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Deafheaven

Roads To Judah
Deathwish Inc. (2011)

When I initially read about San Francisco’s Deafheaven, I didn’t expect to be surprised by their recordings. Anytime I see the “black metal” label, even when citing a slight influence on a band, I instantly believe that the label is misused and have no interest in checking the band out. Unfortunately I am guilty of this with Deafheaven, and their … Read more

Death Cab For Cutie

Codes And Keys
Atlantic (2011)

With a prolific band like Bellingham, Washington’s Death Cab for Cutie, (Codes and Keys being their seventh studio album release), it’s impossible for fans not to speculate how their newest album is going to sound. “Maybe it’ll sound like Transcendentalism with some Postal Service influence!” “Maybe it’ll be like Narrow Stairs... but better!” “What The Open Door EP started, Codes … Read more

Isis

Live.03
Independent (2011)

A year after their dissolution, post-metal powerhouse Isis is preparing to digitally re-release its entire live discography on a fortnightly basis throughout the summer of 2011. The set of five albums unfortunately does not contain any new material, but for those of you who skipped acquiring them while the band was still active, some of these albums may satiate your … Read more

Pygmy Lush

Old Friends
Lovitt (2011)

Pygmylush have certainly put their time in their scene their ex members list is extensive and well documented. Knowledge of their past endeavors would do little to really prepare one for what you will get upon listening to their music. Know for playing a mix of thrashing punk and hardcore not dissimilar to some of their past bands coupled with … Read more

200 Words Or Less

The Reptilian

Full Health
Count Your Lucky Stars (2010)

The Reptilian come with little to no notice. The Michigan band has been around for almost 4 years now with only a handful of releases. Taking a page from the older school of angular screamo similar to current bands such as Touche Amore and La Dispute. Focusing more on feeling than just sounding "nice". The four piece keep each song … Read more

Arctic Monkeys

Suck It And See
Domino (2011)

Alex Turner has a captivating way of churning seemingly simple rock tunes into lyrically fueled fits of manic moods, lost lovers and “syncing hearts.” The 25-year-old front man of the British based quartet, Arctic Monkeys, is at the top of his songwriting game on this full-length album, Suck It and See. The Arctic Monkeys return with their witty blend of … Read more

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 … Read more

200 Words Or Less

Withdrawal

Faith, Flesh, And Blood
A389 (2011)

Withdrawal is possibly carrying metallic hardcore standards for all of Canada. As it becomes harder to note a truly interesting band of this style in general let alone from their corner of the world. The band managed to turn heads a couple years ago with their last EP Unknown Misery even managing to get rave reviews from this site. In … Read more

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 … Read more

Culo

Toxic Vision
Deranged (2011)

You’d certainly be forgiven if, like me, you initially assumed Cülo were a Hispanic punk band. I was told they hail from Chicago, IL—a place known for having one the most heavily Latino-populated hardcore scenes in the country—and, well, their name is, after all, a Spanish word. Upon hearing their first 7”, Nuke Abuse, I quickly realized that all the … Read more

Vestiges

The Descent Of Man
Independent (2011)

The D.I.Y. ethic has long been a tremendous ideal that has always appealed to my often times ridiculous sensibilities, but what can I say besides that there is just something to a band putting their blood sweat and tears into a project from the first inkling of inspiration to breaking open that box of records from the record plant; the … Read more

Xibalba

Self Titled
A389 (2011)

Xibalba translates to "Place Of Fear" meaning a place where the evil go when they die in Mayan culture. There is no more fitting name for what Xibalba, the band, do musically. Over the past few years the band has managed to build a relentlessly heavy sound giving nods to Max Cavalera era Sepultura and Disembodied. These influences are readily … Read more

Isis

Live.02
Independent (2011)

A year after their dissolution, post-metal powerhouse Isis is preparing to digitally re-release its entire live discography on a fortnightly basis throughout the summer of 2011. The set of five albums unfortunately does not contain any new material, but for those of you who skipped acquiring them while the band was still active, some of these albums may satiate your … Read more

Samiam

Orphan Works
No Idea (2010)

We haven’t heard a new album from Samiam in 5 years. However, in 2010, they did release a rarities collection of outtakes, radio performances, and live recordings. Even some covers recorded in Billie Joe Armstrong’s basement made it onto this compilation. Orphan works pulls from 6 years of material during the band's Clumsy and You Are Freaking Me Out eras, … Read more

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