Loren's profile

Location

Minneapolis

Biography

I started writing for the site in early 2008. I also work for a publishing company and do freelance writing on the side.

Favorite Bands

Dillinger Four, Arrivals, Brokedowns, Tim Version, Weakerthans, Broadways, The Blind Shake, Tiltwheel, Fugazi

Personal Site

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pirate-Zesto/116564622468

Loren's reviews

Brendan Kelly & The Wandering Birds – I'd Rather Die Than Live Forever

Red Scare Industries, 2012

I’ve never thought of Brendan Kelly as much of a singer. Sure, I’ve followed his career—hell, Slapstick played at the first real DIY show I ever saw—but he’s always been in that category of “punk vocalist,” who relies on attitude far more than vocal chops. As such, I had pretty mixed feelings coming into his solo project Brendan Kelly & the Wandering Birds for their debut full-length I’d Rather Die than Live Forever. Brendan Kelly & the Wandering Birds, though,…

A Caesar Holiday – A Caesar Holiday

Independent, 2008

The five-piece A Caesar Holiday offer up six tracks totaling forty-five minutes on their self-titled debut release. Featuring the combined instrumentation of violin, dual guitars, bass, drums, and accordion the Indianapolis group offer moody and mostly instrumental music falling somewhere between prog and post-rock. The album is at its strongest in the tracks featuring the violin work of Eison, most notably "Let Bygones" and "The Narcissist." The violin separates it from many similar sounding contemporaries and adds a fluid soundscape…

Amateur Party – Public Utility Complaint

Paramnesia, 2009

Man, what a nice looking record. The sleeve includes an actual photograph for the cover, with a dozen or so variations that you can get, and the liner notes come as a stapled booklet with information on a Pennsylvania law regarding when gas companies can turn off the heat. It’s a solid mix of handmade art and political statement. Add to that a download code that includes all of the alternate cover photos (some of which include recognizable faces) and…

Amateur Party – Truncheons in the Manor

Rorshach, 2011

There are a lot of names that could be dropped when talking about Amateur Party—in fact, I did so when I reviewed their EP back in 2009. However, the band really stands as a completely different kind of monster than the members’ other work. As such, I’ll delay the biographies until later. Truncheons in the Manor is their first full length and it doesn’t waste time in setting a tone. With opener “On College Kids and Gang Signs,” they get…

An Albatross – An Albatross Family Album

Eyeball, 2008

With their first release since 2006, An Albatross decided to get serious: they spent five weeks in the studio with a team of ex-members, new players, and studio musicians to create the concept record An Albatross Family Album. What’s it sound like, you ask? Like a noise band doing it with a math rock group while a cartoon donkey watches. This is spastic stuff, under the pretense of a collaborative masterpiece. Fifteen seconds into the record, Eddie Gieda is screaming…

Anchor Arms – Cold Blooded

Fail Safe, 2008

These days everything reminds me of The Fest. Today’s memory comes from release FSR001 by Anchor Arms, reminding me that I missed the Fail Safe warehouse show last year because I couldn’t find a ride across town. While that intro had all too little to do with the band themselves, Anchor Arms do call Gainesville home and they utilize a lot of the sounds familiar to other bands from the region. The band shows a lot of influences: Westcoast punk,…

Andrew Jackson Jihad – Knife Man

Asian Man, 2011

Andrew Jackson Jihad runs the folk-punk gamut—they’ve put out a split with Ghost Mice, play The Fest more or less annually, and they’re a two-piece mostly acoustic band comprised of Sean Bonnette (guitar) and Ben Gallaty (bass). Now that I’ve lumped them in with a number of other acts, it’s time for the separation.The Phoenix band is distinct in their instrumentation, vocals, and song structures. Having a passing familiarity with the band, the vocals have always grated on me, while…

Austin Lucas – Somebody Loves You

Suburban Home, 2009

When O Brother, Where Art Thou sold over seven million copies, you knew that people were listening and that the soundtrack would have an influence on future music. Where you probably didn’t expect that influence to show was in the punk rock world. Seven years later, we have a label named after a Descendents song releasing Somebody Loves You by Austin Lucas. Lucas plays finger-picking, twangy-voiced bluegrass-country. Most of the record is minimal with a few bass lines muddled in…

Austin Lucas – The Common Cold (Reissue)

Magic Bullet, 2009

In a time of ex-punkers going the acoustic, solo route, Austin Lucas offers something that differs from his Revival Tour circuit peers. Where artists like Chuck Ragan and Tim Barry offer rootsy tunes brimming with desolation, they hold a shadow of hope and optimism. Lucas, on the other hand, wallows in despair, taking more time to focus on the details of a hard life and poor choices instead of an underlying promise of a better tomorrow. The Common Coldis a…

Averkiou – Wasted and High

Sound Study Recordings, 2009

The title track on this 7” is a fitting sound, given its title. “Wasted and High” has a pop structure run through the wash, and the fuzzy guitars and calm delivery of singer Matt Brink would fit under the shoegaze label. On “No One’s Holding a Gun to Your Head,” the band adds more harmony to Brink’s sleepy delivery. Meanwhile, the guitarists weave around each other’s pedal work while James Hernandez keeps things in order with a steady beat. The…

Baby Guts – The Kissing Disease

Guilt Ridden Pop, 2008

I have to wonder what rock critics would've done without L7 and Babes in Toyland, as it seems every writer feels compelled to make comparisons to these bands whenever a female-fronted group is being discussed. That said, Minneapolis' Baby Guts show a bit of the ol' influence themselves. This is no sludgy L7 stuff and there's no pitch-shifting Bjelland on the mic, but vocalist/guitarist Laura Larson certainly has that angry scream down. If I have to, I'd compare Larson's wailing…

Bad Sports – Kings Of The Weekend

Dirtnap, 2011

Bad Sports made a smart sequencing decision by opening Kings of the Weekend with “Off Switch.” The punk burner has a lot of garage noise and it rips past in just 1:47. Why is it a smart opener, you ask? Well, from the brick wall band photo to the band’s posture to numerous tracks on the record, this Denton, TX three-piece likes The Ramones. And that’s not a bad thing. However, by opening with a song that doesn’t wear the…

Bandname – Breakfast

Soft City Records, 2011

Flippant is a word that popped up on the of Bandname's press sheet. Take their moniker into account and add the heavy slackerism that permeates everything they touch on their debut full-length, Breakfast, and that seems an appropriate description. The Philadelphia three-piece play pop punk that's run through an organ grinder with 90s alternarock, distortion-heavy garage and, more or less, the entire Plan-It-X catalog. The twelve songs here clock in under half an hour, with a steady upbeat pace that…

Bangers – Small Pleasures

Kiss of Death, 2011

Small Pleasures is the first proper full-length from Cornwall, England trio Bangers. To shortcut straight to the point, it’s fitting that this record is released in the US on Kiss of Death, as it fits in well with artists such as New Bruises and Mayflower. They bring straight forward, mid-tempo punk to the forefront, with a focus on melodic gang choruses, slightly gruff vocals, and a lyrical approach that eschews consumerism in favor of celebrating positive experiences. Behind many of…

Banner Pilot – Heart Beats Pacific

Fat Wreck Chords, 2011

I’ll be honest. I was kind of hoping somebody else would review this record. I like Banner Pilot. A lot. The reason I didn’t want to do this myself has more to do with the fact that I’ve reviewed their past couple releases and I’m not sure I can bring much new insight to the table. Nate Gangelhoff and Nick Johnson write personal songs with a universal appeal. This is accomplished through a focus on setting and detail that uses…

Banner Pilot – Resignation Day

Go Kart, 2008

With a pedigree including Rivethead and Off With Their Heads there are certain expectations behind Banner Pilot's debut full length. In addition to their resume, the band has received a number of rave reviews that boost these lofty expectations. Resignation Day largely proves the buzz correct. What Banner Pilot delivers is nothing groundbreaking: they play rough pop-punk much like their former band Rivethead and its sister offshoot Dear Landlord. There are hints of East Bay melodies and basslines, but the…

Brainworms – II: Swear to Me

Rorschach, 2009

There is a caustic, angry, and somewhat aimless feel permeating Swear to Me that convinces me that Brainworms is a good name for the band. They remind me of a lot of 80s punk where the band does one dissonant thing while the singer goes off into his own world. Every so often the two different styles converge, bringing a powerful nexus as a result, but in the meantime what you hear is a meandering wall of anger. The record…

Broken Gold – Recovery Journal

Volcom, 2011

When a band names their record Recovery Journal it should come as no surprise that the dominant impression is one of earnestness. Broken Gold is the Riverboat Gamblers’ guitarist Ian MacDougall’s project, drawing from varied personal experiences with recurring themes of alienation, heartbreak, and addiction—some drawn from his experiences after his bicycle was hit by a car in October 2009, which left him with major injuries. The band, a three-piece also consisting of drummer Richard Cali and ex-Riverboat Gamblers bassist…

Buffalo Moon – Black Magic/Low Tide Moon

Moon Glyph, 2011

At their heart, Buffalo Moon plays whimsical indie pop with a playfulness that is grounded by moments of straight-faced seriousness. Of course, “whimsical indie pop” is among the vaguest descriptions I could give. Delving deeper, the band blends a number of styles, drawing primarily from previous generations. The most notable elements come from the 1960s: bossa nova, samba, a touch of psychedelia, and a dose of Nancy Sinatra-style pop. The band claims Minneapolis as home, though the members were born…

Buildings – Melt, Cry, Sleep

doubleplusgood, 2012

Buildings. Two syllables. Direct and immovable. It seems a fitting name for this Minneapolis three-piece and their second album Melt, Cry, Sleep. Their sound is tough to pin to a genre but, make no bones about it, the dudes are angry and loud. There are a lot of familiar elements at play in their work. The shout-speak vocals and headbanging syncopation in “Born on a Bomb” gives a forceful, constantly driving impression reminiscent of STNNNG and the guitar-bass interplay of…

Call Me Lightning – When I Am Gone My Blood Will Be Free

Dusty Medical, 2010

Is this the band that released Soft Skeletons? It’s been 3 years, and clearly the band has opted to go in a different direction. While the band has never hidden their affinity for The Who, naming themselves after a 1968 song by the group, When I Am Gone My Blood Will Be Free takes their influence to the next level. The jangly guitars with dance punk undertones are replaced on When I Am Gone with big guitars, epic structures, and…

Child Bite – Fantastic Gusts of Blood

Suburban Sprawl, 2008

There are different kinds of eccentric bands - the parody and weird bands like Ween or Beck or They Might Be Giants, and there are the faster, heart attack drumming sort schooled by the likes of Mr. Bungle and methamphetamine. Detroit’s Child Bite are somewhere in the middle ground of this movement. They play eclectic music, often at a fast pace, but they don’t thrive on mathematical tempo changes or nichey, in-joke lyrics. The simplest, yet quite vague, explanation might…

Chuck Ragan – Covering Ground

Side One Dummy, 2011

With guest spots from Brian Fallon (Gaslight Anthem), Chris Phillips (Squirrel Nut Zippers), Frank Turner, Audra Mae, Rick Steff and Todd Neene (Lucero), and Christopher Thorn (Blind Melon), it would be easy to think of Covering Ground as one of those records that builds itself around special appearances and musical specialties that can’t be re-produced live. Instead, Chuck Ragan’s lengthy list of contributors is merely a reflection of his musical influence, as the guests offer backing vocals and instrumentation, but…

Classics Of Love – Self Titled

Asian Man, 2012

Classics of Love have a hill to climb. Considering that leader Jesse Michaels has been in bands like Common Rider, Big Rig and, oh, let’s see…Operation Ivy, there’s always going to be that inevitable comparison between 2012 and 1989. His most recent project takes a definite harder edge than the Common Rider song from which the band draws their name, with 80s West Coast hardcore being one of the key components of a fairly rounded out sound that also draws…

Coathangers – Larceny & Old Lace

Suicide Squeeze, 2011

For a city its size, I know next to nothing about the Atlanta, GA scene. For some reason I think of Nashville Pussy-styled sleaze rock, Athens indie, and dirty South hiphop—none of which remotely apply to the Coathangers. Instead, the Coathangers take a post-punk, No Wave sound and run with it, adding in more contemporary influences such as Riot Grrl vocals, 2000s dancepunk tones, and miscellaneous effects that give it a fresher and more energetic edge. Larceny & Old Lace…

Constantines – Kensington Heights

Arts & Crafts, 2008

Kensington Heights is the fourth album from Ontario’s Constantines and their first since 2005. The group, best known for a powerful live show, has yet to capture their stage presence on a piece of wax. However, the record takes strides and shows flashes of that magic energy that sets the group apart from many other indie rockers. The band uses a blend of intricate, layered parts and straight forward, emotional rock that was well at home on Sub Pop. For…

Dan Padilla – As The Ox Plows

Razorcake, 2011

It’s been almost a year since As the Ox Plows popped up on the interwebs. Back then it boasted itself as a free digital version of the soon-to-be-released LP. Well, that time has finally come, with Razorcake Records, It’s Alive, and Dirt Cult stepping up to deliver the San Diegans’ second full-length. The four-piece band shares members with Tiltwheel and Madison Bloodbath and, not surprisingly, they play gruff punk with pop sensibilities. It’s catchy in the right places, but driving…

Deathcycle – Prelude to Tyranny

Lifeline, 2008

Deathcycle brings hardcore laden with throwback influence and metal finishes. They’re young, angry lads who have, within the past month, announced their breakup before I even got around to Prelude to Tyranny. The first thing to strike me upon listening is Ron Grimaldi’s voice. It’s especially powerful and carries well above the abrasive music. Normally, he is singing over the music at a pace that makes you wonder if he ever needs to stop and breathe, but when he does…

Deep Sleep – Three Things at Once

Grave Mistake, 2009

Deep Sleep sound like 1980's LA hardcore. A good example is the dual vocals of “Alone with You,” but with twenty-one songs in twenty-five minutes, all the songs are pretty interchangeable. It’s fast, sloppy, and underdeveloped. After my first listen, I learned that Three Things at Once is a compilation of the band’s three EPs thus far, which makes sense regarding the lack of cohesiveness of the record and gradual increase in melody as the record progresses. Here I was,…

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 way. While the band has always been somewhat spread out, both geographically and in terms of songwriting, this really comes…

Detournement – Screaming Response

Chunksaah/Pirate Press, 2009

Detournement are an Eastcoast band with members from a host of familiar bands. Rather than focus on who they are, though, their music should speak for itself. The fifty-one second opener, “Focus…Explosion!,” makes a quick impression, with melodic hardcore that’s over before you’ve found your seat. The lyrics aren’t exactly discernible, but I know both titular words were screamed with emphasis on the exclamation point. The rest of the record reminds me of Rancid V, with powerful guitars and angry…

Devil's Brigade – Self Titled

Hellcat, 2010

Back in 2002 a song appeared on a Give ‘em the Boot comp. from a band named Devil’s Brigade. The band was a psychobilly project led by Rancid’s bassist Matt Freeman. The liner notes promised an upcoming record. Here we are in 2010 and, out of nowhere, the project has finally surfaced. While marketed as Freeman’s project, akin to the Lars Frederiksen & the Bastards records, the songs are co-written along with longtime bandmate Tim Armstrong, and both Frederiksen and…

Doomtree – No Kings

Doomtree, 2011

It’s not hard to find something to say about Doomtree. The 7-headed monster has enough disparate characters that I could fill the proverbial pages here without even addressing No Kings, their second official full-length. The band recently made some internet waves with the mash-up Wugazi project—which is where I’ll start since the opening track, “No Way,” begins with a guitar bit and chanting vocals more akin to post-punk than to any hip-hop crew. If there’s one thing Doomtree has always…

Drag the River – Bad at Breaking Up

Suburban Home, 2009

“I know I’m not the easiest lover,” Drag the River admits in “Jeff Black Song.” That honest and simple line over a minimal acoustic track tells you as much as you need to know about Drag the River. The alt-country band started as a side project, grew into a full-time band, and fell apart as band members went in different directions. At present, they may or may not be active in some form, following a 2008 break up that lasted…

Drunkdriver – Fire Sale

Fashionable Idiots, 2009

I like to consider myself pretty versed in rock - I listen to a lot of stuff and a good amount of variety. But, every so often, I’ll get something that I just can’t categorize or explain well. That’s not a bad thing at all. In fact, it’s a pretty good accomplishment, as long as the wax is listenable. Drunkdriver hail from New York City. After my first listen to the A-side “Firesale,” my only descriptive thought was, "Sounds like…

Elway – Delusions

Red Scare, 2011

Pop structures with gruff vocals? Check.Group singalongs at the chorus?Check.A lyrical focus on being lost in the world while simultaneously abusing alcohol semi-therapeutically?Check.There’s definitely a format at play for Elway, the Colorado band who just issued their debut on Red Scare Industries. Say what you will about the whole “beard punk” sub-subgenre, but I’m a sucker for it and Elway are more hit than miss at the formula. While a play through Delusions will definitely bring other bands to mind—Banner…

Emily's Army – Don't Be A Dick

Adeline, 2011

It would be hard for Emily’s Army to disassociate from their bloodlines: Don’t Be a Dick is produced by Billie Joe Armstrong, shares a similarity in layout, art, and font to Green Day and the record itself is on Adeline. Yes, this is the debut from the California band featuring Joey Armstrong on drums (son of the Green Day frontman). Having that out of the way early, Emily’s Army is their own band and need to be addressed as such.…

Felt – Felt 3: A Tribute to Rosie Perez

Rhymesayers, 2009

It’s refreshing to put in a hip-hop disc and not have it bogged down with guest spots featured on every track. In fact, none of the songs on Felt 3: A Tribute to Rosie Perez have any star appearances - besides the rapping duo of Slug (Atmosphere) and Murs, combined with producer, Aesop Roc - as the pair returns with promises of “everything you love about rap in one disc.” Aesop Rock definitely makes his presence felt, with more electronic-styled…

Foundation – Chimborazo

Paper + Plastick, 2009

I like to refer to Foundation’s self-titled record as campfire punk. It takes basic punk songs (often from the Ann Beretta catalog) and strips them down to the acoustic basics. In the process, Rob Huddleston doesn’t run them through the genre-grinder and spit out new alt-country or folk versions of old songs so much as he creates Ann Beretta Unplugged (insert trademark logo and legal disclaimers here). On Chimborazo, Huddleston’s solo moniker is back, but this time it expands the…

Future of the Left – Polymers Are Forever EP

Xtra Mile, 2011

From what I gather, I’m supposed to love Andy Falkous and his body of work. For a man who talks so much shit, he sure has a lot of admirers. But, whatever…I’m reviewing Polymers Are Forever here, not writing as essay on ego worship. This EP is the latest from his post-Mclusky group, and something of a teaser for an upcoming 2012 release. Personally, I haven’t given the band much of a listen since 2007’s Curses, and this record shows…

Future Virgins – Western Problems

StarCleaner\Plan-it-X South, 2011

2011 saw me getting deeper into garage bands. What better way to close out my year than with Future Virgins, who blend garage brevity and song structures with pop punk melodies. The Chattanooga, TN band mixes up a garage influence without feeling nearly as formulaic, due in large part to the punk that oozes over the surface. Sure, the songs are short and sweet, but they alternate tempos, mix up the placement of the harmonies, and bring a variety of…

Gateway District – Perfect's Gonna Fail

It's Alive, 2011

The Gateway District’s debut, Some Days You Get the Thunder hooked me immediately yet, to this day, I can’t single out a standout track or identify just what about it grabs me. I just like the record. The whole thing, not an iTunes cut here and there, as is wont these days. It’s with similar feelings I find myself listening to its follow-up.The band’s resume is an impressive collection of Minneapolis pop punk and their substance revolves around bouncy chords…

Gatorface – Sick and Stupid

Paper + Plastick, 2009

The name had me thinking hardcore, and the inclusion of ex-New Mexican Disaster Squad only solidified that thought, but Gatorface plays pretty much straight-up pop punk with a strong 80s influence. The Gainesville band sounds more like 1980's California bands from the formative years of pop punk than it owes to its peninsula contemporaries. This is the debut EP from the band that Paper + Plastick Records accurately sums up as “a mash up of 80’s style hardcore meets pop…

Gonzales – Checkmate

Chorus of One, 2009

It shouldn’t take a Johnny Cash song to make a record take off. With Checkmate, from Gonzales, that’s exactly the problem. The first hook to really pull you in comes on “Ring of Fire,” which sets a positive tone for everything that follows after it. Unfortunately, that’s only the final three songs. At their heart, Gonzales seek to be a big guitar, balls-to-the-wall rock band, the kind that screams macho energy and falls somewhere in the neighborhood of Nashville Pussy,…

High Tension Wires – Welcome New Machine

Dirtnap, 2011

Namedropping in reviews is an easy thing to do, and I’m not averse to it myself. The obvious ones for High Tension Wires come via the members’ pedigree (Riverboat Gamblers, Marked Men, The Reds, Bad Sports). I usually try to limit it to that—the other projects that members have worked in, and how it compares with said artists’ output. Still, High Tension Wires bring other bands to mind. Unforgettable, classic bands. At more than one point on Welcome New Machine,…

Jimmy Cliff – Sacred Fire EP

Collective Sounds, 2011

Jimmy Cliff sounds pretty spry for a 63 year-old. The reggae legend is a Rock’n’Roll Hall of Famer (whatever that means) and holds England’s esteemed Order of Merit in addition to releasing several notable albums. Cliff hasn’t released a record since 2004’s Black Magic, but this teaser EP for a forthcoming 2012 LP raises the bar. The CD consists of 5 tracks, 4 of which are covers, and one of which (“Guns of Brixton”) has two different versions. In other…

John K. Samson – Provincial

Anti, 2012

It’s already been four plus years since the last Weakerthans record. If I weren’t aging quickly myself, that would feel like a long time. While I’m not sure what’s up with their status as a band, ringleader John K. Samson set aside time in early 2011 to record his first solo record, Provincial. The frontman, known for his somewhat nasal voice and his descriptive lyricism, doesn’t stray far from familiar territory on his solo outing, and several of the tracks…

King Khan & The BBQ Show – Invisible Girl

In The Red, 2009

In his two-piece with Mark “BBQ” Sultan, King Khan & The BBQ Show brings garage rock as it’s meant to be played: layered with harmonies and catchy choruses, but oozing with distortion and dirty, sleazeball rock and roll. King Khan & The BBQ Show have perfected simple, fun rock and roll. When “Anala” first hits your player, it’s not a thought of, “Oh my god, I’ve never heard anything like this,” as much as a recognition of music done right.…

Korova – Another Happy Customer

Victimized, 2009

Korova are a DIY hardcore band from Alabama. They wear their influences on their sleeve, with latter-day Black Flag being the predominant one throughout Another Happy Customer, though other 80s bands pop through their discordant surface. The minimal, noisy tracks separate the band from a number of their crustcore peers, but they definitely developed their songwriting from 80s thrash and I would start there with any RIYLs. Every so often, a modern chord progression will hint at melody, before the…

L'Assassins – 7 PM Go!!!

Big Action, 2012

Big Action Records’ latest release, 7pm Go!!! from L’Assassins is definitely in line with their recent catalog. Instead of throwback garage, however, L’Assassins have a surf-rockabilly sound that’s takes inspiration from the original genre instead of the bastardized psychobilly that rules punksubgenreland today. This sounds like the kind of record your parents (or, for you younglings out there, your grandparents) put on the jukebox at the malt shop. Well, with some modern twists. L’Assassins definitely carry a bit of swagger.…

La Crisi – II - Tutti a Pezzi

Hurry Up!, 2008

Is there any better imagery than broken teeth? La Crisi don’t seem to think so. Given the ferocity on II - Tutti a Pezzi I have to wonder if the cover image is what singer Mayo’s mouth looks like after a particularly violent show. When it comes to namedropping influences, there are plenty of good ones for this band: Bad Brains, Los Crudos, Negative Approach, and a little Suicidal Tendencies. They wear these proudly, and the result is some honest…

Lasting Impression – 301.9

Self Released, 2012

Hardcore really isn’t my thing. Still, every once and a while I like to break out of my comfort zone with something different. Lasting Impression, hailing from LaCrosse, WI, refer to themselves as “high energy hardcore.” There are a number of scenes or bands that could be name-dropped, but sticking with the basics as they do seems a solid approach. So what do I hear in 301.9? To be as succinct as possible: there’s a pretty strong late 90s-early 00s…

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 a show at a legendary club that has since closed its doors. The result is a 19 song collection of…

Love Collector – My Baby Goes Waaah!

Big Action, 2009

What you get with Love Collector is pretty straightforward. Only a few seconds into “My Baby Goes Waaah!,” the titular track on this 7”, it’s clear that this is a band that plays punk-fused garage rock, with lots of guitar, a few pedals, and lots of attitude hovering around the two-minute-per song mark. It’s also the kind of rock where lyricism is a near non-factor. The lyrics tend to be insipid: a case in point being the titular song and…

Lucinda Williams – Blessed

Lost Highway, 2011

Over twenty-two years and ten studio albums Lucinda Williams has made a name for herself. She has a number of career achievements, but this isn’t Wikipedia, it’s the review section. Hell, I’m going to come right out and say it: I’m not that familiar with Lucinda Williams’ discography. Don’t expect any Car Wheels on a Gravel Road comparisons here. Instead, Blessed will just have to speak for itself, without the comparisons to older material.Starting out with “Buttercup,” Williams sets a…

M.I.A. – /\/\ /\ Y /\ (MAYA)

XL Recordings, 2010

The hipsterati and the New York Times may have set their sights on MIA but, frankly, I don’t have the time to care what she eats during an interview. Besides, her music is largely a studio product anyway, which gives it an insulating layer from its creator’s personality. <i>Maya</i> is the Indo-British singer’s third record and her first since becoming a bona fide superstar with “Paper Planes.” The aftermath of a big hit, after all, is the big fall. So…

Maniqui Lazer – I Learn Everything on TV

Soundsister, 2008

I don’t know much about music along the US-Mexico border, and the name Maniqui Lazer and the cartoonish sketches on the cover only intrigue me so much. Mostly, it gives the impression of a weird band with a lot of keyboards. Lo and behold, I got that part right. I just missed the crazy energy held within the cardboard package. The band’s name is fitting enough, in fact, that their “lazer punk” motto is actually a fitting description. The intro…

Maps of Norway – Die Off Songbird

Guilt Ridden Pop, 2008

It’s refreshing to hear bands showing their influences without becoming a fiftieth-wave hybrid, a la The ePoxies. Maps of Norway obviously love 1980's new-wave. However, they don’t set out to make a copy of that, they fuse the sound into their own artistic development, and Guilt Ridden Pop’s release Die Off Songbird is the end result. The record starts off with a minimalist intro that segues perfectly into the mid-tempo, dancey “Cage the Lions.” Here, singer Rebecca Leigh shows her…

Mayflower – Second Best Sunsets

Kiss of Death, 2010

After a brief intro track (what’s the point of intros, anyway?), Mayflower kicks things off with the energetic “I Never…”, an Off With Their Heads influenced gruff punk song with group choruses and a memorable hook. It’s a fitting start to Second Best Sunsets, setting the tone of cynicism contrasted with bouncy, hold-your-beer-in-the-air sing-a-longs. What separates Mayflower from other, similar-sounding contemporaries, are Teddy Casper’s vocals, which have a hint of emotive inflection that supersedes the frustrated tone used by other…

Michael Yonkers with The Blind Shake – Cold Town/Soft Zodiac

Learning Curve, 2009

The Blind Shake are a power-garage trio from Minneapolis. They play highly synchronized, precision rock with guitar, tenor guitar, and drums. Michael Yonkers is a noise-guitar pioneer, having finally gained recognition when Destijl and, consequently, Sub Pop released the 1968 recorded, but never released, Microminiature Love in 2003. The record starts with haunting, dark, and heavy guitars and Yonkers’ warbly croon warning, “Don’t ever say that I didn’t try to help you.” It’s a blend somewhere between noisy post-punk and…

Michael Yonkers with The Blind Shake – Period

S.S., 2011

Michael Yonkers has a fascinating story: getting dropped by the majors, personal injury, and being rediscovered a generation later. That story has already been told in almost every review I’ve read, though. Instead, let’s talk about the rock. Period marks his third record with Minneapolis trio The Blind Shake, and the two forces offer a full collaboration when they get together: their work blends the buzzsaw guitar work of The Blind Shake with Yonkers’ penchant for noise and psychedelia on…

Mind Spiders – Meltdown

Dirtnap, 2012

Mark Ryan may not tour all that often, but you can’t fault the man’s productivity. Meltdown marks the second release from solo project Mind Spiders in a year, although the “solo” seems to be a stretch on this release. The first time around, Mind Spiders was Ryan’s project. He wrote the songs, he sang them, and he played almost all of the instruments on the record. Here, his rotating cast of live performers joined in the studio, including a two…

Mind Spiders – Self Titled LP

Dirtnap, 2011

The Marked Men were the best band you’ve never heard. Well, one of them anyway. The beloved-by-some, under-the-radar-of-most band from Denton, TX may have taken the dreaded “hiatus” last year, but the members didn’t go into hiding. Instead, guitarist Mark Ryan returns with a solo project under the moniker Mind Spiders. On the eponymous debut Ryan plays the majority of the instruments, although legend has it that live shows in the Denton/Ft. Worth area feature a rotating all-star band. I…

Monikers – Wake Up

Kiss of Death, 2008

2008 was a year I kept hearing Monikers' name without knowing a thing about them. They turned up on split releases, message boards, and year end lists before I really familiarized myself with them. It turns out they live up to the endorsements received, not to mention the bonus points received for having an ex-Discount member. “80 Proof” kicks off Wake Up. It’s a three minute burst of poppy, melodic, and gruff positive energy. The band uses alternating vocals and…

Mouthbreather / Enviornmental Youth Crunch – Split

Rorschach, 2009

There’s a lot to say about this split. First, it features one great name (Mouthbreather) and one lesser one (Environmental Youth Crunch). What strikes me second is the contrast in band styles, though I’ll elaborate on this later. And, third, that it’s such a solid release with five songs - it’s an EP, not a single. First on the record is Mouthbreather. They play melodic hardcore that walks the line between street punk and thrash. John Martin has a big…

Myles Deck and the Fuzz – Police Cops

From Here To There, 2008

I guess Myles Deck and the Fuzz deliver what they promise on Police Cops. With a name referencing fuzz and a title copped from The Simpsons, the band offers three anti-police songs that I can throw on top of the landfill-size pile of similar-themed songs in my library. The lyrics are juvenile and anthemic, which I also probably should have expected given the title. But you really don’t listen to a band like Myles Deck for the words. The band…

Night Birds – The Other Side Of Darkness

Grave Mistake, 2011

The hype had been building for Night Birds’ debut. They’ve released three 7”s and the band, feature ex-members of The Ergs!, Hunchback, and Psyched to Die, and put on a great show at Fest 9 in Gainesville. When that much hype builds, often it comes tumbling back to earth when the actual product is released. Not so for The Other Side of Darkness. In many ways, the band picks up where Psyched to Die left off, sharing Psyched’s drummer (and…

Ninja Gun – Roman Nose

Sabot Productions, 2011

Ninja Gun draws from a lot of sources, playing in the Suburban Home-style market of alt country derived from obtuse punk influences. They tend to eschew chord progressions in favor of soft music and easy articulation built from the steady, honest delivery of their frontman Johnathan Coody. Roman Nose is their latest EP, this one coming from Sabot Productions. Ninja Gun’s style is mellow and maybe a little coy. The band draws from country, but their delivery and dominant sound are…

NOFX – They’ve Actually Gotten Worse Live!

Fat Wreck Chords, 2007

"Ever done something you regret while drunk like...recorded a live album?" the press sheet states. As NOFX open the CD and Fat Mike announces, "Oh, shit, we have to go to work," the tone is set. Within five minutes, the president has been insulted and you're told that, if you believe in God, you're wrong. There are also a number of intelligible statements muttered by the drunken band members. By now, you must be wondering, who are these belligerent chaps?…

Noise By Numbers – Over Leavitt

Jump Start, 2011

Noise By Numbers are a group of Chicago punk veterans, and Over Leavitt gives a nice first impression. The sepia-tinged sunset photo of an industrial district gives a relatable, down to earth feel. On the flipside there’s a photo of the band playing a house show. Sure, they’ve put their sweat equity into the scene, but there’s no sense of entitlement to their record. They still drive around in a van, put out records on small labels, and let their…

Nothington – Borrowed Time

Red Scare, 2011

I’ll be honest, I missed Roads Bridges & Ruins, even after guitarist Chris Matulich said it would be quite a transition from All In. While I liked All In, for whatever reason I never got to its follow-up. 2011’s Borrowed Time is surely a reflection of the evolution in between. The Social Distortion influence is more tempered (though it’s still prevalent) and Nothington has come into their own in terms of writing songs. Sure, there’s a familiar genre-type feeling to…

O Pioneers!!! – Neon Creeps

Asian Man, 2009

With their Asian Man debut, Neon Creeps, O Pioneers!!! is trying to make a name for themselves while upping the ante on stupid punctuation in band names. What I hear is a sloppy three-piece punk band with hints at a more minimal and sometimes folk-punk style. I call them a three-piece, but the band is clearly Eric Solomon’s baby, as there has been a rotating rhythm section since the band’s inception in 2004, with turnover as recently as the recording…

Off! – Self Titled

Vice, 2012

This record is way too long. Nah, with 16 songs in 17 minutes, it’s shorter than a heart attack. And, hopefully, that will be my only elderstateman reference in here. For those living under a rock since 2010, Off! is a new Keith Morris (Circle Jerks, Black Flag) fronted hardcore band where he is joined by Dimitri Coats (Burning Bridges), Steven Shane MacDonald (Redd Kross), and Mario Rubalcaba (Hot Snakes, Rocket from the Crypt). The band pulls from Morris' first…

Okie Dokie – Okie Dokie

Aagoo, 2009

The band is named Okie Dokie. The artwork is simple and to the point. In other words, Okie Dokie doesn’t hide the fact that they’re a dirty rock band, blending balls to the wall sleaze rock with fast, sloppy surf garage at its heart. The record is only eight songs, and whatever vinyl format it’s on (I received a promo CD), is likely longer than they needed. On further research, it’s a 10”, which seems a fitting choice. From the…

Old Man Markley – Guts N' Teeth

Fat Wreck Chords, 2011

Fat hasn’t been releasing many new bands lately. Thus, when they do expand the roster for a debut, it draws some attention. Guts n’Teeth comes from the eight-piece California band Old Man Markley, named after washboard player Ryan Markley who, in truth, is quite young. Other members have been/are in bands such as Youth Brigade and Angel City Outcasts. But prelim aside, what about the band? Well, they play a punk-bluegrass hybrid with a lot of instruments, primarily in the…

Only Thieves – Greeting from Levy Park, T.L.H.

Independent, 2009

Only Thieves pay homage to the Boss with their cover to Greeting from Levy Park, T.L.H., but the tribute doesn’t stop at the artwork. From the get go of “Hammered for the Holidays” there’s a clear striving toward outspoken, plainclothes guitarman at the center. However, there’s a more of a band feel to it, and more Gaslight Anthem than Springsteen. The record starts with frontman Jeremy Barnes strumming his guitar and singing into the mic in a conversational, beseeching “Come…

P.O.S. – Never Better

Rhymesayers, 2009

The unique style of P.O.S. continues to come together - from the disjointed and experimental Ipecac Neat that caught Rhymesayers’ attention, and the slightly more mainstream Audition in 2006, Never Better continues to build and unify P.O.S.’s distinct and witty brand of hip-hop. To get it out of the way early, P.O.S. is also in the hardcore/mathrock band Building Better Bombs. Yes, he raps and is affiliated with punk. Sometimes this shows in his songs, but most of the time…

Pissed Jeans – King Of Jeans

Sub Pop, 2009

Ugly and violent. Pissed Jeans don’t mess around, starting 2009’s King of Jeans with “False Jesii, Part Two,” and never letting up on the noisepunk from start to finish. While the first song is possibly the best on the record, it’s not because the record falls apart, but because it so competently and powerfully sets the tone, kicking immediately into Matt Korvette’s shouts of “I Don’t Bother!” over distorted guitars and heavily amplified Flipper-esque bass. It’s two-and-a-half minutes of angry,…

Polar Bear Club – Clash Battle Guilt Pride

Bridge Nine, 2011

Clash Battle Guilt Pride is Polar Bear Club’s third release and second on Bridge Nine. The veteran band sets their tone early with “Pawner,” a sparse, sprawling song with big hitting moments where vocalist Jimmy Stadt runs the gamut of emotions. While the tempo lulls are a bit under spoken for the heavy-minded group, the emotive bursts of “I gotta take my grab at something great” are entirely reflective of the concept behind their latest release. The seamless transition into…

Prizzy Prizzy Please – Prizzy Prizzy Please

Lets Pretend, 2007

The band is named Prizzy Prizzy Please. They have bright colors and octopus tentacles on their cover. Instruments included: keyboards, bass, drums, and sax. The self-titled release from Prizzy Prizzy Please starts with a nice little buildup in the almost instrumental “Shorgasm." It features a hypnotic rhythm section accentuated with saxophone. The singer/saxophonist, Mark Pallman, takes breaks from the horn to deliver the song's only lyrics, a repetitive chant of "We're gonna get to the bottom of this!" before resting…

Pujol – X File On Main St.

Infinity Cat, 2011

There’s no wasting time on X File on Main St. Within the first few lines, singer Daniel Pujol has taken his stance on careers, art, children, and life in general. I don’t know much, if anything, about his previous acts Meemaw and Saigon Baby, but Pujol plays noisy, stripped down garage that celebrates a DIY punk ethic. His vocals are shouted and direct, and the music is beautifully sloppy and energetic. Oh, and with a bit of classic rock’n’roll sleaze…

Pyongyang Metro – Tower of White Tigers

Arsenic, 2007

Pyongyang Metro is a tough band to separate from their other projects. The band shares members with Off With Their Heads, Rivethead, and Banner Pilot - bands with a unifying sound that's hard to dismiss. Tower of White Tigers, their debut release, is a different beast. It is the second release from Arsenic Records who, per their outdated Myspace page, "is a record label from Minneapolis that, if you want to be technical about it, doesn’t sell any records and…

Racebannon – Acid or Blood

Southern, 2008

My first thought when I look at Racebannon's Myspace profile is that their vocalist, Mike Anderson, has a bit of the curly-haired Ween look to him. That thought is quickly replaced as I scroll down at the four long-hairs, with dark symbols on their foreheads and doused with blood. The lasting impression is that Racebannon are some theatrical dudes who are into tough-guyism and carnage. The album artwork for Acid or Blood (not to mention the title) further this concept…

Rancid – Let the Dominoes Fall

Hellcat, 2009

I could write a thousand words on Rancid here if I wanted. I spent the better part of the 90's defending them amongst the punx, though my enthusiasm for the band has waned markedly as the current decade has passed. It’s been a few years since their last release: Tim Armstrong’s divorce is history, The Transplants experiment is over, and the band has suffered their first member change. The leak of “Last One to Die” only solidified my impression that…

Real McKenzies – Off the Leash

Fat Wreck Chords, 2008

What the world needs is more Dropkick Murphys, or perhaps something just different enough to spawn a new sub-subgenre. Unlike Dropkick Murphys, The Real McKenzies hail from Vancouver and parlay their Scottish heritage into a Celtic-fused melodic punk. Off the Leash is their fourth full-length release and second on Fat Wreck. If you can make it past the terrible cover art, the album starts off with "Chip," a solid song in the vein of the above mentioned band. "The Lads…

RevCo – Sexo Olympico

Thirteenth Planet, 2008

Who’s your favorite Cock? Hopefully you answered either Al “Buck Satan” or Luc, Luc Van Acker, seeing as they’re the only returning members. I missed 2006’s Cocked and Loaded, which was their first record since 1993, but the change from its predecessor Linger Ficken’ Good to Sexo Olympico is measurable - as you’d expect with fifteen years in between and a handful of new cast members. Member changes often spell disaster for a band, but in the Al Jourgensen industrio-world…

Roll the Tanks – Suffer City

Intelligent Noise, 2008

Something about Roll the Tanks sounds familiar. I can’t put my finger on who they remind me of, but they have a light, bouncy Brit-pop feel with enough enthusiasm to overcome their lack of originality. On Suffer City, the Massachusetts/Los Angeles quartet brings a half hour of concise, polished indie rock with positive energy and a lot of group vocals. The opener, “No More Scoffing,” starts things up with a feelgood melody countered by a lyrical exasperation about the world.…

Shell Shag – Fuck Society

Mauled by Tigers, 2012

What if you could have all the great hits of the early 90s on one record: Liz Phair, INXS, Archers of Loaf all on one easy-to-manage collection? Okay, so this cover set from Brooklyn’s Shell Shag also includes DIY punk like Underground Railroad to Candyland and AK77, as well as songs from The Descendents, The Wipers, Warsaw, and The Undertones. Despite all of this, the most memorable songs on here are the more, um, novel ones like “Fuck and Run”…

Sick Sick Birds – Heavy Manners

Toxic Pop, 2009

Sometimes life gets in the way of good music. When the Thumbs disbanded in 2003, Mike Hall and Bobby Borte needed a new outlet. They formed Sick Sick Birds, but families and education have slowed the band’s production, leading them to release their first full-length in 2008. Heavy Manners isn’t a far stretch from their previous band, but Sick Sick Birds are their own project and should be judged as such. While the voices and songwriting are familiar, Sick Sick…

Sims – Bad Time Zoo

Doomtree, 2011

Six years is a long time between a freshman and sophomore release. Granted, that length isn’t entirely accurate—Sims has been involved in a number of Doomtree records, from the False Hopes mixtape series to appearances on various crew records. Still, he has been patient as Doomtree has released solo records for nearly everyone else in the collective since 2005’s Lights Out Paris.Things may have changed since 2005—Doomtree has gained popularity, and Sims himself has changed, but Bad Time Zoo definitely…

Sims – False Hopes XIV

Doomtree, 2009

Lights Out Paris was one of my favorite releases of 2005, but as the Doomtree crew only has so much time and money on their hands, they rotate members’ releases. Thus, it’s taken Sims until 2009 to release a False Hopes (the Doomtree version of a mixtape). On #14, Sims has ten new songs to show his growth as an artist. It’s less angry and more literate than its predecessor, and feels more diverse. This time around Sims raps about…

Sleeping in the Aviary – Great Vacation!

Science Of Sound, 2010

Sleeping in the Aviary begin Great Vacation! with a sparse, plodding guitar line that builds into the skeletal indie-folk of “Y.M.C.A. (No, Not That One)”. Instead of starting with a rocker, this sets a tone that showcases their many elements: quirky poppiness, lyrics that border between absurd and genuine, and a penchant for the big, memorable refrain. The record plays with a sort of rising action and it’s not until the third song, “You Don’t Have to Drive,” that the…

Sleeping in the Aviary – You And Me, Ghost

Science Of Sound, 2011

It was just six months ago that I reviewed Great Vacation. Sure, I was a few months behind the trolley on that one, but the fact that Sleeping in the Aviary has already kicked out another record, You and Me, Ghost, speaks to their dedication and work ethic. Or maybe Elliott Kozel and company just can’t put down their writing pens. While there’s only so much point to comparing a new release with its predecessor, the short length of time…

Something Fierce – Don't Be So Cruel

Dirtnap, 2011

Chalk up another one for the misleading band name file—Something Fierce makes me think violent and brutal, which definitely isn’t what this Houston group is after. The walking bassline and jangly guitars of the opening track on Don’t Be So Cruel establish a mood of calculated cool that relies on bounce and rhythm instead of aggression. To borrow from the press sheet, it’s “snappy pop” with an ear for the days when the first wave of punk was branching into…

Spoonboy – The Papas

Fuck You is a Seven Letter Word, 2011

Do you like songs about gender issues, white male privilege, masculinity, and society in general? If not, you may want to quit reading here. Spoonboy, led by David Combs, is dedicated and upfront about these causes. Much like his other band, The Max Levine Ensemble, the general tone is preachy (to the choir), with pop song structures, direct lyrics, and a personal element to reel it all in. The primary differences are the musical tone: Spoonboy is more solemn and…

Star Fucking Hipsters – Until We're Dead

Fat Wreck Chords, 2008

Let’s face it: a lot of punk rock comes across through the singer’s voice, and that voice often isn’t pretty: Johnny Rotten’s snottiness, Tim Armstrong’s slurs, Jello Biafra’s warble. When it comes to the Star Fucking Hipsters’ Sturgeon (Choking Victim, Leftover Crack), his voice is easily identifiable and his work brings associations of shock appeal and overhanded lefty politics. Star Fucking Hipsters take the gutter-ska approach of his other bands and mix it with a dose of pop-punk. What you…

Sticks N Stones – Is It You?

Trouble In Mind, 2010

Trouble in Mind is getting to the point with their cover art. The point is: let the music stand for itself. Or maybe it’s just a copout since they think everybody will download it instead. Anyway, with their fifteenth release, the label sticks to their favored style: Midwestern pop-flavored garage. Sticks N Stones may stick rather firmly to genre conventions, but they do so well and the two songs on Is It You? offer upbeat, positive jams you can both singalong…

STNNNG – The Smoke of My Will

Modern Radio, 2010

It’s been four long years since the last STNNNG album. In that time, though, the band hasn’t wavered from their dynamic and aggressive style of confrontational rock. While original drummer Jeremy Ward may no longer play with them, Twin Cities veteran Ben Ivascu jumped in and, once the band felt comfortable as a unit, they finished up their third full-length: The Smoke of My Will.While their first two records are solid, they never captured the energy that defines the band’s live…

Street Eaters – Rusty Eyes and Hydrocarbons

Plan-It-X\Bakery Outlet, 2011

There’s a level of familiarity in Street Eaters that I can’t put my finger on. That said, I’ll do my best to in reviewing their debut release, Rusty Eyes and Hydrocarbons. I discovered the band at Fest 10, and it didn’t take long for the two-piece bass-drum combo to pull me in. Devoid of guitar, they build melodies around John No’s (Fleshies, Triclops) bass with an energetic rhythm fill from drummer Megan March (Before the Fall). While they alternate vocals,…

Sugar Stems – The Sweet Sounds of the Sugar Stems

Dusty Medical, 2010

The Sugar Stems know what sound they’re after, and that’s pretty clear from their name alone. The Sweet Sounds of the Sugar Stems immediately hits on an upbeat and, ahem, sugary sound led by singer/guitarist Betsy Borst’s energetic vocals and Drew Frederichsen’s backing harmonies. The Sugar Stems take the familiar saccharine love song and speed it up, giving a bit of a garage rock feel. To top off it off, they add a touch of jaded cynicism to the lyrics, all…

Sundowner – We Chase the Waves

Asian Man, 2010

We Chase the Waves is the second release from Lawrence Arms singer/guitarist Chris McCaughan. While technically his second solo release, this one is truly an individual effort, with McCaughan handling all the instrumental duties except for a few peripherals. His Lawrence Arms bandmate Neil Hennessy handled the majority of the production. Waves has a more stripped down, personal feel than its predecessor, Four One Five Two, and, as the title indicates, watery imagery permeates much of the record. Thematically, the…

Swingin’ Utters – Hatest Grits: B-Sides and Bullshit

Fat Wreck Chords, 2008

If the name isn’t clear enough for you, the Swingin’ Utters’ new record, Hatest Grits: B-Sides and Bullshit, does not contain new material. It also does not contain greatest hits, which is a little less clear. Instead, there are (surprise!) b-sides, demos, three Cock Sparrer songs, and other unreleased odds and ends. If you’re new to the band, they’ve been repping San Francisco and Fat Wreck for well over a decade now, doing the street punk thing, but with more…

Swingin’ Utters – Here, Under Protest

Fat Wreck Chords, 2011

You can’t accuse Swingin’ Utters of phoning it in. Here, Under Protest is the band’s first studio record in eight years and, unlike some of their contemporaries who release at a similar rate, the record shows notable growth and attention to songwriting nuance. While the San Fran band started out with a strong bent toward street punk anthems, they’ve gradually shifted the focus away from repetitive power chords and, like Social Distortion before them, reached for the internal aspects of…

Tenement – Blind Wink

Cowabunga, 2011

Appleton, WI’s Tenement are a busy beast. The two-plus-piece band (featuring numerous guest musicians) released Napalm Dream in 2011, which I gave a heavy Replacements recommendation on. December 2011 saw the band already unleashing another record, this time the collection Blind Wink, available on varied formats from the likes of Cowabunga (LP), Hang Up (CD), and Dead Broke (cassette). With the newer record, the band explores similar songwriting—but in a very distinct and growing way. Opener “Vicious” is likely the…

Tenement – Napalm Dream

Hanged Up, 2011

Wow, this isn’t at all what I was expecting. With a one word name and the title Napalm Dream, I had images of guttural-voice hardcore and power stomps instead of Replacements’-schooled Midwest punk. Sure, I’d seen the name a lot in various Wisconsin-related shows over the past couple of years, but for some reason I associated the band with a different crowd. Tenement doesn’t waste any time in establishing themselves. From the getgo of “Stupid Werld,” it’s a Replacements-style, big…

The Architects – Vice

Anodyne, 2008

You know that Less Than Jake song, "All My Best Friends Are Metalheads?" Well, just keep that in mind for a minute. On The Architects’ third release, Vice, there are catchy, group-sung choruses that spring images of dudes in leather jackets walking in synch down a dark street. This, however, is not an ironic project. The Kansas City group features three former Gadjits members, including vocalist Brandon Phillips who both shares names with an all-star caliber Cincinnati Red as well…

The Arrivals – Volatile Molotov

Recess, 2010

When it comes to overlooked bands, Chicago’s Arrivals should be right near the top. The band has never been overly prolific, releasing only four records since the mid ‘90s. Yet here we are, in 2010, and the band has released another solid record in Volatile Molotov.The Genre Monster would call the Arrivals pop-punk. They play accessible, melodic songs with a notable bounce to their step and singalong, mid-tempo harmonies. However, it owes far more Naked Raygun than Screeching Weasel. The…

The Black Hollies – Casting Shadows

Ernest Jenning, 2008

The Black Hollies feature three-fifths of Jersey City's Rye Coalition, but don't expect Casting Shadows, the trippy-covered Ernest Jenning release to match Rye Coalition's dirty rock. The Black Hollies play a blend of psychedelic and 60’s garage-pop, complete with flowery imagery, sweet harmonies, and fuzzy guitar interludes. The album shifts between fuzzed out psychedelic and group harmony pop, with the stronger moments being those that hint toward garage rock. After a forgettable "Whispers Beneath the Willows" starts the record, a…

The Blank Fight – House Band Feud (Re-Issue)

Silver Sprocket, 2012

Aaron Cometbus, Rymodee of This Bike Is a Pipe Bomb, bikes, guitars…that seems a fitting intro for the reissue of The Blank Fight’s one and only album, House Band Feud. The cd was released in 2002 on Plan-it-X and, to steal a line from Silver Sprocket’s press sheet, many a songs have made it to mixtapes in the decade since. The reissue is on silver vinyl with remastering, an additional track, and an expanded copy of the original zine that…

The Blind Shake – Seriousness

Learning Curve, 2011

It’s Seriousness indeed for The Blind Shake. The Minneapolis three-piece plays concise, to the point garage rock. From their matching trek suits to drummer Dave Roper’s emphatic beats, the band has an air of professional dedication when they take the stage that’s distinct in a genre that seems to pride itself on sloppiness. The band has been alternating records between their solo group and with noisemaster Michael Yonkers on guest vocals. Seriousness is the band’s first “solo” full-length since 2007’s…

The Bomb – Speed is Everything

No Idea, 2009

Considering how much I’ve heard about the Naked Raygun reunion, you’d think there would be more buzz regarding The Bomb. Speed is Everything is the Jeff Pezzati led group’s first release for No Idea Records. When compared with Pezzati’s more renowned group, I was expecting a more contemporary twist. Instead, The Bomb has a strong 80's feel to it, with dark guitars reminiscent of the more moody new wave bands. Superseding that, however, is the strong drive of melodic punk.…

The Bombay Sweets – Doin' the Jerk at Dawn

Heart Of A Champion, 2010

Bombay Sweets is a Minneapolis band consisting of Nathan Grumdahl (Selby Tigers, Dynamiters) and drummer Jeff Brown (His Mischief). Although the project has expanded beyond Grumdahl’s one-man-band vision, it remains his lovechild. Even with multiple instruments at play, the primary components remain Grumdahl’s guitar and voice. The project is heavily steeped in old 60s records, with R&B-derived rock at its center. Grumdahl’s voice comes across as clear and smooth with a touch of world-weariness and something of a sensual tone,…

The Bouncing Souls – Ghosts on the Boardwalk

Chunksaah, 2010

As life continually changes, sometimes constancy is important. Putting in Ghosts on the Boardwalk, the twenty-year anniversary release from The Bouncing Souls, reminds me of times past. Not only does the band sound much like they did a half dozen records ago, but the release comes on their own label, Chunksaah, which started at the same time. This release, a collection of twelve tracks digitally released over the past year to celebrate their longevity, maintains their strengths and weaknesses, clearly…

The Brokedowns – Species Bender

Red Scare, 2010

Three long years after New Brains for Everyone rallied cynical drunks everywhere, the Brokedowns have returned with another full-length, this time for Chicago’s Red Scare Industries. From a stomping wooly mammoth adorning the cover to the shout-a-long climactic ending, Species Bender is a record that both celebrates and lampoons a civilization that bears more in common with its caveman founders than one would like to admit.The album kicks off with a doomy bassline that segues into a fast pop-punk “Wizard…

The Creeps – These Walls

Black Pint, 2009

What much can I really say? This style has been done numerous times. The Creeps play infectious, upbeat punk, born of the Ramones and sculpted by Screeching Weasel. Somewhere in the genre’s history, bands like the Groovie Ghoulies shifted the concept from straightforward silliness towards specific niches. The Creeps carry that torch onward. On These Walls The Creeps play their music well, with the harmonies running together smoothly at appropriate times, and there’s enough variation between the five songs here…

The Dauntless Elite – Graft

Plan-it-X / Bombed Out, 2007

The Dauntless Elite hail from Leeds and hold the honor of being the first international Plan-it-X band. With Graft, their first full-length, they deliver pop punk akin to many contemporary bands from the Midwestern United States. They’ve also released an EP and a couple 7”s. Upon putting in the CD, it runs through a few clicks and whistles before kicking off with a friendly “Cheers” at the twenty-second mark. Immediately, you get a feel for where the record will take…

The Dopamines – Expect The Worst

Paper + Plastick, 2010

The Dopamines first caught my attention when they released a 7” that pays homage to the Big Black Songs About Fucking cover. Sure, they sound nothing like the seminal Chicago band, but anyone who gives props to that record ends up on my radar in some form. Moving forward to 2010, the Cincinnati band has signed with Paper & Plastick Records and released their second full-length Expect the Worst. The band’s sound is easy enough to identify: Take one part Descendents…

The Dwarves – Born Again

Greedy , 2011

Back in the pre-internet era I came across a blurb in some metal magazine I read in my adolescent years—I’m guessing it was Rip. In that blurb it mentioned a “real punk” band called the Dwarves, who had just been kicked off the trendy Sub Pop for feigning the death of one of their members. I was intrigued, and I sought out Sugar Fix, the band’s most recent release. Well, just a few things have happened since the early 1990s.…

The Ergs! – That's It...Bye

Don Giovanni, 2009

Bands break up all the time. Sometimes they blow up on stage, storm off from a tour, grow apart, and on occasion they cordially agree that it’s time to move on. In any case, they almost always leave fans wanting more. The Ergs! decided to hand one to their fans, announcing their decision ahead of time and releasing a 12” single to give fans one last piece of wax. That’s It…Bye is the band’s swan song, delivering three quick, poppy,…

The Hussy – Cement Tomb Mind Control

Slow Fizz, 2011

The Hussy have been banging away in clubs, bars, and basements since 2008. In that time, they’ve pumped out 3 vinyl singles and a split cassette. Still, with their Slow Fizz debut, the question remains about how their hyped-up, dirty garage rock will come across on a longer format. Cement Tomb Mind Control should alleviate any worries that the short-attention duo wouldn’t hold up over thirteen songs. Sure, it’s barely twenty minutes, but the songs consistently sound different enough from…

The Hussy – Weed Seizure

Tic Tac Totally, 2012

Just a year ago I was writing about Cement Tomb Mind Control. Here we are in 2012, and the Madison, WI two-piece is already dropping their second full-length,Weed Seizure, on Tic Tac Totally Records. Considering the backbone of The Hussy is to play l-o-u-d garage rock, there isn’t a dramatic shift here in style. The changes are more in nuance.With 14 songs (13 plus a bonus), the record still blasts by in under a half-hour. The longest track, “The Moon…

The Measure [SA] – My Heart And The Real World

No Idea, 2011

From the getgo, the transitions on My Heart and the Real World could be smoother—but that’s no surprise on a collections record. The Measure [SA] put out an enormous body of work—at least for a band with only two official full-lengths during their run—and putting them onto a single slab of plastic or vinyl sometimes creates logistics problems with recording quality and sequencing. Considering these 18 songs were culled from different original sources, the record has an impressive feel—likely due…

The Measure [SA] – Notes

No Idea, 2010

A recent SPB interview with Lauren Measure found that the band has released 18 pieces of wax so far in their career—yet Notes is only their second official full-length in that bunch. For being as prolific as they are, releasing a full album should be a big deal for the New Jersey four-piece. This one sees them making the jump to No Idea Records.On Notes the band mostly sticks to familiar territory. They trade off between two vocalists, Lauren and…

The Measure [SA] – One Chapter in the Book: A Collection of Standard Waits and Measurements

Kiss of Death, 2008

New Brunswick, NJ seems to be bringing the rock lately. The Measure [SA] is one of the town’s hard working bands with a slew of releases. One Chapter in the Book: A Collection of Standard Waits and Measurements compiles many of them in one place, with the album title being nearly as long as the record itself. What follows is an eighteen-song, thirty-eight minute splurge of feel good punk rocked dressed in indie clothes. This is my first extended exposure…

The Measure [SA] – Songs About People... and Fruit N' Shit

Don Giovanni, 2008

It’s another vinyl-only release from The Measure [SA]. As a reviewer, I get an mp3 disc with a handwritten label instead of the art. I’ll try not to hold that against them. “Drunk by Noon” does exactly what a first song should do: it promises high energy, offers a sample of the band’s melodic and lyrical approach, and gets me excited for more. Like many Measure songs, it uses a storytelling approach that’s easily to relate to, yet not predictable.…

The Morning After Girls – Alone

Independent, 2009

The Morning After Girls are a band from New York by way of Melbourne. I have to assume their name is more a reference to the haziness that follows a night out, as opposed to the pill bearing a similar name. Musically, they are descendants of the fuzzy psych-rock of bands like Jesus and Mary Chain and My Bloody Valentine, focusing on well placed feedback, explorative but tempered jams, and a sense of aloof disconnect. However, they don’t simply mimic…

The National Rifle – Wage Life

Independent, 2008

What if Elvis Costello was still churning out upbeat, poppy numbers like his early work? What if you took away some of the crackle and rough edges, and replaced them with pristine production and a lot of "whoa-oh-oh's"? What if, to spice things up, you threw in a dash of socialist rhetoric, a pinch of hand-held percussion, and a sprinkle of saxophone? Wage Life is The National Rifle's second self-release, their first being a 2006 self-titled EP. Wage Life carries…

The Paper Chase – Someday This Could All Be Yours (Part 1)

Kill Rock Stars, 2009

The first thing that’s going to strike you about The Paper Chase is that they’re a quirky indie band. What you get in the first song is what you’re going to get in the next nine: John Congleton’s wavering voice and keyboard-driven epics. The band relies predominantly on synthesizer instead of big guitars to make their statement. When it comes to art rock, The Paper Chase don’t blunt their message: the song titles, interruptions of laughing, screaming, or telephone operator…

The Reds – Fugitives from the Laughing House

Tarock, 2008

Fugitives from the Laughing House comes twenty years after The Reds released their first single. Despite such a history, the band is not a household name and, with Fugitives from the Laughing House being only the band's second full-length since 1984 (sixth total) it's not that they've been overly prolific. While I am unfamiliar with most of the band's releases, they are a two-piece ensemble on their latest. Early The Reds played an electronic-fused punk precursor to New Age and…

The Riot Before – Fists Buried in Pockets

Say-10, 2008

The Riot Before hail from Richmond but look and sound like a Gainesville band. Musically, I'd lump them in with American Steel and old Against Me!. There is a folk undertone, but the music is electric guitar-fueled punk rock with strong, emotive vocals. The band quickly establishes their sound with the titular track "Fists Buried in Pockets," a minimalist song with vocalist Brett Adams growing angrier by each of its ninety-eight seconds. It seamlessly leads into the forward-moving, punk rock…

The Riot Before – Rebellion

Paper + Plastick, 2010

Early releases from The Riot Before have had an undeniable feeling that the band was primarily Brett Adams’ project. Although they have a handful of releases under their belt, the band just formed in 2006, and Rebellion shows them still growing beyond Adams’ dominant shouts and the sonic contrasts that define his songwriting. On their latest release there is a discernable fullness that previous efforts lacked. The primary difference is the guitars, which are mixed at a higher level, thanks…

The Sass Dragons – New Kids On The Bong

Johans Face, 2010

It would be hard to take the Sass Dragons seriously, were it not for the quality of their recorded material. On stage, the fuck-all Chicago band comes across as a snotty, obnoxious, and somewhat sloppy band with more than a hint of frontman posturing. Of course, when reviewing a record called New Kids on the Bong, maybe one shouldn’t be heaping credit on the band for the artistic qualities of their recorded material either. Add the consideration that the band broke…

The Seven Mile Journey – The Metamorphosis Project

Fonogram/Pumpkin Seeds in the Sand, 2008

Operating under the post-rock banner, The Seven Mile Journey's The Metamorphosis Project offers an hour of sparse and atmospheric soundscapes. It is the group's second release for Denmark's Fonogram Agency, and is released in the United States on Pumpkin Seeds in the Sand. The design is minimal yet eye-catching, with a white logo stamped in the corner of a glossy black digipak. Varying only in color, the art is identical to their previous releases. It's almost as if the band…

The Shaking Hands – The Shaking Hands

Kiss of Death, 2009

In my recent Kiss of Death reviews there’s been a steady diet of pop-influenced beard punk. Expecting more of the same, Gainesville’s The Shaking Hands threw me for a loop with their late ’90s street punk anthems. The band would be at home on a Give ‘em the Boot or Old Skars and Upstarts comp, with their tendencies toward tough guy, fist-in-the-air group vocals and a no-letting-up style. They also remind me of numerous late ‘90s snowboard videos. “Liars are…

The Slow Death – Born Ugly, Got Worse

Kiss of Death, 2011

When The Soviettes’ Annie Sparrows voice starts Born Ugly, Got Worse devoid of instrumentation, it’s a crisp and honest delivery that complements leader Jesse Thorson’s heart-wrenching style. But once the full band kicks in for the second verse, it’s clear that The Slow Death have driving punk rock at their heart and soul, with as many singalongs and middle-fingers as there are beers in the air. After a few records with backing band The Falling Angels, Thorson has fully turned…

The Tallest Man on Earth – The Wild Hunt

Dead Oceans, 2010

Kristian Matsson, aka The Tallest Man on Earth, wants to sound like Bob Dylan. Who doesn’t? Well, I can name a few bands, but I won’t go there. Besides, any comparisons to the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer are a waste of time. The Tallest Man on Earth is his own musician with his own goals, even if it only takes a few seconds of his nasal delivery and peculiar enunciation to recognize his influences. The Wild Hunt is…

The Tanks – Keep Breaking Down

Scenester Credentials, 2009

With only two studio albums thus far, I’m not really comfortable referring to The Future of the Left has an influential band, but only a few seconds into The Tanks Keep Breaking Down and I’m thinking clearly of the Welsh band. The guitars aren’t quite as interesting, and singer Kevin Koppes doesn’t accentuate as much, but the speak-sing, monologue-style vocals are easily comparable, as is the high energy, short attention span attitude. It’s rock music with a definite metal influence,…

The Tim Version – Decline of the Southern Gentleman

No Idea, 2008

At The Fest last fall I saw a lot of bands, most of which I had a previous idea of what they were about beforehand. One band I didn’t know, but lucked out to see because they were slotted before Bloodbath & Beyond and Tiltwheel, was Tampa's The Tim Version. Decline of the Southern Gentleman in the group's newest release and their first on No Idea Records. No Idea and the aforementioned bands are a good basis when trying to…

The Tossers – Agony

Victory, 2007

A handful of records on multiple labels, a World Series game, a Jimmy Kimmel appearance, a solo record...not bad for a band of Southside Chicagoans I first heard opening for Citizen Fish in 2000. With Agony, The Tossers’ second release on Victory Records, they continue to steadily grow in popularity and release almost an album per year. Often overlooked by bigger selling contemporaries such as Flogging Molly and Dropkick Murphys, The Tossers keep plugging away at their niche - traditional…

Tiltwheel – The Hiatus AKA The High Hate Us

ADD Records, 2010

Tiltwheel have firmly established themselves as one of the least prolific bands out there. Formed in 1991, the band had released only two proper full-lengths up until The Hiatus (alternately listed as The High Hate us)—maybe three if you count re-recording old EPs and putting them together as a collection. Was The Hiatus years in the making, or did life get in the way of a proper recording and production session? Does it even matter what the excuse is? When…

Tommy Stinson – One Man Mutiny

Done To Death Music, 2011

In the long-honored tradition of solo records from Guns N’ Roses members, Tommy Stinson delivers One Man Mutiny. Of course, Stinson has an intriguing back story—he joined the legendary Replacements at age 13, playing with them and even getting manager Peter Jesperson to sign off as a legal guardian for touring’s sake. But that was thirty years ago. The purpose here is his second solo outing.The record starts off with bluesy rock that, thankfully, doesn’t continue throughout. While “Don’t Deserve…

Tournament – Swordswallower

Trip Machine Laboratories, 2008

With silkscreen cover art and a handwritten inventory number on Swordswallower, the Brooklyn-based Tournament (ex-Paragraph) have released an impressive debut. The press sheet is informative and avoids sounding too infomercial, and the personal approach (except for the handwritten "promo" on the inner sleeve) make this an appealing package from Trip Machine Laboratories. Their bio shows they come from a diverse range of previous bands, and the musicianship and blending of influences shows. They may have started Tournament as an excuse…

Trent Fox & The Tenants – Mess Around

Kind Turkey, 2011

There’s a garage-pop movement afoot in Wisconsin and Trent Fox & the Tenants are just one of the torchbearers. Their five song debut EP, Mess Around, is a quick burst: part ass-shaking party music, part beer-pounding sleaze. The band plays a familiar style with enough attitude to pull it off without making the usual namedropping comparisons.The single is under 15 minutes long, delivering a familiar, yet new sound most easily summed up as garage-pop with a touch of Detroit grit.…

Underground Railroad To Candyland – Knows Your Sins

Recess, 2011

Considering that Underground Railroad to Candyland was formed, in large part, to be a party band, and combining that with the So. Cal. sun that’s been beating down on Todd Congelliere for all these years, it somehow makes sense that URTC has a number of surf elements bubbling through the surface on the band’s sophomore record. Still, surf is only one piece of the band’s overall sound. Drawing from pop punk and the jangly guitars of indie rock, URTC create…

Vacation – Self Titled

Lets Pretend, 2011

First off, forgive me if at some point I wander off and say something about Summer Vacation or Vacation Bible School, and I keep mixing these bands up in my head. Vacation is Cincinnati-based band that sometimes gets the pop-punk label, although I would argue garage-punk if I had to choose one. The band, while using pop-punk structures and a lot of harmonies and group vocals, piles layers of noise on top of that base, giving slightly greater focus to…

Valina – A Tempo! A Tempo!

Joyful Noise, 2009

For a band whose hyperbolic press sheet claims they’ve played 75,854 shows in their eleven year history (that’s only 18.88 per day by my count) you’d think I would have seen them a few times already, perhaps in my living room or local bowling alley. I have no idea how many of those shows have brought the Austrian band to North America, though. A glance at MySpace tells me were in St. Paul two weeks ago... The band’s third release,…

Various Artists – Spraynard & Sundials - Split

Evil Weevil, 2011

Spraynard hail from Pennsylvania and they play a style of punk that blends the varied melodic subgenres of punk rock (East Bay, beard punk, pop punk) to create their own identity—there’s a familiarity from their influences, but it doesn’t squarely pigeonhole them under a specific label. The band utilizes up-front bass that delivers the melody while the gruff, gruff vocals explore personal anguish in the tradition of East Bay punk and the guitar and drums move the song forward through…

Virgins – Miscarriage

Kiss of Death, 2008

Orlando’s Virgins play hook orientated, chorus heavy punk with scratchy throat vocals. The three-piece formed from the ashes of New Mexican Disaster Squad and their sound is a logical development. While the band has clear roots in early hardcore, they maintain an approach that’s easier on the palate with a stronger focus on catchiness instead of sheer ferocity. “Another’s Gun” kicks things off with some back and forth angry-rant vocals and harmonized choruses. They add some bridges in between that…

Voytek – Self Titled

Big Action, 2011

Voytek are a Minneapolis punk band currently taking things to the next level. Whether that level is up or down is in the eye of the beholder, but it will start with reviewing this 2 song 7”—or should I say: this 6 song digital EP? With the bonus material outweighing the physical form, it’s tough to gauge just what type of release to call this.The 7” contains two songs. The A-side, “Saturday Night Again,” takes snotty delivery, big chords, and…

Ween – La Cucaracha

Rounder, 2007

If you don't know Ween at this point, it's difficult to sum them up in a few words. Eclectic, genre hopping, and parody come to mind, but they don't adequately explain the band and their dedicated cult following. The duo of Gene and Dean formed Ween in 1984. La Cucaracha is the band's tenth full-length studio release, in addition to several EPs and live recordings. They've jumped ship from small indie to major label, and seem to have found a…

Whiskey & Co. – Rust Colors

No Idea, 2010

Whiskey & Co.’s sound hasn’t changed, even if a couple members have. On their third record, the Gainesville band continues their old-school flavored country that spends as much time regretting past decisions as it does swilling beer at the corner bar. Like its predecessors, Rust Colors mines familiar themes- exploring the emotional gamut and adding a bit of boogie-down twang to the No Idea lineup.The album kicks off with the fast paced “Top Poppin’” and “Beer for…”, that give the…

William Elliott Whitmore – Field Songs

Anti, 2011

William Elliott Whitmore’s Anti debut, Animals in the Dark, was something of an outlier in his discography—the bigger label release introduced more instrumentation and a more global lyrical scope than much of his earlier work. While an excellent album, it isn’t fully indicative of Whitmore’s strengths, and with Field Songs, he returns to his son of the soil theme, built on an ideal of hardworking Americana that has characterized much of his work. At the core of the record are…

Witches – Forever

Bakery Outlet, 2011

Witches are a tough band to break down. The vocals from Cara Beth Satalino are far and away the driving force on their debut, Forever. Yet, the band is anything but a singer-songwriter project. The guitars and a rhythm section are subtly driving, with an anxious energy ready to break loose, but somewhat confined. From the opening “Creature of Nature,” the tone is clearly established by Satalino coos “creature of nature/ born of creator/…you learned how to torture.” There’s an…

Yesterday's Ring – Diamonds in the Ditch

Suburban Home, 2009

Some folks they tell me: "You just can’t play country / You’re a stupid young punk and you’re from Montreal” / But I’ll still make you cry with that song. - Yesterday’s Ring - “Sad Songs” Good, heartfelt music wins in the end, not shtick. Yesterday’s Ring doesn’t succeed because they’re punks playing country, rather it's because of the honest and self-aware tone of songs like “Sad Songs” and the smoky, soulful manner of Hugo Mudie’s vocals. What the band…

You May Die in the Desert – Bears in the Yukon

The Mylene Sheath, 2008

You May Die in the Desert is a three-piece, self-described as an "uplifting jazzy trio [that] combines chaotic guitar riffs with atmospheric layover techniques." With Bears in the Yukon, the group wastes no time with introductions. Within the opening twenty seconds, the opener’s melody is in full swing, showing you they are not the type of instrumental act that needs a craptastic six minute build-up before they hit an ephemeral note and meander away. Despite some similarities to the post-rock…

You May Die in the Desert / Gifts from Enola – Harmonic Motion: Volume 1

Differential, 2008

Harmonic Motion: Volume 1 is the start of a Differential Records series aiming to bring together like-sounding instrumental groups. The record starts off with "The Sound of Titans," a twelve minute atmospheric piece with several ups and downs in sound levels. For the most part, the song is more of the soundscape structure with picking, hypnotic guitars but, in its last third, it turns toward the big, dramatic finish that so many post-rock bands turn to. The remaining four tracks…

Young Livers / Army of Ponch – Live at The Atlantic: Volume 1

Sound Study, 2009

What strikes in a live show doesn’t always show evenly on the studio reproduction. My first thoughts on Sound Study’s Live at the Atlantic: Volume 1: Young Livers have great guitars, and Jack Bailey of Army of Ponch can really scream. On a regular studio release, I doubt either of these elements would grab me the same way. Having given the Young Livers’ New Drop Era a number of listens, I stand by my impressions on their guitar layering, which…

Loren's features

The Tim Version

If you like punk but don't know who The Tim Version is, then you're missing out on one of the genre's underrated groups. Scene Point Blank spoke with guitarist/vocalist Russ Van Cleave of the Floridan-bred punk outfit about the band's latest full-length, choice of label, The Fest, and more. Scene Point Blank: Where does the title of the new record originate? Russ Van Cleave: Most of my family comes from Alabama, Georgia or some other southeast state. A lot of that family moved down into Florida in the 1950's and 1960's and, in the past few years, I've watched a…

The Brokedowns

Soon four Illinois rockers will find themselves on the road to Gainesville, Florida for the large gathering of punk-lovers known as The Fest. Scene Point Blank recently spoke with The Brokedowns' Kris Megyery about the latest happenings with the band, as well as touching on some of the band's past adventures. Scene Point Blank: You're playing The Fest 7. Have you played any other festivals? How do you like it compared with a normal two/three band show? Kris Megyery: We played Mauled by Tigers Fest this year in Chicago. Last winter there was a little fest type thing in Elgin…

Ann Beretta

Richmond punk legends Ann Beretta recently returned for two shows this year, including a stop at The Fest 7. Scene Point Blank caught up with guitarist/vocalist Rob Huddleston and discussed the band's latest shows as well as the future with his solo project Foundation. Scene Point Blank: Ann Beretta recently reformed after four years of inactivity/hiatus. Was it hard to get started again or did things pick up where you left off? Rob Huddleston: No it wasn't hard at all really. We had been playing music together this whole time playing shows as Foundation, which is my solo project that…

Whiskey and Company

While not your standard fair style-wise for a No Idea artist, the punk community has embraced Whiskey and Company's country musings. Vocalist Kim Helm spoke in depth with Scene Point Blank about the lyrical inspiration for the band as well as what we can expect from the band in the coming months. Scene Point Blank: First off, introduce yourself. Kim Helm: What do you want to know? I'm, Kim, I'm a psychiatric social worker. Oh, and I also sing for Whiskey and Company. Scene Point Blank: You obviously have strong ties with the punk community even though your music doesn't…

The Ergs!

News of The Ergs! breakup sent many a punk-lover reaching for the Kleenex. But thankfully the band decided to commit themselves to one final release and one final tour. Scene Point Blank spoke with bassist Joe Keller about their band's farewell and what we can expect from them in the near future. Scene Point Blank: First off, a bunch of The Fest questions: How many have you played? What keeps you coming back? Joe Keller: This year will be our fourth year playing The Fest. They kept asking us to play and hey, who are we not to oblige? I…

Banner Pilot

Minnesota punks Banner Pilot continue to turn heads with their vintage pop-punk sound. Scene Point Blank chatted with bassist Nate Gangelhoff about the band's new full-length offering and their recent trip to The Fest. Scene Point Blank: Nate, you're listed as bass & guitar. Do you play both on the record? Nate Gangelhoff: Yep, the previous guitar player quit while we were in the studio, so on the last album I did all the guitar leads and half the rhythm tracks. Plus I always do the bass. It worked out fine - I actually write the guts of all the…

In Defence

What do you do if you don't drink and are the vocalist for a hardcore band playing at The Fest? You out-rage everyone at the damn event! Scene Point Blank spoke at length with In Defence vocalist Ben Crew and guitarist Jason Lupeituu in regards to the band and of course, The Fest. Scene Point Blank: Did you tour on the way to Gainesville? Jason Lupeituu: We flew into Richmond to meet our singer Ben who drives D4, who ended their tour in Richmond. Then we drove down the coast doing shows on the way to Gainesville. Ben Crew: For…

Tim Barry

Tim Barry is a name that is synonymous not only with the Richmond, Virginia punk scene, but also punk rock in general. While he is most known for his work as vocalist of Avail, one of punk's most iconic bands of the last twenty years, it is his recent solo output that has really garnered the songwriter the praise and attention he deserves. Scene Point Blank caught up with Barry as he embarked on the road for his two-month tour of the U.S., discussing the beginnings of his solo career, inspirations for his songwriting, and the current state of Avail.…

Toys That Kill, Underground Railroad to Candyland

The Fest 8: SPB Interviews Toys That Kill, Underground Railroad to Candyland Dan Padilla, Tiltwheel Nothington Dear Landlord Off With Their Heads Outbreak Used Kids Less Than Jake Polar Bear Club Broadway Calls Scene Point Blank: First, how many Fests have you played, and what sticks out to you most about coming back each year? Todd Congelliere: I'm pretty sure this will be our sixth Fest. Playing the Fest is always one of the best shows on tour so that's a pretty big reason. Plus getting sick from too much fun has to be a good thing, right? Scene Point…

Dan Padilla, Tiltwheel

The Fest 8: SPB Interviews Toys That Kill, Underground Railroad to Candyland Dan Padilla, Tiltwheel Nothington Dear Landlord Off With Their Heads Outbreak Used Kids Less Than Jake Polar Bear Club Broadway Calls Scene Point Blank: First, how many Fests have you played, and what sticks out to you most about coming back each year? J. Wang: I've personally been to every one since Fest 2 as a fan. My old band Altaira played Fest 3. Dan Padilla has played Fests 5, 6, 7 and will be playing Fest 8. I think the thing that sticks out the most to…

Nothington

The Fest 8: SPB Interviews Toys That Kill, Underground Railroad to Candyland Dan Padilla, Tiltwheel Nothington Dear Landlord Off With Their Heads Outbreak Used Kids Less Than Jake Polar Bear Club Broadway Calls Scene Point Blank: First off, how many Fests have you played? Chris Matulich: We've played the last two Fests. Scene Point Blank: What's your best Fest memory, onstage or in the audience? Chris Matulich: My favorite Fest memory would have to be watching Paint it Black both years we were there. The secret shows they did were great. At Fest 6, they played an apartment building on…

Used Kids

The Fest 8: SPB Interviews Toys That Kill, Underground Railroad to Candyland Dan Padilla, Tiltwheel Nothington Dear Landlord Off With Their Heads Outbreak Used Kids Less Than Jake Polar Bear Club Broadway Calls Scene Point Blank: How many Fests have you played? Nato Coles: I've personally played every Fest since I first got down with it for number four, so I guess this will be my fifth Fest this year. Dan's count is the same. Kate played last year for the first time. CJ, our new drummer, will be losing his Fest virginity this year. It's about time. Scene Point…

American Steel

Even with a five-year hiatus in the midst of their time as a band American Steel is a band synonymous with the last decade of punk music. They may not have reached the heights of peers like Rancid or Against Me!, but their place in punk history is undeniable. Scene Point Blank spoke with the band about their most recent album, their ever transitioning sound, and other band-related projects. Scene Point Blank: You're currently in Europe. How is that going? When were you there last? John Peck:It's going well, though we did have a few shows cancelled due to voice…

The Measure [SA]

The Measure [SA] is a punk rock band from New Brunswick, New Jersey. Strictly Analog. Somewhat Attractive. Seldom Appropriate. We caught up with them before this year's Fest. Scene Point Blank: Seeing that this is a Fest interview, let's ask a few questions about that first. How many Fests have you played so far? Lauren Measure: This will be our fourth! Wow! Scene Point Blank: At last year's performance, you spoke of the kinship of the Fest: not just what it means to be standing on a stage performing, but the friendships involved. Can you elaborate on what makes it…

New Bruises

Bryon Lippincott: by day, guitarist with New Bruises; by night, owner of Kiss of Death records. SPB sat down to discuss The Fest, touring, and how making all your releases free-to-download actually improves business. ScenePointBlank: Since this is a Fest-related interview, I'm going to start by asking for some Fest stories. How many times have you played? Bryon Lippincott: Well, New Bruises has played The Fest 5 times. Damn, time flies. We played Side Bar the first and third time, Common Grounds the second and fourth time and we played Market Street the fifth time… ScenePointBlank: I read an interview…

Gateway District

The Gateway District - a punk rock band from Minneapolis. We sat down and spoke to drummer Brad before the band played the Fest this year. Scene Point Blank: I've read a few mentions of a second record coming out. Is it ready yet? Brad: Well, it has been recorded for awhile now but we are "taking our time" mixing it. Once we ran out of money, it seemed like the best thing to do. The plan is to take whatever we get paid at Fest this year and put that money into scratch-off lottery tickets. So, it's almost ready.…

Defiance, Ohio

Defiance, Ohio - political southern-influenced punk rock. We sat down pre-Fest to chat with Geoff, guitarist and vocalist. Scene Point Blank: I'm going to start with some Fest questions, since that's at the heart of this piece. How many Fests have you played? Geoff Hing: I want to say this will be our third or fourth fest. It's hard to keep track because we haven't played every year since our first one. Scene Point Blank: Do you have a "Greatest Fest Memory"? Geoff Hing: I don't have any really epic memories, but I had a really good time playing kickball…

The Arrivals

Chalk it up to poor planning on my behalf and maybe a little miscommunication somewhere along the way, but I was a block from the Turf Club when my phone range and Dave of the Arrivals told me he got my message and the interview was on. I may not have brought any notes, but at least I brought my recorder. Soon, I was sitting downstairs in the Clown Lounge with three-quarters of the band. Fake Boys had just finished, with The Gateway District up next, followed by The Arrivals, and then Off With Their Heads. Bassist Paddy Costello was…

The Fest 9

In nine years, Fest has grown into a pilgrimage, a verb, and something of a lifestyle. Besides the 200-300 bands in town, annual activities include excessive drinking, a lot of walking, sporadic meals, counting Mikey Erg bands, and seeing how many times Dave Decker will run onstage. Once again I find myself in re-cap mode. After taking a few days to recover from the malnutrition and general bodily abuse, it’s time to reminisce about highlights and pick out my favorites. With a similar line-up year-in and year-out, it’s hard to not write up the same bands each time. I may…

Fest 10th anniversary: Fests 4-6 remembered

The Fest in Gainesville has become an institution, and Scene Point Blank has hit numbers 6-9 and lived to tell the tale. As the event is celebrating their tenth anniversary with an alumni theme, SPB decided to catch up with some of the old timers to see what they remember about their experiences. Recalling Fests 4-6, we talked with Erik Funk of Dillinger Four, Ian MacDougall of Riverboat Gamblers, and Andy Nelson of Paint It Black. While some memories were a bit spotty, recurring themes involved general mayhem, a lot of consumption, and Davey Tiltwheel. Fest 4: Erik Funk of…

Fest 10th anniversary: Fests 7-9 remembered

The Fest in Gainesville has become an institution, and Scene Point Blank has hit numbers 6-9 and lived to tell the tale. As the event is celebrating their tenth anniversary with an alumni theme, SPB decided to catch up with some of the old timers to see what they remember about their experiences.Recalling Fests 7-9, we talked with Grame Philliskirk of Leatherface, Jason Lubrano of Iron Chic, and Mikey Ergs of, um, about 1/3 of the bands playing. Stay tuned for coverage of this weekend's #10, and don't forget to check out our earlier pieces on Fests 1-3 and 4-6.…

The Fest 10

By attending Fest 10, I’ve now officially attended 50% of them. Each Fest is similar, yet each has been significantly different. While many bands remain the same, the general feel and the ever-changing venues make it a new event every year. Many go to The Fest for the headliners—and who wouldn’t want to see Dillinger Four, Youth Brigade, Hot Water Music, Kid Dynamite, Bouncing Souls, Against Me!, on the same bill? Well, after my first couple of years, I now go for the people just as much. The Fest isn’t only a celebration of music, it’s a gathering of like-minded…