Pissed Jeans
Honeys
Sub Pop (2013)
I enjoyed King of Jeans. It wasn’t great and it didn’t break much ground, but it was a solid play that I still throw on from time to time. What I find peculiar with its follow-up, Honeys, is that I don’t find myself thinking back to the last record often. Instead I mostly think about how I should be listening to Black Flag (and not the current touring version). The similarities here are pretty strong, pulling a Rollins impersonation in the faster hardcore rockers “Teenage Adult” and “Romanticize Me” and when they slow it down, such as with “Male Gaze,” utilizing choppy guitars a la Greg Ginn. At times I find myself wondering if this is meant to be a Black Flag parody record.Of course, the band has some stark differences too. The primary one being that they’re basically a joke band. I can’t vouch for the live show but, musically speaking, the lyrics are pure Grade 2 dumb, done winkingly while singing on topics ranging from cafeteria food to laziness and avoiding doctors. It’s an intentional contrast and it’s generally an effective punch, contrasting silliness with heavy aggression, albeit one that loses some momentum the more you listen. The … Read more
Civil War Rust
The Fun and the Lonely
Black Numbers (2013)
In case you’re missing the old Alkaline Trio, the East Bay’s Civil War Rust is calling your name. Not to … Read more
Al Cisneros
Ark Procession
Drag City (2013)
If the name Al Cisneros doesn't ring an immediate bell, his impressive résumé no doubt will. In addition to fronting … Read more
Steve Hackett
Genesis Revisited II
Inside Out (2012)
This (entirely too long) review is part of my coverage of the 2013 Progressive Music Awards, on 3 September. I … Read more
