Review / 200 Words Or Less
TV Crimes
Demo

Independent (2009) Michael

TV Crimes – Demo cover artwork
TV Crimes – Demo — Independent, 2009

I take pride in my local hardcore scene. I try to make it out to as many shows as I can, support friends in bands in any way possible, and occasionally book a show or two. So I'm continuing to do my part by telling you about TV Crimes, my favorite local band right now.

TV Crimes fuse together early hardcore punk with alternative rock, similar to SST Records era The Meat Puppets and Sonic Youth. The pacing of the songs varies from fast segments - see the opening of "Freedom from Religion" and the end of "What We Need" - to mid-tempo pacing. The guitars dominate the songs, ranging from chugging hardcore slabs to rock infused rhythms and are complimented by Joel Lefkowitz's inspired vocal delivery. "Stone Statues" has a definite Suicide File feel and the final track, "Regrets," opens with a Fugazi-inspired guitar melody.

With their demo TV Crimes demonstrate you can be a hardcore band and not be limited by the usual stereotypes of the genre. The songwriting hints at a great future for this young group. You can download the demo for free from their Myspace.

8.0 / 10Michael • December 10, 2009

TV Crimes – Demo cover artwork
TV Crimes – Demo — Independent, 2009

Recently-posted album reviews

The Dwarves

Sunshine, Lollipops & Rainbows
GREEDY (2025)

Sunshine, Lollipops & Rainbows is a live studio recording from 1989, released on picture disc earlier this year on limited vinyl for Record Store Day. Given that it came shortly before the release of Blood, Guts & Pussy, it's no surprise that it's heavy on songs from that record (10 of 14, if I've counted correctly). It's more primal than … Read more

Osmium

Osmium
Invada (2025)

Osmium brings together four artistic heavyweights, united not just by a shared experimental ethos, but by a love of bespoke and often self-made instruments. On their debut record, Hildur Guðnadóttir harnesses the unstable feedback of the halldorophone, a cello-like instrument designed by Halldór Úlfarsson. James Ginzburg (emptyset) contributes tamboura-like drones using a monocord of his own design. Sam Slater operates … Read more

Lutheran Heat

Hi Again
Pinata Records (2025)

Lutheran Heat have one of my favorite band names, a distinctly Minnesota tongue-in-cheek nod to local culture and mannerisms. But while I dig the band name, that's not really relevant to the rest of this review. Hi Again is their first record in 9 years, but it continues their garagey indie-punk tones. Expect garage rock guitar tones, slacker indie rock … Read more