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Our latest album reviews, featuring the records we've most enjoyed (or not) over the past few weeks.

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Browse our album reviews according to score: Highest (9.5/10 or more) or Lowest (2/10 or less)

Koufax

Strugglers
Doghouse (2008)

My preconceptions about Koufax are somewhat idealized. I put them in the better, earlier days of Vagrant Records, before Dashboard blew up beyond belief and before they started signing bands like Senses Fail. I remember first hearing "Younger Body," from their second full-length Social Life, on a compilation and being inexplicably drawn to the melodies and simplicity of Koufax. They stuck out from their label-mates simply because the songs were catchy and well written, while remaining well within the parameters of similar groups. But Vagrant now has no recollection of Koufax ever being on their label, so we'll move on to their latest release, Strugglers. Strugglers is the group's fourth album in their eight-year lifespan, and appears to take a different approach to their sound. Robert Suchan, the lead guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter, spent a lot of time in Europe to write this album. At first, I picture the aging indie-pop songwriter who goes into seclusion in some remote foreign area to act above all the cookie-cutter bands ruining the American music scene, in their mind. As a result they write more socially aware lyrics, incorporate eclectic world music into their tracks, and attempt to break away from their simple … Read more

200 Words Or Less

Bon Iver

Blood Bank
Jagjaguar (2009)

Bon Iver's 2008 release For Emma, Forever Ago was made in troubled times. Supposedly, after suffering the loss of a … Read more

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Coconut Records

Davy
Young Baby (2009)

Jason Schwartzman is in a number of my favorite movies. He was the self righteous student lead in Rushmore, the … Read more

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Transitions

Positive Hardcore
Independent (2008)

This CD is a three song demo of 90's hardcore on the posi tip (obviously). It sounds like a cross … Read more

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Mi Barrio

Good Job
Panda Empire (2008)

I'm stoked that bands out there are gluttons for punishment and seek me out to do a review of their … Read more

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All for Nothing

Solitary
WTF (2008)

More hardcore from across the pond. This time it's The Netherlands. Neat. All for Nothing sound like they want to … Read more

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One from the archives

Jeff The Brotherhood

We Are The Champions
Infinity Cat (2011)

Have you ever wondered what Weezer would sound like had they turned into a psychedelic garage band? Well, look no further because the Nashville duo, JEFF the Brotherhood, do a fine job of showcasing that concept. This band of brothers have been rocking the Nashville music scene for the past decade and finally began to get some exposure with 2009’s well-received, Heavy Days. The band is back, louder and catchier, with their sixth full length, We Are The Champions. The Brotherhood open the album with the mid-tempo number, “Hey Friend.” It starts off with a classic-psyche rock intro before it all comes to a halt, and it becomes more focused. Jake Orrall takes the lead that’s so reminiscent of Weezer, it’s hard to ignore. The band then kicks into “Cool … Read more

More album reviews

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Smoking Popes

Stay Down
Appeal (2008)

Can't say that I was too familiar with this band's music. But after seeing them at a recent intimate club show, I walked away convinced. A break-up of many years has done nothing to dull their songwriting chops. This record is brimming with catchy songs right from the first note. "Welcome to Janesville" kicks things off with a power pop … Read more

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Springhouse

From Now to OK
IPR (2008)

This is the third release from these Brooklyn shoe gaze popsters. Twelve songs full of rich textures and somber moods that took ten years to complete. Thankfully it's not a bloated opus like that other release, something about democracy? Which took even longer to come out. Solid arrangements, swirling harmonies, and just a plain old fashioned emphasis on making the … Read more

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Satellite State

Satellite State
Independent (2008)

Four-song EP from this U.K. band that will be sure to make waves across the globe. Imagine yourself driving down the highway, maybe a bit too fast. This would be a perfect companion on a moonlit night. Not that the band condones breaking the law at all! "One Small Step" is a top notch rocker, but all the songs here … Read more

Lords

Fuck All Y'all Motherfuckers
Black Market Activities (2008)

It's been an interesting road for Lords since their formation by Chris Owens about five years ago. Initially boasting members of underrated The National Acrobat and other notable Louisville groups, from the get-go the band delivered an unrelenting concoction of noisy hardcore that the city's scene is often noted for. Along the way members have come and gone, most recently … Read more

Mischief Brew / Joe Jack Talcum

Photographs from the Shoebox
Fistolo (2008)

Photographs From the Shoebox is a split between two Philadelphia artists that mean a lot to punk music. Mischief Brew are technically a band, but it seems safe to say all elements of their music are merely an extension of guitarist and songwriter Erik Petersen. Petersen also runs Fistolo Records, so this is a self-release in a way. Joe Jack … Read more

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 … Read more

Energy

Invasions of the Mind
Bridge Nine (2008)

Massachusetts' Energy is a band that showed great promise with the 2007 EP Punch the Clock. The band's fusion of the classic punk sounds of The Misfits and Ramones with that of more modern punk and hardcore outfits like A.F.I. and Ignite brought them a lot of attention. But with that initial success came high expectations that would be tough … Read more

Immortal Technique

The 3rd World
Viper (2008)

With the likes of T-Pain and Lil Jon being the pop music representatives of hip-hop, it seems that the narcissistic materialist is officially the new standard. Fighting the power is just not all that cool. The average kid today associates rap with the glamor of Lil Wayne and Soulja Boy rather than the fury of Ice-T and NWA. Meanwhile, Ice … Read more

Ladyfinger (ne)

Dusk
Saddle Creek (2009)

I thought rock was a dead scene. The radio repeatedly fed me the term since my early teens, pushing different versions of the same band on the airways. Everything sounded like a watered down rendition of some seventies ideal I never cared about. Nothing I'd ever heard described as rock had any heart, let alone any balls. Ladyfinger (ne) are … Read more

Static Radio (NJ)

An Evening of Bad Decisions...
Black Numbers (2008)

Here's another band that's right up my alley. I know.. I love fellow SPB writer Zach and how he pigeonholes himself with review after review of singer-songwriter types that used be in punk rock type bands - and those bands usually have beards. Nice well groomed beards of awe and lore. I have a beard. One time I was sitting … Read more

The Constellation Branch

The Dream Life, The Real Life, The Empty Glass
Independent (2008)

"To sleep, perchance to dream - ay, there's the rub." Hamlet (III, i, 65-68) Man's relationship to his dreams has been the subject of his art forever. Nothing else seems so beyond our realm of control yet so integrally personal - it is us but outside of us. And so, myriad records have been made in reflection of that ponderous … Read more

The Acacia Strain

Continent
Prosthetic (2008)

Oh, the wasted potential. Sweet, sweet potential, flushed away like nothing. The Acacia Strain has been building a name by pummeling faces with their relentless breakdowns and searing guitar leads, appealing to the scuzzy kids you see at shows who have their hoodies up and can't wait to do a spinkick right into your innocent crotch. Except they found a … Read more

Protestant

The Hate. The Hollow.
Halo of Flies/Rust and Machine (2008)

Sometimes bands lose sight of what they originally set out to accomplish. They get whipped up in their popularity and compromise themselves, and in turn can pander to a wider audience for fear of losing their reputation. Protestant is not likely to be one of those bands. This Milwaukee hardcore crossover outfit promotes their DIY roots, and they have no … Read more

200 Words Or Less

Sakes Alive!!

Act I
Barrett (2008)

Rochester, NY hardcore/punk outfit follow-up their impressive debut EP/demo with a series of 7" releases. Act I is the first in said series and features three brand new tracks. Led by guitarist/vocalist Chris Vandeviver, Sakes Alive!! deliver the goods yet again with these three songs. "I'm Religious" is jamming punk rock anthem filled with driving rhythms and sweet guitar riffings. … Read more

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Browse our album reviews according to score: Highest (9.5/10 or more) or Lowest (2/10 or less)