Armalite
Armalite
No Idea (2006)
I have never been a huge fan of Atom Goren's past projects. Whether it was his sloppy but albeit fun pop-punk outfit, Fracture, whom existed in the early 90's, or when he used to crisscross the nation with a sequencer he goofily called "His Package." It's not that Fracture wasn't catchy or Atom and His Package wasn't charmingly cute. I … Read more
Basement Benders
Lydiad
No Idea (2015)
Side projects aren’t supposed to invite other band comparisons, they’re supposed to separate, to show artisticrange. Who are we kidding here? Basement Benders is a punk project out of members of This Bike Is A Pipe Bomb, Hidden Spots, Future Virgins, and Black Rainbow—DIY bands who live the scene, meaning that being themselves and having fun with friends probably outweighs … Read more
Bridge and Tunnel
East/West
No Idea (2008)
If there has ever been a band that you would expect to be on No Idea Records that doesn't feature any bands that were ever on the No Idea roster than it would be be Bridge and Tunnel. Honestly, this co-ed four-piece from New York City doesn't even sound like any band on No Idea besides some gruff vocals belted … Read more
Chris Wollard & The Ship Thieves
Chris Wollard & The Ship Thieves
No Idea (2009)
Over the course of a period of time, Chris Wollard (of Hot Water Music, The Draft, Blacktop Cadence, and Rumbleseat fame) and a gaggle of friends (George Rebelo of Hot Water Music sits in on drums on some tracks) recorded a batch of songs composed by Wollard that were basically front porch jams that got fleshed out into more realized … Read more
Dear Landlord
Dream Homes
No Idea (2009)
Too much hype is something that can kill a band in the end of things because there's a good chance that said band never lives up to it and ends up being tagged a disappointment for the rest of their careers. Thankfully, this is not the case at all with Illinois quartet Dear Landlord's debut album, Dream Homes,, which has … Read more
Defiance, Ohio
Midwestern Minutes
No Idea (2010)
Midwestern Minutes is the fourth full-length from Defiance, Ohio. The band has crafted a sound that draws from Americana and Plan-It-X-style DIY pop punk. The instrumentation of the six-piece adds to their distinction. While the members split songwriting and lead vocal duties, there is a communal feel as most of their songs end up with a group chorus leading the … Read more
Defiance, Ohio
The Fear, The Fear, The Fear
No Idea (2007)
Defiance, Ohio are somewhat of a punk rock abnormality, having released a slew of records in a short amount of time, yet still maintaining the same lineup and same ethics, even as their popularity continues to slowly but surely rise, despite the band insisting on as little promotion as possible. Rather, the band's constant touring and commitment to the DIY … Read more
Defiance, Ohio
The Great Depression
No Idea (2006)
In 2004, Defiance, Ohio released Share What Ya' Got. While I really enjoyed the record, I often found that the production quality was very weak and it definitely hampered the appeal of the record for many more potential fans. Two years later, the bands' latest effort and second full-length, The Great Depression, seems to have erased the slight complaints I … Read more
Grabass Charlestons
Dale & the Careeners
No Idea (2012)
Is this the same band that released Ask Mark Twain? Well, kind of. Dale & the Careeners is the first Grabass Charlestons full-length since 2005, and their first with singer Will Thomas wielding the axe instead of the kit. Really, after giving this record several listens it seems that talking about the band’s earlier releases will mostly put people on … Read more
Hawks & Doves
Year One
No Idea (2011)
Not knowing how much in the majority that I am, the passing of Gared O’Donnell’s previous band (Planes Mistaken For Stars for those that were unaware) was a sad occasion in my household as the burly riffing and impassioned performances by that band both live and on record were a huge hit in my household; so when Hawks & Doves … Read more
Hot Water Music
Till the Wheels Fall Off
No Idea (2008)
People who find this band excellent or entertaining have an intimate love affair with them and their blue collar, dirt under the fingernails, dyed in the wool punk rock. It was a sad day indeed when this foursome of the people called it quits (for the second or third time in their existence) after leaving behind a swath of full … Read more
J Church
The Horror of Life
No Idea (2007)
With the passing of Lance Hahn, the fragile punk continuum lost one of its all-time greats. Smart, critical, and relentlessly prolific, Hahn's work provided a formidable example of what could be accomplished in DIY music: punk not as a costume contest or stale doctrine, but a design for living. Hahn refused to separate his art and his life, delivering record … Read more
Leatherface
Viva La Arthouse: Live In Melbourne
No Idea (2011)
On the Stormy Petrel World Tour in 2010 bassist Graeme Philliskirk made an arrangement with The Arthouse in Melbourne, Australia to record Leatherface’s set, unbeknownst to the rest of the band. This recording led to Viva La Arthouse, a record that captures Leatherface live and without the self-awareness you’ll often hear on such releases. In addition, it serves to document … Read more
North Lincoln
Midwestern Blood
No Idea (2009)
Most bands that are signed to No Idea Records have a sound that's usually expected from them. That, of course, being raw punk rock with gruff vocals and catchy melodies. North Lincoln are another band to add to that long list as they fit into this style almost perfectly. This album has been in the making since 2007 but recording … Read more
Off With Their Heads
From the Bottom
No Idea (2008)
Remember when the Dropkick Murphy's were good, when they were still a bunch of drunken rabble-rousers instead of highbrow hooligans cashing in on the idea that if you give any goon a Guinness or Smitwicks, it'll make them Irish? Can't remember that far back? It's been a few years. Want a refresher on what good, rowdy, bar friendly punk rock … Read more
Planes Mistaken for Stars
We Ride to Fight: The First Four Years
No Idea (2008)
One might be hard pressed to envision a band that seems to exemplify a road warrior type touring ethic than that of the hard working group, Planes Mistaken for Stars. It is a sad day to see these stalwarts finally calling it a day after three albums and numerous EPs, particularly after the release of Mercy, which I still think … Read more
Samiam
Orphan Works
No Idea (2010)
We haven’t heard a new album from Samiam in 5 years. However, in 2010, they did release a rarities collection of outtakes, radio performances, and live recordings. Even some covers recorded in Billie Joe Armstrong’s basement made it onto this compilation. Orphan works pulls from 6 years of material during the band's Clumsy and You Are Freaking Me Out eras, … Read more
Small Brown Bike
Fell & Found
No Idea (2011)
It's been 8 years since Small Brown Bike released their last full length, The River Bed, but they haven't lost their touch in the slightest. The band's back, and it's almost as if they never stopped writing together. Fell & Found follows the thread left dangling from The River Bed and even expands upon it. They open the record with … Read more
