunite. Now, nearly fifteen years since their last formal release of new music, the Mommyheads return. As I listen to Delicate Friction, I am struck by the idea that I have actually matured or that the Mommyheads are worth a revision on my part. Adam Elk’s dry, brooding voice is convincing on the morose “The Saddest Place on Earth” and “Courtyard”, proving that bands can not only age gracefully, but time away can be a blessing. The jazzy “Moonlight Crawl” and the soaring “Another Crowded House” are destined to delight old fans who have waited since the days of the Monica Lewinsky scandal for fresh work from the Mommyheads. Gentle, serene pop cascades throughout mush of Delicate Friction, a cascade of which is heard on “Just Give Me a Reason” and the striking “World in Reverse”, proving that these guys are not aging hipsters who have pried themselves off the coach. However, we must be honest here; there is most likely not much of a cash cow awaiting the Mommyheads, but this is a disc made out of a love of music and respect for fellow bandmates and long-time fans. For all the kids who think Death Cab for Cutie invented their sound on their own should give this one a listen.

TOY BOMBS - Will Work for Free (www.toybombs.com)

This one is a pleasant find. Take two guys from Utah, place them in Los Angeles, pair them with a bass player dressed as cat named Sasha and a drummer named Rocko the Bear (yes, masked as well) and what do you create? Apparently, one hell of a fun, very contemporary act that is not afraid to reach back in time for inspiration. Cole Barnson and Brandon McBride both play too many instruments to list, and their love of all forms of music translates into four highly original and distinctively unique songs. The opening “Prairie Eye” is out to prove that being a cowboy is more than John Wayne or Brokeback Mountain (depending on preference), and this lyrical topic stems from the bands’ families. The track itself is a bouncing, gyrating effort, resonating with primal energy. Within a blink, the band shifts into the thick, blues inspired “Free”, a song also accented by superlative jazz freedom. From there, Toy Bombs brings the listener into a religious revival with “We’re All Just Little Children”. The song’s soul is palpable, and the shared vocals convey an urgency that drives the track. McBride’s lyrics also capture the sad state of too many who continue to exercise childlike impunity in their decisions. The closing “Fall Down” is a steady piece, but lacks the immersion of various styles that define its predecessors. That being said, it is still a rousing collection of streamlined guitar work and angular arrangements. This is a band earning raves for their live show, but if they are not playing near you, find this right now!

ELECTRIC SUN - The Gilded Cage (www.electricsun.us)

This five song EP announces the arrival of New York’ Electric Sun (do not confuse this band with the late 70’s post-Scorpions act of the same name led by Uli Jon Roth, but you probably will not), and the five songs are a burst of energy. Vocalist/guitarist Vlad Holiday describes the songs as dedications to optimism and the power of positive change. Knowing nothing about either of these ideas, I take his word for it. The opening pair of “Don’t Look Back” and the unapologetically effervescent “Fuel to the Fire” are teeming with bouncy guitar hooks, contagious energy and Amanda Carl’s wonderfully placed keyboards. “My Mind” overflows with boundless enthusiasm, a sweeping groove from rhythm section Steve Kellner (bass) and drummer Dave Tantao, and a giddiness that would shame Tim Tebow. However, the disc is not all lighthearted fun and smiles. The closing “Mark On Me” borrows heavily from blues and stripped down acoustic Americana, offering an unexpected conclusion, but this leaves the listener quite aware that Electric Sun is not a one trick act. Instead, this is a band with a broad spectrum of interests and talents, led by a highly nimble song crafter in the form of Holiday. His work is personal without becoming exclusionary and inspirational without ever becoming a sermon. He walks a fine line between earnest hope and dim-witted naiveté. Ultimately, these five songs are well constructed, sharply played, and musically interesting.

SLOW BUILDINGS - This is Dead Aesthetic Junk (www.myspace.com/slowbuildings)

This Bergenfield, New Jersey four-piece looks to establish a unique mood on each song, and do so through alternating tempos, intensity, and structure. The result is an occasionally disjointed, but generally pleasing collection of sharp pop. Fans of old time harmonies will appreciate efforts such as “Glass Joe”, “I Am a Strange Loop”, and “The Company We Keep”, while the more ambitious will undoubtedly find delight in “Christian Army Soldier” and “Return of the Black Smurfs”. Jangly guitars, soft vocal arrangements, and delicate musicianship dominate “Alone in Summertime” and the closing “Evil Otto”. This non-threatening style co-exists with slightly gruffer “1’s and 0’s” and the brilliant “Hans Blixx”, a track in which the former UN weapons inspector is used as a metaphor for a fruitless search for success in life. This song is the tipping point for me; at just over two minutes, “Hans Blixx” has a rough edge and a snarl lacking in earlier pieces. Most of the work here are exemplary works of restraint and self-control; the songs are beautifully constructed, but lack a bite. Slow Buildings hopes to draw the listener into their atmospheric web of elegant sound, and they often do, but there are too many moments throughout the disc when one is waiting for something to occur; some shot of adrenaline that fails to materialize. Devotees of unassuming dreamy guitar pop will fall in love here, and it is clear that this is not just a local bar band. Slow Buildings have a definite view and game plan for their sound; they want to be the next Arcade Fire. Frankly, I am not certain if the world needs the first Arcade Fire, but my point remains that despite a few missteps along the way, This is Dead Aesthetic Junk is anything but; rather, this release is a collection of intelligent and mature songs by a band, that with a little seasoning, could ultimately become national names and not simply local heroes.

STAR FUCKING HIPSTERS - From the Dumpster to the Grave (Fat Wreck Chords www.fatwreck.com)

SFH have a knack for keeping listeners on guard as they move seamlessly on many of the efforts from raging hardcore to gang singalong vocals to ska breakdowns before launching into another seething riff. “Death is Never Out of Style” and the brilliant title track opener skewer greed, hypocrisy, and the death of what was formally American idealism. Shared male and female vocals are another component of already complex song structures that ebb and flow between overtly abrasive and covertly shrewd. Then there is “The Spoils of War”; at only thirty-four seconds, the song is blinding piece of scathing propaganda that I could keep on eternal repeat. The band does not hide its political opinions, yet SFH never come across as speaking down to the listener or forcing their politics upon anyone. Perhaps one may not agree with “9/11 to Infinity”, but the musicianship cannot be faulted, from the acerbic riff that acts as a musical bed to the articulate rap delivery of the lyrics. Blending a metallic guitar riff with hip-hop elements has the makings of an embarrassment for SFH, but they make it sound not only feasible, but truly engaging. The choice of “Ana Ng”, an old They Might Be Giants effort, is another potential landmine avoided by SFH. The original possess subtle bursts of noise that are marvelously exaggerated here. “Rapture, Rinse, and Repeat” is a glorious assault of speed and unbridled fury that could be the band’s strongest work of the disc. Unfortunately, “Drowning Out Another Year” and “Outro” fail to match their predecessor in either energy or appeal. This is not a flawless punk record, but SFH attempt to throw a few curve balls, and even when they miss, one must still compliment this skilled ensemble for not following the easy path of well worn political punk. This is distinctive, and that is an increasingly rare trait.

BIG KIDS - Phone Home (Solidarityrecordings.com)

The Big Kids play a brand of hostile pop that everyone has heard before, but it is like meeting up with an old friend; there is still something enjoyable about this even though there is no chance of surprise. Eleven of the twelve tracks here, minus the surprisingly quiet and underwhelming closer “Full Gainer”, are wrought with well harness harmony and a smirk that is nearly tangible through your speakers. “Reflecting on Ejection”, “Dad’s Datsun”, the more aggressive “68%” and “42 Hours to 2073” are well recorded, crisply played efforts that make me long for a full fledged Archers of Loaf reunion, and that’s not a bad thing. In actuality, the Big Kids have what most would want from a band of this style: the vocals are well delivered, the guitar riffs are memorable, and the drumming is solid. However, there simply seems to be a mysterious missing element that hinders this act from pushing forward into the realm of interesting. I am unsure if I am missing a larger point or if, as I fear, too many discs like this begin to bleed into each other. This is not the finest version of this style, but certainly Big Kids do not butcher the genre either. Sadly, the band is the equivalent of Italian food at a major chain restaurant as opposed to your favorite family owned hole in the wall; it’s satisfying in the short term, but it does not stay with you for very long and you certainly will not rush back.

DBCR – “Bikes” EP (www.dbcrmy.com)

This is old fashioned, loud hardcore. It’s piercing, a little sloppy (in the best possible way) with a vocalist screaming himself hoarse. DBCR roar through “Let Them Eat Bikes” as they channel their inner Agnostic Front without the more recent metal tinges. The raw, aggressive energy is infectious without simply formulating a retread of hardcore’s past. The B-side, “The Reverse Broken Window Theory” begins more slowly than its predecessor, but it is far more menacing and dark. Rather then capturing hardcore fury, vocalist Michael puts on his best Danzig voice while throbbing bass and rugged guitar drive the song. There is even a guitar solo that is abrasive and raw without even becoming self-indulgent. This one is a fresh New York gem.

POWERBLESSINGS – 7-inch EP (www.powerblessingsband@gmail.com)

This is awesome! Thunderous and belligerent, this is my kind of punk! Raging with seemingly limitless energy, Powerblessings is powerhouse. Imagine Mission of Burma playing with pre-Henry Black Flag and you have a sense of what this is like. Each of the four pieces are amazing, but “Go to Hell” and “In the Men’s Room of the Sixteenth Century” are fuming bursts of force that somehow sustain themselves for several minutes. Powerblessings do not burn out quickly; instead they rage with sophistication that most acts of this ilk do not possess.

VAL EMMICH and THE VEERIES - “Ton Papa” (valemmich.com)

This mysterious act is the tale of two songs on one single. “Borrow Your Eyes” is a quiet, mid-tempo piece that sounds like something Mazzy Star left on the cutting room floor. It is pretty, sweet, and it bores me to death. I am unsure if this is a return to a simpler, more serene time or if this band simply does not understand how to turn on the amps of the three guitar players it includes. The B-side “Leave Yourself Alone” is ridiculously poppy but is far more energized than its partner. There is a loud/quiet dynamic that is slightly redundant, but more satisfying than the A-side. Neither track intrigues me, but there is potential here. If the band simply turns up the energy, they may have something.

CAPTAIN NOWHERE - Party Time Inc. (Idiomism Records http://idiomism.com)

The vinyl release of Party Time Inc by Captain Nowhere is coupled with a cd release as well. However, while not a new marketing idea, the cd and vinyl are wholly unique releases and I will focus solely upon the vinyl here. Arriving on clear, splattered vinyl, I was enthralled before listening to a note. What lies within these sprawling four songs is a collection of despondent, disquieting musical journeys. Joe Demaree forges noisy, experimental voyages that challenge the listener and will entice those who eschew the traditional verse-chorus-verse approach to songwriting. The closing “The Moon Song” is both romantic and terrifying, as ghostly backing vocals drift behind minimalist guitar playing. The opening “Sing Along” is a pained and brutally raw slab of guitar feedback and swirling hiss as Demaree laments, “I know how hard it is to write a song for everyone to sing along”. Demaree’s lyrics are as equally confounding and chillingly mesmerizing as the instrumentation, as they alternate between lucid anecdotes and stream of conscious musings of fear and hope with subtle sexual undertones. In “Another Letter”, he describes how “they propped her up on alter, forever to bless”, while “Holiday Song”, he references how “Sister Mary has her skirt lifted and Father has just inked his pen.” The music of captain Nowhere is dark, penetrating, and offers a glimpse into a world of beautifully underground work that contrasts the mainstream with a genuine desire to create music that again expands the parameters of what punk can be.

FELLOW PROJECT - Stable Life (Answer Key Records www.answerkeyrecords.com)

I loved this band’s last release due to its sense of urgency and primal emotion. Those same traits shine through on Stable Life, but Fellow Project continues to mature and refine their style. Vocalist/guitarist/lyricist Joe Jerkins uses his experiences associated with New York area horse racing (get it….Stable Life?...pretty clever actually) as motivation for highly personalized lyrics that are still relatable to a broad spectrum of listeners. In “Terry”, Jerkins tells the all too familiar tale of a man who simply strives for success he will never find: “he ran headfirst into a brick wall, but he not doubting himself at all/he keeps flailing at that half-dead horse, hoping for a different finish.” The grave lyrics on the heartbreaking “Mercy Shot” (A death wish and a loaded gun/a vengeful and forgotten son”) are delivered with gut-wrenching intensity in the midst of a mass of swirling, well crafted energy. Even when Fellow Project takes the foot off the gas for a moment, such as the real-life tale of “Mr. Mars “(“Are you following the doctor’s orders and taking the yellow pills on an empty stomach?”), there is a tangible intensity to their effort. The vocal interplay between Joe and Tia (bassist and former member of Bridge and Tunnel) is never forced, but only works to accentuate the intimacy of the playing. The songs envelope the listener and the style of recording is ideal for a band of this style; it is not slick or polished, allowing the raw emotion of this act to barrel out of your speakers. There is a multitude of influences here but Fellow Project does not sound like any one style; they are a highly intelligent punk band without question, but I also heard a great deal of early 90’s indie guitar force before that became a cliché. The guitar work is aggressive but controlled by both Joe and Lou, and the rhythm section will demand multiple listens to truly appreciate what drummer Big Ry does here. There is not a wasted moment here, for many of Fellow Project’s tracks fly by quickly, and within these brief pieces are wonderfully detailed tableaus of life accented by some great musicianship.

TIN ARMOR - Life of Abundance (www.tinarmor.com)

The lyrics of the opening title track are an astute summary of American economic woes in 2011: “We cherish our things and live beyond our means to the tune of our paychecks demise”. Tin Armor plays a blend of soulful Americana and rousing pop; a challenging mixture to be certain, but pulled off flawlessly on songs such as “Plain Limbs” and “Just So I Know”. This Columbus, Ohio four piece comfortably shift between bouncy yet poignant throughout the disc, demonstrating highly commendable musical chops. Despite the meandering pacing of the opening effort, the majority of the work here is crisply played indie pop accented by keen tempo changes and lush keys. (“Wayward Kites” is the ideal example of this) Tin Armor is strongest on the brisker tracks as they fuse energy and memorable hooks. Some may prefer the back porch tempo of “Shake Up” and “Silhouettes”, but my favorites are the enthusiastic “Coffin Sheets” and “Queen Mob”. There is a great variety to be found throughout each track, and Tin Armor has a real chance to be that rare find: a truly intelligent, genre-bending pop band.

B-MOVIE LIGHTNING - Rain On a River (Micropolis Records)

Mike Smalle is a complicated genius; at least that is what I can infer from his music. B-Movie Lightning’s music is a dazzling tableau of ambient soundscapes and the most serene combination of precision and ethereal beauty. Rain On a River is a thirteen song collection of mind-altering, perplexing works that include hushed vocals, genteel percussion, and warm synth in a cosmic mix of dazzling aural talent. “Take Yourself to the City” bounces with a gentle rhythm that is wholly graspable, while “Footfalls At Echo park” and “Mack the Joy Hound” are progressively more challenging and obtuse. However, while Smalle’s visions may not have broad cross-over appeal, this is the consummate indie art experience. The songs are swirling, dense, and intricately programmed with accenting vocals Sinead Brass and Sophie Coyle when necessary (the latter is stirring on “Triple Trouble” while the former electrifies and chills on “Foxy Trot” and “The Closing Party”). I often find albums of this nature to fade as it progresses; the ideas become either repetitive or predictable, but nothing of the sort occurs on Rain On a River. This is a fresh, illuminating work that is the equivalent of gazing at a Monet painting for the first time. The colors created here are vivid and enticing, and even if you do not consider yourself a fan of serene ambient sounds, push yourself to listen to this.

AWKWARD AGE - Demo (www.facebook.com/AwkwardAgeFL)

I remember the days when a demo meant a poorly recorded, fourth generation tape that was passed around and required pure dumb luck to be noticed. These kids today and their technology…Awkward Age’s four song release should not really be labeled a demo because the quality of the recording is outstanding. This three piece from the swamps of Tampa sound like potential touring partners for Less Than Jake and hopeful members of the No Idea roster. The tracks here crackle with infectious punk energy and a healthy helping of pop effervescence. “New Teen Fiction” and “It Never Stops” include sharp, sarcastic lyrics about the perils and struggles of growing up. “It Never Stops” is particularly insightful as the song rages about a troubled past and an uncertain future. “Lucky Man” spares no words as it lambastes inattentive and unprepared parents (“I’m calling you out motherfucker/You’re not a father/ sperm donor at best”). The guitars are crisp, the drumming is extraordinarily tight, and the vocals are just harmonious enough. I would like to hear the vocal energy raised a bit, for there are moments when the lyrics are delivery a bit too sweetly, but this is designed to make the girls swoon, and I think Awkward Age should easily achieve that goal.

ELECTRIC SIX - Heartbeats and Brainwaves (Metropolis records www.metropolis-records.com)

Go out, buy this disc, put on the first three songs and have the best sex of your life. While the remaining portion of the disc is not as riveting, the opening trio of tracks is almost enough to let the next eleven slide. “Psychic Visions”, “French Bacon”, and “Gridlock!” are dark, throbbing slabs of pummeling synth and bass that sounds like real rock and roll for people who love keyboards. “French Bacon” is equally infectious and intimidating, while “Gridlock!” oozes raw, primal energy. I am spent after these three tracks, and Electric Six spend the remaining portion of the disc experimenting with their sound, traveling in directions ranging from campy to methodical. The faster, harsher, more grind inducing efforts are my favorite, which is why the meandering “We Use the Same Products’ or the more refined title track do not captivate me. The disco-infused “Eye Contact” is a lot of fun, but “It Gets Hot” and “Hello! I See You!” are both just too dance oriented and poppy. This is a band that continues to surprise fans and Heartbeats and Brainwaves is a return to a style more familiar to longtime fans. However, I can usually take dance rock in small portions, and the opening three works are a perfect sample size. For those with stronger constitutions for this, Electric Six will undoubtedly leave you panting, sweaty, and very satisfied.

DOUBLE DAGGER - Masks (Thrill Jockey Records www.thrilljockey.com)

Sadly, this review acts as a farewell to Double Dagger, whose last show is taking place on October 21st in their hometown of Baltimore. The band’s website offers an explanation of the break-up, but while it is sad to lose a talented act, Masks is a proper way to exit. The five songs are here are noisy, somewhat lo-fi, yet still energized indie punk that is challenging and probably too disconcerting for the masses. On “Sheep’s In Wolf’s Clothing” the listener is bombarded by the line “This is the sound of no one giving a shit”; perhaps the band is referring to the struggles of an indie act or perhaps they are discussing their own sound. I do not believe that Double Dagger is particularly concerned about people’s reactions to them. The opening “Imitation is the Most Boring Form of Flattery” sounds as if it was recorded under water, but the song still fights through the murmuring din and the fuzz to be a fascinating effort. The lengthy “Sleeping with the TV On” is a collection of off-kilter ideas and awkward riffing that inexplicably meshes into a track that ultimately does not apologize for its pop aesthetics. The concluding “Song For S” includes waves of noise and hiss as a musical bed and this instrumental says farewell to a band always equipped with distinctive musical traits and a distinctive take on pop song structures. They will be missed.

THIS IS HELL - Black Mass (Rise Records www.riserecords.com)

Remember your first experience with truly brutal hardcore? Remember how you found yourself sitting in awe of how everything came together in a swirling ball of unstoppable fury that left you beaten and bruised and that was just from listening to it? Well, This Is Hell will undoubtedly recreate those sensations on Black Mass. This Long Island, NY crew slams and slashes through a scathing record of New Yawk hardcore that will excite fans of Sick of it All and Agnostic Front to name only a pair of influences here. From the opening rage of “Acid Rain”, the band has only one directive but to their credit, there are enough subtle shifts in ferocity to prevent each tune from becoming clones of themselves. The delicate intro of the title track and the groove of “The Last Outlaw” demonstrate the strides made by this band in their seven years of existence. Unapologetically punk riffs are delivered with a metal tinge without crossing over into “core” territory and the relentless low end should be enough to stimulate violent circle pits. Travis Reilly has never sounded better as he wails with demonic energy but still articulates his lyrics clearly enough to be appreciated for their insightful and biting commentaries. The record is truly a perfect slab of flawless hardcore intensity, from the well orchestrated “The Wars” (parts 1 and 2) to the classic sound of the blistering “Demons”, This Is Hell take a significant step towards establishing themselves as a band one should instantly think of when discussing the best hardcore acts around right now.

THE VEDA RAYS - Gamma Rays Galaxy Rays Veda Rays (Alleged Records www.allegedrecords.com)

The background of this record includes suicide, rehab, lost and rekindled friendships, evil spirits and even a black magic Masonic group. With all of that as a personal tableau, vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Jim Stark chronicles his pain into a startling record of beauty. The songs on Gamma Rays Galaxy Rays Veda Rays bounce and snap with an urgency, but are also bathed in a warm mixture of ethereal beauty and nervous energy. While fuzzy, atmospheric elements come and leave quickly throughout the disc, what stays is a powerful concoction of throbbing bass lines compliments of Tyson Reed Frawley, abstract riffs and off-putting keys from Jimmy Jenkins, and understated force from drummer Jason Gates. “Our Ford” rattles and seethes with vigor while “Long May She Roll” has the passion of an exorcism within its towering harmonies. There is a sense of uneasiness that permeates the disc, consistently keeping the listener both on edge and anxiously awaiting the next twist. Brooklyn seems to lead the world right now in bands that alter conventional song writing rules to create music that is both scintillating and anything but predictable. The Veda Rays are a band to root for, not only for their personal struggles, but also because they are expanding what indie rock can be.

YO TICONDEROGA - The Disc is Dead (www.yoticonderoga.bandcamp.com)

This young Massachusetts outfit plays tribute to old fashioned guitar punk with sharp lyrics and tireless energy, but there is more to this act than initially meets the ear. If you had really cool friends, they would be in this band. The songs are straightforward and boisterous with just enough pop in the hooks to get girls at their shows. “Livin’” took me back to the days of Weston and is red meat for college radio, while “New Band, Song 1” is a great tribute to the power of music and friendship without ever becoming too heavy handed or syrupy. The good natured “49 51” is a rollicking track that is so earnest that one will even forgive the Jersey Shore reference in the lyrics. This particular work reveals a more mature side of the band as they experiment with tone and structure a bit without ever losing youthful abandon, thanks in a large part to Jeff Bernoth’s raw vocals. This trend continues on “Fit To Exist” which also shuns buzz saw aggression for a more tempered delivery. The closing “Rowdy Rose Seekers”, a track roughly twice as long as any of the predecessors, bounces off the walls with a sugar-fueled charge and when “Bernoth announces “we’ve got a lot of shit to sift through”, you are right there in the room with him. Richly recorded, the warm harmonies of this band shine through, proving that there is a depth to this act along with three chord fury. This is a pleasant surprise and I look with excitement toward future releases.

CAMDEN - Totally Fine (www.cashtomouthrecords.com)

NIGHT BIRDS - The Other Side of Darkness (Grave Mistake records www.gravemistakerecords.com)

The mark of a great band comes in the form of a string of impressive releases as the Night Birds proved on their earlier E.P.’s, but rare is the act that produces brilliance when people are expecting nothing less. The Nights Birds had tremendous pressure pushing down upon them before the release of The Other Side of Darkness. They ascended with mind-numbing speed from unknown upstart to critical darlings and now have to defend their acclaim. In short, The Other Side of Darkness will not just silence any critics, but reach down their throats and tear out their voices boxes-this is staggering punk fury without surrendering any of the surf elements that make this act so unique. Undoubtedly, the Dick Dale meets DK comparisons will be made, but they should be because the Night Birds have perfected angry surf punk for a new generation, just check out “Hoffman Lens” for exhibit A. “Demon Haunted World” and “Day After Day” are the centerpieces of a soundtrack to a zombie beach apocalypse, while “Sex Tape” is the best song the Descendents never wrote. To all the kids for whom the Adolescents or Agent Orange are just poorly filmed Youtube clips, the Night Birds will be their band, and we old folks can get a renewed shot of adrenaline from “Neon Grey”, “Failed Species”, “Born of Man and Woman” and the blistering title track. There are too many occurrences when hyperbole is lauded upon a band and then they simply fade away, but the Night Birds have already proven their staying power, and what we may have here is the next great American punk phenomenon. While Ventures style riffs bombard the listener and hardcore energy is exuded from every pore, the Night Birds can also sneak in a nice hook, as they do on “Paranoid Times” and “Landfill Land”. The Other Side of Darkness is a bold stance taken by an incredible act that also refuses to hit the three minute mark. If you are yet to tell your friends about this band, do it now!

SAMIAM - Trips (Hopeless Records)

Trips marks Samiam’s second record in a decade and some may wonder if the best years are now in the rear view mirror of this much beloved indie act. To be fair, no one has an affinity for pointless nostalgia more than I, but Trips is a new album that maintains Samiam’s classic sound, not a “return to form” or some other clumsy euphemism for a band trying to get back to past glory. Opening with the speedy “I80”, this Berkeley four-piece boldly announces that the years may have passed, but the energy has not waned. Yet, with age comes experience and often greater finesse. “Clean Up”, the more somber “El Dorado” and the regal “Demon” make this abundantly clear with a combination of refined musicianship and richly harmonious vocals. Samiam has never been fearful of instilling warmth into their brand of energized playing, not afraid to take the foot off the accelerator just enough to let real talent shine, and “How Would You Know” and “Magellan” indicate that these traits remain very much a part of this act, more than twenty years removed from their emergence from Gilman Street. Jason Beebout’s vocals are powerful and invigorated throughout the record, while the guitar playing of Sergie Loobkoff and Sean Kennerly are supremely delivered under the guidance of producer Chris Dugan. Efforts such as “Freetime” and the closing “Did You Change” are nicely chiseled punk-pop nuggets with a nice sense of harmony and with within their lyrics. Samiam was never a massive star on the horizon, which is a shame for they are a wealth of talent. Perhaps the second act of their career will make up for lost time.

EARLY AND OFTEN - Present No Fiction, Fear No Tense (Sell the Heart Records www.selltheheartrecords.com)

If one can make it through the opening sample to “Under the Phase”, the first effort on Present No Fiction, Fear No Tense, one must be exceedingly patient, and it unfortunately captures the simultaneous ingenuity and repetitiveness of Early and Often. Early and Often are exceptionally precise in their playing, bringing gentle, shoegazing pop to an unparalleled level of maddening deliberateness. To his credit, vocalist Jeff Wright is highly emotive, imbuing his vocals with tangible passion and pain without ever straining for disingenuous intensity, and his fellow mates are able to generate wonderfully delicate song structures. The emphasis on ethereal beauty allows for subtle piano to ascend to center stage before stepping aside for soaring harmonies. As magnificent this is, one wants Early and Often to abandon the quirkiness and mischievous playfulness of “Interval XXI” and “Interval XVII”. Both songs act as bridges to the next song, but the programmed nonsense does not add anything to the overall disc, for the “The Feast” and “False Victories”, the tracks following each “interval”, are both majestic enough to stand alone devoid of a supercilious introduction. Additionally, Early and Often unfortunately dedicate too much time to droning, repetitive introductions, as “The Feast” includes one such musical path. The genteel start to this song is so comforting and tender that my cat actually curled up and fell asleep while listening to it. Granted, this is adorable, but it also solidifies my lack of tolerance for this style of pop. The playing is lush and each member is clearly skilled, but after three consecutive songs, I am done. Maybe it’s my short attention span, or maybe as I age, I realize my period in this world is fleeting and I cannot have time wasted, but I continually wait for this band to get to the point! The nature of each song is so fragile that I want to wrap it in a blanket and cradle it in my arms, but eventually I also want to wake up from this dreamscape and get my heart rate back over fifteen beats per minute. There are cool moments here, such as the eerie sample, sound loops, and piano on “False Victories”, but I prefer my music to be made in garages instead of laboratories.

JUDGE NOTHING - Fibia Slicker (www.myspace/judgenothing)

Featuring two songs written in 1997 and a third track record in 1996, Judge Nothing are taking the listener back in time a bit. ( A Myspace page? Still?) However, this is a trip without a clear destination. “Chattanooga” is a pretty, minimalist pop song with richly harmonious vocals. It’s a nice way to spend a few minutes, but ultimately not memorable. The pop punk hook of “I Win” is slightly meatier, but it acts as a strange contrast to the opening effort. Lastly, the band delivers a cover of Badfinger’s “No Matter What”. Recorded by Bill Stevenson of Descendents fame fifteen years ago, Judge Nothing sound crisp and focused, partially a credit to youthful energy. While the band does not place their own stamp on the song, their rendition is a bit noisier than the original. I am not certain if this is a reintroduction to a band on the rebound or a quaint piece of nostalgia.

NEW ROCHELLES - It’s New (Bright and Barrow Records www.brightandbarrow.com)

So maybe you are becoming sad as summer is drawing to a close and the drudgery of school, work, and eventual winter storms enters your consciousness. Maybe you are desperately looking for something to cheer you up and make you smile as you get one last sunburn. My friends, that fun comes in the form of the New Rochelles. The best punk-pop bands do not take themselves seriously and understand that their brand of loud and fast rock is meant to be enjoyed and celebrated, not analyzed and dissected. To that end, each of the twelve anthems here are adrenaline fueled sugar rushes that are over too quickly, but just burn themselves out with exhaustive energy. Taking cues from the true giants of the genre (Ramones, Queers, Screeching Weasel), these three lads from Long Beach, NY write infectious, inexcusably catchy songs about skunk apes, stink eye, and toothaches. Ronnie Rochelle balances sneers and smiles with the same sarcastic delivery as Joe Queer’s finest performances, while the rhythm section of Ricky and Rookie Rochelle are a wall of harnessed force. The first single and video “Did Something Bad” follows in the tracks of Angry Samoans’ “My Old Man a Fatso” or “Grounded” from the Queers , while “Who Will (I Will)” will not leave your head for days. Sure, the New Rochelles wear their influences on the sleeves of their well worn leather jackets, but who cares? At least they are clear about the bands they admire and emulate instead of pretending to be some sort of revolutionary saviors. “Static Shock” actually tells you that the “first verse is same as the first”, while “Tina’s Got a Toothache” sits nicely next to Jeannie and her uterus or Cindy and her methadone. The New Rochelles will excite the kids and made the old and jaded remember when punk could be fun. However, not everything about this band is a tribute to the past, as the disc is being released as a partial vinyl, partial digital effort. Check out this money saving idea at Bright and Barrow Records. While it is a nice idea, this disc is worth any price.

BLOWHOLE - “Experiment #1” b/w “Consumer Protection Racket” (Cooler King Records myspace.com/coolerkingrecords)

Blowhole treats us Yanks to two slabs of gritty English punk. Sounding like the musical equivalent of what is crusted onto the floor of a great pub, vocalist Rob Bartram sneers his way through the pounding “Experiment #1” with the phrases “this happy life/such a happy life” delivered with vicious sarcasm and tangible dissatisfaction. Featuring two members of Sperm Wailes (Bartram and guitarist Nick Herbert), Blowhole feels as if they should be sitting next to the Pistols on Bill Grundy’s show. “Consumer Protection Racket” is a touch less bombastic musically than the A-side, but equally sharp lyrically with references to electric cars and the Flintstones. There is a layer of noise accompanying the surprisingly adroit harmony constructed here. This is excellent on all counts.

GREY AREA/ GO RYDELL Split 7-inch EP (Black Numbers Records www.theblacknumbers.com)

Grey Area should theoretically need no introduction, but since it’s been ten years since their last release, here’s goes: This New York City act spawned members of Kill Your Idols, Token Entry and Warzone. Pretty impressive, right? You should be impressed as the past ten years have not allowed for any rust to form on Grey Area. “No Guarantees” and “Bliss” are both sophisticated punk nuggets with a pop edge that should give a blueprint for bands just getting started. Earnest lyrics that never become clichéd and roaring musicianship proves that just because the word “pop” may readily appear in the description of a band, they are not to be considered soft or disposable. Go find this right now.

Go Rydell hails from Florida and I am sure the No Idea guys must be drooling over this act. Their contribution to this split is a collection of short, fiery bursts of punk anger that are wise beyond their years. “FOX and the Hounds” takes a shot on America’s current malaise, while “Not Cool, McCool” has a title that belies the seriousness of the track. The song lambastes those who blindly hate and targets ignorance with a brutal frankness. The closing “Battery Park” is nearly sweet in the dialogue between the protagonists, using NYC as a backdrop. One of the closing lines of this song sums up my one suggestion for this band-“stay some more”. These songs are great, but if you clear your throat you may miss it. Go Rydell has many things to say and I hope their next release features efforts that can at least hit the two minute mark consistently.

JEREMY PORTER and the TUCOS - “Night on the Town” b/w “Ain’t My House Anymore” (Magwheel Records www.magwheel.com)

This trio has a warm power pop sensibility and a big hook on “Night on the Town”. The retro sound sounds a bit dated however, and by the conclusion of the song, Jeremy Porter and the Tucos smack of really nice guys in a likable local band, but maybe they can open up at your favorite club when a mid-level touring act comes through town. No disrespect meant towards Mr. Porter or his Tucos, but the two songs here are simply not memorable. The country-twang of “Ain’t My House Anymore” is tremendously poignant, telling a story of failed love and regret. The lyrics detailing a renewed interest in the kid and pet are especially gripping and a testament to Porter as a lyricist, but ultimately Jeremy Porter and the Tucos are musical fast food. It tastes fine going down, but it does not stay with you for very long. z

MAD ANTHONY /THE YELLOW BELTS Split 7-inch EP (Xmas Cactus Records www.madanthonyband.com)

Everything about the packaging here had me hooked before I heard a note. This is vinyl geek heaven-it’s a split release on mustard yellowish-ish vinyl (one of NINE different potential colors!), with a cover that feels like it was hand silk-screened back in the days before Photoshop, from two bands from the same geographic region (Cincinnati, Ohio and Lexington, Kentucky). It is as if I am back in my college radio station when Clinton was in the White House and the US still had the respect of the world, or at least a decent credit rating. To sweeten the deal here, both bands are fantastic! Mad Anthony is not quite as mad as expected, but “Bear Attack” slugs you like a drunken Danko Jones song. It is a bottom heavy, heavy-handed lump of mid-tempo force. The Yellow Belts play loud, fast, and snotty punk in a classic vein. Revolutionary? No. Sophisticated? No. Awesome? Oh, yes. “War on Science” is a blistering experience, and the stronger of the gems here. However, both would have received heavy rotation on my station.

MONOGANON - Songs to Swim To (Fence Records http://www.fencerecords.com)

Beginning as a solo project for singer/songwriter John B. McKenna, Monoganon has blossomed into a full fledged band on the beautiful Songs to Swim To. The record is seven ethereal, dreamscape folk songs played with great soul and a stark, delicate nature. “Monomania” is wonderful introduction to the band for those unfamiliar with McKenna (like me), for it revels in his gentle musicianship and Scottish accent. However, the accent is not the focus of the record and simply adds to the overall charm of Songs. “Eternal See You Soon” is the most haunting of the disc, a stirring mix of airy pop and acoustic precision. The subtle psychedelia in “Anatomy” would normally bother me (think Zeppelin in “No Quarter”), but this flows effortlessly within the larger context of the work, a faultless blend of the eerie and the heartfelt with soaring backing vocals drawing the song to its wonderful conclusion. “Needle Green” captures McKenna at his most vulnerable; a fragile, haunting song that is a dream for those with high quality headphones, as the song seems to cascade into your head light a gentle spring breeze-truly gorgeous. The nine-minute “Devil’s Finger” is the centerpiece of the record and the most musical complex of the bunch, but the striking “Lullabies for the Sedated” demands one’s rapt attention. It simply hovers like an apparition with elegant grace and the most subdued beauty. In the closing “To Glass in the Blast”, McKenna is joined by warm female vocals throughout the song, and ghostly voices buried deep within the mix, making the song another effort to which one should close your eyes and allow the music to absorb the listener. This may not be the perfect summer soundtrack, but once the triple digit heat fades and the dark snow clouds return, this is the one to put on and enjoy the chill.

LARRY AND HIS FLASK - All That We Know (Silver Sprocket Bicycle Club www.silversprocket.net)

Country-fried punk is on the menu with Larry and His Flask’s first full-length record. Blending a fiery attitude with equally incendiary musical approach, Larry and His Flask do for Americana as the Tossers do for traditional Irish music; namely, All That We Know takes a standard native genre and injects energy to create something new and wholly interesting. The speedy, politically astute “Flags And Concrete” jumps out as an early highlight, as vocalist Ian Cook laments, “who’s gonna take the wheel?/this isn’t the way we’re supposed to feel/first world’s lost it’s time that we pay the cost”, while “Beggars Will Ride” includes as Matt Hensley provides a wonderful accordion solo. The most impressive element of this disc, even if one does not connect fully with the music, is the lack of repetition, a knock that would surely afflict weaker acts attempting this style. The boys alter tempo enough to stop the record from becoming one continuous front porch hootenanny. The slower, more brooding “Manifest Destiny” takes bluegrass into a new direction, while “West Virginia Chocolate Drop” is a wise, introspective piece of progressive alt-country. The band fluctuates between blazingly fast string picking (“Blood Drunk” and “Marked From the Start”), and more deliberate, meandering efforts (“Our Will Be Done” and ‘Slow it Down”) with equal immediacy, making this a legitimate listen from highly skilled player. This is not a gimmick or cheekily delivered record; Larry and His Flask are musicians well versed in American musical history, but they are also immensely skilled. “I’ll Be Gone” features warm, layered vocals and authentic rustic musicianship that brings the listener back decades. Larry and His Flask possess an integrity and level of musical acumen that separates them from others who may attempt this style of music.

BIG EYES - Hard Life (dongiovannirecords.com/)

Big Eyes is a bouncy trio whose sound adheres as fervently to pop hooks as it does punk rock sneer, making for an impressive debut. Kate Eldridge’s voice ranges from sweet to furious, and she always commands the attention of the listener. For fans of powerful front women, Eldridge does not disappoint as she leads C.J. Frederick (drums) and bassist Mark Bronzino through a stampeding collection of antagonistic guitar pop with just enough grit and grime to stop Hard Life from becoming too polished, best captured on “Your Lies” and my favorite, “The Bad and the Good”. Too often bands of this ilk latch on to one groove and proceed to use it for an entire record, but Big Eyes diversify each effort quite well, creating a record with a multitude of ideas yet one consistent theme. “Pretend to Care” and “Since You Left” are angry efforts which balance fury and harmony, while “Why Can’t I?” and “Now That You Ain’t Mine” are genuine pop gems with subtle antagonism. Originally from the east coast (specifically Brooklyn and New Brunswick), Big Eyes have relocated to Seattle which I hope does not preclude them from bringing their brand forceful and sharp punk-pop to this side of the country. This is a band to monitor closely, for they possess commercial appeal without forfeiting aggressiveness.

CITY OF SHIPS - Minor World (Translation Loss Records www.translationloss.com)

I always cringe whenever any band is described as “post” anything because I am just not smart enough to fully grasp the meaning. I have read articles and reviews in which City of Ships is labeled “post-rock”. Really? When did rock die? Does this mean that these guys are resuscitating rock? All I know is that Minor World is a sparkling collection of intelligent and complex tracks that intrigue without ever coming across as unnecessarily technical. This is a musically erudite act that could alienate some, but not as many as one may imagine, and as the huge riff of “Celestial Navigation” proves, the band is not averse to crafting memorable hooks. I am instantly drawn into this band’s realm through the power of the opening track “Clotilde” which sets a standard that is routinely matched throughout the record. With vocals buried within the mix, the singing becomes another instrument, an extension of the anguish and power of this act. This is a disc for those who believe that the world of extreme music has become simply disjointed masturbatory guitar riffs or a genre overrun by indistinguishable metalcore acts and are anxiously searching for something more refined yet still crushing. The bruising “Chainman” will appeal to the aficionado of bulky guitar force, while “”Easy Way Hard Way” conveys an energy within the fuzz and distortion. City of Ships craft sophisticated anthems for those who appreciate intricate musicianship and are willing to work a little bit as they listen. Ambient and ethereal with a palpable intensity, City of Ships straddles that delicate line between beauty and insanity with a sound unlike anything I have heard in a great while on efforts such as “Low Countries” and the haunting “Darkness at Noon”. This must be a remarkable live experience.

PRAWN - You Can Just Leave it All (Topshelf Records www.topshelfrecords.org)

Prawn sounds like a lost treasure from an indie rock past. This four-piece from New Jersey plays earnest sounding indie pop with tender guitar work underscoring emotionally charged vocals. Yes, I know you have heard this before but these guys are not simply ripping off The Emo Diaries, but crafting music that is awkward in a very endearing way. For those who are suffering and lonely, this one could become your immediate soundtrack, particularly efforts such as “Sammy” and “Horizontal”, the latter a gentle but passionate gem. However, You Can Just Leave it All is not simply a collection of delicate anthems, as the loud/soft dynamic of “Clever Hands” and the more aggressive “Perfect Equilibrium” demonstrates. Similar song structures dominate “Slaying a Paper Tiger” and “Questions for Dome Chomsky’, as the members of Prawn use understated force to make each song an absorbing experience. This is not the type of disc towards which I would normally gravitate, but I am glad it came my way. Prawn clearly eschews the notion that memorable songs must be defined by a huge riff or rousing chorus, for their work remains with you after the disc has completed, and that is quite an accomplishment for this genre.

THE WILD - A Collection (Quote un Quote Records www.quoteunquoterecords.com)

A Collection is, as it sounds, a collection of early releases, split 7” efforts and other work from this feisty punk act who embrace American and European (especially Irish) folk as much as three chord aggression. Some of the work is downright sweet, for “Let Me Sing You a Song” is a twenty-first century “Let me Hold Your Hand” in terms of innocence and unadulterated hopeful bliss. “Our Cities” is more focused in its attack, sounding like the Pogues before they are too drunk to play or the Tossers in a particularly bad mood. Harmonica and accordion usually distract one from punk energy, but the opposite is true here, for The Wild are highly adroit musicians and the harmonies are only enhanced by instrumentation not normally associated with punk rock. Shared male and female vocals reminiscent of X’s finest moments illuminate much of the material, particularly “The City That Never Sleeps” and “To Be Content”. There is undeniable warmth to each of the songs, regardless of tempo or level of intensity. The tracks range from soft and delicate (“Stillness Sickness”) to classic folk (“We Shall Overcome Someday” and “Mudlines”) to marginally aggressive (“To be Content”), and the band accomplishes each style with equal aplomb. This is for the more discerning punk aficionado who does not a little variance in tempo and arrangement. This is a pleasant surprise from a band I will certainly pay closer attention to in the future.

THE ACROBRATS - Hair Trigger (Susspool Records www.myspace.com/acrobrats)

The Acrobrats have been kicking around for close to a decade and why the world does not celebrate this band is beyond me. Despite appearances on Guitar Hero, the Acrobrats are not a household name and that is a crime as this Boston-based outfit plays punk reminiscent of the era when Joe Queer would have been hitting on girls at The Rat. Raw, aggressive, and melodic without an ounce of pop tomfoolery, these kids smash their way through four raving anthems, with “Hair Trigger” and “Simpleton” as my two favorites. The former tears the flesh from your face, while the latter is a mid-tempo stomper that smacks of the finest garage sludge from the heyday of the New York Dolls right through more recent purveyors of filth such as The Ruiners. The EP concludes on a high note with “Crave”, a no-nonsense punch in the stomach from the dual guitar work of Chris and Daniel Brat, while the singular named rhythm section of drummer Eliahu and bassist Swid hammers away. When Chris sneers “fuck off” in the midst of the song, it is not punk posing or an attempt to mimic the essence of Ben Weasel; this is the real thing and the Acrobrats are a fierce act. Now go make these guys famous…at least by true punk standards.

HALF HEARTED HERO - Running Water (Animal Style Records www.animalstylerecords.com)

Half Hearted Hero is a band in a predicament. They are a punk band with pop leanings, but they are far too talented to be called simply a “pop punk band”. However, their affinity for slickly produced riffs and soaring harmonies precludes them from acceptance by angrier punks. What is a band to do? In my opinion, HHH should keep on doing what they are doing-I love acts that defy mind-numbing simplicity and will not conform to one genre. These guys have Warped Tour potential, particularly with efforts like “Five Points” and “The Wheels”; two engaging, layered songs that one can sing along with or simply sit back and study the lyrics. The chameleon-like quality of this band is their strength. They fleetingly touch upon Fountains of Wayne style bubblegum on “Periphery”, but also devise a sophisticated, complex anthem in the form of “Mirrors”. A lengthy, heartfelt work, “Mirrors’ is a triumph of intelligence and substance as vocalist Anthony Savino offers “When you’re blinded by every refraction/you can’t focus on the light/You’ll drown in fear, just remember we are all scared, too”. The guitar playing of Clinton Lisboa and AJ Mills is outside the traditional punk parameters as one hears actual solos throughout the disc. HHH may be tricky to market to the Hot Topic crowd, but if you enjoy your intensity served with a side of articulate introspection, go find Running Water. Oh, and the record comes printed on burgundy-marble vinyl, always a plus!

RESTORATIONS (Tiny Engines Records www.tinyengines.com)

Dark, brooding, and intricate, Restorations play a brand a of music defined by simmering frustration that never fully explodes into a violent force. However, this ability to hold a wolf by the ears makes for a fascinating eight song, thirty-three minute journey. While portions of “Nonlocality” and “Neighborhood Song” have flashes of blunt force, it is the rich harmonies of “Canadian Club” that more accurately defines the band. Each song is given ample room in which to breathe and the intentionally thick mix makes for a dense record, highlighted by the gruff yet heartfelt vocals of Jon Loudon. His rugged tones are the centerpiece of the second side’s highlights, “Val D’or” and “Broken Valuum”. Eruptive might is not out of this band’s repertoire but they select to pick and choose their moments of power, clearly demonstrating the collective maturity and fearlessness of this veteran line-up. With elements of punk, indie pop, and good old-fashioned, soul-soaked rock, Restorations will appeal to a broad spectrum of followers or those with a broad musical palate. “Sideway House” demonstrates the band’s ability to formulate an ethereal, intricate song structure that enchant as well as encourage a little thinking on the part of the listener. The closing “When You’re Older” may summarize when many listeners will appreciate this release, but Restorations exists for those who need something different and are not afraid to try.

OLD WIVES - Tidal Tales (www.oldwives.net)

Old Wives start slowly on Tidal Tales with the melancholy “Revolting French” but ironically coming out swinging with the soulful “Rip van Winkle”, which is anything but a sleepy song. Featuring expert horn playing, raw and highly expressive vocals, surprising aggressive splashes of guitar and triumphant percussion, this song let me know that good things are coming around the bend. “Whale” is surprisingly funky with an infectious hook, while “Terrible Toos” is dripping with authentic blues accented by indie pop structures. “Alto Cinco” has wraithlike qualities before erupting with bursts of horn-fueled power. The musicianship here is excellent, as Old Wives tap into a variety of American musical traditions, from jazz to blues to groovy pop. I am taken in by the highly emotive “Boo Chant” with its refrain of “I’m on fire”, charming keys and that ever-present superb horn section. There is a powerful sexuality throughout the record that is palpable without becoming overly overt or redundant. “Whiskey Song” is just a gritty piece of work that is only a solitary voice only accented by the sparsest of guitar playing. The song’s unfettered emotion shines through with every pained syllable, and the gruff sensibility has an authentic quality most bands will work a career to capture. The closing “Troubadour” is the most symphonic of the disc; a multi-layered song that captures the finest points of the band’s vast talents. My only suggestion is for Old Wives to improve their on-line presence as their website is minimalist to the point of frustration. This type of talent should not be shrouded in mystery.

THE GIRAFFES - Ruled (Crustacean Records www.crustaceanrecords.com)

This one is a mixed bag of musical goods and images. The liner notes includes a collage of images of dead, rotting, and skeletal remains of giraffes, but this is not band interesting in shock value. Ruled offers eight tracks of intelligent, moody rock that flirts with metallic elements and noisy dissonance, but retains unique personalities that can occasionally border on the frustrating. The latter is true on the mid-tempo pace of “The Bed”, and “The Store”, two well structured anthems, but one begs for the songs to pick up the energy level, and the closing “The Occupation”, a strong conclusion to the record, but the seven minutes of feedback and distortion that marks the termination of the disc smacks of superfluous self-indulgence. The opening “The Border” is the band’s finest moment here, as the song unloads a punishing punch accented by vocalist Aaron Lazar’s understated, yet intriguing vocals. The Giraffes’ greatest strength is the ability of the members to construct complex riff that are melodic yet challenging. Guitarist Damien Paris is the highlight on “The City” and “The Invasion”, two biting pieces of atypical song structure, while the raw, gripping power of “The War” is impossible to ignore as the song morphs from a sullen introspective work into a rousing, furious assault. There is much to admire here, for The Giraffes are clearly interested in taking chances and watching with interest to see whom among the larger public will join them. This is for individuals who enjoy larger conceptual records (however, this is by no means a “concept album’), and are willing to sacrifice the presence of a “hit” in return for brave musicianship. The Giraffes remind me of a cool indie film - the band makes you work as a listener, and the end result may be slightly confusing, but well worth the effort.

HOW DO WE JUMP THIS HIGH? - “Funny/Not Funny” 7-inch EP (Answer Key Records www.answerkeyrecords.com)

The second release from HDWJTH? is a tale of two distinctly different sides and an EP that should impress all fans of melodic punk. The four members of this outfit have bashed around in different bands for quite some time, and their collective talents and frustrations emerge clearly on “Funny/Not Funny.” The A-side does not reshape the punk landscape, but the well played harmonies should melt the hearts of the staff at Deep Elm. There is very strong drumming from Dan Edelman and vocalist/bassist Mike Borth has an engaging voice, I just hope that future releases will allow guitarists Andy Dennison and Jared Santiago to shine more brightly. Both are buried in a less than flattering mix, but their talent is still evident. This aside, the bass heavy breakdown on “En Route” is my favorite moment of the opening two tracks, although “Potential” taps into a classic college rock vibe that is also highly likable. The B-side explodes with “The Greats”, a less polished and more aggressive effort that perfectly captures the frustration that often accompanies the realization of adulthood. This is the sharpest and most poignant anthem of the four, but the closing “Migraines” is equally forceful and articulate. These guys could be on to something extraordinary if they beef up the guitar playing and give in to their more abrasive leanings.

CINEMA CINEMA - Shoot the Freak (www.cinemacinemaband.com)

Cinema Cinema offer three noisy, highly individualistic tracks recorded at the legendary Inner Ear Studio with Don Zientara. The songs on Shoot the Freak are raw and unpolished, but each is highlighted by an air of unpredictability. The opening “Lady Abortion” is an abrasive, darkly harmonic effort whose repetitive chorus will bury itself in your brain, so be careful if you sing this one out loud. Interestingly, Cinema Cinema shift gears dramatically on “Pleased to Meet You, Anesthesia”, a much more light-hearted piece. This effort is more ethereal and far less threatening than its predecessor. It smacks of 90’s Sonic Youth and has a clear indie-pop sensibility before unraveling into a delicious noise-fest around the two minute mark, ultimately crumbling into a stirring conclusion. The closing “Day-Leash” follows in a similar style as “Pleased”, revealing a somewhat off-kilter but still catchy nugget of unique indie fare. There are various approaches and inspirations here, but Cinema Cinema does not simply imitate their influences; rather, the band formulates a style that may still be slightly in flux, but has great potential.

LOVE ASSASSIN (facebook.com/Loveassassin)

Before I delve into how nightmarishly, almost comically abysmal, this is let me first assert how wealthy the guys of Love Assassin or their families must be. Their bio packet is enormous and brilliantly colorful. There, I said something nice. Sadly, that is the only compliment I can offer, for listening to this takes minutes from my life in which I will never get back, and frankly, I will hold a permanent grudge against these guys for that crime against my humanity. There are not enough adjectives for the word bland, but whichever you select will work, for this is lifeless and generic. The country vibe of “Duffy’s” was laughable, as third-rate bar bands would scoff at Love Assassin’s flaccid attempt at honky-tonk fun. “Mr. Carsons” may be the worst Blues Traveler impression I have ever heard, and while it is the only Blues Traveler impression I have ever heard, I can not imagine anything worse. By the time I reach “Down Under”, I am torn between laughing and crying. I laugh at the band’s ineptitude and wonder if this is not some type of Andy Kaufman-esque joke. If so, these guys are brilliant, but if not, one must sob for the money spent on this project. That is money that could have gone to the homeless, or cancer research, or public education. All I hope is that others like me will recycle the press kit so not all is lost. What did I do to deserve this, Jim?

STREET EATERS - Rusty Eyes and Hydrocarbons (Bakery Outlet Records www.bakeryoutletrecords.com)

Megan March and John No prevail on Rusty Eyes and Hydrocarbons, an impressive collection of aggressive, minimalist punk gems. With a sound reminiscent of the Kill Rock Stars stable circa ’95, the pair share vocals and convey each syllable with an infectious passion. Although only a duo, with No on bass and March on drums, the sum of their sound is exponentially larger than their parts. Lyrically, Street Eyes display a penchant for intelligent, politically savvy accounts that avoid lecturing and focus on more personal narratives. “Nation Builder”, “Failure to Provide”, “Through the Cracks”, and “Opportunistic” each contain commentary on contemporary social and international concerns, which each delivered with rich harmonies and beautifully melodious vocal arrangements. There are various indie punk and riot grrl references one could make, and while Slaeter-Kinney with a male component is one such comparison, Street Eaters do not come across as the result of any one particular source of inspiration. No and March create boisterous anthems that still adhere to a respect for an unapologetically catchy riff. The two also know their history as their sharp recreation of Jefferson Airplane’s “Two Heads” indicates. March’s incendiary vocal style would certainly impress one of rock’s founding feminist powers, Grace Slick. The urgency of “Waiting” is a microcosm of the larger record as it furiously attacks the listener but not at the expense of a bassline that constitutes a marvelous hook. The album’s title takes its name from the lyrics of “Livid Lizard (Godzilla, Ignored)”, a song of unbridled anger directed as the devastation of what is left of the world’s natural beauty by using Godzilla as a clever metaphor of global destruction. No has a soaring voice that pairs itself perfectly with March’s rich harmonious pitch, as heard on “No Time”, one of the two bonus tracks only on the cd release. Those interested in the survival of true indie music should instantly grab hold of Street Eaters, a glorious testament to honest musical vision and skill.

DOS - Dos y Dos (Clenchedwrench)

Dos is one of music’s most interesting acts for several reasons even before one discusses their highly unique musical approach. Kira and Mike, better known as Kira Roessler and Mike Watt have been chiseling away at Dos since 1985. Roessler was Black Flag’s (most skilled) bassist at that time and Watt was reinventing punk with the Minutemen. The two began to record music together with only two basses, a style that continues on Dos y Dos, the fourth record from the act. Oh, and the two were also married, divorced amicably (I am still amazed when those two words fall next to each other) and remain friends and creators of this highly distinctive band. In terms of the music itself, Dos y Dos resonates with warmth that only two bass players can create, and Kira’s occasional vocals add a distinctively affectionate resonance to “Maker Her Me”. However, much of the album is genteel, subtle instrumentals that are striking in their understated beauty. “New Year’s Waltz”, “Number Eight” (oddly the seventh track on the disc) and “”Song for Poe” stand out as my favorites, but each song, despite only two instruments, has a unique personality and structure. Dos pushes the boundaries of what people can do with bass guitars, making the instrument much more than a low-end keeper of time. Here, in the hands of two incredibly skilled craftsmen, the bass takes its rightful place as powerful and deeply multi-faceted instrument. The duo even perform a Selena cover song, proving that Mike Watt remains one of the great minds in punk rock, and hopefully Dos will not wait seventeen years for the next release.

KID LIBERTY - Give Up, Give In (Bullet Tooth Records www.bullettooth.com)

Although this is a brief collection of songs demonstrating a less aggressive side of Kid Liberty, Give Up, Give In is a moderate listen at best. EP’s always play one of several roles-it can introduce a band to the world, act as a stop-gap between longer releases, or just be a collection of songs that will only appeal to true hardened fans. This last scenario applies here, as the four tracks are wildly different and disconnected. The opening “Give Me Alan or Give Me Death” is a Senses Fail style piece of bouncy guitar punk with a tangible layer of pop harmony. It is not a poor start by any stretch, and I believe this is a band that can easily electrify the Warped Tour crowd. Next, however, comes “Fuck You”, a cover of the Cee Lo Green song. I hate the original incarnation of this track and adding punked up guitars does not make it any better. It seems like a waste of this band’s talent, and I hope this is not part of their live set, despite the gratuitous sing along it would most likely generate from the girls in the crowd. The last two efforts, “The Situation” and “The Suspense is Killing Me” are acoustic pieces. Each track allows Kid Liberty to expose their raw talents, and the cello at the conclusion of “Suspense” is quite lovely. However, after these four songs, I have no idea what Kid Liberty wants to be or what the larger point of this release truly is. Pretty arrangements, warm vocals from Trey Sexton, and a benign appearance should make these guys successful, but I may be getting too old for this stuff. Either that or I just want my punk to be loud, obnoxious, and devoid of all superfluous cuteness.

FUCKED UP - David Comes to Life (www.matadorrecords.com)

Would it be too easy to say this is a band that lives up to its name? Yes, but that will not stop me because David Comes to Life had me confused by the third track. Apparently, from what I could gather, main character David leads a horribly mundane life at a bulb factory, but that all changes when he falls in love with a beautiful female communist who dies because of terrorists, or was it David? I still am not sure, but I know this for a fact-I hate concept albums. With a passion. I do not care if it is being attempted by the Who or Queensryche, there should be a federal law banning pseudo-intellectual concept albums/rock operas. At any rate, Fucked Up is a collection of incredibly talented musicians even if their narrative abilities could benefit from some refinement. The eighteen songs here are crunchy, angular pieces of finely shaped post-punk. The only drawback to the eighteen songs is the fact that the disc is eighteen songs long and they tend to become a bit repetitive, not boring, but just similar in nature as the listener hits the latter part of the disc. Lead singer Pink Eyes barks like a rabid mongrel on most tracks, a quality I adore, and he maintains my interest throughout the record. There are several efforts that separate themselves from the pack, namely “Turn the Season”, “Life in Paper”, “Remember my Name”, and “The Recursive Girl”, each of which include sharp harmonies and interesting structures. The band has elements of hardcore woven within its jumbled DNA, as guitarists Gulag and 10,000 marbles slice their way trough the record, but there is nothing traditional about Fucked Up’s circuitous anthems. The complexity of the songs lends for multiple listens, and even after several plays, I am still trying to exactly figure out David’s life. I know he suffers and this is a tragedy with Greek-style themes of loss and potential redemption. I think I may just listen again and try to ignore the details, for despite my annoyance with discs of this ilk, the band has some very inventive ideas concerning how to generate aggressive music.

STRONG KILLINGS (Don’t Stop Believin Records www.dontstopbelievin.net)

Strong Killings have a record that becomes increasingly more furious and impressive as the disc progresses. The collection of songs on this self-titled disc range from fairly streamlined, “The Annals of Animals”, to noisy and pugnacious “Too Cool” to the almost goofy, “(You Never Wanna) Dance With Me” and “Licked, Nicked”. When the trio completely lets loose, as they do on the furious “Stupid Punk”, they excel are creating a riotous commotion that incorporates elements of hardcore, grind, and pure indefinable rage as the scream of “I’m on the edge of a breakdown” is delivered with such genuine force and rage that one is either terrified or intrigued, but most likely a combination of both. The energized “Minimum Wage” recalls classic English punk, as if these guys were singing about living on the dole, while “New Mexican Frontier” and “Worst Case” is driven by a throbbing bassline. The ability to connect with punk traditions while still creating a unique sound makes Strong Killings a band that deserves more than just a cursory listen. These guys are clearly influenced by that period as punk’s corpse was begin to decompose and hardcore was stepping in to fill the void. There are enough harmonies to satisfy those who want a little swing in their angst (check out “Winnebago”), but I am continuously drawn to the coarser tracks. “Suckerpunch’, despite its slower tempo, is a pummeling anthem that briefly devolves into balls of swirling noise before regaining a maniacal chorus and demonstrates this band’s willingness to balance chaos and construction. Strong Killings play tightly wound songs that are perpetually on the verge of exploding deadly shrapnel upon the unsuspecting, and if you find this attractive, I will see you in the front row when these guys come through town.

OBNOX - I’m Bleeding Now (Smog Veil records www.smogveilrecords.com)

Lamont “Bin” Thomas produces one hot mess of raw, remarkably soulful clatter on I’m Bleeding Now. Thomas, who has been an Ohio underground mainstay for nearly twenty years with the likes of This Moment in Black History and The Puffy Areolas (greatest band name ever?), steps out nearly completely on his own for this record. Dropping the needle on I’m Bleeding Now, one is floored by the wall of fuzz and feedback drenching “Cum Inside”, but as the haze from the bong lifts, Thomas has some pretty impressive grooves hidden beneath the din. “The Get It Inn” and “Daughter” are two such rugged gems, but the majority of the work is lo-fi, noisy, sludge that is the best record Steve Albini did not make. According to Thomas, the record was done on a “four track tape machine with a lot of scotch, whiskey, and reefer around”. The result is not what one may expect from such a combination of toxins; rather than a stoner’s musical backdrop, I’m Bleeding Now is an abrasive assault that contains all the finest aspects of garage rock purity, from Stooges-esque solos (“The Cowboy and the Cowgirl”) to vocals buried in the sludgy mix. The highlight in my eyes is “Gin and Coke Water” for it is simply a devastating song; a blues-soaked bass and drum explosion that rattles walls and is driven by a relentless fury that borders on superhuman. Occasionally one hears a record that is simply a cool piece of work from a fearless artist not concerned in the least with sales or trends, but rather driven by his own sense of what feels right. I’m Bleeding Now is such a release and it needs attention.

ATTACK! ATTACK! UK - The Latest Fashion (Rock Ridge Music www.RockRidgeMusic.com)

Attack! Attack! UK is a band that, at the very least, appreciates the power of basic rock n’ roll. This four-piece delivers big riffs, catchy choruses, and easily sing-along style lyrics to produce a record that may be somewhat formulaic, but it’s far better than the auto-tuned train wrecks currently clogging up much of the music world. This is a band with mainstream capabilities-the songs are crisp and the hooks are inescapable. The majority of the work on The Latest Fashion is radio-ready nuggets of pristine pop-rock goodness led by Neil Starr’s vocals. His delivery is richly harmonious, but it is also tinged by just enough sternness to make this stronger than your traditional pop fare. The opening duo of “Everyone Knows” and “No Excuses” lays out the band’s penchant for writing songs that will let the girls rock out while not making the guys feel completely excluded. The one mistake the band makes is when they stray from a perfectly good formula, namely in the form of slower, more emotionally introspective work. “Best Mistake” effuses the sappiness of a B-rate teen drama, while “Blood On My Hands”, Starr’s personal testament to new fatherhood, is lyrically solid but the track ambles along too slowly for my taste. However, the noisier title track and “We’re Not the Enemy” allow the guys to more pronouncedly flex their muscles as chiseled guitar riffs dominate both tracks. This is not going to revolutionize rock, but there is an honesty and integrity to the playing that is undeniable, and if they can capture their energy in a live setting, they will undoubtedly win an army of teenage fans.

JESU - Ascension (Caldo Verde Records www.caldoverderecords.com)

Justin Broadrick’s Jesu continues to evolve, even when the band seemingly returns to its roots. Ascension is a gloomy, plodding, guitar-rich record that marks a distinct turn away from the more electronic work that has dominated earlier Jesu releases. The opening eight minute “Fools” ushers in a disc that fluctuates between moments of delicate beauty and intense force. The song shifts gears in terms of tone and texture but does so with a remarkable ease, creating a seamless collection of ideas that correspond perfectly. Conversely, “Broken Home” takes one blunt riff and hammers it into the listener’s skull as Broadrick pronounces lyrics that are among his most dark and gripping. (“Helpless I watched you cry/It’s hopeless you won’t survive/It’s those scars that I will never hide/And little tears and more besides”). Broadrick follows this with the equally magnificent “Brave New World”, a thunderous, meandering track that reminds one of Broadrick’s Godflesh legacy. Again backed solely by drummer Ted Parsons, Ascension oscillates between metallic punishment and genteel fragility. “December” and “King of Kings” are defined by their ethereal, dream-like qualities as Broadrick’s guitar floats effortlessly in a sea of lush tranquility that is a departure from Jesu’s more recent work, yet sill reflective of the band’s larger sound. The closing instrumental title track gingerly completes the record with a sensitivity few can capture. This record does not push Jesu into new and uncharted directions, but Ascension continues to display the band’s multi-faceted talent.

JELLO BIAFRA and the GUANTANAMO SCHOOL OF MEDICINE - Enhanced Methods of Questioning (Alternative Tentacles Records www.alternativetentacles.com)

Many, many adjectives can be and have been used to describe Jello Biafra but complacent is not one of them. Never satisfied with parroting any one style, Biafra continually challenges himself, whether through his acidic spoken word material or his various musical projects. This ability to move punk beyond basic three chord anger is what makes the music of the Dead Kennedys still so significant, and his latest EP with his Guantanamo School of Medicine is a triumphant return to an angry, politically astute Biafra who sounds like he is fronting a collection of songs fitting for Bedtime for Democracy and inlay material as charged as those of Frankenchrist. Biafra’s politics have always both intrigued and alienated, and Enhanced Methods of Questioning will undoubtedly continue that trend, but even placing the politics aside, there is not a wasted riff on this disc. A double barreled guitar structure compliments of Ralph Spite and Kimo Ball makes “The Cells That Will Not Die”, “Invasion of the Mind Snatchers”, and “Miracle Penis Highway” thunderous walls of burly sound that match Lard in terms of density. Lyrically, Biafra remains acerbic and articulate, as “Cells” challenges people to question everything they think they know about scientific research, while “Dot Com Monte Carlo” has Biafra swiping at an old target, yuppies; only this time, the “geeks” have made their way into San Francisco and their presence makes one long for “gangs in the missions” and “yuppie drive-bys”. As triumphant as the five tracks are, the cover of the Deviants “Metamorphosis Explosion” makes the disc a success all on its own. A bruising, speedy, grown-up slab of punk, Biafra’s Guantanamo School of Medicine should act as a blueprint for those kids who are willing to shut up and learn.

MALA IN SE (Phratry Records www.phratryrecords.com)

Dark, strident, and confrontational, Mala In Se take the animosity of metal and integrate elements of avant-garde noise, pained vocals, and even jazzy time sequences to create a disturbing listening experience that is impossible to ignore. Despite only a trio, eighteen different instruments are on display here by my count, but my math is terrible so I’m probably too low, including zills, ebow, and banjo. Consider this for a moment: a dense, metallic assault, relentless in its intensity that is accented by…banjo! This band is in a world unto themselves, and while the influences are many, the final product is entirely original. The magnificently titled opener, “Time Lapse Photography of Decomposing Animals” highlights the band’s bombastic talents, while “Devil’s Dung” and the particularly piercing “Portions for Trade” are schizophrenic bursts of controlled chaos. Vocalist Joseph Thompson’s wails with the urgency of a torture victim, spewing forth his lyrics with vitriolic anguish while still delivering a limitless collection of sophisticated, highly technical riffs. Accompanying him are the incredibly gifted Andy Perkins and Keith Leeds. Both help to provide a tableau of power behind Thompson, shifting time and tempo with dizzying prowess. “Stay Afloat” is a prime example of this staggering skill, as the band blends the best elements of hardcore, metal, and post-punk into a swirling beast of an effort. However, this is not blind fury-Mala In Se deliver violence with a supreme sense of style. Even the closing ambient “Outro” is engrossing as it concludes the disc on an ominous note. This is brilliant.

NIGHT BIRDS - Fresh Kills Vol.1 (Grave Mistake Records www.gravemistakerecords.com)

Grave Mistake continues to put other labels to shame with the release of this compilation of the work of Night Birds. With a sound reminiscent of early Dead Kennedys, particularly Mike Hunchback’s East Bay Ray style on “Midnight Movies” and the ripping “Bad Biology”, Night Birds play scorching punk with a penchant for sharp harmonies. Crawling out of the remnants of the Ergs and Hunchbacks, these four guys tear through abrasive yet hook laden slabs of two minute punk perfection. The playing of Night Birds is tinged with subtle surf elements along with precise aggressiveness. Highlights include, but are certainly not limited to, “Prognosis Negative”, “Can’t Get Clean”, and “Unanswerable”. This is eerily evocative at times of one of my old favorites, the Candy Snatchers, only if the Snatchers were slightly less drunk and worked in better recording studios. As it stands, the fiery speed of “Thrilling Murder” and the forty-eight second explosion “No Way Home” are two crisply recorded gems among a collection of efforts that bring purity back to punk fury. There is truly nothing to disapprove of here, as the surf-kissed “Harbor Rats” sounds like Dick Dale jamming with TSOL, while “Living in the Middle” is a precise critique of an overmedicated society. No superfluous self-indulgence here; just raw aggressive power that needs to be celebrated.

SWEAR JAR - Cuss (Phratry Records www.phratryrecords.com)

Swear Jar is a band that does not want you to relax while you listen. With a sound reminiscent of Amphetamine Reptile’s noisiest and most abrasive work, Cuss is a thunderous, unapologetic assault on your senses. Rob Flexon (drums), James Burns, and Shane Chaney (all other instruments) are a combustible trio that exude intensity and play with the subtlety of a blunt object to the skull. The opening seconds of “Sasquatch” are gripping due to the sheer brutality of the screeching guitar that introduces the band to the world in some form of flesh-ripping birth. “On the Prowl’ and “Rastallica” are a majestic combination of tracks that tease the listener with hints of harmonious riffs before veering into the darker side of song construction. There is nothing compromising or soothing on this disc; it is a boiling, seething din that one either appreciates or will run from in terror. As a person who greatly enjoys music of this nature, Swear Jar is immensely refreshing. They must know that their target audience is small, but is certainly rabid and this disc is a tribute to those who do not want music to be conveniently labeled. Simultaneously minimalist yet complex, Swear Jar possesses an energy that is sorely lacking in the world of rock right now. The slash and burn approach to “Blinders” and “Cheating Death” are thoroughly intriguing and satisfying, while the pounding groove of “Heavy Corpse Song” makes it one of my favorites of the bunch. There are some fairly clear Fugazi moments here, but only due to the band’s stop-on-a-dime style and refusal to adhere to a traditional song structure. It is not easy, but then again, the best things in life usually require effort. Commit yourself to this and you will undoubtedly run back for more.

CLOSET DRAMA - Dream State (www.closetdrama.fourfour.com)

MIXTAPES A Short Collection of Short Songs (Animal Style Records www.animalstylerecords.com)

Cincinnati’s Mixtapes have a name that conjures images of 80’s unrequited love, but a sound more appropriate for the early 90’s. “Birthday Party Summer Camp” is a bit too sugary at points, but the shared vocal interplay of Ryan Rockwell and Maura Weaver is endearing enough to make the track palatable. “The Real Hotel California” and “I’m Like” could have been on the Daria soundtrack with its proto-riot grrrl meets punk-pop structure. “Soups Whatever” is an acoustic nugget with lyrics that are both earnest and unapologetic, while “Whit’s End” is serenely delicate and fragile, with tender piano accenting the background. The closing “Anna Maria” is a lush duet with gorgeous lyrics, but it leaves me with an unfulfilled feeling, for it is not the rousing closer for which I hope. In the end, this is a somewhat scattered but generally strong release that deserves attention. Mixtapes, like their namesake, are an eclectic mix of styles held together by a thematic respect for talent.

RICARD X. HEYMAN - Tiers and Other Stories (Turn-Up Records - www.richardxheyman.com)

Occasionally there are releases that speak to a person even if the music performed is not a style to which one would normally gravitate. This is my emotion as I engage myself in the expansive beauty of Richard Heyman’s sprawling two-disc Tiers And Other Stories. Released as two separate records packaged together, Heyman’s performance is at times tender, haunting, or energetic as both discs include a multitude of topics and tones. Much of Tiers possess the same story-telling quality of Warren Zevon’s finest moments, such as the bouncy “The Real Deal”, or the pristine beauty of “There’s a Train” and “Everyone’s Moving in the Wrong Direction”. One is invited into the inner sanctum of Heyman’s life as he details his initial encounter and life with Nancy Leigh, his bassist and wife of twenty-three years. Those engulfed in a long term relationship will instantly find a kindred spirit in Heyman on efforts such as “Last Thought in My Mind” or “Empire Lights”. And Other Stories does not flow in chronological order as the first half of this package does, but it is an equally gripping collection addressing topics ranging from a celebration of love through the lessons learned through loss. “When Willy Played Guitar” is a loving tribute to Willy Kirchofer, guitarist for 60’s act the Doughboys, of which Heyman was a member as a young man. The style of playing on And Other Stories is not radically different than that of Tiers, nor is the breadth of emotion any less expansive, but some of the work sounds more somber, including “Birds”, “Gravity”, “Wild Souls” and “The Finish Line”. Each of those aforementioned pieces is lush and sweeping in scope, although slightly more reserved in nature than Tiers. Heyman is a remarkably gifted musician who delivers over two hours of music that passes effortlessly, as every song features a fluidity and originality that lesser players would never be capable of crafting

GREGG YETI and THE BEST LIGHTS - Wonderbuckets: the Four EP Collection (Koala Syndicate records www.myspace.com/thegreggyeti)

POINT JUNCTURE,WA - Handsome Orders (Mt Fuji records www.mtfujirecords.com)

PYGMY LUSH - Old Friends (Lovitt Records www.lovitt.com)

Old Friends is an electrifying album, and that is saying something for a largely folk-tinged disc replete with sweeping beauty and pristine fragility. Each song is both chilling and comforting; Pygmy Lush will make the hair on the back of your neck stand at attention yet lovingly embrace you as well. “Chance” is radiating and devilishly harmonic, while “Good Dirt” is played with a stunningly delicate touch, including vocals from Chris Taylor that barely rise about a whisper. “In a Well” is an ethereal piece in the sense that the song has vast pockets of empty space freeing the track to breathe and allowing the listener to become wrapped up in its beauty. Produced by Kurt Ballou, who continues to prove that everything he touches is extraordinary, Old Friends captures the sentimentality of down home Americana with uniquely ambient elements. The result is a collection of efforts that sound like musical apparitions appearing from beyond the grave to reassure love ones that all is well. I am consistently amazed at just how quiet this record is; one has to strain to hear “I’ll Wait with You”, a meandering piece in which each chord, strum, and nuance is played with painstaking precision. Old Friends’ finest quality is the pacing; nothing seems rushed as both band and listener are given ample time to digest each song. This is particularly true of the closing epic, “Pals”. The slightly more jumpy “January Song” radiates with an energy and effervescence, while “Penny on My Deathbed” is the epitome of the paradox that defines this band. The effort sounds as if it was recorded in the halls of dark, foreboding monastery, yet it also possesses warmth that defies its otherwise despondent tone. I guess this is what happens to old hardcore guys; their hearing is gone, the anger has faded, but their musicianship has intensified and the end result is a stunning collection of heartfelt anthems.

RUN FOREVER - The Devil, And Death, And Me (Solidarity records www.solidarityrecordings.com)

The spectrum of emotion on display throughout The Devil, And Death, And Me is matched only by the equally broad array of styles Run, Forever utilizes. The record is dedicated to a fallen bandmate, Corey Wolfram, who tragically died at only 21 years of age, and the songs ring with raw, gritty, emotional scarring. Vocalist Anthony Huebel possesses a voice that functions equally proficiently on stomping punk efforts, such as “A Sequence of Sad Events” and “The Grand Illusion” as well as more genteel tracks. Perhaps his finest display is “When it Won’t Leave”, an acoustic piece that resonates with suffering. “For God or Gold”, “No Truth”, and “10,000 Leagues” are aggressive, yet tempered by a folk undertone that would arouse the interest of fans of Tom Waits or Billy Bragg. The disc is a series of attempts to reach some level of understanding as to why horrific events occur in the lives of people we love. The aforementioned “No Truth” includes the poetic assumption that “when we die/we all return to God/and he loves us”. Run, Forever are living with a loss that would destroy weaker acts, but it is clear that Wolfram’s spirit is manifested through the power and earnest nature of the band’s music. These are kids are blatantly honest about feeling confused, angry, and even hopeless at times, and their story will resonate with anyone who has ever lost someone close. This is the type of catharsis that only great music can produce.

DES ARK - Don’t Rock the Boat…Sink the Fucker (Lovitt records www.lovitt.com)

GREEN RIVER ORDINANCE - The Morning Passengers EP-Acoustic Sessions (www.greenriverordinace.com)

COKE BUST – “Degradation” EP (Grave Mistake Records www.gravemistakerecords.com)

Coke Bust may be my favorite band in the world right now, and I make no apologies for a ridiculously gushing review. Grind, hardcore, power violence, whatever label one chooses to place on this band seems insufficient as Coke Bust simply crush everything in their collective sight. The A side boasts a blitzkrieg of brutality that decimates the listener, particularly “Long Gone” and Keep Out”. The B-side proves to be diversified as Coke Bust reveals a heavier, more groove oriented sound. While “Degradation” is as vicious as anything the band has ever done and “No Authority” roars behind Chris’ drumming, the real shocker is “Deathbed”. “Deathbed” rumbles with a thick and, unprecedented for these guys, mid-tempo riff and is far longer than a standard Coke Bust effort. Nicktape’s vocals are again typically strained, but this time guitarist Jeremy and bassist Jubert demonstrate clearly that they are more than one trick ponies. This is essential.

BRAIN F – “So Dim” EP (Grave Mistake Records www.gravemistakerecords.com)

Brain F deliver two brief slabs of ultra lo-fi noise filled with rage and fuzzy guitars. One can almost smell the oil stain on the floor of the garage as this band churns out the title track and its nearly identical twin B-side, “Symptom Sect” which includes the lines ”All that reading’s gone to your head/Keep the simple out of your bed/Evolution in modern times/intelligence in steep decline”. I concur with these kids on this point, and if you fail to like this, you simply do not like rock n’ roll. This is primal and majestically rudimentary in the most positive way. The shared male/female vocals are reminiscent of X buried in a wall of tape hiss. This is a wonderful way to spend four minutes of your life.

CAPTAIN, WE’RE SINKING - “With Joe Riley” 7-inch EP (Evil Weevil Records http://evilweevilrecords.blogspot.com)

This outfit plays speedy, jangly punk with a very raw sound. Recorded live in the studio, the three songs soar out of the speakers with an earnest level of immediacy. “The Ballad of Ichabod Crane” is a fun ride of aggressive playing tempered by a gentler interlude before again closing with a flurry. “Manners are Their Own Reward, Gentlemen” features a more ferocious vocal attack from past Prime that ends too quickly. The band shifts gears somewhat dramatically on “Foster Brothers”, for it is a far more streamlined pop-punk effort that while harmonic, lacks the manic energy that defined the earlier work. This is not a life-altering release, but it is a solid slab for you pop-oriented punks.

PUJOL - “How High” b/w “Sliderz” (Evil Weevil Records http://evilweevilrecords.blogspot.com)

This lo-fi punk effort is tinged with a pop veneer that could fit with the earliest purveyor of garage rock. The fuzzy recording adds to the overall rugged atmosphere of the opening “How High”. The song is messy and sloppy, but one would want to stay with it to hear how it ends. It is not a track that will stay with you once it concludes, but I respect the vibe. The B-side is flat out weird. “Sliderz’ features a heavy bass line and lyrics about being covered in snakes and having reptilian friends. This one is intriguing at times, but consistently strange.

BARRY BRUSSEAU - A Night Goes Through - 12-inch LP (barryjames@macforcego.com)

Brusseau is a native of Oregon, originally from Washington State, and his connection to the Pacific Northwest music scene runs deep. He was a member of the Jimmies and the Legend of Dutch Savage, two loud punk acts. For A Night Goes Through, the punk bluster is replaced by gentle, serene acoustic folk that sounds unfortunately like someone doing an imitation of a folk record. Brusseau’s voice is warm but it lacks the range to make his stories convincing. By the time one hits the eulogy “The Promise”, one is either bored or rolling eyes at what this attempts to be. The production and accompanying materials included as part of the packaging are actually stronger and more appealing that the music found within. Gorgeous inlay cards are provided for each song and the photography is stirring. Unfortunately, the songs fall flat as they become repetitive and lackluster, particularly “Shufflin Moon” and “Tall and Frayed”. I have the utmost respect for any musician looking to undertake a new direction and challenge themselves, but some people should just stay with what they know best. Turn up the amps again, Barry.

RESTORATIONS - Strange Behavior 12-inch LP (Paper and Plastick Records www.paperandplastick.com)

Restorations is a band that holds an interesting spot on the spectrum of indie rock. Their sound is difficult to articulate, which is always a positive trait in my opinion. The opening “Title Track” has elements of jangly pop mixed with noisier, more angular qualities, yet there is an intimacy about the song that separates it from the myriad of contemporaries. “Linear Notes” smacks of the finest qualities of 90’s indie rock, complete with a somber set of verses and arousing chorus. The warmth of Jon Loudon’s vocals is the real star of the song, as he emotes heartfelt frustration: “Now I’m pouring out my eyes, what day what time?/ Now I’m pouring out my lies, oh where have we been?” Despite being a brief four song EP, there is a vast array of ideas on display. Each of the four pieces possess a unique personality and style with “The Reappearing American Hobo” defined by a slower, softer tempo and the richly harmonious background vocals of Frances Quinlan. (no relation) The song’s warmth embraces the listener and one is pulled into a tale of a tortured relationship, concluding with the line “And to think it all started when I said I didn’t like Kerouac.” The closing “Documents” harbors a classic indie/shoegazing atmosphere, only with Loudon’s vocals sounding more strained and on the verge of exploding as he bemuses, “I can feel it crawling through my bones”. This Philly outfit has much to offer as it hearkens back to indie rock’s heritage but certainly maintains its own sense of independence.

ALMOST FREE - In/Out (www.almostfreemusic.net)

The kids should eat up this bubbly outfit. Reminding me of the Killers after listening to a steady dose of The Queen is Dead, the dance floor ready “Really Don’t Know (About You)” includes well hidden guitars that provide a little muscle under the decadence while “Generation Y” simply crackles with synth pop energy I wish would disappear forever. This is not for me, but these kids have tapped into a new wave of lighthearted indie rock. Fans of Crystal Cave or Naked and Famous will be attracted here, for each song is inoffensive and bouncy with only the most sincere of emotion on display. “Times We Used to Have” is a fitting title, for it sounds like another time, with touches of effects and crisp interplay between bass, guitar, and synth. Vocalist Andy Bird has an infectious voice and these guys are ready for the teenage hipster crowd. Almost Free borrow heavily from the 80’s, a decade I am sure these guys have only read about, and their fans of the same ilk should eagerly adopt them. The one highlight for me was the darker “Don’t Bother Me Now”, a slightly more forceful track that eschews some of the peripheral genteel qualities of the earlier songs for a more direct delivery. The song also includes a well honed guitar solo and could be harbinger of future steps in the right direction. Almost Free’s use of sugary synth frustrates me, but the kids seem to love it. However, to their credit, there is a broader scope of talent on display that could carry this band beyond a few college radio charts.

JOE LALLY - Why Should I Get Used to It? (Dischord Records www.dischord.com)

For most, the name Joe Lally conjures instant musical snapshots of jarring bass lines from Fugazi’s legendary career. However, since that band’s hiatus took effect in 2003, Lally has continued to make music on his own that, while wholly separate from his previous outfit, still maintains experimental and provoking approaches. The eleven efforts on Why Should I Get Used to It? range from the fuzzy, bouncy, yet lyrically quite serious opener “What Makes You” to the slow, more convoluted “Philosophy for Insects”, a track that includes a variety of guitar effects and one of Lally’s punishing bass hooks, albeit more straightforward that his typical effort in Fugazi. A penchant for slower, darker, more emotionally ambient work appears throughout the disc, as “Fort Campbell, Ky.”, “Let it Burn”, and “Ministry of the Interior” are entirely unique, but also maintain a similar sense of experimentalism and nearly improvisational structure, particularly “Let it Burn” that ebbs and flows but never locks into one organized groove, while the magnificent cello of Christine Mairer highlights “Ministry”. This challenging nature is reflective of the larger work. That is not to say that this is too esoteric to be enjoyed, for it is not. The damn near funky closer “Last of the Civilized” gives a flash of a more fun-loving Lally, while “Coral and Starfish” may broach the topic of atomic warfare in World War II, it does so with a brisk pace and infectious structure. Long time Fugazi fans will eagerly lap this one up, but those who are looking for an exigent yet cohesive piece of intelligent indie rock should not allow this one to slide away.

ONE WIN CHOICE - Conveyor (Jump Start Records www.jumpstartrecords.com)

The members of One Win Choice are not revolutionaries, but they do what they do very well. Dan Kloza’s vocals strike that oft-difficult balance between furious and melodic. His delivery allows his rants to sound forthright but never as a lecture. His condemnation of war in “Places” is heartfelt, where less skilled singers could have easily come across as clichéd. “Act Your Age” is a glorious celebration of doing what you love, while the gang vocals and confrontational tone of “Paint Me a Better World” makes it a highlight of the disc. The intensity of “If Hell Existed” also helps to eliminate any misconception that this is a punk band with a pop edge. Yes, much of the work is harmonic and catchy, but it also features an exposed nerve; something raw that prohibits the music from ever sounding too clean or premeditated. Guitarists Pete Pieczynski and Justin Stevenson battle each other in a series of dueling riffs and brief but effective solos, while the rhythm section of bassist Dave Aon and especially drummer Justin Phillips seem to be everywhere. With this wall of talent behind him, Kloza unleashes an array of emotions about growing older (“Frame Your Favorite Pictures”), thanking your mentors (“Ocean, Luzerne, Monroe”) and life’s constant challenges (“Who Threw Out the Itinerary?”, “Release Me”). There are times when one just wants a great record, not a life-altering shift in music theory, and Conveyor is that great album.

THE BUILDERS and the BUTCHERS - Dead Reckoning (Badman Recording Co. www.badmanrecordingco.com)

If John Steinbeck was penning Grapes of Wrath right now, he would use the dusty, poignant pain of The Builders and the Butchers as inspiration. Beginning with the hauntingly biting tale of addiction “I Broke the Vein” through the gospel stomp of “Family Tree”, The Builders and the Butchers offer a collection of heartfelt narratives that stir the soul and shake the spirit. Singer Ryan Sollee credits 1930’s America as a muse for Dead Reckoning, and one only need to listen to the ominous “Rotten to the Core” to appreciate this. The America of the 21st century is eerily similar to the economic, social, and political upheaval of the 30’s, and when Sollee says “did you know the whole world is rotten to the core”, he is capturing a lament felt by millions today. With a duo of drummers, Ray Rude and Brandon Hafer, The Builders and the Butchers are a surprisingly bombastic lot at times, particularly when one compares them to other folksy, Americana style acts. The dense “It Came from the Sea” rattles its way through a nautical tale, while “Lullaby” jangles with a subtle beauty that illustrates this band’s expansive talent. Fitting perfectly at a church revival or back porch hootenanny in the heartland, The Builders and the Butchers play traditional music with tremendous intensity and passion, as heard on “Moon is on the March”, a story of good against evil, and the delicate “All Away”. Delivering his lyrics with the zeal of a preacher, Sollee commands attention, and his tales of woe envelope the listen, as fluctuating intonations convey a multitude of emotions. Recorded in a scant eight days, there is a sense of urgency that permeates Dead Reckoning, making this performance to be atypical of the conventional connotations many have of folk. Ignoring this would be a terrible mistake.

DEEP SLEEP - Turn Me Off (Grave Mistake records www.gravemistakerecords.com)

Deep Sleep play my favorite brand of punk-it’s fast, mercilessly intense, and kills you five times before you know you’re dead. With ten songs in a blazing thirteen minutes, put this on repeat and enjoy the annihilation. Every song on this disc is a well produced slab of pure anger, but if you really want to watch the pit explode, check out “Destroy Everything” (“I want to fuck/I want to scream, I want to destroy everything”), “Always Run”, “Head Spins”, and the most unforgiving pseudo-love song ever, “Be With You” (All the shit I want to do/I just want to share with you”). Tony Pence’s vocals are always on the verge of self-destruction, and his delivery is reminiscent of classic 80’s hardcore, while Nick Vance’s guitar does more than act as a three chord buzz saw; he delivers guitar intricacy not always associated with this style of playing. Drummer Darick Sater and bassist Mike Stearns lay down a steady low end that acts as a tremendous foundation on “Play Another” and “Slow Down”. Speedy, unforgiving, and surprisingly melodic, Deep Sleep take all that is great about hardcore’s legends and spins it into an impressive contemporary release.

DEZRTER - Prawo Do Bycia Idiota (Mystic Production www.mystic.pl)

If you believe that great music transcends all language barriers, then pick up this gem from Poland. Dezerter began their careers in May of 1981 outside of Warszawa and were originally known as SS-20, a jab at a secret Soviet nuclear missile. With the Communist forces breathing down their necks, the members changed their name to Dezerter and began playing politically subversive punk that in some cases actually made it past the repressive government censors. This release is not old material, but rather a fresh collection of smart, fast punk that, although delivered solely in Polish, has the ability to rouse the emotions of those who listen. Luckily, the liner notes include an English translation of the songs, and one finds politically astute and sharply crafted lyrics that reflect a frustration with subjugation that still exists two decades after the fall of the Berlin Wall. “Blasphemy”, with references to Czestochowa’s shrine”, the disappointment spewed on ‘Right to be an Idiot” and “We the Poles” capture the still simmering resentment of Eastern Europe, as “politics and geography marked us for years to come/Now we wait for dole counting on someone else’s help”. The most moving of the collection is the closing “No God”. Written from the perspectives of both a confused, scared Palestinian boy and a disenfranchised Israeli soldier, the song illuminates with startling clarity the human toll of this ongoing struggle. All of this is set to a soundtrack of incredibly catchy, furious playing. With a heavy low end and seething guitars, this is for fans of any classic punk act. It is great to see bands like this still out on the road and providing the planet with intellectual, masterful music. Hopefully, more of the world will have a chance to celebrate them.

KICKING SPIT - Psychrockbullshit (Tankcrimes records www.tankcrimes.com)

Wow, within a minute of the opening “Nothing Left”, Kicking Spite delivers me back to my college radio station as Dinosaur Jr.’s “Feel the Pain” and Superchunk’s “Slack Motherfucker” fill my head. While the name can use some tweaking, Kicking Spit has to be commended for their chops-the guys held down positions in bands like Seasick and Big Eyes, and spent nine weeks touring in support of their cassette edition of Psychrockbullshit. Cassette? I guess in the age of instantaneous downloads, that is pretty punk. Are 8 tracks the next uber-punk move? At any rate, Kicking Spit is raucous and the kids balance hardcore ferocity with a sly commercialism that harkens back to the glory days of “college rock”, but some of this sounds too premeditated. “Sea of Swirls” borrows as much from Temple of the Dog as it does Husker Du, while “Way Out” is the noisiest and most challenging of the bunch, but even this is simply more J Mascis adoration. The vocals soar above the fray while the combustion rattles beneath, creating a juxtaposition of styles that is not revolutionary but still fun. This will not leave anyone speechless, and at times, and I feel like Kicking Spit are trying too hard to capture 1990 on “Truth or Consequences” and “Skulls”, as if they expect Lou Barlow or Bob Mould to sit in with them. For those who did not experience the “alternative” revolution for themselves, Psychrockbullshit is a fairly commendable reproduction of the sound, but really, just go out and buy Flip Your Wig.

VINYL

CHAUCHAT - Songs for Scaffolding (Unread Records www.unread-records.com)

Raw and enchanting, Chauchat is a mysterious duo led by Tyler Whitney. While currently residing in New York City, Whitney records in the far more rural and bucolic environment of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The result is a sparse, haunting affair that brings a sense of foreboding to Whitney’s folk. I am taken by the subtle touches one finds throughout Songs for Scaffolding, a compilation of songs recorded entirely within an abandoned candy factory. The sound of scraping metal at the onset of “Brave Shield” is indeed a metal lid being dragged across the floor of an empty room. These restrained nuances make Songs for Scaffolding an engrossing listen that requires commitment from the listener to fully appreciate. The pained emotion embedded within “Practice in the Rubble” and “If the Shoe Fits” is riveting, as even the slightest shift in intensity makes each song surprisingly powerful. Case in point is the thunderous (comparatively speaking) “Dance Me Off a Cliff”. Despite such a cold setting, this is a warm and appealing release.

SAVAGE BREWTALITY - The Last Slice (Fest Records www.festrecords.com)

As I write this, the Middle East is on fire, Japan is in the midst of potential nuclear catastrophe and those 2012 predictions about the end of the world seem to be potentially valid. Therefore, why not lose yourself in some drunken punk tomfoolery? If you have a sense of humor, an affinity for beer, and an appreciation for three catchy chords played on repeat, then you are the target audience of Savage Brewtality. The Last Slice is musical equivalent of every thought that dominates the mind of frat boys all over this great land, (“Let’s Get Drunk”, “Nachos”, and “Whacky Shack”) played with blazing punk speed. I happen to find this stuff funny, for “WWZJD” (What Would Zombie Jesus Do?) makes me laugh and appeals to my inner idiot. Additionally, any band that makes references to Thundar the Barbarian, or in this case, his alcoholic cousin “Fundar the Brewbarian”, is alright with me. With a dual guitar assault compliments of Geis and Jack, Savage Brewtality unleash a fairly substantial set of riffs upon the listener, while Keeth’s vocals are both entertaining and relatively on key. This is not a band looking to push the genre into new musical directions, but if you do not consider yourself above pee jokes and “Weekend at Bernie’s 2” references, take this for what it is, smile and drink.

BABY FIRE - No Fear (Cheap Satanism records www.cheapsatanism.com)

When a band is named in reference and somewhat in deference to Ottis Toole, the cannibalistic, pyromaniac serial killer and lover of Henry Lee Lucas, I am intrigued. Tell me it is a female duo and I’m hooked. To complete the package, Baby Fire is captivating and instantly memorable. Musically, vocalist and guitarist Diabolita and drummer Cha! play no frills punk that could have been the soundtrack in Olympia, Washington circa 1993. The riffs are solid but not revolutionary, but that is as incidental now as it was in the early 1990’s. What makes a band like Baby Fire noteworthy is the unbridled honesty and raw humanity that shines throughout the disc. Diabolita’s vocals move from a low monotone to a high pitched shriek as she and Cha! churn out short burst of fearless punk. Blending the bombast of Bikini Kill with the unassuming harmony of Slater-Kinney, Baby Fire soar on “Dark Ages”, “Bunny”, “I Love to Cook’ and “Yellow Wallpaper”, a great literary nod to Charlotte Gilman. This is smart punk delivered by two very sharp minds who express consistently subtle anger throughout No Fear. The darkness of “Worst Things”, and “Half Sick of Shadows” along with the melancholy terror of “Bones Soup” are nearly palpable, and when Diabolita declares “I am a warrior” on “Insect/Flower”, it is advisable to get out of her way. The disc takes a mesmerizing turn on “Soap”, a haunting track that sounds like a journey through the mind of a madman, while the meandering, plodding pace of “Everybody’s Got a Hungry Heart” only accentuates its sense of impending suffering. Watch this band closely, for there is something very special here.

BRIDGES AND POWERLINES - Eve (Stunning Models on Display records www.stunningmodelsondisplay.com)

Bridges and Powerlines are a typical New York act, in the sense that they are transients from other areas who came to New York to take advantage of the City’s newly rekindled interest in pop music. Unfortunately, I am not among those who are interested in delicate, serene pop, which is what dominates Eve. Yes, the vocals are warm, the playing is richly melodious, the arrangements are sophisticated, but this is simply too pretty for me. “I Remember a Blue Sky” and “The Roman Leaders” are far too tranquil for my liking, while the bouncy keys that accentuate “The Jameson” frustrate more than excite me. This is slickly produced and luxuriantly harmonious, but one has to be a fan of such easily palatable, inoffensive music. Some efforts, such as “Balcony” and “Gazes Wide” simply hang around too long, as the latter includes a tender key interlude that sets the song up for a more explosive conclusion, but sadly that never occurs. This is sophisticated pop, but the song structures are so intricate that the disc never generates a truly memorable hook. I cannot fault the playing, but there is no racket, no real energy to be found. Put this on during a rainy Sunday when you want to close your eyes and drift away. If you want something more than that, this is not for you.

OCTAVES - Greener Pastures (Hotfoot records www.hotfootrecords.com)

Octaves waste no time in making a powerful impression. The opening yelp of Phil Foster on “Fix the Fernback” is like a punch to the face, but this band has a multitude of musical tricks up their collective sleeve. Within just this opening effort one hears elements of bruising metal power, atmospheric interludes, intricate time signatures, and the stunningly gorgeous vocals of Allyson Little. It is a commanding introduction and sets the stage for what is a complicated but richly engaging effort. In less skilled players, this would be a complete disaster-a wave of splattered ideas seemingly disconnected from each other. However, Greener Pastures, despite its head-spinning song structures and math metal characteristics, is a seamless collection of furious rage that is always deliberate and focused. A Dillinger Escape Plan comparison is fitting, but not wholly complete. Octaves manage to inject elements of melody and harmony into their swirling masses, such as “I’ve Got Boxes Full of Pepe” and “I Am He Who is Called I Am”. These songs will leave people in stunned awe, for it is extraordinarily rare that a band can generate blasting, crushing songs with such staggering precision and attention to detail. There is not a wasted note here, and I am left exhausted when it finishes. Guitarists Bob Elder and Wes Young should emerge as household names, as they alternate between metallic vehemence and jazz intricacy, best embodied on “I’m Just Going to the Corner to Get Cigarettes (I’ll be Back in a Minute)”. However, should you prefer your brutality to be quick and relentless, check out the grind-friendly “Shmohawk”, an effort that would make the guys in Brutal Truth smile. The splintered compositions that dominate the Greener Pastures are simultaneously jarring and malleable, a juxtaposition of sophistication and raw frenzy. This is a very positive beacon for hope for fans of unapologetic hardcore.

BY THE THROAT - One Good Night (Winter St. Records myspace.com/winterstreetrecords)

By The Throat play old fashion, no frills, punk rock. In other words, this band will remind you why you first fell in love with the music. There is no hyphenated tag here, no “core” tag at the end of their style. “Break Away”, “Western Front”, and “Nowhere to hide” highlight a blistering and all too brief five song EP. These slabs of classic punk stylings maintain a modern touch while still clearly paying homage to acts of yore. The dual guitar assault of Niff (who also handles vocals) and Sean Dimwit is a buzzsaw of force, while Chris Dimwit and Chris Brat are a furiously tight rhythm section. The guys do not just bash out sixty second burst of speed (although there is nothing wrong with that either), but craft highly structured pieces that reflect more sophisticated songwriting reflective of musicians who have done this for a while, as embodied by “Ask Yourself Why” and the centerpiece of the EP, “Disagree to Agree”. By the Throat give their respects to the fundamental principles of punk’s history while also displaying enough dexterity to elevate them above a simple clone of the past. Go find this.

SAMIAM - Orphan Works (No idea records www.noidearecords.com)

Samiam strikes me as punk’s version of Bruce Campbell-everything about them is likable and they should have become huge stars, but it was just never meant to be. Orphan Works puts together the finest moments of Samiam’s career and reminds many of us of just how skilled these guys really were and continue to be. “Capsized” was the one “hit” for the band, but there are numerous efforts that will either illicit wonderful memories or create new one if you are neophyte concerning the band’s career. “Bad Day”, “Stepson” (with Jason Beebout’s visceral yelp of “burn the house down”) and “Don’t Break Me” are all smartly crafted pieces that go beyond the three chord wonders that dominated much of the early 90’s post-Nirvana partitioning of the punk rock continent. Samiam construct songs that convey a range of emotions, not just frustration or blinding anger, but do so with a sonic fury that can challenge anyone. Orphan Works is more than just a greatest “could have been” collection, however, for it also provides alternative takes, live performances, and two scathing covers (“Search and Destroy” and a dead-on “Here Comes Your Man”). The raw energy of the live performance of “Sky Flying By” proves how beastly this band can be and why they are still out there on the road today-Samiam is a testament to working hard and never surrendering. The best aspect of this disc is that is not a farewell to a band, but a celebration of why they still matter.

VINYL

THE BETTER LETTERS (4:3 records www.thebetterletters.com www.4-3records.com )

Brooklyn’s the Better Letters take you back in time to the dawn of the 80’s and the onset of twitching, jangly punk that will certainly invoke numerous Talking Heads and possibly some Feelies references. Vocalist Joe Palumbo (formerly of sh-sh-sh-Shark Attack! Fame) has a nervous yet somehow infectious voice. The bouncy “Container” smacks of Freedom of Choice era Devo without some of the histrionics. However, the Better Letters also blend pop elements that make the band come across as an Americanized, male Shonen Knife. If you are a touch confused, do not worry; simply take your time, give this multiple listens and I promise you’ll be hooked.

MIEZEKATZE (4:3 records www.4-3records.com)

4:3 records is building quite a little stable just from Brooklyn. This one is a noisy, lo-fi punk platter delivered predominantly in German. Try to imagine Nena singing for the Stranglers or the Voidoids and you get a sense of what this is. “Check Please” and “Boy in Every Town” have both English and German lyrics, but the latter is my preferred track of the two. “Boy” harkens back to core of classic punk with a vibe reminiscent of the Heartbreakers and even the Ramones until the chorus, which sounds as if vocalist Simone Huelser needs an oompa band to back her up appropriately. This is not easy, but worth the effort.

THE DROVES - Out of Herself (Eastern Spurs Records www.myspace.com/thedrovesnyc)

The Droves have a rare ability to create harmony in the most exigent of places. The riffs and song structures throughout Out of Herself are challenging, yet still inexplicably accessible. The opening “Mackenzie” is the best song J. Mascis never wrote, while “Dying Fits of Laughter” takes a somber tone but still infuses it with infectious hooks. “Plexi and Tandem” includes both a soaring falsetto and a wall of guitar, accompanied by thundering drumming. This fluctuation between fragility and forcefulness keeps the record perpetually interesting, as heard on the beautiful “Sheila” which also includes a boisterous solo of guitar squall. I am instantly hooked with “All Lies Begin with I”, an off-kilter masterpiece of rhythmic construction with layers of guitar work and Christian Gibbs’ majestic voice. The band is fully committed to all things gloriously rock n’ roll until “Agatha”, a thick, bass-heavy dance track with huge cymbal crashes supplemented with distorted guitars and keyboards. The band’s moodier moments, such as the title track and the enchanting “Wasted” are fascinating works of intricate playing. “Better Than You” is Neil Young’s “Heart of Gold” for the twenty-first century, while the closing “Then There Were Three” is an explosive instrumental that acts as a perfect bookend to the disc’s impressive opening. This is a rich, diversified record worthy of ample appreciation.

QUIET LIFE - The Big Green (Safety Meeting Records www.safetymeeting.net)

How can a bunch of guys from New Jersey who spent time in Connecticut and now reside in Oregon capture the folksy, down-home nature of midwestern America? I have no idea either, but it happens on The Big Green. The Quiet Life sound as if they would be right at home in heartland with the opening “Storm Clouds”, a song that would make all fans of Levon Helm and the Band weep with happiness , while “No Surprise” is a stripped down examination of one’s life played with controlled finesse and highlighted by Sean Spellman’s engrossing voice. The guys are not front porch hootenannies, however, as “Nighttime” and “The Boss Man” ratchet up the noise factor, but the reserved playing makes “Cove Country” and “Sweet as Molasses” more appealing and alluring. Admirers of talents ranging from Neil Young to Dr. John to Wilco will be enraptured by the dexterity of Spellman as a raconteur, while his bandmates, including brother Ryan, generate absorbing hooks to compliment appealing choruses. Springsteen’s more earnest moments (The River, Nebraska, etc.) do emerge here, which proves that no matter where they travel, this is at heart a Jersey band.

THE GET UP KIDS - There Are Rules (Vagrant)

I have long respected the Get Up Kids for their willingness to experiment with tempo and tone throughout each of their releases, and the same is true on There Are Rules. My personal tastes lead me to the more energized pieces, such as “Regent’s Court” and the closing “Rememorable”, as they both are well crafted guitar anthems with fluent lyrics and bold riffs. There are a few misses here, such as the ineffectual “Rally Round the Fool”, and “overly bouncy “Shatter Your Lungs” but more often the band locks into a fuzzy, agro-punk/pop energy such as the stirring “Birmingham” and driving “Better Lie”. The Get Up Kids have evolved far from their early days when they were saddled with the ill-fitting emo tag. Since the band’s return to the music scene in 2008, the Get Up Kids seem to be more intense and more driving as a musical force. This record, available on both Vagrant as well as the band’s own Quality Hill label is a strong return for the guys, bringing guys like me into the fold. I was never fully engrossed by the band, but There Are Rules are louder and more challenging than previous releases. The Get Up Kids have grown up and through break ups and set backs, this album is an affirmation of their talent.

VULPES VULPES - Caffeine Eyes (www.facebook.com/vulpesvulpesband)

This New Jersey indie is a promising act that blends electronics and synth into a rock construction with surprising ease. At times, such as the instrumental “Island of Pandilla” when they band comes across as simply a bubbly dance act without much real substance. However, Vulpes Vulpes blend synth with more traditional rock fury on “Tease to Seize” and the almost playful electronics are a welcomed addition and not simply gratuitously adhered to the song, while ”Maneki Neko” is a noisy, swirling ball of condensed force that teeters on the verge of explosion as the keys enter and leave sporadically. “Gavin the Narwhal is in Good Health Pt. 1” is another stellar example of the band’s musical dexterity, for the track alters tempos between periods of oft-kilter calm before unleashing passionate vocals and a riff that smacks of kids who have just discovered classic alternative. The band dances and flirts with a number of genres and creates one of their own on this brief introductory EP. “Gavin the Narwhal is in Good Health Pt. 2” is a collection of ethereal synth and samples that are off-set by angered vocals, and the song works for a time but becomes frustrating when it ceases after a minute and half only to return with an additional two minutes of downtrodden, melancholy keys that were repetitive and not reflective of this band’s ability. Caffeine Eyes is an interesting listen; it is occasionally maddening, but often engrossing and the EP does what any EP should do-it keeps the listener wanting more.

VINYL

J.MARINELLI - Pre-Emptive Skankery Sessions (Commodity Fetish Analogue www.mysapce.com/jmarinelli)

Sounding like it was recorded in a closet through a boom box onto a third generation used cassette from Radio Shack circa 1985, J Marinelli is a rare and raw punk rock gift. There is nothing even remotely approaching pretension from this raucous one man band as he hollers and stomps through fourteen scrappy nuggets. The rough and tumble feel of “Comrade K” encapsulates the entire record, as Marinelli drowns in reverb while unleashing a bluesy, filthy ditty. This puts a new “lo” in lo-fi and Pre-Emptive Skankery Sessions is not always an easy listen, but that is the point. This is an artist putting himself out for both adulation and condemnation, and while “The Ballad of Eddie Freedom” and “Last Year’s Party” are too lethargic for me, I am fascinated by “Weak Enough”, “Your Ethos is Like a Drug to Me”, and “Keep Morgantown Weird”. I am still hesitant about the concept of the one man band, but Marinelli largely changes my opinion with this slab of unsophisticated basement brilliance.

X - Under The Big Black Sun (Porterhouse Prime Vinyl www.porterhouserecords.com)

All hail the brilliance of Steve Kravac and Greg Hetson! No longer should these men be lionized solely for their producing and musical gifts respectively, but for their perseverance and forethought behind Porterhouse and now Prime Vinyl records. Prime Vinyl has already re-released critically important works from the Circle Jerks and now unveils Under the Big Black Sun from seminal LA punk geniuses X. What makes this such a marvelous effort is the astonishing attention to detail; the vinyl is heavy and of incredible quality, and the liner notes are as they appeared in 1982. This is not a re-issue with unnecessary essays from contemporary hangers-on pining for the long departed days of yore. This is like being transported back thirty years in time and hearing this record for the first time. For those too young to accurately recall this prize, Under the Big Black Sun is a collection of intelligent, articulate punk highlighted by “Riding with Mary”, the title track, and the blistering “Because I Do”. It also includes the poignant tribute to Exene Cervenka’s mother Mary, “Come Back to Me”, the stomping “Blue Spark” and the scorching “Real Child of Hell”. Joe Doe, Exene Cervenka, D.J. Bonebrake, and Billy Zoom have much to celebrate here, and all of us benefit from the return of this long out of print gem.

JOHN EYE - Cannonicus 3:14 (www.h1Massive.com)

Dark, ambient, and edgy, John Eye is a surprise. I am off-put at first by the fact that it appears as if Eye takes one idea and simply reformulates it seven times and slaps on one extra track for fun. Instead, despite using “Cannonicus” in seven of the eight titles, this is not an EP of one track simply remixed. Each of the seven “Cannonicus” efforts is distinctively in personality and intensity. The brightest highlight for me was “Sun Dance”, a majestic, traditional Lakota Sioux performance which is riveting. The opening drum pummeling and atmospheric nature of “Ride” is instantly enticing, and opens the floodgates of Eye’s remixes and reconstruction of the title song. The destructive force of “Song of Cannonicus” uses metallic force and heavily distorted vocals to rattle one’s brain for a punishing six minutes and this one is on repeat for me. “Cannonicus Rivetburn Mix” features a hypnotic groove that could melt the walls of any club. Each song also includes the beats per minutes, with a riotous 128 bpm’s occurring on half of the efforts! This would not be a traditional listen for me, and I was unaware of Eye’s work prior to this, but he is highly prolific and worth of investigation. Fans of his earlier material should find reasons to celebrate this latest piece.

THE F BOMBERS - “Nobody’s Hero” Pledge Allegiance (Jailhouse Records www.jailhouserecords2.bandcamp.com)

This single is the lead track from the upcoming Pledge Allegiance record on Jailhouse records, the label responsible for unleashing the Pink Lincolns upon the world. The F Bombers are energized, hook-laden, and instantly engaging. The track is three and half minutes of pure, gritty punk with a tremendous sense of harmony. With aggressive vocals and a raw, yet melodic riff and big chorus, the song follows the blue-print of how to generate accessible punk. There is nothing not to like here, and this track bodes well for the full length effort. Check checking out the jailhouse website for details on a highly promising act.

THE LAST STAND (www.myspace.com/thelaststandnyhc)

This blink and its over EP is four songs of traditional, thunderous New York hardcore. The members of The Last Stand have been doing this for a while and there is nothing revolutionary about this effort. However, that does not detract for its power and fury. Those who appreciate Agnostic Front, Madball, and other no frills hardcore acts will revel in this. There is nothing not to like if you consider yourself a hardcore fan-the guitar riffs are concrete thick slabs of power compliments of Dion De Nardo. Surrounding him are fellow former Shutdown mates Stephen Della Croce on bass and drummer Jimmy McCormack. Together, their playing is an impenetrable fortress of aggression, acting as an ideal musical bed for the rage expunged by vocalist Mike Scondotto. The most satisfying aspect of this disc is that there is a level of sophistication to each of the four efforts, particularly “Opportunities Lost and Found” and “Life’s Questions”. This is not a bunch of kids screaming about a world they do not understand-these are still fuming, frustrated adults using hardcore to vent real dissatisfaction. If you are still angry after all these years, go find this one.

THE LOWBOTS t (www.myspace.com/thelowbots)

I am never in a mood mellow enough for this. Tony Low is a talented singer with a rich, textual voice, but I am not a fan of this style of playing. Part folk, part trippy pseudo-psychedelia, the Lowbots jingle and jangle through twelve non-threatening efforts. Songs like “Puffin” and “Like a Dream” are sure to be appreciated by those who wish the 60’s never faded, but I am bored. “Virtual-made Man” is a sarcastic look at today’s technologically driven world, but it is not truly critical; it comes across as a poorly delivered sarcastic rant and not a song of any real cultural substance. Other pieces, such as the mundane “Ride With Me” and “Been Here Waiting” take one idea and exploit it for too long. Musically, Low, along with Peter Tyler and Mike Glock are more than competent at their respective instruments, but the gentle tempos, harmless delivery, and bland arrangements leave me frustrated. In fact, as I listen to this album of polished, pop-rock nuggets, I am becoming increasingly angry. Save this for the coffee house circuit, if one of those still exists, but please keep this from me.

JIM TESTA The Wurst of Jim Testa: Music to Eat Sandwiches By (www.facebook.com/jimtesta)

I know I am going to sound like a suck-up by enjoying this and praising it, but I am not some easy-grader who is here simply to fawn over Jim’s musical adventures. Our friend Jim plays fun folk rock with a great sense of humor with nods to pop and even doo-wop without sounding fabricated or trite. Every word is delivered with brutal honesty and Testa is a skilled raconteur who can reference Justin Beiber, Elvis Costello, and the Ramones within the same track and have it make sense (the wonderfully sardonic “Blow Up Your Radio”). Granted, there are times when one must be of a certain age to truly appreciate the references, but if you know Jean Shepherd (everyone has seen “A Christmas Story”, so you need not be familiar with his early radio career) or fondly admire Husker Du (on the slightly punchier “Lunch with Husker Du”), Testa speaks directly to you. Testa paints teen angst with raw emotion on “I Was a Teenage Frankenstein”. Set in New Jersey in 1978, the narrator is every kid who ever pined for the homecoming queen and could not get a date for the prom, i.e. dorks like me. However, rather than ending the story in a teenage basement with a copy of Hustler, Jim takes you into the current state of that once gorgeous girl: four times pregnant, fat, and married to the former quarterback who is now bald. It’s a classic example of nerd revenge and it rules! Testa’s insight into the pseudo-hipster universe shines thrown on “Planet Williamsburg’ and “Sally’s Got a New Tattoo”, while his endearing self-depreciating humor is evident on the now somewhat dated “(I Need the) Queer Eye (For the Straight Guy)” and seamless double entendre of “Third Class Male”, which mirrors early Elvis in delivery. He even captures the spirit of “indie rock camaraderie” on “The W.E. Fest Song”, a tribute to emergence of a true grass roots festival success story. What makes The Wurst of Jim Testa so likeable is how Jim, whether you know him or not, comes across as an everyman; he is an earnest, insightful guy who sees through all the nonsense and exposes it with an acoustic guitar and a smirk. Besides, how can one not like a guy who pays homage to Festivus? Now it is time for the feats of strength, Jim!

JOHN SHIPE - Villain (Involushun Records www.johnshipe.com)

For those who appreciate the beauty of Americana, you will undoubtedly fall into the velvet embrace of John Shipe’s Villain. Ten albums in, Shipe seems to be hitting his stride on this lush collection of highly descriptive tales of love and woe. The highlight is the stunning “Hard to Believe”, a stirring duet with Halie Loren, but there will be undoubted debate about which effort truly stands out. “Love Belong to Everyone” is a warm, luxurious effort that defies a title that sounds a bit corny. The bouncy and pop-infused “Another Disaster” stands in contrast to more somber and wrenching “No Use Crying Over a Spilt Life”, but the two make a tremendous one-two combination arriving deep in the record. The latter is particularly cutting for those who find them unhappy in their current situation, but as Shipe reminds the listener that one should not complain when one “got a job and you love your wife/ no reason to fall on your knife”. The entire disc resonates with an intimacy through the production skills of Ehren Ebbage. John Hiatt and Jeff Buckley fans will instantly gravitate to this, particularly the witty and intelligent lyrical play of “What Right Do We Have to Fall in Love?” and the powerful piano ballad “Dead Kite”. This is atmospherically beautiful and harmonically sensual; a rich combination of musical dexterity and lyrical erudition. This is a striking record worthy of immediate attention.

FORMER GHOSTS - New Love (Upset the Rhythm Records www.upsettherhythm.com)

Dark, expansive, and intriguing, New Love is a musical investigation of loneliness, obsession, and suffering. The soundscapes of Former Ghosts fluctuate between sparse and fiercely penetrating. The opening “The Days Will Get Long Again” introduces Freddy Ruppert’s morose interpretation of pop. Even when the record becomes bouncy, such as the kinetic “New Orleans”, there remains a sense of uncertainty and potential despair. “And When You Kiss Me” will enthrall Joy Division fans, for one can feel Ruppert’s anguish in its raw, beautifully tortured manner, while the soaring vocals of Roza Danilova accentuates the majesty of “Chin Up”. Fittingly, Ruppert made a song titled “Trust” an instrumental, as it is a appropriate metaphor for the vacuous loss of faith and hope which dominates the disc. With ear-tantalizing rhythms and synth that can be pop-tinged or angular, New Love is a sanguine display of musical manipulation. The morbidity of Ruppert’s vocals are haunting on “Taurean Nature”, with its simple beats and gentle synth, while the up-tempo groove of “Right Now” masks the soul-wrenching sorrow found within. Yasmine Kittles provides a voice that is innocent yet infused with yearning on “I am Not What You Want”, making it the most infatuating effort of the bunch. The most excruciating demonstration of emotional suffering is on the fittingly titled “Bare Bones”. Ruppert laments about his state as he bemoans “I would sacrifice anything just to see you smile” and “love, keep it away from me” over an ethereal musical bed. His voice quivers and radiates with tangible agony-this is a troubling but deeply engaging examination into the depth of longing.

SOUTH CRY - Blue Moon (www.Southcry.com)

As I listen to this I am overwhelmed by a desire to angrily turn it off and throw away someplace very far, particularly following the band’s mid-tempo attempt at “Help!” by the Beatles. Yes, those Beatles. However, as I regain my composure and the blood slowly drains out of my face, I am somewhat glad that the disc continues on, for not everything South Cry does is so cringe-inducing. Following this debacle, which is the fourth track on the self-released disc, this Brazilian act produces a collection of yeoman style rock, occasionally touching on mainstream boogie, a la the Kings of Leon on “Actually’ and “Russian Roulette”. However, this is extraordinarily ordinary in every respect. South City are about as bold as Counting Crows, a band from whom they seem to draw inspiration on “Lord of Sound” and the closing “She!”. It is an unremarkable, but not entirely joyless listen, but you will never rush to hit repeat. If you have a friend who has never heard rock before and wants the most generic, flavorless approach to the genre, play that person Blue Moon. For the rest of us, keep on walking.

ROBERT POSS - Settings: Music for Dance, Film, Fashion, and Industry (Trace Elements Records www.TraceElementsRecords.com)

Robert Poss is responsible for a record that is mesmerizing and stunning in scope. This richly textured release features pieces commissioned for choreographers Alexandra Beller, Gerald Casel, and Sally Gross. This collection is a beautiful manipulation of sound, a droning amalgamation of artistically challenging brilliance. Leaving his guitar and wall of distortion at home, Poss generates songs of quiet, genteel serenity, almost to the point of not moving. Ethereal yet still piercing, Settings is a journey of enchanting beauty which hovers precariously on the verge of chaos. The opening bells of “Other Stories Interlude” (which return on “The Pleasure of Stillness”) and the engrossing “Feed Forward” are two of the works created for Beller, and two of my favorites. Longer efforts, particularly “Border Crossing March”, crafted for Casel, and the complex “Stare Decisis” are absorbing experiments of tone and structure. There is still room for remarkable warmth and beauty as exemplified by the lush strings on the majestic “Tourniquet Revisited”. The sophistication of Settings is staggering, for the record transcends soundscapes and enters rarified air usually reserved for only the most exemplary classical works. While each song is elegantly performed with a wholly unique personality, there is cohesion throughout the record as the fourteen tracks possess an intimacy and immediacy that defines the larger work. It is soulful and powerful in its scope and subtle force. Poss is a genius at creating atmospheres that are intimate yet expansive, daunting yet personal. Only on the concluding “Robert Palmer Tribute Coda” does Poss’ more traditional side emerge, as the song is a scathing eighty-five seconds of guitar squall and feedback. This is a triumph.

WE ARE HEX - Hail the Goer (Roaring Colonel Records www.myoldkentuckyblog.com)

This evocative disc is a charming combination of blunt force and delicate darkness. Throughout the record, the drumming is incredibly powerful and robust, quite literally the driving force behind each track. Conversely, there is sparse guitar work and even a little flute present, resulting in a band whose sound is truly genre-bending. However, what will undoubtedly enrapture the listener is the vocal style of Jilly. Her voice can be warm and comforting or a shriek of anguish, both done with equal command and power. Seemingly to borrow ideas from bands such as Bauhaus, Nirvana, and early Cure, the listener is dragged through a cathartic darkness on efforts “Teeth Collection”, “We are the Goer”, and the furious closer “Cutter/Given”. Clocking in at less than thirty minutes, We Are Hex does not waste your time-you are drawn into their fury and rattled until they decide to release you. There is no one style name to affix to this band, but it is a highly imaginative listen from an act unafraid of challenging people. I suggest multiple spins, for one will become a bigger fan with each listen.

JUKEBOX ZEROS - City of Bother and Loathe (Rank Outsider Records www.rankoutsiderecords.com)

Philly’s Jukebox Zeros give you four songs of awesome, honest, American rock n’ roll at a time when it is desperately needed. The title track has a chorus you will remember for weeks, while any song that includes the line “I killed a six pack just to watch it die” (“Goin’ Down to the Cop Shop”) is an instant classic in my book. The band manages to be both gritty yet still pop-laced, particularly the fabulous “Let’s Get Zooed Out”. Peter Santa Maria’s gruff and soulful vocals carry each track while raw energy oozes out from behind him. You may not have more fun with an album this year.

O’PIONEERS/ JUNIOR BATTLES - Split EP (Kiss of Death records www.kissofdeathrecords.com)

O’Pioneers is the big winner of the two here, for their forceful approach is tempered by a subtle melodic balance that makes “Hey!That’s My Blood” a tune with more than just a great name. A huge guitar riff and a jagged chorus give this song an abrasive edge which I love. Rare is the band that is so aggressive yet so melodic. I want more from these guys. Junior Battles, oddly enough the band backing vocalist Eric Soloman from O’Pioneers, do not capture the ferocity of the A-side. Junior Battles is a band with a much safer approach; they blend elements of punk-pop, heavy on the pop, with traces of more dexterous musicianship. The result is “Passing Out”, a song that possesses a well framed harmony, but was simply too pedestrian for my taste, although the talent is obvious.

RAPID CITIES/MOCK – Split EP
(myspace.com/ilovehaterecords)

Germany’s Mock is a bit tougher to grasp than RC. Their song structure on “Count and Release’ is more complex and angular, making it both fascinating and frustrating. Therefore, it does what good art is supposed to do, which is confound and engage, and the deliberate vocal style and challenging guitar riff will do just that. Mock finds a disjointed quality within their harmonies, but the convoluted nature of “Count and Release” goes on for too long. There is a great idea in the center of this song; it just requires a great amount of work to enjoy it.

REASON TO FIGHT/CHESTY MALONE AND THE SLICE ‘EM UPS- Split EP (United Riot Records www.unitedriotrecords)

Always nice to give some love to my home state of Rhode Island, and the nation’s most historically defiant state is well represented with Reason to Fight. If you like old fashion hardcore with rumbling bass, searing guitar, and shout-out along vocals, climb up front and get prepared to be punched silly. Reason to Fight roar on both tracks here, including the classically-trained unity anthem of “Dying Breed” and the celebration of the blue collar workingman, “Hard Working, Hard Drinking, Hardcore”. There is nothing fancy here; just a crisply played, well produced slab of hardcore honesty.

Do you really need a review of a band called Chesty Malone and the Slice ‘Em Ups? It’s safe to imagine what you will get, and you will fall to your knees for this act. Oh, if GG Allin was alive today-he would probably be a huge mess, but he would also be on the road with these feisty characters. The role of Chesty is filled out (ha!) by Jaqueline Blownaparte (Ok, just awesome), and her snarling vocals are the highlight of “The Brain That Ate New York” and “Quest for Flesh”, two of the sterling nuggets here on this release. The playing here is raw and vicious and must make for a great live show. This is a perfect release for punk fans who do not mind a little humor with their circle pits.

TEARS OF FRUSTRATION- Live at CBGB’s (United Riot Records www.unitedriotrecords)

This five song release captures the spirit and vitality of the CBGB’s matinees. The urgency and energy of the playing is obvious as Tears of Frustration as a hardcore machine. The raging “Old America” gives way to a duo of scathing anthems, the blistering “Hold My Breath” and “No Retreat”, my favorite of the bunch. The production level is raw and you feel as if you are immersed in the sweat and grime of the club-this is not just a great hardcore act ripping up a legendary venue, it is a celebration of a spirit that is sadly now just a collection of memories. However, wipe away those tears and turn this up loud, for the B-side includes a pair of covers, highlighted by a scorching rendition of DRI’s “Yes Ma’am”. United Riot hits again.

ANIMAL PUKE ON THE PUKE TRAIN - Compilation (Soggy Dream/Puke records www.myspace.com/soggydreammusic)

So you want a collection of unknown punk acts doing it the old fashioned D.I.Y. way but you do not know where to turn? Fear no more, my friend, for Soggy Dream has a perfect release for you. This three band EP includes my new favorite song of 2010-“Babies are Horrible” by the Pukes. Everything about this song is perfect, from the nauseating lyrics to the shockingly sing along chorus. Play this for all those annoying new parents. Mike Puke (not to be confused with the aforementioned Pukes) is a classic punk throwback as he blends primitive energy with a rousing hook in the form of “New Toys for the Blue Boys”. Lastly, Animal Train plays rough and tumble archetypal punk, highlighted by “Delusional Poser”-a song that is even better than its name. This is worth doing a little work and finding.

SUCH GOLD - Pedestals (6131 Records www.6131records.com)

Emerging from Rochester, New York, Such Gold’s six-song EP is a solid collection of technically strong, emotionally driven hardcore. The opening “Cut Rides” only hangs around for just over a minute, but first time listeners can glean the band’s sound even in that brief sample. For those with more time on their hands, “Sycamore” and “The Brass Tax” are explosive in nature without surrendering harmony. The gang vocals on the aforementioned “The Brass Tax” harkens a classic hardcore sound, while vocalist Ben Kotin has a huge voice with dazzling range not usually found in this brand of music. The guitar playing of Nate Derby and Tim Heald are burly and aggressive, while the rhythm section of Devon Hubbard (bass) and drummer Devan Bentley is incredibly tight and commanding. Although the band occasionally flirts with elements of pop-punk, their overriding influences are clearly more ferocious in nature, as the closing title track proves. It is inspiring to hear a band whose sound is a bold combination of traditional hardcore stylings peppered with contemporary elements. This is most definitely worth your time.

SENSES FAIL - The Fire (Vagrant Records www.vagrant.com)

I can understand why Senses Fail are popular; they blend raw anger with incredibly melodic rhythms to create a sound that appeals to the monster in the pit as well as that sensitive aspect you never want to admit to possessing. Case in point is “Lifeboats”, a thunderous collection of verses about loneliness and lies (“Through therapy and through the pills I can let go/But what about the fucking fact I’m still alone), accented by a delicate chorus about self-loathing and isolation. This dichotomy of sound is found throughout The Fire and defines who Senses Fail is as a band. Unfortunately, they too often adopt a genteel delivery which comes across as pre-packaged for hipster teens going to their first show by themselves. “Saint Anthony”, “Landslide” and “Nero” fall into this trap, for while the songs are solid they are too glossy. It can be frustrating at times, for “Safe House’ and “Irish Eyes” include moments of raw power that are highly combustible, but then they fall back into My Chemical Romance territory. The biggest problem facing Senses Fail is competition-there are just too many bands who sound like this; maybe not with the same aplomb of Senses Fail, but after being inundated with limitless amounts of the screamo-cum-pop song structure, all the acts blend together so even the better ones become mundane. This is not without its moments, and the band is more mature lyrically then most of the acts with whom they will undoubtedly tour, but I’ll pass.

PAST/PRESENT: Breaking Out the Classics (Revelation records www.revelationrecords.com)

Want to feel old? Revelation Records is marking its 150th release and twenty-third year of existence! To commemorate this achievement, the label is delivering a true gift to those who have been around long enough to remember the company’s earliest days. Past/Present is a celebration of Revelation’s amazing stable of acts as performed by bands who were either inspired by or fans of the originals. There are twenty-three sterling tracks here, each a classic in its own right, but there are amazing moments, such as the opening take of Warzone’s “As One” by Sick Of It All. The true giants of hardcore and their distinguished careers are proudly celebrated here, including Gorilla Biscuits (”Hold Your Ground” performed by Damnation A.D. and “Forgotten” by Set Your Goals), Judge (“Where it Went” by Down to Nothing), Chain of Strength (“Through These Eyes” by On), Youth of Today (“Break Down the Walls” as interpreted by Death By Stereo is a highlight here), and Quicksand (“Clean Slate” from The Twilight Transmission). Other notables whose contributions are well documented include Burn, Texas is the Reason, Shai Hulud, and Bold. A number of acts make their mark on these gems, including This is Hell taking on both CIV and The Movielife, Ignite paying loving homage to YOD with “Disengage”, and Terror demolishing “Friends” from Side By Side. To prove that Revelation is still one of the most socially conscience labels in the world, half of the proceeds from this release is benefiting Human Rights Watch. This is more than interesting nostalgia, however; the music here is being resurrected by the acts performing it and will remind long time fans of how vital and urgent the classic sound was, and why it will never be dead. This is pure bliss.

I,BRUTE FORCE - Confections of Love (www.bar-none.com)

This re-release of a lost 1966 effort makes you ask just how far people will go in the name of kitsch. With a huge, sweeping, backing band, Brute Force sings a collection of satirical, painfully dated anthems about the struggles of love and relationships. “The Sad World of Mothers and Fathers” features a James Cagney reference and lyrics about attempting to extract a teenage girl from her date’s car. Laughing yet? Yeah, neither am I. If you like pure, ridiculous camp and you have other equally bizarre friends, you may want to throw this on and giggle a little, but otherwise, this will solely confuse. The problem with Brute Force’s innocent anthems is the repetitive and unabashedly corny song structures. “To Sit on a Sandwich” is an odd little nugget, but not in that cool, Captain Beefheart kind of way. This reminds me of the film Head, you know, the one co-written between Jack Nicholson and members of the Monkeys (it’s true-look it up), because this is just awkward, dated 60’s psychedelia that maybe sounded like fun forty years ago but now just comes across as silly. Sure, I laugh whenever you play me a song like “Tapeworm of Love”, but it is not going on my iPod. I usually adore unnecessary nostalgia, but sometimes the buried should just stay buried.

THE MEMORIALS (www.thememorialsmusic.com)

This California outfit starts their self titled release with a bold one-two punch of “We Go to War” and “Natural Disaster”; two punky, guitar laden pieces that instantly grab you by the shirt and shake you a bit. However, from there the disc is a cornucopia of soaring highs and head scratching misses. “Lets Party” is a hypnotic combination of Uriah Duffy’s thick bassline and Viveca Hawkins’ infectious voice. This fun, frantic anthem is pure adrenaline and is the highlight of the disc. The one drawback to The Memorials is their attempt to be all things to all people, as “Westcoast” and “GTFOMF” are trippy and funky, while “Dream” and “Real” are pop decadence. This dichotomy proves to be simultaneously impressive and frustrating; it is clear that The Memorials are deftly skilled, but whom are they attempting to impress? Nick Brewer’s guitar oscillates between an instrument of focus and accompanying feature, and the band would benefit by focusing on the former. The disc lingers a bit too long as well, for once you reach track ten, you know every trick the band can offer. Their diversified style makes for a slightly disjointed record as there is no defining “sound” of The Memorials. I hope they continue to churn out tracks like the opening duo of the record, but I am uncertain about what to expect. I’ll cautiously endorse this.

NO FRIENDS - Traditional Failures (www.kissofdeathrecords.com)

No Friends returns with another batch of impressive hardcore played as if the early 80’s never ended. Traditional Failures is six songs in eight minutes with old-fashioned hardcore aesthetics scrawled all over it. If you do not know No Friends, you are missing out on what could fairly be labeled a punk rock super group led by Tony Foresta, who brings back hardcore vocals with the same intensity as his other job (Municipal Waste) reinvigorates thrash. Supported by three members of the sorely underappreciated New Mexico Disaster Squad, No Friends rages with the purity and enthusiasm of four teens in their garage. “A Look Ahead” and “Letter of Apology” are intensely honest pieces asking for redemption or forgiveness, while “Armed to the Teeth” speaks of the nightmare of war, invoking trench warfare. “Permanent Black Eye” and “Control Freaks” are traditional hardcore diatribes against the powers that hold one down, whatever they may be, while the closing title track is another less than positive song of self-actualization. (“I don’t measure up to my friends/it kills me to scrutinize how time flies”.) This is for fans of all hardcore from any coast and from any decade.

STICKS AND STONES - Nineteen Eighty Seven (www.chunksaah.com)

What a great little time capsule this release is-prepare to be transported back to the age of Reagan, the Cold War, and limited recorded technology. Full of youthful exuberance and delightful naivety, Sticks and Stones provide six speedy, loveably sloppy bursts of unbridled hardcore energy. The six songs here were indeed recorded back in ’87 on analog equipment, and the sound is unmistakable to those of us old enough to remember. Brian Johns’ vocals and Peter Ventantonio’s buzzsaw guitar playing on “Still” and “Common Curse” are two of the many highlights here. Scott Hollingsworth takes the center stage with his rattling bass playing on the all too brief “Thanks for the Cash” and the teenage lament of “Society’s Pressure”, while John Gilch’s steady drumming is brought forth throughout the record by the re-mastering skills of Tony Mascara. This will make some feel ancient, but Chunksaah’s release is a nice nugget of punk rock incorruptibility for the kids today to gain an appreciation for a classic hardcore sound from an underrated band.

COKE BUST - Lines in the Sand
(www.sixweeksrecords.com)

I will be buried with this record. Thirty-three songs and one (!) clocks in at the two minute mark as the epic of the bunch. The songs from Lines in the Sand, which are accented by sixteen bonus tracks from Coke Bust’s demo and assorted compilations, play like one continuous effort. What separates Coke Bust is the relentless speed at which they play. Yes, bands brag about being faster than thou, but this one shatters new ground. You have not heard straight edge punk played like this since the salad days of DC and CBGB’s matinee shows. Every song is one of staggering genius, but “Countdown to Death” and “Your Hold” are two which had me throwing furniture around my basement. The raw, relentless anger of the latter much be heard to be truly appreciated while “Spit Out” would make the guys in Shit Storm sound like doom metal by comparison. It makes sense, for members of the legendary Magrudergrind are found here, and fans of their chaos will instantly fall in love with this. The band’s political angle is made readily apparent on “Slave to Democracy” (“Invading other countries without declaring a war/In our pocket, a slave to democracy”) and “Patriot” (“freedom and liberty are sounding more like a lie to me”). Coke Bust have been kicking around for roughly five years, but if this is your first exposure, get ready to be assaulted in a method unlike anything you have heard since the first time you pressed play on a Heresy or Converge disc. The bonus tracks are not as well produced, but the unrefined aggression is just as impressive. “Fumigation” will demand multiple listens just to prove that what you are listening to is actually real, while “Privileged”, “My Disgust”, and “No Middle Ground” must be live staples. Perfectly concluding the disc is a pair of appropriate covers, “Slow Down” from Youth of Today and The Faith’s “It’s Time”. This is sonic perfection- a masterpiece of epic proportion in terms of hardcore energy and dexterity. Should you hear anyone complain that here is nothing new and exciting, give them this and watch them become reduced to a puddle.

JC SATAN - Sick Of Love (Slovenly Records www.slovenly.com)

I guess I will never understand European culture. Three guys from France and two Italian ladies come together and create a band with a garage punk/fuzzy 60’s vibe but it takes me nine songs before I finally buy into this. Much of Sick of Love is ambling psychedelic pop punk that seems aimless, particularly “Your Place” and “The Day”. However, once the band hits “Can You”, the disc shifts gears and becomes less pop-oriented and instead strives for a dirtier, nastier sound. Maybe this is over my head, but the garbled vocals of Arthur Larregie and shoddy production value did not endear this to me; there are moments when JC Satan sound authentic, but too much of the exact same resonance becomes worse than repetitive; it is frustrating. “Endless Fall” closes the disc out nicely as Paula Horror’s backing vocals are given greater accessibility before you are treated to four bonus tracks. This is the ultimate hit and miss album; when JC Satan is on, they are fantastic and enthralling, case in point being “Adventure Boat” and “Lick My Feet” (I’ll screw you baby, I’ll screw you good”). However, when they miss, it is a colossal mess. If you are up for a potentially exasperating experience with a few elating highlights along the way, give this a shot, but do not go out of your way.

THE LEGENDARY PINK DOTS - Seconds Late for the Brighton Line (ROIR Records www.roir-usa.com)

After thirty years of inventive and challenging compositions, the desire to confound has not abandoned the Legendary Pink Dots. Seconds Late for the Brighton Line features soundscapes that are broad and sweeping or highly focused and myopic in structure. The gentle ebb and flow of “Russian Roulette” and “Endless Time” mask a more sinister quality. Sounding like a journey into a demented nightmare, Seconds Late for the Brighton Line is a dark, compelling record. What allows the Legendary Pink Dots to still resonant with people is their ability to enthrall the listener; even those whose musical tastes do not normally stray from the traditional verse-chorus-verse song structure will find something fascinating in the seven expansive moments of “Leap of Faith” or the endless steppe of a sound that is “Hauptbahnhof 20:10”. “God and Machines” has the unsettling arrangement of a Kubrick film, while even a simple lyric such as ”only taste the icing, never taste the cake” becomes a haunting declaration on “Radiation Day”. The headspace and atmospheric fluidity remind me of Syd Barrett-era Pink Floyd, but the darker angels’ of one nature are laid bare as Edward Ka-Spel’s vocals convey an air of impending despair. The lyrics are not sad, rather they are ominous and foreboding. The pacing of the songs do not change, as the Legendary Pink Dots select one speed and remain consistent throughout the track, providing a methodical and mechanized sensibility that normally causes me great distress. However, the Legendary Pink Dots become more gripping by stripping away the humanity, leaving behind a calculated, terrifying visage of fear and terrorization. The band travels into uncomfortable places of the mind, and I suggest wearing the best headphones possible so one can be swept up in the chilling majesty of this work. The cold aesthetic and eerily controlled, softly spoken words create a world of disillusioned comfort which wraps around you, providing warmth initially before ultimately swallowing you whole. This is worth immediate consumption.

THE SADDEST LANDSCAPE - You Will Not Survive (Panic Records www.panicrecords.net)

The title of this disc is apropos, for many may have difficulty fighting off the highly kinetic and often violent sounds created here. The members of The Saddest Landscape are far more angry than sad, as acerbic vocals fight for air in the midst of an intimidating musical forest and swirling, seething guitar work wages war with a thunderous low-end. While “Declaring War on Nostalgia” is a compelling opening act, it is “Eternity is Lost on the Dying” that convinces me that this band is something truly special. The classic interpretation of a loud/soft dynamic is given a face-lift through towering guitar work and relentless energy. Delicately opening in an inconspicuous manner, the song suddenly rears a furious head and frightening teeth which tear at your with voracious intensity. This ability to counterbalance ferocity and composure makes You Will Not Survive an engaging and exhaustive ride. “Imperfect But Ours” has a similar structure to the aforementioned “Eternity”, for it too begins with an innocuous guitar intro before exploding into rage with uniquely placed backing vocals entering the fray near the song’s conclusion. “The Shadows I Call Home” seems to hover on the brink of annihilation (“walls close in and I can’t feel a thing”), and the concluding “From All of Those…” continues the disc’s theme of complementary insanity and clarity, catharsis and self-destruction. The Saddest Landscape returns to the world after seven years of absence; I hope we will not need nearly another decade before these guys unleash their absorbing force upon us.

YUPPICIDE - Anthology ’88-‘98 (Dead City Records www.deadcityrecords.com)

If you missed them, I feel sorry for you, if you remember them, I am sure the memories are fuzzy, so here is a brilliant and incredibly comprehensive anthology to take you back. Brooklyn’s Yuppicide is apparently twitching again, as the band has reformed to play a handful of shows, and this collection should garner new fans and get the old timers like me back out into the clubs to see one of New York’s truly legendary hardcore forces. Having the pleasure of experience Yuppicide live numerous times during the early 90’s, I am thrilled to see their long out of print catalog unleashed upon a world which desperately needs a band like this again. Yuppicide are speedy, heavy, and always melodic in the midst of the din they create. Their 1988 demo lays the groundwork for what will become an instantly recognizable sound; toned down guitars from Steve Karp, thick bass lines compliments of Joe Keefe, and Jesse Jones’ gruff but intelligible vocals. Gems such as “How to Hate” and “Yellow Journalism” exist alongside works in progress like “Ska Army”, but the fundamental excellence is apparent. This first disc includes the band’s first 7”, first full release, “Ourselves” from the Squat or Rot compilation, as well as the You’re Been Warned 7”. The growth from the first demo to the debut 7” is extraordinary as heard on “Be a Man (And Slam)” and the scathing “Jesse Helms”. The Fear Love record begins with the life lessons of “Sound Advice” and the band then runs though thirteen contemptuous slabs of socially conscious, energized hardcore, highlighted by “Albatross” and “Knife”. The band’s sense of fun is always present throughout this vast assortment of work, and “Cide-A-Billy” acts as a case in point. The three songs which comprise the “You’ve Been Warned” ep display a maturing act, for the title track clocks in at over five minutes, and “Out of Style” cleverly manipulates sound bites before launching at your throat. Listening to this now indicates how far ahead of the curve Yuppicide really was and why they should easily be embraced by a contemporary audience. Disc Two kicks off with the fuming “Socialization” from the legendary Sick But Slick compilation, and what follows mirrors the fury and intensity of Joe Pesci’s Goodfellas’ clip that opens the Shinebox record. The band begins to experiment with tempo and configuration on this record, for “New Jesus”, “Stranded” and “Sleep With Anger” are each delivered with passion, but Yuppicide does not rely solely upon blazing speed or standard hardcore song structures to make their points. 1995’s Dead Man Walking has a more professional and far larger sound, with “Thief”, “Tied Down”, “Fuse”, and their lyrically-creative take on R.E.M.’s “The One I Love” sounding more bombastic than any of the band’s previous work. Steve Karp’s guitars never resounded with greater might, and there are elements of cross-over brute force on display as well (check out “Twelve Steps”). Anthology closes with the band’s rare 1998 demo. “Destroyer” is the finest of the bunch, although a compelling argument can be made for the cover of the Specials’ “Concrete Jungle”. I am very pleased to hear that this is more than simply a trip down a musical memory lane and that Yuppicide is again contemplating a full-scale return. Yuppicide is a significant influence upon legions of bands and the time is perfect for the originators to return and show the kids how it should be done.

BARS OF GOLD OF - Gold (frictionrecords.net)

With elements of James Brown funk, Cows style noise, and a slight nod toward pop, Bars of Gold are a genre spanning act that creates an entirely new genre. This Detroit product is the spawn of Marc Paffi and Brandon Moss from Bear vs. Shark and also features members from the whirling noise fest that is Wildcatting. “Heaven Has a Heater” smacks of Fugazi in all the right ways for the tightly wound energy waxes and wanes throughout the track, and this song is enough to give you chills. And all of this is only two songs into the record! “The Hustle” features a subtle Americana twang and even some banjo before introducing a terse guitar riff, while Paffi’s engaging vocal delivery takes center stage on “Birds”, as he asks that legendary philosophical conundrum, “do you like birds?” “Up, Up, Up” is bouncy with the energy of an ADHD kid off his meds, slowing down for a moment before erupting into sheer chaos. The second side’s rich diversity of sound makes it a fascinating listen, such as the intricacy of “Cannibals”, although some may prefer the more straightforward nature of the opening side. The orange vinyl helps to reel me in before I even put the needle down, but I love listening to bands like this, for I guarantee that somewhere, a college kid with impeccable taste is making this band his life.

MIGHTY HIGH/ STONE AXE- Split EP (Ripple Music www.ripple-music.com)

Wow, the New Wave of British Heavy Metal is back in 2010 and it comes from Washington. Stone Axe sounds as if all music ceased to be made after 1983 and I love it! “Metal Damage” sounds just as you think it would and as it should. This is Priest meets Sampson while hanging out backstage with Angel Witch. Great shattering vocals, a gloomy riff, and a soaring solo make this a retro classic.

When a band brags about being their new amp cabinet being formally owned by Foghat (!?), you know their dedication to 70’s rock is sincere. Mighty High is a better band name than band, only due to the fact that I do not click with Woody High’s vocals. His voice is strong enough, but the idea behind the band is what makes it “Don’t Panic, It’s Organic” so much fun. Imagine Let It Bleed-era Stones jamming with the Stooges and you get the vibe. Maybe I need to be high to enjoy this more completely, but I would prefer to throw on some leather and check out Stone Axe.

PACER (Chunksaah Records www.chunksaah.com)

This is just as one would expect from Chunksaah; this is punk with gloss and a penchant for huge, catchy hooks. I could easily see these guys opening up for the Souls and giving the New Jersey vets a serious run, particularly with the stellar “Pasternak”. The sing-along vocals on the speedy opener “Circles Around a Square” set the tone for this seven track effort. However, pacer mixes up tempos enough to carefully hold one’s attention. “xGU16x” is raw and aggressive, while “Rediscovering the Telephone” is one of the best songs about growing older that I have ever heard. The band revisits this topic on “Everything’s Fine”, a song that is simultaneously sincere, articulate, and forceful. The scathing attack upon the close minded in “Lonely Critics” is laudable for its message about respect as it is for its pure, adrenaline fueled hardcore sound. This ten inch release was over far too quickly.

THE BLACK HEART PROCESSION - Black Bunny/Black Rabbit (Temporary residence Records www.temporaryresidence.com)

There is something equally beautiful and terrifying about the Black Heart Procession’s new record and it is these qualities that will require multiple listens for a complete appreciation of what transpires here. Now just a duo, The BHP, led by Pall Jenkins and Tobias Nathaniel, experiment with soundscapes and conventional musicianship to produce sprawling, majestic pieces that radiate fear and warmth with equal aplomb. The opening “Blank Page” is an expansive track anchored by solid guitar work and lush backing vocals, but I am more intrigued by the haunting minimalism of “The Orchid”. Its’ reserved beauty is compelling, while “Devotion” is a nearly perfect track. The meandering beat is a backdrop to simple lyrics such as “I have so much to say to you/I have noting to say to you”. In lesser skilled hands, this song could come across as forced or even boring. However, when delivered by BHP, it is a song of lonely wanting, an emotionally gripping ride of isolation and regret. The remixes will garner the most attention here, and while the three new songs are all tremendous, it is the remixes that give this EP its true flavor. Two efforts, “Silence” and “Heaven Below” are remarkably re-structured by Jenkins himself under the name of Mr. Tube. The latter is startling and unsettling with its use of hushed vocals and ambient noise. Lee “Scratch” Perry takes the listener down a psychedelic highway with “Freeze”, featuring snippets of cat sounds and a person claiming to indeed be a feline. This one would be incredible in a club with enough chemicals in your system. (Not that I’m endorsing it, children, but I’m just saying…) The closing song, “Drugs” is given two distinctly different interpretations by Eluvium and Jamuel Saxon respectively. While a measured, muted opening of nearly five minutes, the song finally gives light to a delicate piano riff that dominates the next four minutes. It is subtle, poignant, and positively beautiful, bringing the song into even greater depths of gloom. Ironically, the disc ends with Saxon’s dance remix of the aforementioned track. This was unexpected and representative of BHP as a group. This is not dance pop, but the tempo is far different than that of Eluvium, and this version allows the lyrics to become a part of the listening experience, offering a unique dichotomy between the sadness of the words and the moments of exuberance of the mix. Returning fans will be instantly hooked on this record, while new followers will become quickly converted.

GRINDERMAN - Grinderman 2 (www.grinderman.com)

Nick Cave tosses aside his Bad Seeds for Grinderman and reintroduces himself to the world through a collection of bass heavy stompers. The opening “Mickey Mouse and the Goodbye Man” is a pounding, raucous beginning, kicking off the record with Cave lamenting, ”I woke up this morning and thought what am I doing here?” The controlled noise does not end there, as the disc continually implements touches of fuzzed out guitar, pounding drums, and bass lines thicker than Kim Kardashian. “Heathen Child” has a dark, sexy vibe interspersed with guitar squall in the midst of Cave’s yelps of “she don’t care about Allah, she is the Allah, she don’t care about Buddha, she is the Buddha” Even when Grinderman takes their collective foot off the pedal, as they do on “When My Baby Comes”, the band still cannot help themselves from collapsing into a sprawling mass of chaos. The bluesy “Kitchenette” has a sultry sensibility as Cave emotes about sticking “his fingers into your cookie jar and crush all your gingerbread men” as more guitar squall pierces through the track. “What I Know” meanders too slowly for my liking, but “Evil” is a cacophony of messy fury, a cathartic explosion of force and energy. Only on “Palaces of Montezuma” does the band completely ditch the clamor for beauty and this track has the line of the disc: “the spinal cord of JFK wrapped in Marilyn Monroe’s negligee, I give to you”. With the stroke of the pen, Nick Cave continues to prove that he is a true original and at times, underappreciated genius.

TIM KASHER - The Game of Monogamy (www.saddle-creek.com)

Tim Kasher creates an album that should be mandatory listening for those in a marriage or other forms of a serious, monogamous relationship, for his work is extraordinarily poignant, emotionally open and honest, and deeply personal. Kasher sheds his association with the acclaimed Cursive and leaves himself exposed through biographical snapshots of what life as an adult can be. This is the side of adulthood no one ever told you about as a kid. Kasher ponders his life in the opening “A Grown Man”, wondering how he ever found himself in a position where he has to accept responsibilities. There are themes of unrequited love, unanswered prayers, and unfulfilled dreams-all topics that many people can find tangible in their lives. Kasher tosses about terms like “complacency” and “what if” quite often through this disc, which is largely gentle and serene aside from the bouncier “I’m Afraid I’m Gonna Die Here” and “Bad, Bad Dreams”. Songs like “Cold Love” (“maybe we’re just tired of this vanilla existence”) and the brilliant “No Fireworks” (“we used to roll around like bear cubs, now all we wrestle with is indifference”) reflect the reality of romance; the eyes locking across the room and the lust that never fades simply is not real and people have to come to grips with this realization or they will never endure. The general theme of this record is that love is wonderful, but it breeds a comfort that in turns breeds contentment and at times, contempt. Kasher has an eye for details, whether it is the wrinkles in a nightgown or the uncontaminated eyes of the kids in his high school yearbook (“There Must be Something I’ve Lost”). Musically, the playing is extraordinarily tight, at times lush and lovely, occasionally accented by strings and piano which can be either genteel or raucous. This is a mature record from a maturing performer attempting to come to grips with one of life’s toughest aspects-growing older and even worse, growing up. The lyrics paint pictures with a mixture of realization and sarcastic self-depreciation, referencing topics ranging from past girlfriends to mortgages and children. You do not have to be struggling with age and familial responsibilities to enjoy this disc, but it does help bring the context alive.

THE TRIUMPH OF THE16 DEADLY IMPROVS t (Rosemont Recordings myspace.com/thesixteendeadlyimprovs)

Oh, what’s in a name? In some occurrences, nearly everything you would need to know about a band, which is the case with The Triumph of the 16 Deadly Improvs. This disc, sub-titled a “5th installment in an ongoing series’ is a whirlwind of progressive, convoluted, labyrinthine, jazzy, freak-outs that will leave you speechless. The record, and yes, it does have sixteen tracks, was culled from a marathon, two and half hour session recorded in June of 2008. Gene and Nick Bohensky, accented by Jeff Bridi, Dave Wilson, Mark Nowak, and Vin Villanueva, constructed pieces that can be quiet, jarring mesmerizing, troubling, warm, and chilling all within one effort. The songs are overwhelmingly instrumental, but there are a few spoken word nuances that add an eerie flavor to the overall record. “Invincible Pole Fighters” and “Sand Palm V” include carefully placed snippets from a 2009 documentary called “Shall We Protest”, but my favorite was “Rise of the Septopi” which includes a sample from “Killers From Space”, a 1954 space effort that would make the guys from man or Astroman? jealous. The complexity of the songs cannot be challenged, and these players have an amazing sense of timing and camaraderie, for no one steps on each other. This is the kind of album that needs to be heard in one sitting to be fully appreciated, as it is an intriguing compilation of genius. The Triumph of the 16 Deadly Improvs is complicated, challenging, and much cooler than whatever your band is doing right now. Go find and prepare to be amazed.

I AM SONIC RAIN - Between Whales and Feverish Lights (Deep Elm Records www.deepelm.com)

Hailing from a small Italian town named Treviso, just minutes away from Venice, the birthplace of Western Europe’s artistic revival via the Renaissance, comes a new type of artistic masterpiece; the sprawling, striking work of I Am Sonic Rain. This eclectic five-piece chooses not to incorporate vocals into their massive soundscapes, and we are the better for it. From the intriguing opening of “Jellyfish Are Murderers”, one is often gently submerged into dreamy, ethereal creations that are sporadically interrupted by fits of shocking violence. “It Had the Sound of a Long Goodbye” inches along for roughly seven minutes with guitarists Giulio Signorotto and Francesco Vettor framing the song with a hypnotic and tender riff while drummer Alessandro Stival ever so delicately provides a backbeat until the track erupts, for just a handful of fleeting seconds, before again retreating into the solace of its refined beauty. This same ebb and flow of force is heard on “Precipitate Isn’t a Great Idea”, an equally grandiose effort as its predecessor, making for a daunting and enthralling centerpiece of the disc. The poetic nature of the song titles (“As Rain We Fall”, “Fog is Drowning Us”) matches the band’s musical stylings, for the songs move like stanzas, at times repeating significant portions before taking the listener into a new direction, opening up fresh room for personal interpretation. The lush production, done by the band members themselves, provides each song with ample room to breathe, generously displaying the varied talents of all hands (including bassist Frederico Cipolla and the stirring keys of Andrea Sara), best heard on the sweeping “Just to Rise the Day After”, a track that seems to borrow from traditional gondola music as well as anything that Mogwai or Russian Circles ever created. The nearly childlike tones which open “The Nine Unknowns” are abandoned for a much darker, menacing construction that encapsulates the breadth of emotions I Am Sonic Rain can convey within the confines of only one song. The sound of whale song, or the noises made by whales as they interact with one another, adorns the closing title track and nestles with intricate precision within the hushed keys and warm structure of the song. Quite often soothing and never monotonous or predictable, I Am Sonic rain seems to enjoy lulling the listener into an aura of safety before suddenly and aggressively jarring them. Between Whales and Feverish Lights is quite a ride as one is brought from the depths of the oceans to the heights of expansive space through ten gorgeous pieces.

SHONEN KNIFE - Live At Mohawk Place 2009 DVD (Good Charamel Records www.GoodCharamel.com)

The diminutive Japanese princesses of indie pop deliver eighteen career-spanning efforts in front of an adoring crowd in Buffalo, New York. Led by the only original member, vocalist/guitarist Naoko, Shonen Knife go as far back as 1984 with the closing classic, “Twist Barbie”, and sprinkle other gems such as “I Wanna Eat Chocobars” and “Flying Jelly Attack”. Spending most of the show dressed in matching color coordinating outfits, the ladies look like a Japanese indie rock Supremes. This show was the final gig in the trio’s 2009 North American tour in support of their Super Group record on which they performed thirty shows in only thirty-four days. (“What a tough schedule”, grinned Naoko.) It is impossible not to smile and relish the pure joy exuded by all three members during their energized, infectious set. “Barnacle”, “Giant Kitty” and “Fruits and Vegetables” may come across as kitschy or downright foolish to the uninitiated, but I am certain the same critiques were hurled at leather-clad boys from Queens who delivered “Loudmouth” and “Beat on the Brat”. To that end, the punk meets bubblegum pop of “Johnny, Johnny, Johnny” and “Antonio Baka Guy” are among the highlights of this superbly shot concert. The between song banter is worth the price of the disc alone, as Naoko describes “Muddy Bubble Hell” as a song that is like heavy metal, “but maybe aluminum, something lighter” than heavy metal, and bassist Ritsuko’s explanation of her newfound affinity for buffalo wings is classic. This took me back to my college radio days in the early and mid-90’s when I eagerly spent what little money I had on a few Shonen Knife imports so my college radio show would have the Japanese versions of their work. I loved their stuff then, and I love it even more fifteen years later. Great music never gets old and Shonen Knife knows how to put on a show. When they grace these shores again, do not pass on the opportunity to, as Kurt Cobain once said about himself, become “transformed into a hysterical nine-year-old girl at a Beatles concert”. Well said.

THE GREAT EXPLAINER - The Way Things Swell EP (Chunksaah Records www.chunksaah.com)

This Jersey outfit should help to heal the wounds and alleviate some of the embarrassment brought onto the Garden State by a certain cast of television characters. (I know, we really have to blame New York and even Rhode Island for the cultural damage) With Bouncing Soul Pete Steinkopf sitting behind the controls, The Great Explainer churn out four punchy, guitar-fueled efforts chuck full of meaty riffs and skillful vocal interplay between guitarists Sean Bystrzycki and Matt Vaneekhoven. While Sean takes the more aggressive of the two styles, his growl is off-set quite nicely by the clean, melodic delivery of Matt. This give and take highlights the opening duo of “Quotas” and “I Finally Found My Dreamboat”, but the duo truly shine on the full frontal assault of “Codeine…Bourbon”, on which Bystrzycki sounds particularly focused and includes memorable and surprisingly melodic gang vocals. “Michael Jordan: 666” reveals a more sonically controlled side of the band, but it is as equally engaging as the three predecessors. Unlike many young bands, The Great Explainer already have developed a unique sound, yet are also mature enough to avoid becoming a slave to any one style. This is a richly enjoyable listen.

CASTEVET - The Echo and the Light (Tiny Engines Records www.tinyengines.net)

This Chicago, Illinois four piece is a perpetually interesting act, as evidenced by the closing track to the first side of this vinyl. (Issued in startling white vinyl as a nice touch) “Lautrec” is a rousing noise-fest which instantly awoke my senses, and when Nick Wakim yelps “the sound is deafening”, he could be describing the frantic intensity with which his band is performing. Even when the tempo is not as frenetic and the volume is somewhat muted, the band still sounds as if an explosion is simmering beneath their feet. This is heard with the ebb and flow fury of “Bike Notes” or the equally engaging “Narrow Hallways”. Surrounded by equally skilled players, Wakim and Castevet is an answer for those searching for sharp, angular, post-punk intelligence. The guys cite acts like Small Brown Bike and The Appleseed Cast as influences, and the similarities here are acts of homage rather then simplistic imitation. Castevet has the ability to overwhelm the listener or embrace them sweetly, and they do both with adroit meticulousness. The concluding “Cities and Memory” has articulate lyrics and equally precise guitar playing from Will McEvilly resulting in the summation of a band that proudly salutes the (recent) past without becoming stuck in it.

EVERYONE EVERYWHERE (www.tinyengines.net)

The closing three words of “Obama House, Fukui Prefecture”, the final track on Everyone Everywhere’s self-titled, effort are “warm and comfortable”, and they encapsulate the musicianship on display throughout the record. With a carefully crafted balance of delicate beauty and energized riffing, EE produce an indie rock sound that harkens to the heyday of the early 90’s but yet maintains progressive inventiveness. Songs like “Tiny Town”, which juxtaposes apartment living with a larger theme of conformity and “Blown Up Grown Up” (“We lie about how to get there/ and then get everybody lost”) are insightful, smartly structured songs that are intriguing and beautifully off-kilter, yet still relatable. My personal favorite here is found deep on the second side of the vinyl; the wonderfully honest “I Feel Fine by Everyone Everywhere” on which Brendan McHugh admits “I feel pretty good sometimes/I like my shirt/I like my haircut/ Let me like myself sometimes/Let me be narcissistic sometimes”. McHugh allows himself to be incredibly raw and vulnerable, his voice sounding as if he is attempting to convince himself to believe what he is saying. This one is simply the brightest star in a cluster of great songs. At times loud, often with subtle intensity, Everyone Everywhere is the type of band that resonates with you and you will become attached to the intimacy and poignancy of these songs. This is an excellent release from a highly promising act.

THE BIRTHDAY MASSACRE - Pins And Needles (www.metropolis-records.com)

I am always upfront about my complete revulsion of keyboard-laden music, particularly when said keyboards are manipulated in such a way to sound “dark” or “menacing”. The Birthday Massacre falls into this loathsome category as Pins and Needles is eleven repetitive, slickly produced tracks that may gain the support of the mall crowd, but is far too pop-oriented for my liking. Vocalist Chibi has a highly palatable voice, as it is smooth and melodic, but it is underutilized on forgettable pap like “Secret” or the embarrassing cliché of “Two Hearts” (do you think they beat together…yes! You are right! They do…almost like two hearts beating as one. Wow! Lyrical pay dirt!) I apologize for cynicism, but try to get through “Always” without imagining this song adorning Madonna’s early catalogue-the keyboards here rock with the ferocity of the Material Milf’s “Dress You Up”, while “Shallow Grave” and “Midnight” sound like something that fell on the floor from the last Evanescence recording session. Shockingly produced by Dave Ogilvie, who has such luminaries as Skinny Puppy and Killing Joke on his résumé, Pins and Needles is contrived, predictable, and ready for the safety of prime-time angst. I am sure this will sell trillions and I’ll look like a fool, but I’ll take that risk. Maybe I hate this because I can’t dance. Regardless, point me in the direction of a bar where this would never be played.

WOMEN - Public Strain (Jagjaguwar Records www.jagjaguwar.com)

Noisy, dark, and mysterious, Alberta, Canada’s Women return with a record of sprawling soundscapes and vaporous structures. The opening “Can’t You See” is an opaque slab of sound featuring monotone vocals from Patrick Flegal and haunting strings. Not everything here is as foreboding as the opening track, as “Heat Distraction” and “China Steps” are nearly poppy in comparison. However, the low-fi hum and fuzz of “Penal Colony” and “Bells” are murky, intriguing pieces that swallow the listener in a vortex of suffocating sound. Simultaneously sweeping and restrained, Women exhume the corpses of acts like the Velvet Underground and the Zombies to generate a sound that is challenging yet inexplicably accessible. This will not perplex as much as it will arouse curiosity and pique interest. The strident “Drag Open” is my favorite track of the bunch with its metallic guitar work compliments of Flegal and Chris Reimer and the rock steady drumming of Michael Wallace. Public Strain extracts harmony from discord and organization in the midst of chaos, as “Drag Open” briefly collapses upon itself in amass of guitar fury before gaining composure and returning to its more defined arrangement. “Venice Lockjaw” is surprisingly reserved and mystical in its subdued grace with Flegal’s voice hovering in the air like an apparition. The band closes the work with ‘Eyesore’, a more melodic and approachable effort in which Flegal sounds less toured and more enthused about his delivery. There is a flavoring of 60’s pop within this song that is not present throughout much of the record. However, “Eyesore” does not feel tacked on; it is instead the next evolutionary step for a band that grows throughout this one album. I suggest listening to Public Strain in one sitting and have fun dissecting it layered compositions.

FLOORED BY FOUR (Chimera Music www.chimeramusic.com)

These lengthy four tracks ( the EP clocks in at over forty-five minutes) represent the finished product from Mike Watt and a trio of other celebrated players. Dougie Browne expertly handles drums, Nels Cline shines on guitar, and Yuka Honda offers majestic, beautiful keys throughout. Each song bears the name of a member beginning with “Nels”. At nearly ten minutes in length, Floored by Four takes its time and allows the song to breathe. There are quiet, ethereal interludes interspersed with bouncy, energized segments. Despite the differences in structure throughout the song, there is a remarkable cohesion here which is reflective of the talent on display. In the hands of less adroit musicians, this could become a sloppy mess. Instead, Floored by Four simply uses these tracks as a vehicle to investigate their limitless inspirations. “Yuka” is a touch slower than its predecessor, although similar in length. With sporadic lyrics from Watt and thunderous bursts of furious playing by Cline, this is a fascinating multiplicity of textures and arrangements. Ironically, “Watt” is the shortest and most straightforward of the songs here. At roughly four minutes, the band stuffs as much energy as possible into the song but it is not as varied as the earlier efforts. It does allow Watt to shine on bass, as his thick playing is the driving force here. The nineteen minute plus closer “Dougie” has traits similar to the opener, as again the band does not needlessly fill each second with sound. Instead, they allow for the track to move in a serpentine fashion around lush keys and an expansive musical landscape. The song is gentile, precise, grandiose, and understated all at the same time. This is a dizzying demonstration of what can happen with remarkable people close themselves off in a room together. It is not a surprise that Chimera is the label to release this, as their stable of acts reflects a dedication to the experimental and uncompromising. Set some time aside and enjoy this.

BRUTUS FAUST - Vengeance is Mine (www. brutusfaust.com)

Brutus Faust is actually Andres Serrano, the highly controversial artist who is most infamously responsible for “Piss Christ”. This 1987 piece is just as it sounds for those of you too young to remember; it is a crucifix submerged in a jar of Serrano’s urine. While the imagine of the Christian savior wallowing in bodily fluid may offend some, you may be even more sickened to learn that another piece of Serrano's work called "Blood and Semen III" adorned Metallica’s appalling Load album, while “Piss and Blood” was used as the cover on the equally nightmarish ReLoad. Now, in terms of Serrano’s music, Vengeance is Mine is a colossal disaster on par with the two aforementioned disgraces from former thrash legends. Vengeance is Mine is a bizarre amalgamation of covers and originals, including the butchering of “It’s Now or Never”, “Just My Imagination”, “House of the Rising Sun” (I’m not kidding), and even “500 Miles (I’m Gonna Be)”, yes that abysmal musical abortion from the Proclaimers. This reminds me of when Michael Jordan attempted to play baseball-just because one is highly gifted in a given field does not mean that one’s talent will correlate into other realms. I happen to admire Serrano’s artistic visions, for they are challenging, disturbing, and uniquely poignant, often displaying understated humanity in the midst of horror. However, he has a dismal voice and the songs are both predictable and mundane; two adjectives that should never be used to describe great artists. By the time one reaches the conclusion of this disc with an almost laughable take of “Sounds of Silence”, you wonder if this was not another attempt to confuse and disturb an unsuspecting public. I remember when Jesse Helms and other conservative Senators were railing against “Piss Christ” and declaring it as an apocalyptic vision of the world’s demise, and I thought how unnecessarily they were overeating. Well, I share their fear about Andres Serrano if he ever attempts to make another album.

COMBICHRIST - Making Monsters (Metropolis Records www.metropolis-records.com)

Remember that brief flash of time in the mid-90’s when everyone had “Smack My Bitch Up” from Prodigy on their lips and electronic music was going to dominate the world? Yeah, I vaguely remember it, too, but apparently Combichrist was not informed that no one, and I mean no one, actually believed that prediction would actually come true. Making Monsters tries very seriously to sound frightening and mildly offensive with song titles like “Throat Full of Glass” and “Fuckmachine”, (“You are such a dirty whore/You are my fuck toy”) but this is just silly. I cannot believe that Making Monsters is this band’s fifth album.(!) Based on how stale and recycled this is, I cannot imagine how monotonous their first four records must be. And for all you metalcore fans, do not be tricked to purchase this because Brandon Schiepatti from Bleeding Through makes an appearance on the bland “Follow the Trail of Blood”. I hope he was paid well, for I would not want my name associated with this. If one removed every ounce of talent Trent Rezner used to have and allowed his limp, disinterested corpse record an album, it would sound like this. Imagine Pretty Hate Machine without any of the angst or desperation and you have the comatose stylings of Combichrist. Andy LaPlegua is referred to the “mastermind” behind this band, and after I stopped shaking my head at that description, I read that this aforementioned genius (“prodigy”, perhaps?…) toured Europe last year with Rammstein, but even those tired pseudo metal guys are innovators in comparison to this drivel. The ill-shaped and directionless attempt at a soundscape called “Forgotten” should be the theme to this record, for this disc should be stricken from your memories. On the band’s press release there is a review from something called BlogCritics that ominously warns that one would not “bring your grandmother to this [Combichrist’s] show.” Of course you would not do such a thing; your grandmother, I am sure, loves you and does not deserve such horrid treatment. A better guest for a Combichrist show would be either the priest who abused you as a child or your ex-lover who killed your cat.

HEADS HELD HIGH - Dogs and Cats, Living Together (Fail Safe Records www.fail-saferecords.com)

So, you say you are looking for speedy, melodic, hardcore but you do not have much of an attention span? Well, my friend, you are in luck with Heads Held High. Providing ten songs in roughly twenty-two minutes, this Cleveland outfit does not mince words or believe in unnecessary theatrics. Instead, Dogs and Cats, Living Together is an earnest collection of thick slabs of blunt force. “El Machina” is one of the band’s rare songs that hangs around for a while, and this allows the listener to absorb the passion of vocalist Elliott Frank and the dual precision of guitarists Kevin Summers and Jack Holmes. David Breda (drums) and bassist Rob Schultz are an immovable object of a rhythm section throughout the disc, with individual highlights appearing on “Waiting for the Barbarians” and the scathing “Stay Mad, Stay Average, Stay Puft”. With intelligent lyrics and an absence of redundant break-downs, Heads Held High is a fresh return to the roots of hardcore. The band is articulate, well-read, and furious, as evidenced by “Groundhog Day”, “Dear Kilgore Trout” (“Do you ever wonder if you are the only one imbued with free will, standing amidst a sea of suffering machines?”), and the blazing closer, “This Too Shall Pass”. Reminiscent of fast paced punk acts like Gatorface intertwined with the political sensibilities of Strike Anywhere or Bane, Heads Held High is a band with a remarkably bright future. These kids even have the courage the sprinkle piano and trumpet on top of the spaghetti western vibe of “Van on Fire, Head Hurt’, thereby challenging hardcore’s unofficial rules and allowing themselves to stand out from the masses. Go find this, memorize the words, see these kids live, and scream every syllable back at them, for it is well worth the effort.

MAGNETIC ISLAND - Out At Sea EP (www.magneticislandband.com)

Emerging from the ashes of Brooklyn’s Renminbi, Magnetic Island finds Lisa Liu and SMV reuniting with an old friend in the form of drummer Jenny Johnson to create four deeply engaging and highly individualistic pieces. The opening “End in Bender” is a warm, richly textured track that provides Liu with a platform for her lush vocals and surprisingly serpentine guitar work. Johnson is the driving force behind “Sung (Not Said)”, a pounding, noisy, journey of a song that elicits elements of Sister or Evol as the track resides inside your mind. Complex yet inexplicably accessible, “Sung (Not Said)” is a miniature masterpiece and my favorite of the work here. The more reserved second side does have its share of unexpected nuances and subtleties, such as the slide guitar that accents “Summer Phase” or the sparse beauty of “Let it Lie”, a song dedicated to Liu’s former bandmate Joe Graziano. There is a tenderness that permeates this disc and it’s decidedly human feel allows Magnetic Island to sound as if they are playing this material just for you within the confines of your living room. This is a very pleasant surprise.

PARLOUR - Simulacrenfield (www.temporaryresidence.com)

Instrumental acts can be a tough nut; they are usually a fascinating experiment or a complete disharmonic mess that loses its luster quickly. Then, there is a band like Parlour. This Louisville, Kentucky outfit has been morphing into and molting from, a multitude of styles and schemes for over fifteen years. On Simulacrenfield, the guys expand to a seven man line up including former Rodan drummer Jon Cook and the return of Steve Good. The result is winding, expansive ride through seven complex and labyrinthine efforts. The songs reflect a wide array of emotions, from melancholy to joyous, and quite often these polarized feelings are visited and revisited within the same track. Since most of the material clocks in or around the five minute mark (with the closing “Sea of Bubbly Goo” existing for over ten), the band has plenty of room to experiment with mood, structure, and tempo. While “Jalepenooptics” is more thunderous and tightly wound, “Camus” and “Wedder” seem to muddle along with a more deliberate gait. To my astonishment, none of this becomes repetitive or predictable, as Parlour seems to reinvent itself as the disc progresses. The driving title track includes heavily textured interludes which are highly unexpected and border on chaotic before regaining composure. The briefest nugget of the bunch, “Carrier” is decorated with neatly placed saxophone, again providing an unexpected treat. The closing, meandering “Sea of Bubbly Goo” brings all the band’s talents together into one cauldron of overflowing potion. From Tim Furnish’s guitar intricacy to the polyrhythmic time structure, it is a dazzling way to complete a challenging but highly enthralling record.

THE WORKHORSE III (DRP Records www.drprecords.com)

Three battled tested, well traveled veterans of the Philly scene unite in one driving force of a band. The Workhorse III does not rewrite the book of rock n’ roll, but they plagiarize the best passages. Each of the twelve tracks here are boisterous, hook-laden anthems that beg to be played at the highest volume possible. Lisa Lyne Flynn’s voice drips with swagger, sounding both sexy and intimidating “Face in the Crowd” and “Slipping Away”, and this is matched by the churning riffs she delivers. Backing Flynn is her Lisa Christ Superstar band mate, Brian Blunker on bass and Eric Perfect on drums. (Perfect is an alumnus of both Limecell and the legendary Rancid Vat, two of my all-time Philly favorites) You cannot help be taken in by the energy of “Die Tonight” and the stomp of “Glory and the Sun”. Even when the band abstains from vocals as they do on “Workhorse I”, the intensity is palpable. The bruising force and guttural yelp of Flynn on “Infecting the Masses”, has the trio coming across as their namesake would imply; an agitated workhorse grinding out crusty, note-worthy rock with a punk aesthetic. When Flynn muses “what you wanted is not always what you get” on the closing “What You Wanted”, it is clear that she is speaking from well worn experience. Get this because it is great and these three deserve it.

NO REDEEMING SOCIAL VALUE - High In Holland (Live) (Dead City Records www.deadcityrecords.com)

The drunken madmen from Queens, NY decide to unleash their beer fueled mayhem upon the Dynamo Club in Eindhoven, and the result is a glorious testament to the power of this band. If you have never witnessed NRSV in a live setting, this disc throws you headlong into the pit and you finish this record bruised, sweaty, and exhausted. From the opening punch of “More Tattoos” to their scintillating cover of “Raining Blood”, this is a record that is an experience. Channeling the same fury that drives acts like Agnostic Front and Sick of It All, NRSV play with a viciousness that few can match, yet there is still a wasted grin on their collective faces as they dismantle you on “Pussy Pussy Pussy” (“We eat pussy every day/Why do we eat pussy?/Because we’re not gay”-Awesome!!), the hilarious “Your Boyfriend’s a Guido”, and “Drunk at the Youth of Today Reunion”. The last one sounds like something out of the Seth Putnam school of song titles, and if you do not find it funny, do some research so you get the joke. If you still do not find it funny, just stop reading this. The good times hit their apex on the ferocious “Beer=Fun” and the brilliant “I Hate Everyone”. NRSV have the best of all worlds occurring here, for their songs are hardcore gems that appeal to the visceral release of the music, but they are also easy to sing along with regardless of how sloppy you are. The disc delivers eighteen punishing anthems and this is a flawless encapsulation of this band’s brute force and talent. For a band that has been churning this stuff out for over twenty years, NRSV sound like they are fresh from the garage with an energy level that bands half their age could not match. If you want authentic punk rock played with an actual sense of fun go find this, then go see these guys for yourself.

VICTORY IN NUMBERS - Killing. Mourning. Love. (Bullet Tooth Records www.bullettooth.net)

This band’s history is one of devotion to a fallen friend and relentless commitment to their craft. Victory In Number’s name is actually a tribute to Vincent “Vin” Green, the band’s lead singer when they were known as Blue Collar. Green passed away in a car accident in 2004, but the band soldiered on in his honor. Bassist Nick Passio took the helm as vocalist and the newly christened Victory in Numbers plays smartly crafted pop with crunchy guitars. I will not go as far as to include the term punk anywhere near this band, for they are not. This is glossy, Fall Out Boy style guitar rock with good looking guys creating it. In other words, do not let your girlfriend attend a VIN show by herself because she will not be coming back to you. I cannot express my admiration for their perseverance strongly enough, and as much respect as I have for this band because of what they have endured, I just despise this stuff. It comes across as a glorified boy band trying to be loud. In essence, Victory in Numbers could be on Nickelodeon making a cameo on “iCarly”. The harmonics of “Falling to Pieces” or “Dare You to Dance” are too glossy and toothless for my liking. This is extraordinarily safe and panders to the girls who tear up when they hear Secondhand Serenade. The slower, acoustic, romantic “The Last Time” tells a flaccid love story that makes me laugh, and I do not think that is the intended result (“You bring your whiskey bottle/I’ll bring my broken wings”-Seriously?). At times, the guys experiment with some dance elements, such as the intros to “The Getaway” and “I Am”, but this simply falls flat and sounds like goofy studio tricks. It is fitting that Scott Stallone produced this, for his credits include Britney Spears, but even Britney was a little scary when she shaved her head. These guys are following the numbers on how to produce teenage-girl-swoon sessions, which is to be highly emotional in your verses and deliver each line as if your heart is shattering, write a catchy chorus with group vocals, pepper it with a loud, yet predictable riff and then repeat. I hope these kids succeed because they are performing for all the right reasons, but this is just not for me. However, for the young ones who have not yet become soured and jaded by the endless gaggle of bands like this, Victory in Numbers will dominate their Ipods until the next clones appear and replace them.

DASH RIP ROCK - Call of the Wild (www.alternativetentacles.com)

Dash Rip Rock’s Call of the Wild is a self-described party album and that theme is repeatedly almost ad nauseam throughout the disc. Like any good party, this disc has its highs and lows, and there are some songs, like some guests, that should have not been invited, and this disc also hangs around a bit too long when everyone else is ready to go to bed. Much of this does make for an entertaining ride, such as the tongue in cheek “Party 101”, a class taught by Professor José Cuervo (“no, you don’t have to spell it”), and the seemingly endless list of drunks, ne’er do wells, and all out maniacs (ranging from Sid Vicious to Charlie Sheen to the king of them all, Keith Richards) that dot the lyrics of “Party Hall of Fame”. However, by the time you reach the bluesy stomp of “Paint the Town Red” and the swinging bachelor pad vibe of “Everybody’s Getting’ Hooked up Tonight”, your eyes are slits and you are slumped in a corner trying desperately to rally for another beer bong. However, like a bad combination of beer, shots, and Mexican food, the music on Call of the Wild keeps coming back. “Cowbell Girl” does kick some life into a tired theme with it’s prevalence of um, well…cowbell, even making the obligatory “Don’t Fear the Reaper” reference, thereby eliciting a giggle from Jimmy Fallon somewhere. Maybe I am getting old and cannot hold my liquor like I used to, but I am not impressed with much of this. Dash Rip Rock is fun if you are in a bar, the weekend is just beginning, and you are too hammered to notice, but I think I’ll stay home and watch the game.

WORKING FOR A NUCLEAR FREE CITY - JoJo Burger Tempest (Melodic Records www.myspace.com/wfanfc)

If you can sit through all of this you are a better person than I. I know this will be adored by some, and Jojo Burger Tempest does have its moments of bucolic serenity, but I cannot enter into these meandering, non-threatening soundscapes for as long as WFANFC would hope. Much of this is lovely, particularly the sparse, hypnotic fragility of “Float Bridges”, “A Black Square with Yellow Stars” and “Inokashira Park”, or the more kinetic and challenging “Do A Stunt”. This UK four piece has garnered substantial respect and adoration on both sides of the pond, and the creativity and lack of conformity by Phil Kay, John Kay, Gary McLure, and Ed Hulme cannot be questioned. The work which dominates disc one is quite brief, offering a sampling of talent that lies within. There is a multitude of styles and influences are display here that are presented with a cut and paste formula (this is the entire structure of the thirty minute effort which is all of disc two). However, even as the band shifts gears effortlessly between serene intimacy and more robotic, calculated programming (“B.A.R.R.Y.”), I am already waiting for the next track. Generally, in order for aural experimentation to capture my attention, it must take me down a darker, more menacing path, such as the world of power electronics. Quite simply, this was too pretty and benign for my taste. WFANFC is playful, remarkably unique, and unabashedly original, yet it just does not appeal to me.

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